First Intervention Ghana | Volunteer in Ghana

VOLUNTEER IN GHANA

Dear volunteer,

Welcome to First Intervention Ghana (FIG)! We are excited for your upcoming trip to Ghana and we hope that this volunteer pack will help you get prepared for your trip and learn a little more about what FIG is all about. At any point during your trip preparation, feel free to contact us with any questions. We understand that travel to a foreign country can be intimidating.

We believe that you will enjoy your time in Ghana a lot. It is a beautiful country with a very interesting history.

We offer a wide variety of options for individuals or groups interested in volunteer opportunities. We can accommodate volunteers with expert knowledge in their field— medicine, nursing, community development, agriculture, sports, teaching, journalism, research, engineering, pharmacy, building, care, tourism, emergency and trauma, fire fighting etc—who would like to utilize their expertise for sustainable, life-changing work.

However, most of our volunteers compensate with their energy, desire to help the underprivileged, and adventurous spirit. While Short-Term Volunteer Vacations are the best fit for professionals, families, and students who can only escape their normal lives for a few weeks, we’re thrilled when volunteers are interested in arranging a Placement in one of our projects.

You’ll have the opportunity to become an integral part of your host community and build friendships that will last much longer than your four-month placement. We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and are open to exploring additional ideas if you have something in mind!

Volunteers are major source of human capital and key agent for socio-cultural, economic, and political development as well as technological innovation worldwide. Their imagination, ideals, energies and vision are essential for the continuing development; intellectual perspectives and productive ability are key determinant of the progress and future of societies. Volunteer constitute the true wealth and future of First Intervention Ghana.

Accommodation and Feeding:

FIG recognizes cultural integration of its volunteers and to make them feel part of the Ghanaian family, volunteers are hosted in the home-stay form of accommodation. The volunteer stays with home-stay family as sister or brother.

The benefit of staying with host family are of enormous importance to Volunteer because, he or she has the opportunity to learn cooking of local dishes, attend traditional social gatherings, wash locally, sweep and practice local way of life. Volunteer stays in private room, feeding three course meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Security:

FIG place more emphasis on the welfare of the student volunteer staying with a host family: the health needs and safeties’ of the student volunteer luggage, personal safety. Volunteers are also given Identity cards and branded T-shirt for protection and identification. Again, volunteers are picked at the airport and transported to project destination in Ghana with safe manner of transportation.

Recreational Activities and Tourism:

Volunteers with First Intervention Ghana are briefed with numerous interesting and amazing nature reserves in Ghana. FIG also facilitates with the attraction sites providers for easy access by our volunteers.

Program Fee:

our program fee include; accommodation, feeding, airport pick-up and drop-off, placement and in-country induction. Exclude: insurance (medical and theft), flight booking, reservation and arrangement, visa, air ticket, vaccination, and local transportation.

Monitoring, evaluation and feedback survey:

Feedback helps FIG to position itself well in the provision of services to volunteers, furthermore volunteer’s expectation is ensure to be met/achieved. Student Volunteers take part in end of service evaluation and feedback survey and FIG also monitors the activities of host family and that of placement officials to ensure the make the volunteers expectations are achieved.

Certifications and Recognition of Service:

Volunteer’s end of service recognition is one of top priorities of FIG to make the volunteer part of the appreciative family. Volunteer service Certificate and citation are given to volunteers for their selfless services to the needy society. Admirable gifts are given to volunteers from host family and FIG.

GO GHANA

GO! AND MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE...

First Intervention Ghana’s volunteer program provides the opportunity to engage in a new culture, invest in genuine relationships with participating communities, and contribute in a meaningful way to projects that make a lasting difference.

Why volunteer?

“I funded a school painting and renovation and changed the world for children who only knew learning under a tree. The fortitude of teamwork was amazing.” – Tim Wilks, Volunteer

Volunteerism is a powerful way to positively impact your own life and the lives of the people you serve. As a volunteer, you will be inspired by the hard work and joy of ownership in the communities. And in return, the communities will be motivated and encouraged by your investment in their future. Rather than feeling forgotten by the world, villagers learn they are valued and that their work is respected. This builds tremendous dignity and pride. As a volunteer, you will have the unique opportunity to experience day-to-day life in a Ghanaian village, and create lasting relationships with the people who live there.

