Volunteer Ghana:

1. How was the Local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

I received all the support needed and was fully taken care of by the host family. They helped me solve all my needs and answer all my questions.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

• Program: I was surprised about how emotionally intelligent all the kids are and able to make right decisions in various tricky situations.
• Country: Ghana is an amazing country with lots of astonishing sceneries. I was surprised mostly by how Sunday masses at church looks like, how music is played at funerals and that you can buy snacks riding a car just through your window.

3. What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

• Program: there were no challenges as I had the possibility to prepare for lessons, kids behaved well and everything is very easier when you’re open to what’s happening around you.
• Host family: living with the host family was very easy and pleasurable. They made their best to make my stay comfortable and easy to adjust. No challenges at all.
• Country: it was unpleasant to be asked money or gift and be perceived as a rich white person, this is common just say no and thats it.

https://www.abroaderview.org/volunteers/ghana/kasoa-ghana

4. Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

• Read carefully all the tips and guidelines which are provided by ABV, they’re extremely informative and useful.
• Books or other things for a plenty of free time; protein bars or any kind of filling snacks due to irregular meal consumption.
• Anything that you would be willing to donate for kids: clothes, shoes, books, usual explanation for English language etc.

5. Personal paragraph about the experience ( ABV program testimonial):

My overall experience about the program is very good. I was welcomed by the locals with open hands; my host family was super friendly, supportive and was a pleasure to spend time with. I didn’t happen to have any security or health issues or concerns. Pupils at school were very talented, eager to learn and easy to work with. People taking care of the children are very inspiring and it’s unbelievable what they do and devote their time to raise and educate young people. Absolutely incredible experience! I can’t wait to come back.

6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others?

• Accommodation: I was surprised by how spacious my room was, it had a huge comfortable bed, a toilet, and shower and luckily no mosquitoes disturbed me.
• Meals: the food here is very delicious and none of it was a novelty for me. Same ingredients as at home only prepared differently with other spices etc. I usually was too full after an erratic portion of meal served.
• Security: as long as my host family was taking care of everything during the whole stay and was with me, I felt very safe.

Volunteer Reviews

7. What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

• Program: dancing completions are definitely one of my favorite, however having discussions with my talented kids at school during lessons was very fulfilling.
• Host family: preparing local dishes together with the host family. Banku and fufu are finger-licking tasty! However, any activity with my host family was super good, going to church on Sundays, visiting local market, enjoying sunset etc.
• Country: I really enjoyed the trips to different amazing places in Ghana. I was even lucky enough to have a crocodile named after me. What a month!

8. How was the ABV USA support prior traveling? ( who helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got the answer, did you got all your answers)

Thank you Lori, Lynn and Sarah for all the information provided. The orientation guide and all the informative and useful materials which helped me prepare for this trip. I really liked the opportunity to chat online and get all the answers to the questions right away.

8.1 Who did you find Abroaderview website and what keywords did you use.

Initially I was looking for such volunteering opportunity with duration no longer than one month. That’s why I started with keywords “volunteering Africa for a month.”

9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Absolutely, more than glad to

Volunteer in Ghana

HOW WAS THE LOCAL COORDINATOR/STAFF AND THE SUPPORT PROVIDED IN-COUNTRY?

Excellent, even before our arrival, we were communicating with the Founder and Director, Shadrack Donkor. We were provided a volunteer facility and were served delicious native meals

WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU EXPERIENCED?

Program: Though located in a poverty area, the program was extremely well developed and executed. We were fortunate to arrive the last week of school and shadow the teachers. We also were included in the school end celebration which strongly emphasized their stated goals of education.

Host Family: We were fortunate to stay in a newly opened volunteer facility and were served our meals. It was a short walk (20) minutes to the orphanage. The Director, Shadrack Donkor and his sister, Eugenia, were incredibly gracious and we were warmly received ad most accommodated.

Country: We had met so many people from Ghana prior to our visit, but we were still amazed of the grace and caring of the Ghana people. So proud of their country and heritage and shared knowledge so generously. We were able, thanks to our hosts, to visit of some of the area.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING YOU EXPERIENCED?

Program: Wanting to support their program and make a difference during our visit. They have a wonderful foundation and we wanted to be guided by their expectations. They were very generous and gracious and understood. We were assimilated into their program immediately, and for me, I had a wonderful mentor while assisting with kindergarten – Mrs. Oretha Quaye.

