Volunteer in Ghana Kasoa Orphanage

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

Shadrack was very helpful and responded quickly when I needed anything. I had gone directly through him for any and all issues.

WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU EXPERIENCED?

Program: The minimal resources the school had. The classrooms were very basic and bare. No electricity and the wooden desks are falling apart. Teachers would have to bring school supplies home and couldn’t leave it in the classrooms just in case.

Host Family: The living situations. I had imagined it would be very basic, but my living space was about the same as the host family’s spare for 3 people to live in. it was basically a bedroom, living room and a kitchen all in one area.

Country: I didn’t expect most of the area we stayed in to have all the unfinished roads. Can’t imagine how people can find their way after dark. The kids had to guide me to find the closest vendor that sold water near the school even though I had walked there every day and it was a minute or less away!

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING YOU EXPERIENCED?

Program: it was challenging to see how the kids lived and the limited resources they have and not be able to do much about it to help long-term right away.

Host Family: It was challenging at first living in my room by myself. My phone provider doesn’t give free calls, so I was worried if I needed something it would be hard to get in contact. Later I on I did add Shadrack on Facebook messenger and he was very responsive to my messages and I felt much better.

Country: the obvious challenge is not being able to speak the language “twi”. Also being able to navigate anywhere myself alone. I’m very glad Shadrack was always there to help, but I’m so used to being independent and doing things on my own.

Gap Year Ghana

ANY TIPS FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEERS?

Ghana is mostly cash based. Bring cash to exchange. Credit cards may not work in some areas if you need to pay with a card.

Bring your student ID for a discount on sightseeing in your free time. ISIC Card

Any donations are much appreciated. I bought a ton of school supplies and the kids were very happy.

PERSONAL PARAGRAPH ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE (PROGRAM TESTIMONIAL)

This was my first volunteer abroad program and I’m so glad I picked this one out of the many others I sifted through online. The coordinator’s background on how he started this orphanage was truly inspirational. I could go on and on for pages about my experience but there’s not enough space here. All I will say is to come with no expectations + an open mind. Was so touched by this experience that I plan on continuing to help as much as I can. Even got one of my friends to strongly consider doing this next summer after she saw all the pictures that I posted. Do hope to come back sometime in the future to visit the kids.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACCOMMODATION?

Accommodation: The accommodation I had was comfortable for 2 people. As expected, there was no a/c but I didn’t expect there to be any running water. I came right at the end of their dry season and experienced one of the first big storms.

Meals: The meals were delicious. It surprised me a little to see how common it is for people to eat with their hands.

Security: When I went anywhere with the kids or Shadrack, I did feel secure. However, walking along draws too much attention. Especially when people were talking to me/about me and I didn’t know what they were saying.

Volunteering in Ghana

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THIS TRIP?

Program: The kids! They were so welcoming, not shy and very excited to meet me. Love watching them play outside unlike in the US where many kids are glued to their phones or Ipads. I love how excited they get with the simplest things such as when I brought crayons and papers.

Host Family: Introducing Eugenia how to cook spam. I brought some over for the kids to make quick and easy meals at the orphanage.

Country: After learning how to say “how are you” in twi, I started saying that to everyone. This amused a lot of the kids and surprised locals in a good way. I wish I stayed longer to learn more phrases.

HOW WAS A BROADER VIEW SUPPORT PRIOR TO TRAVELLING?

I used the chat online feature and received a very quick response. I had a lot of questions and they were all answered thoroughly.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE RESERVATION SYSTEM ONLINE?

It was simple and easy to use.

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

Google “best volunteer abroad sites” “volunteer abroad” “one week” “short-term” “Africa volunteer”

ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEAK TO OTHER POTENTIAL ABV VOLUNTEERS?

Yes

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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!