TRIP DETAILS

Itinerary Overview

FIG team member will pick you up from the airport, discuss specific project details with you, and transport you to the community. That evening, you will meet the chief, elders and other members of the community, and participate in a welcome ceremony with celebratory drumming and dancing.
You will have the opportunity to attend a church service with your host family in the morning. In the afternoon, you will tour the community and learn about its history.
You will work on a community project in the mornings, and participate in cultural excursions during the weekends.
You will enjoy a full day of cultural experiences and sightseeing.
You will work on a community project in the morning, and participate in a departure ceremony in the afternoon followed by a celebratory bonfire with drumming and dancing.
FIG team member will facilitate a debriefing session with your group, and transport you back to the airport for departure.

COST & EXTRAS

Trip fees cover the costs for airport pick-up and drop-off transportation, accommodations, placement fees, in-country introduction and food (feeding), as well as a financial contribution to the project you will be working on.

Fees do not cover airfare, visa, vaccination, theft, insurance, travel documents or gifts/souvenirs purchased during the trip.

Total Cost: Varies on your length of stay in Ghana with First Intervention Ghana. Write to First Intervention Ghana team for your trip packcage on email: figapply@gmail.com

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

How far ahead should I book my trip?

We suggest booking your trip at least 90 days prior to the program start date. We do accept applications within 70 days of the start date on an as available basis.

Is a deposit required to book a trip?

First Intervention Ghana’s volunteering and internship project do require a deposit of 20% of the total cost.

What happens after I complete the application process?

You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours that your application has been received. A member of the FIG team will contact you within 3 business days to collect additional information and to send you a trip packet. You will receive final itinerary details upon payment of your final trip fees, and not later than 2 weeks before your program start date.

Can I book a trip with a group of friends, colleagues or relatives?

You can book any of the open trips as long as the maximum capacity is not exceeded. If you would like to book a private trip, please email us at figapply@gmail.com we will accommodate private groups of 4 or more.

Do I need any specific skills or experience to volunteer? Our volunteer program accommodates all levels of skill and experience.

Are there any requirements to participate in a volunteer trip through FIG?

FIG asks that all volunteers arrive in Ghana with an open mind and a passion for helping those in need, an enthusiasm for meeting new people and embracing a new culture, and good mental and physical health.

Does FIG help volunteers secure airfare, travel documents, etc.?

It is the responsibility of the volunteer to book airfare, obtain a passport and visa, get the required vaccinations, and exchange currency. FIG will provide step-by-step instructions on how to complete these tasks as part of the trip packet.

What types of cultural experiences will I have on my trip?

This trip provides a number of cultural experiences, including living as a member of the community you serve, participating in local celebrations and ceremonies, sightseeing activities throughout the Central region (visiting the Kakum canopy walkway, learning about Ghana’s unique tradition of cooking the “food for kings,” visiting the Slave castles, and exploring the Kotokuraba market to name a few).

What will my living accommodations be like?

Volunteers will either stay in guest homes near the village or in the village itself, hosted by prominent community members. Accommodations may include running water, toilets and some access to intermittent electricity. In needier communities, there may be no running water or flush toilets, and you may only have access to scoop showers.

What can I expect to eat?

All food will be prepared by a kitchen service company (if guesthouse) but if host family stay you will be served by host mother or father. Traditional Ghanaian meals include specialties such as Jollof rice (rice, tomatoes, and spices, with beef or vegetables) and a variety of fish, fruit and vegetables. Ghanaian food is spicy and diverse. There’s something delicious for everyone. For the adventurous, local dishes like Banku and Fufu offer a unique culinary experience.

Will translators be provided?

All FIG team members and most leaders in the community are fluent in English. English is the primarily language in Ghana, and the language taught in schools. The FIG team will serve as your translators to enable you to communicate with members of the community who do not speak English.

What part of Ghana will I be volunteering in?

Most of our projects support communities in and around the Central region of Ghana, which is the southwest region of Ghana.

Who will pick me up from the airport?