Host Family: To prepare less food! They really wanted us to have a great experience and spoiled us! The other challenge was attempting to be as gracious as they were. You cannot explain how well they served us in all capacities.

Country: The Ghana people and especially our hosts are incredible individuals that care deeply and honestly with their gestures and hears. These comments ran into the “country” section. Again, there is a kindness and courtesy that I have not experienced in other travels. Even while traveling in cabs, the driver’s honk their horns to allow someone to go before them and not in aggravation, amazing!

ANY TIPS FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEERS?

1. 1. For clothing, we traveled in August and the weather was 70-80 degrees, pants, capris and shirts sufficed (always have your knee covered)
   2. Personal items: Usual first aid, aspirin, etc. and bug spray, etc.
   3. Donations: We brought 2 large suitcases of school supplies, books, cand, etc. If you are able, you can ask Shadrack if you could help them with a particular area – We were able to buy water for the orphanage and treat the kids to the beach!

PERSONAL PARAGRAPH ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE (PROGRAM TESTIMONIAL)

This has been an experience beyond any of my expectations! The love of the Director, staff and especially the children was overwhelming! There was no adjustment, just pure acceptance and lots and lots of love. Whatever we did was genuinely appreciated. Tears will be flowing when we leave….

Volunteer Refugee Camp

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACCOMMODATION?

Accommodation: the volunteer facility worked very well and we were near Eugenia if we needed anything.

Meals: The meals were plentiful and delicious! Eugenia served our meals and they were very generous.

Security: We always felt safe at our volunteer facility, school and orphanage. Shadrack and Eugenia always accompanied us on trips which was appreciated and their presence and explanations of the area was invaluable.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THIS TRIP?

Program: The children! I was worried there would be a few days before they felt comfortable with us, but they ran and hugged us the first day! Being able to assist Shadrack in his goals while we were there.

Host family: Everything! Shadrack, Eugenia and her children, Jennifer (7) and Nissi (2) were absolutely incredible! They made us feel welcome from the moment we met them and were consistent always with their caring and graciousness.

Country: Ghana is a country that welcomes you with open arms and heart – everyone we met added to our comfort and feeling welcomed.

HOW WAS A BROADER VIEW (ABV) SUPPORT PRIOR TO TRAVELLING?

A Broader View was incredible in preparing us for this journey. I was very nervous, but ABV took us step by step through all the processes we need to ready us for this trip. Also, we felt very comfortable asking questions and they were immediately responsive. Sarah, Oliver and their staff portrayed a very good picture of what we would be experiencing, thank you!

HOW DID YOU FIND ABROADERVIEW WEBSITE AND WHAT KEYWORDS DID YOU USE?

I was introduced to abroaderview by my friend Monica who had made a research because we had a goal we wanted to volunteer abroad and the website kept on coming up as a good agency.

ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEAK TO OTHER POTENTIAL ABV VOLUNTEERS?

Absolutely!

Volunteer Ghana

HOW WAS THE LOCAL COORDINATOR/STAFF AND THE SUPPORT PROVIDED IN-COUNTRY?

This team was inspirational, so kind, and always ready to help and answer many of our questions from day one. It was great to meet the Program Director, so when I saw him walking towards us at the airport upon arrival, I felt very safe and happy.

WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU EXPERIENCED?

Program: We were told that school was not in session. We were so happy that the coordinator delayed the end of school by a week, for our first week, so that we could help with testing, grading, recording of the grades, and just seeing “all” of the children in their normal learning mode. The teachers needed our support since this was one of their busiest weeks in the school year. The graduation on our first Friday, was so special. The best ceremony I ever attended! I was so happy to experience and be a part of it!

Host Family: How quick I felt and was made to feel at home in a foreign land, primary due to the love and leadership of the coordinator, Eugenia, and Oretha. So kind, helpful, fun loving, and always concerned about us as a friend. We have made long-term friends here, for life.

Country: With such abject poverty, I was expecting more people around us begging for money as I experienced during two trips to India. This has been a very rare situation here in Ghana. Most people seem to be working in some form to earn or make money. People everywhere have been so eager to say hello and welcome us. Such a friendly culture that I will miss.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING YOU EXPERIENCED?

