Ghana Community Development and Health Care
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2-8 Week(s) |
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Accra, Ghana |
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Fully Furnished Accommodation |
Ghana Community Development and Health Care
Program Overview
Ghana Community Development and Health Care
Medical Volunteer Program
Program Overview
The Medical Volunteer Program places volunteers in hospitals and health centers across Ghana where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge, particularly in underserved communities. Many facilities face staff shortages and limited resources. Volunteers support healthcare professionals while contributing to improved health awareness and community wellbeing.
Program Objectives
The program aims to improve access to basic healthcare services for vulnerable populations and to promote disease prevention through health education. Focus areas include malaria, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, maternal health, and general community health.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers are supervised by medical superintendents or health facility heads. Duties may include:
- Assisting in outpatient departments and consulting rooms
- Supporting maternity, delivery, and child welfare units
- Assisting in male and female wards, paediatric and surgical units
- Participating in community health outreaches and screenings
- Supporting health education and promotion activities
- Assisting with wound dressing and basic patient care
- Supporting home visits and public health campaigns
Work Schedule
Volunteers work approximately seven hours per day from Monday to Friday unless otherwise arranged.
Duration
Placements range from two weeks to three months, with possible extensions upon request.
Suitable For
Medical volunteers, nursing volunteers, public health volunteers, and volunteers with an interest in healthcare delivery and community health.
Education Volunteer Program
Program Overview
The Education Volunteer Program supports schools in rural and underserved communities where there is a shortage of teachers and educational resources. Volunteers assist local teachers while helping to improve learning outcomes.
Program Objectives
The program aims to support quality education, reduce overcrowding in classrooms, and bridge the educational gap between privileged and underprivileged children.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers may serve as assistant teachers or lead classes after orientation. Responsibilities include:
- Teaching subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, ICT, Music, Dance, and Languages
- Preparing lesson notes and teaching materials
- Supporting classwork, homework, and assessments
- Assisting slow learners through individual engagement
- Introducing creative and interactive teaching methods
- Supporting extracurricular activities such as sports, music, drama, and games
- We provide guidance on lesson planning and curriculum use. Volunteers are encouraged to bring learning materials where possible.
Work Schedule
Teaching typically takes place from Monday to Friday during school hours. After school engagement and community interaction are encouraged.
Duration
Placements are available from two weeks to three months or longer by arrangement.
Suitable For
Education volunteers, gap year volunteers, graduates, and volunteers passionate about teaching and youth development.
Childcare Volunteer Program
Program Overview
The Childcare Volunteer Program supports working parents by assisting in childcare homes that care for children aged three months to ten years. Economic pressures have increased the need for reliable childcare services.
Program Objectives
The program aims to provide a safe, hygienic, and nurturing environment for children while supporting families and caregivers.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers work under the supervision of childcare staff and may assist with:
- Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene
- Feeding children according to age requirements
- Changing diapers and assisting with bathing
- Supervising play and educational activities
- Teaching basic literacy, songs, and creative activities
- Keeping daily attendance and activity records
Work Schedule
The childcare program operates daily. Volunteers work on shift schedules prepared by management.
Duration
Minimum stay is two weeks, with flexible longer placements available.
Suitable For
Volunteers who enjoy working with children and demonstrate patience, responsibility, and care.
Travel Preparations
Arrival Airport
Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana
Arrival Time
Volunteers are advised to arrive on weekdays, preferably Monday, between six am and eight pm. Arrivals outside this window may require a special transfer and may attract an additional fee.
Departure Airport
Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana
Departure Time
Departures are usually scheduled on weekends. We will coordinate departure transfers on Saturdays and Sundays. Volunteers will receive recommended flight windows prior to departure.
Vaccinations and Health Requirements
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Ghana and proof is required at the airport. Volunteers are advised to have an up to date tetanus vaccination.
Ghana is a malaria endemic country. Volunteers are encouraged to consult a healthcare provider regarding malaria prevention medication and other routine travel health advice.
Visa Information
Volunteers aged eighteen and above
Most nationalities must obtain a Ghana tourist visa prior to arrival. Requirements vary by nationality. We can provide visa support letters upon request.
Volunteers under eighteen
Minors travelling with a parent or guardian must meet Ghana Immigration Service requirements, including consent letters and additional documentation. These should be arranged well in advance.
Currency and Spending Money
The local currency is the Ghana Cedi. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and licensed forex bureaus. ATMs are widely available.
Volunteers should budget additional funds for weekend excursions, souvenirs, snacks, and personal expenses. An estimated one hundred US dollars per week is recommended, depending on personal lifestyle.
Cash is widely used, though Visa and MasterCard are accepted in some establishments.
What to Pack
Recommended Packing List
- Comfortable shoes and work clothes that can get dirty
- Toiletries and bath towel
- Sunblock, insect repellent, and reusable water bottle
- Light casual clothing suitable for warm weather
- Sweater or light jacket for evenings
- Rain jacket during rainy seasons
- Swimsuit
- Comfortable evening and weekend clothing
Personal electronics may be brought at the volunteer’s own risk.
We Take Care of Everything
We ensure volunteers are well supported throughout their stay. The program includes:
- Three meals daily
- Fully furnished accommodation in volunteer homes
- Two airport transfers, arrival and departure
- Volunteer T shirt
- Program support contribution toward community projects
- In country twenty four hour emergency support
- Laundry service, one bag per week
- Internet access, approximately one gigabyte per week
- A fun, meaningful, and life changing volunteer experience
Arrival in Ghana
What to Expect
After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, volunteers should proceed to the arrivals hall. Our representative will be holding a sign and be waiting for you.
Important reminders:
- Immigration processing can take time
- Our staff will wait for arriving volunteers
- SIM cards and currency exchange are available at the airport
- Volunteers may wait briefly for others arriving the same day before transfer
General Guidelines and Safety
Drugs
We enforce a strict zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs. Any violation results in immediate removal without refund.
Smoking and Alcohol
- Smoking is only permitted in designated areas
- Responsible alcohol consumption is allowed during free time for volunteers of legal age
- Volunteers must not attend work under the influence of alcohol
Personal Safety
- Volunteers must act responsibly at all times
- Hitch hiking is prohibited
- Travelling alone late at night is discouraged
- Follow guidance from our staff at all times
Ghanaian Laws and Cultural Awareness
- Avoid giving money directly to beggars
- Keep valuables secure
- Practice responsible personal health behaviour
- Legal driving age is eighteen with a valid license
- Seat belts are mandatory
- Legal age for alcohol and tobacco purchase is eighteen
- Public intoxication is illegal
- Possession or use of illegal drugs is prohibited by law
Program Duration
Our programs run year-round. Volunteers must apply at least two weeks before arrival. The minimum volunteering period is two weeks.
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