First Intervention Ghana team member will pick you up at the airport, and will provide transportation to and from the community. If you plan to arrive earlier than the designated time, you will need to coordinate your own transportation and return to the airport at the designated time to meet the rest of the group.

How safe is Ghana?

Ghana is a very politically stable country, and very welcoming to tourists. Any international travel requires caution and awareness. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own government advisory office before participating in our program.

What is the weather like in Ghana?

The climate of Ghana is tropical and humid, but temperatures vary with season and elevation. There are two rainy seasons, from April to July and September to November. In most areas, the highest temperatures occur in March and the lowest in August.

What are the principle health risks in Ghana?

A Yellow Fever vaccination and a Malaria prescription are required to participate in this program. You should consult a travel doctor who will be knowledgeable about current epidemics, health risks and recommended vaccinations, or use the Center for Disease Control traveler’s health recommendations.

Is the food safe to buy from a street vendor?

Ghana is still considered a developing country, and you should be cautious when purchasing food. Our suggestion is to avoid buying food from street vendors. The food prepared for you by a kitchen service company is guaranteed to be fresh and uncontaminated.

Is tap water safe to drink?

In most developing countries, tap water is not safe to drink. The A team will provide each volunteer with filtered water for drinking and hygiene needs.

Will I be able to contact my family and friends while I’m in Ghana?

International Direct Dialing from Ghana is available in all cities. Phone cards are widely available, and local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee.

Is there a dress code I should follow?

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at the community. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable. To be respective of Ghana’s culture and religious beliefs, we ask that volunteers not wear short shorts or skirts or revealing tank tops.

HOW TO PACK

Dear volunteer,

We believe that you will enjoy your time in Ghana a lot. It is a beautiful country with a very interesting history.

FACTS ABOUT GHANA

The Republic of Ghana sits along the Gulf of Guinea, beckoning travelers with its tropical climate and beautiful beaches like Oasis beach and Busua Beach. Visitors to the country can easily see why international travel is increasing in places like Kakum National Park, and a trip to Mole National Park rewards guests with sightings of elephants, buffalo and antelope. That, plus friendly locals, rhythmic music and colorful scenery create a splendid vacation abroad.

HOW TO PACK FOR YOUR TRIP

Ghanaians open their arms to volu-tourism, and invite travelers who are interested in responsible tourism and would like to volunteer with school, hospital, care, emergency, medical, community development projects, or any other helpful project like research, journalism, environmental conservation.

First Intervention Ghana is touching lives and changing minds in rural and urban communities in Ghana. We would be grateful if you can support us with materials and equipments such as blood pressure monitors, used laptop weighing scales, used clothes, thermometers, AED, infant CPR manikins/dummies, bandages, stethoscopes, nurses and doctors’ scrubs (uniforms) and others like books, pens, clothes, candies for kids.

Many areas are in need of simple school supplies and medical supplies, so in kind donations are graciously accepted. Children of Ghana are active, and often play sports like soccer, netball, tennis, and play music as well. Bringing sports equipment or small instruments are a few ways visitors can give back to the community and put a smile on children’s faces.

Volunteering Project in Ghana
Diplomatic Missions Abroad

Ordinary program requirements

For most programs, you should be at least 16 and above
You should speak English at a basic level
Especially when working with kids, you should provide a health declaration
In some cases, a criminal background check is demanded

Visa regulations to volunteer in Ghana
Do I need a Visa to volunteer in Ghana?

You made it to the last section of this guide, and hopefully have decided that you want to volunteer in Ghana. I know this part is boring, but it is better to get over with it now, so you can move on with your plans to volunteer in this exciting country. Find all the information concerning your Visa here!

To do volunteer work, you should have a volunteer Visa, but most Ghanaian officials will advise you to get a tourist Visa, since you are not undertaking paid work. So, if you volunteer in Ghana with either a Tourist Visa or a Volunteer Visa, you should approach the Ghanaian Embassy or Consulate nearest to you to clarify this beforehand, and do not attempt to travel to the country, without having received a confirmation first.

H1 Visa - Short and long term volunteering

Ghanaian officials require volunteers to have applied for a Visa in their home countries, before they depart. This can be done at any Ghanaian Embassy or Consulate in your home/residence country. If your country does not have a Consular Office, then you may apply for a visa at the nearest one to your country.