Program: Not being able to properly say farewell to all of the children. I was never clear who was living with Shadrack (30 of 100 of the children) so when graduation came, and the following Thursday which was the last day of half sessions for some of the children, I literally did not have a chance to offer one last hug – and to thank the children for their very giving love in return. I wish there was a formal process in place for such a final farewell. I hope that Shadrach passes our farewell onto each and every child!

Host Family: Since learning from Shadrack that in Ghana, they are on a different time schedule and are indirect communicators, I always felt like I could have done more, e.g.: arrive to the school earlier, understand more fully how I could be helpful beyond financial support.

Country: When I learned that this government not only doesn’t invest in the education of young people, but that the orphanage receives no government funding. Also, after 6^th grade, the child has to pass an entrance exam for junior high school and then, he/she is responsible for paying for his/her own education, books, food, etc., until senior high school. Every child should be educated!

ANY TIPS FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEERS?

1- Yellow Fever inoculation was required to enter Ghana. We were not aware but it is in very short supply. It was difficult to find a healthcare organization that had a supply. We could have lost our chance to volunteer in Ghana. The sooner that you know what you need for your volunteer experience, the better your chances will be to fulfill your desire to volunteer.

ABV: Vaccinations are detailed in our website and all the guides we email the volunteers https://www.abroaderview.org/programs/orphanage-support/ghana-orphan-school-kasoa

2- August weather in Ghana was humid but perfect. We learned that especially from Jan-April, it is extremely hot and dry. Wear very lightweight clothing (cotton) that covers you and be prepared to sweat. Wear sunscreen!

3- Come prepared to help in anyway needed, even with Eugenia and her girls. We provided financial help on-site in many ways because the need is great and we were able to do so.

4-Bring one nice outfit (for Sunday church) and wear comfortable shoes that are good for walking and climbing.

Volunteer in Ghana

PERSONAL PARAGRAPH ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE (PROGRAM TESTIMONIAL)

From the time when I started thinking about volunteering abroad, over a year ago, and speaking to so many people who have done this type of work, I can now say what many of them said to me – that I received so much from this experience and am so happy that I did this, especially her in Ghana. I am very thankful that I had a friend to join me, a very special experience we now have shared together. This experience, with this orphanage and with Shadrack and family, made this time one that I hope many other people try. It will be with me for life.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACCOMMODATION?

Accommodation: The volunteer house was very spacious for Theresa and I and it allowed us to have the children here off and on. The shower and toilet did not work but we got along fine. Eugenia kept our house clean and cozy.

Meals: What great memories I have of such delicious food prepared by Eugenia and Gifty (at the school). All manually prepared on coal stoves, requiring such hard work – and the food has to be purchased the same day due to no refrigeration (many memorable trips to the market in the Liberian camp and at the mall). From our breakfast, served to us every day – to our dinner, I loved it all! I will now use ginger when cooking chicken soup!

Security: After a few days of getting to know the people and this area, I felt very safe. When travelling, Shadrack was very helpful and guided us on staying close to our purses and keeping our money private, etc. We appreciated him looking after us.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THIS TRIP?

Program: The children…#1- I taught the kids stand-up yoga for their first time. They loved it and asked to do it just about every day. This was so special that I could introduce something new that they liked. Doing yoga with all of them, outside the school, and with the smaller group on the beach, was a memory I’ll always cherish. I’m leaving the list of poses behind and I hope that they continue it and pass yoga onto others. #2 Taking the kids to the beach for their first experience, even on an unusually cloudy/cool day – it was precious! I’ll never forget their joyful day!

Volunteer Family/House: Besides the delicious meals and teaching us how to cook – and taking us on wonderful excursions (and church), we had so much fun with Eugenia and her daughters, Nissi and Jen, at the mall this week. We treated them to a meal out, ice cream, new clothes and shoes and many other things. We were so happy to do this and they were equally very happy.

Country: It was wonderful to take two trips to visit five different different places in the Eastern Region and Cape Coast region. We also took a wonderful trip to Accra Arts & Crafts center. Such a diverse and amazing country. The driving and road conditions are like the best roller coaster ride you’ll ever have! I love that there was music everywhere you went, from morning until night!

HOW WAS A BROADER VIEW (ABV) SUPPORT PRIOR TO TRAVELLING?

