Volunteer Abroad in GHANA Africa Western Region Volunteering Orphanage HIV Medical Nurse Programs

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Volunteer Abroad in Western Region Ghana: Volunteering Opportunities

The Western Region of Ghana is the gateway into some of the most unspoiled lands of West Africa. This region offers a striking contrast between colonial times and the present. This region is dominated by rural villages, lush green hills and includes some of the most fertile land in Ghana. The inland economy of the region is largely linked to agricultural production and it is common to see roads lined with rubber and cocoa plantations farms. Along the coastal towns there are a large number of castles and forts built in the 1500's by the early European traders. These forts overlook what is considered by some to be the best beaches in Ghana, including Busea and Dixcove.

Life in the rural communities can be quite difficult with limited access to health, paved roads, education and other everyday facilities like clean water, electricity and sanitation. There is a great need for health care professionals, teachers andchild care assistance throughout the rural communities in Western Ghana. Our volunteer projects are located in Agona Nkwanta, the capital of the Ahanta District, near the famed Cape Three Points.

The busy market town of Agona Nkwanta is about 4-5 hours from Kotoka International Airport in Accra.

Our programs provide you the chance to discover the wonders of rural Ghana, while doing meaningful and rewarding community service work. This is a great opportunity to explore life in rural Africa, live and work amongst the locals and realize one person can make a difference.

We offer the following programs in Western Region:

Program Length: 1-24 weeks
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations: Home stay or onsite lodging in orphanage.
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years or older, an open mind to new adventures.

Children Orphanage Assistance:

The children come from a variety of situations including loss of one or both parents, physical and sexual abuse, extreme poverty, and more suffering than many of us can imagine. Many of these children have been denied the chance at an education as well as the basics for survival-food and shelter. The orphanages we support strive to provide a better future for some of the most vulnerable children in Ghana by providing love, food and informal education. As a volunteer, you will primarily assist with the daily care of the kids; including feeding babies, playing games, teaching songs, reading activities, creating arts & crafts projects and sharing your affection and attention with these wonderful children. Many volunteers also get involved in repairs and painting as the facilities are in constant need of upkeep. Prior experience not necessary, volunteers should demonstrate patience, an open mind and a sense of compassion. Come prepared with ideas and be a creative self-starter who can handle situations where schedules do not exist.

HIV/AIDS Awareness and Care:

Ghana, like all of Africa has been hit hard by the HIV epidemic. Volunteers work with a local organization that provides HIV/AIDS education and support to rural communities around the Western Region.

The project is to advocate for women, children and families in the fight against preventable diseases as well as mobilizing communities, strengthening their capacity and using their own resources for acceptable and sustainable projects.

The organization's key areas of focus are: HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support, and reproductive health. Some of the activities for this program include: Visit local schools to promoting safe sex and HIV prevention, assist with local workshops, awareness programs and support session, and help create woman empowerment projects for surviving widows of the community.

Experience in this field is not required. Volunteers with a strong interest in making a difference are welcome.

Teaching Program: Volunteers have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in Ghanaian rural communities through education. Based on government decree, all children have the right to free, compulsory, universal basic education on all levels.

We offer placement in pre-school, primary and secondary schools teaching math, science, geography, business education, computer training, English, art and music. The objective of this program is to contribute to the academic development of the Ghanaian school in order to provide the best opportunity for sustainable quality education.

Volunteers are not required to have teaching experience, but need to be resourceful and take initiative as materials are sometimes scarce. Ability to plan and be self-motivated is important, as often you will not have direct supervision.

Due to the school schedule, placements are available beginning of January until the end of March, beginning of May until the end of July, beginning of September until mid-December. Minimum two week program suggested.

Medical and Dental Care:

Health care volunteer placements are open to medical professionals including doctors, dentists, nurses and EMT's. This program is also open to nursing and medical students in all medical fields. As a medical volunteer you will work with local staff in support of the health care efforts. There is a wide variety of cases but disease such as malaria, HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and syphilis, as well as childbirth/maternity needs are most common.

Volunteers with medical training participate in direct patient care such as diagnosing, injections, IV starts and lab work. Nursing and medical students are welcome and assist with tasks like dressing wounds, record and immunization chart keeping, helping dispense medications, helping to screen and organize patients and assisting with administrative needs or seminars.

*Medical volunteers must submit a copy of their credentials or nursing certificate, or university/medical school letter verifying enrollment.

Program Includes:

Airport arrival transfer, first night accommodation in Accra with orientation. Transportation to volunteer project with ABV staff. Volunteers stay with a local host family, or can live at the orphanage. Meals included daily. 24/7 hour support by the project coordinator. Departure transfer back to Accra at the end of the program.

Tel: 1-215-780-1845 / Toll Free: 1-866-423-3258 / Fax: 1-215-887-0915
volunteers@abroaderview.org - www.abroaderview.org