Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

Our building projects are dictated by community need. As a result, you may find yourself renovating a school, building a home or constructing a community centre. No matter which phase of a project you join, you can be certain that your contribution will be long-lived and highly appreciated. No experience is necessary as you will be working alongside locals who have plenty of experience in dealing with local materials.

It is the lack of funding and manpower that prevents the development of

new buildings. By joining a building project, you will bring the manpower

and finances needed to fund the construction. Projects are selected by community need. This therefore creates a variety of different projects. Education and sanitation are usually at the top of the list, but we are also very keen for volunteers to work on recreational projects, such as pitch flattening and community centres. These often provide a great focal point for the community.

Essentials

The growth of many developing communities is often stunted due to the lack of decent facilities in thecommunity. Although teachers give children the chance to work their way out of poverty through education, equally as important are the school buildings needed to teach these children. This provides the appropriate environment for them to learn and develop in. Furthermore, having a well-maintained school building undoubtedly boosts children's self-esteem as well as the pride they take in their work. Aside from education, decent drainage and sanitation systems are often lacking and usually cause poor health and sickness in the community. And then there is the need for good recreational facilities that are normally absent altogether. However, through our building projects, you can join one of our volunteer teams during a gap year, career break or volunteer holiday and make a long lasting impact to developing communities in Ghana.

Your Role
By joining a building project, you will join a team of other volunteers and locals, all of whom will become very close friends by the end of it. The Ghanaian workers are skilled and know how to use the local materials.They will act as your guide and, no doubt, teach you many 'tricks of the trade' so the construction can be done quickly and efficiently. Because the projects vary, so do the tasks. However, many are common to them all such as physical and strenuous days.But don't be put off, all the projects accommodate volunteers of reasonable physical fitness and youwill never be asked to do anything you do notwant to do. However, you will soon find that being outdoors and working as a team is a fun and truly rewarding experience.

Activities

Construction and/or renovation of needed buildings in developing communities, such as schools, clinics, sanitation blocks, community centres and sports facilities.

Equipment Donation.
As part of our development package to the community, part of your fees goes into providing related equipment needed for placement. These equipments are left behind as that forms part of sustaining development in the community. Cash donations are made sometimes when there are sufficient equipment already.

Flights:

Please book your flight to arrive into Kotoka International Airport (airport code ACC) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.

Accommodation
The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in room or two’s or three’s sometimes.  The accommodation is also centrally located to the placements. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away.

What's included?

• A Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in central London.
• Being met at the airport by a staff member and airport drop off.
• All meals and accommodation during your stay. .
• Orientation

• 24/7 local support and back up by from the UK

• Social Activities

Points to note:
• On receipt of deposit, you’ll receive a Welcome e-mail with access to your personal page.
• We give you helpful advice about equipment, recommended flights, insurance and more.
• You will gain access to your very own personal website that allows you to input information and also has valuable information about fundraising, vaccinations and country information.
• A staff member is in the region all year round.
• International phone cards are available at all towns and cities throughout Thailand.

Country Information

Country Facts

Location: West Africa

Border Countries: Togo, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast

Population: 23 million

Total Area:  -   238,535 km2 (91st) 92,098 sq mi

Capital City: Accra

Official Language: English

Local Languages: About 32, 9 are written

Climate: Hot and Humid with temperatures up to 34 degrees

Religion: 3 Main types Christian, Islamic and Traditional (Indigenous)

Government: Constitutional Presidential Republic

Currency: Ghana Cedi ( GHC)

Time Zone: GMT

Social Life in Ghana
There are a lot of things to do when it comes to social life in Ghana. Even though the placement forms the core of the reason of your trip, we have also made provision for you to relax and enjoy the fun and excitement Ghana has got to offer when it comes to social life. In-country staff will organise regular social activities/events for you. These usually include weekend always to bring volunteers together to share ideas and to know more about each other, sporting activities, night outs in Accra etc.

Travel and Adventure in Ghana
You will get the opportunity to take some time off placement to do your own travelling in Ghana at your own free time to visit some of the amazing places and sites Ghana has got. Accra the capital has got few interesting places you can visit including the art and cultural centre which showcases the rich culture of Ghana’s products such as drums, crafts, beads, the Kwame Nkrumah Museum ( first president of Ghana) etc etc. Also prepare yourself for some African drumming and dancing as you will have the opportunity to visit places to experience and learn the true culture of Ghanaian Dancing. bars and restaurants that provide authentic African live music and dancing. And, if you fancy a football experience to remember, then prepare yourself for watching Hearts of Oak at the National Stadium where the locals wave flags, blow horns and dance on the roofs of the terraces! 

There are countless places beyond Accra that you might want to visit. Why not visit the Lake Volta (the biggest man-made lake in Africa) or you might want to visit the history-laden slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. You may want to take a walk on the wild side with the elephants at Mole National Park or spot tropical birds in the rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park. Then there is the 60-metre-high Wli waterfalls, the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (where monkeys are preserved as 'sacred' creatures!) and the endless palm-tree beaches lining the Atlantic coastline! The captivating places, intriguing people and diverse landscapes will make Ghana one of the most enlightening experiences a traveller could wish for.

Spending Money

Even though you will be provided with food and accommodation in-country, you will need money to conduct your own travelling and for other social events we organise. There will be plenty of things to do. Depending on the duration of your stay, we recommend a budget of £30-£40 a week.

Currency
Currency: Ghana Cedi
Symbol: GHC
Exchange Rate (approx.): $1.00 = GHC 1.40/ £1.00= GHC 1.90

Visa

Travellers to Ghana (outside the West African region (ECOWAS)) need to acquire Visas to enter Ghana. This includes travellers from Europe and the USA. You are required to arrange your own visa before departure - either a Holiday or Visitors Visa. This can be done by applying in your country. Visit the Ghanaian Visa section on the address below if you are applying from the UK. It is important to contact the nearest Ghanaian embassy or High Commission for your visa which normally takes a week or two to process. The Ghanaian High Commission can be located at:

UK:
Passports & Immigration
104 Highgate Hill London
N6 5HE
Tel: 020 8342 7580

The cost of Visas may vary. Pricing is available from the Ghanaian embassy or High commission in your area.

Maps

Itinerary

Upon arrival in Accra, you will be met by our staff, who will then take you to your accommodation. After your orientation, which involves learning about the cultural side of Ghana you will then learn about your program and be introduced to your school. After this you can expect to work Monday-Friday; 4-6 hours a day. There may be occasional work at weekends, although generally weekends are free for personal time and travel. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause some disruption to placement times / days during

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