Sarah and the staff were very helpful with all of my questions and needs preparing for this journey. I appreciated their timeliness in responding electronically. I felt very positive and prepared for this trip due to ABV’s support. I did a great deal of research with many similar organizations like ABV and I felt that I made the best decision to go with them. Thank you! After being here at this particular orphanage in Buduburam, Ghana, I highly recommend that ABV advertise that more volunteers are very much needed here. They need much more help than they currently have had. Please let me know how I can help with this request.

HOW DID YOU FIND ABROADERVIEW WEBSITE AND WHAT KEYWORDS DID YOU USE?

I found Abroaderview just doing online research using organizations that provide volunteering abroad opportunities. That is how I found Abroaderview and decided to volunteer with them.

ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEAK TO OTHER POTENTIAL ABV VOLUNTEERS?

My pleasure! Anytime!

Volunteer Ghana

1. How was the Local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

Volunteer Ghana: The local coordinators were wonderful and very helpful. They were always available to answer questions and truly strived to serve all of our needs to the best of their ability. They always maintained contact and I never felt concerned or confused about my schedule or day-to-day activities

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

-Program: the volunteer experience at the clinic is unlike any other I have participated in previously. It is unorganized. I was mostly left on my own to figure out what I should do to help. This is a factor of the disorganization of the clinic and not an issue of the program itself.

-Host family: I went in with no expectations, so I was not particularly surprised by anything. They were warm, welcoming and very helpful.

-Country: I knew Ghana would be a unique experience but is truly like nothing else I have ever encountered. I guess the most surprising thing is the overwhelming emphasis placed on my being white. It is inescapable and colors every action of others towards me.

3. What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

`Program: as I said previously, the disorganization of the local clinic made it very difficult to make myself more useful. More often than not I was left alone to figure out what I should do. Jump in and get into good use, be proactive.

`Host family: I had no challenges in the host family

`Country: living in a developing nation is sub-Saharan Africa is not easy after the comforts of the developed world. It is very hot, the sun is deadly strong and access to many resources is limited. This is not unexpected however and the accommodations were much better than I anticipated. I think I struggled most with feeling cut-off from the rest of the world as it can be very isolating to be in a strange place where you do not speak the language, and thats what is all about.

Volunteer Ghana

4. Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

1. Sun protection is critical, bring sunscreen, also bring cooling towels

2. Bring lots of filling snacks.

3. Gloves, hand sanitizers, masks, etc. Read the ABV guide

5. Personal paragraph about the experience

Overall my experience in Ghana was one that I enjoyed. My host family was wonderful; the locals are friendly and the landscapes are breathtaking. I cannot wait to come back to Ghana as a traveler to see more of the country. The amount of work done in the clinic changes based on what area of the clinic you are working in, as your local coordinator to help you with a rotation in the clinic.

6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others?

Accommodation: fantastic, much better than I expected.

Meals: delicious and satisfying

Security: I never felt that myself or my belongings were unsafe.

7. What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: helping to save a newborn while working in the maternity ward.

Host family: hiking to the umbrella rock and the water fall.

Country: seeing Accra at night from the mountains, Boti falls and the mountains in general

8. How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

I received very little information and in fact did not know how little until I spoke with my fellow volunteer and she showed me several emails that I had never received (spam folder perhaps). I originally applied for the Volta Region, but I was accepted to this one with no explanation. I thought I may have applied to the wrong program until my fellow volunteer told me she had been informed it was full. She received all the information I did not (didn’t call to check).

–Emails go out to all volunteers automatically (at least 10) if it goes to spam folder is responsibility of the volunteers to double check (as stated in the website when applying), also in the ABV account you are responsible to download the volunteer guide (with all the details of the program you are assigned to).

**ABV has the discretion to change the program (before you pay the deposit) when you are applying (this happens if you don’t have the requirements for a location, or we are full or conditions have changed, you will see this change before you pay your deposit, if you had any questions you should have email/call us any questions). Always check spam folder or call our office if you have any issue (before, during and after your trip), As we can see you didn’t check your spam folder and didn’t contact us prior completing your account. We also send emails while you are in country.. for future volunteers contact us by email, chat online, toll free number you have all the tools to be in contact with us 24/7.

1. 1. Who did you find Abroaderview website and what keywords did you use.

Googled “EMT volunteer opportunities abroad”

9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Most definitely