GHANA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

ORPHANAGE AND FOSTER HOME PROGRAMMES
There are many orphanages and foster homes in towns and suburbs of Ghana with many children who need your help. These homes vary in sizes. Some have between 15- 20 children, and others house over 150 children. The ages of these children ranges from 0-18 years, but all of them need your care, support, and guidance because they have lost their families, either through death, abuse or abandonment.

Your care and support will add meaning to their lives. Some of the homes house a lot of children and lack adequate space as such children struggle for the needed care and attention especially the babies.

HEALTH CARE WORK AND MEDICAL CLINICS
These placements are a fantastic opportunity for anyone experienced, or wishing to gain experience in medicine. This program is also suitable for medical students who wish to do a semester or more for academic credits . You will have the opportunity to work in the large hospitals in town, shadow doctors and nurses and also interact with fellow medical students. You will also be helping in the following areas:

• Helping in the consulting room,
• Shadowing fellow doctors in routine observations and medical practices,
• Maternal and childcare,
• Physiotherapy,
• Helping in the dispensary,
• Theatre and outpatient department
• Optional Tour to Cape Cost (to be paid by volunteer)

TEACHING PLACEMENT
Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the education and development of Ghana's young people. Volunteers who are interested in teaching will be placed to teach subjects that they are interested in either primary (5-13yrs), Junior Secondary (13-16) or Secondary School (16-18) in both the rural urban, periurban and rural areas of Ghana. The schools will vary in their facilities, but generally consist of a few classrooms with wooden desks and a blackboard, so there are loads of opportunities for you to be creative in your role and make the lessons memorable for the children! As a volunteer, your contribution is important. Your work for a few months can dramatically change a child in many ways. You can get the children involved as much as possible, not just in school hours, but also after school activities, to really get the most out of your project.

SCHOOLS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
There are many children in Africa who suffer disabilities, and need your support. The schools set up for children with disabilities are in need of volunteers who can help support the children and develop their skills, coordination and also provide much love and care. The various organizations and schools cater for both children and adults with mental and physical disabilities, including a school for the deaf.
There can be between 30 to over 130 members, depending on the scheme. You will be responsible for developing the full potential of each individual, to help them lead productive and rewarding lives in Africa. You may be involved in specific workshops to help train young adults in particular work areas, so that they can also earn an income from their crafts. You can help teach the younger children in classes, to try and integrate them eventually into the normal schooling system.

HIV/AIDS & VICTIM SUPPORT
These projects are vital to the education of infected persons in urban and rural communities about the threats and risks of HIV and AIDS in Africa.
At FILE we believe that HIV/AIDS victims need the right information about their sexuality so as to avoid practices that lead to the spread of HIV / AIDS further in their communities. 

On this project we focus on moving from house visitation, working alongside the victims on this education scheme, through counseling and seminars.
We are currently involved in one of these seminars Berekum, one of Ghana’s semi urban communities.
We engage volunteers in activities such as:

• Home base visitation and counseling.
• facilitating peer education, through use of posters, talks etc.
• public education on HIV / AIDS at various communities and local schools .
• involving the children in the design of educational materials.
• Helping at the HIV/AID unit at the central hospital

PROJECT ORIENTATION
On arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hostel in Accra for your orientation.
Orientation begins the following day, and is typically conducted by your Programme Leaders,
During the three-day orientation you will be taught all of the essential information needed for your stay in Ghana.

ACCOMMODATION DURING YOUR PROJECT
During your project, you will have the fantastic opportunity to live with a local family close to where you will be working – usually in the same suburb.The accommodation facilities in Ghana vary in standards, so you must go with an open mind towards your host families who will be warm and welcoming. All of our homes have been carefully inspected and you will have your own bedroom, though in a few instances you may also be sharing with another volunteer. In the local area you will feel extremely safe and will be treated like one of the community member and this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed, but treasured. During your stay you will be provided with three meals (if possible) per day (though on a few projects you may just take a packed lunch, or buy it when you are there). You will be expected to buy your own drinking water - bottled or sachet water is best advised.

A Home-stay will provide you with the unique opportunity to fully integrate and experience a cultural immersion by living with a local, English speaking Ghanaian family in their home. Typically this will be with their young children and extended family. They will be willing to help you and also show you around the local area and make you feel perfectly at home. This will also really help you to integrate yourself in their lifestyle to understand their ways of everyday living and culture. We hope this intercultural exchange will develop long-term international post program relations between you and your host family.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL WAIVER
If during your stay in Ghana you want to take some time out to visit the interesting sights and local areas Ghana has to offer, FILE will not object to your decision but you have to discuss with us through your coordinator and host family for the purpose of security.

VISAS AND INOCULATIONS
You will need to apply for a visa before you go to Ghana. We can help you with all this at the time of booking. You will also need to speak to your GP about immunizations for Ghana and to obtain a Yellow Fever certificate.

WHAT PROJECT INCLUDES:
• One week study Tour to the northern region of Ghana.
• All accommodation during your stay with your local family.
• Orientation of your project upon arrival before your work period.
• Visa Extensions if applicable.
• Full support and assistance from your coordinator throughout your time on your placement.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Please note: Lunch depends on your project
• Optional Tour to Cape Cost (to be paid by volunteer)

PROJECT COST EXCLUDES:
• Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which should include cover for repatriatio
• Entrance fees to all tourist sites during the projects.
• Some lunches during your project.
• All flights.
• Return transfer from your project to the airport
• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)
• Email/Internet and telephone calls.
• Soft drinks, wines and spirits.
• Visas for border crossings – which need to be arranged before your departure.
• Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Ghana.