To get a Visa you must present the following documentation:

Applicant shall complete a Visa application form in duplicates (2 copies).
Passport that's valid for at least six (6) months.
Proof of financial means.
If applies: Proof that you are living in your country of residence legally.
Two (2) passport size photographs (not older than 3 months from the date of submitting the application).
Applicant should have a confirmed onward or return ticket. It should be submitted upon request.
Signed letter of invitation from the organization you are working with, where contact information is visible.
If you are under eighteen (18) years old, you should submit an application together with a photocopy of original birth certificate, with a letter of consent from the parent, and a copy of a parent's photo ID.
If your application to volunteer in Ghana is turned down, you can re-apply for a review, but officials are not obliged to give you an explanation.
Non-refundable Visa fee (money order, cashier's check or certified bank check made payable to the Embassy of Ghana).
All persons entering Ghana are requested to have a valid certificate of immunization against yellow fever.

Be aware that the Visa costs may vary from country to country.

Tourist Visa - Travelling and volunteering for up to 3 months

Like stated above, some Consular Offices might want volunteers to apply for a Tourist Visa to volunteer in Ghana. Please make sure to confirm this before applying for your visa. If that's your case, you should know that some nationalities are exempt of issuing a Visa.

Citizens of the following nationalities ARE ALLOWED to travel to Ghana without applying for a Visa at a Ghana embassy or consulate; and are allowed to stay in the country for 90 days:

Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Swaziland, Togo.
Citizens of the following 6 countries and territories can obtain a 30 days maximum visa for Ghana upon arrival:

Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

Please make sure to confirm this, as the list can change at any time. The traveller must present: a passport or a travel document that's valid for at least 3 months from entry date to the country, purchased return/round flight ticket; proof of financial means, address of the place you are staying with and a letter of invitation of your host in Ghana.

Applying for a Tourist Visa

If your country is not exempt of issuing a visa, you must present the following documents at the Ghana Embassy nearest to you:

A passport that's valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.
Two (2) filled visa applications.
Four (4) passport photographs (not older than 3 months).
Proposed date of travel.
Letter of invitation of your host in Ghana. In this case, the organisation that you are working with.
Names and addresses of people you are staying with or hotel you booked.
A valid return/round ticket, which should be submitted upon request.
Proof of financial means.
Applications for persons under eighteen (18) years old shall be submitted together with a photocopy of original birth certificate, with a letter of consent from the parent, and a copy of parent's photo ID.
Non-refundable fee of approx. $60 USD.
All persons entering Ghana are requested to have a valid certificate of immunization against yellow fever, and other vaccines are also mandatory.

General Information

If you still have doubts concerning the documentation you need to volunteer in Ghana, you should approach the Ghanaian embassies and consulates all over the world; if you have problems concerning your documentation; contact the one nearest to you.

If you want more information about this topic and other topics, consult Ghana's tourism site and get all the answers you need.

Country	Ambassador/High Com.	Contact
Australia	Ghana High Commission	Ghana High Commission 13 Numeralla Street O'Malley, ACT 2606 Canberra Australia Tel:(61-2) 6290 2110, 6286 7275, 6286 9175 Fax: (61-2) 6290 2115 Email: gh57391@bigpond.net.au Website:www.ghanahighcom.org.au
Azerbaijan	Residence in Moscow
Belgium	Embassy of Ghana	73 Blvd General Wahiz 1030 Brussels Tel: +32 2 245 8220 Fax: +32 2 649 2483
Brazil	Embassy of Ghana	Shis QL 10, Conj. 08, Casa 02 P.O. Box 07-0456, Brasilia Tel: 24S6049, 248-6047. Telex: 611024 EGAN BR
Brunei Darussalam		Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Bulgaria	Embassy of Ghana	P.O. Box 38, 113 Sofia Tel: Sofia 70-65-09. Telex: 23118
Canada	Ghana High Commission	Ghana High Commission No. 1, Clemow Avenue, The Glebe,Ottawa, Ontario. Canada KIS 2A9. Tel:+1 613 236 0871-4 Fax:+1 613 236 0874 Telex: GHANACOM 053-4276
China	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana, 8 San Li Tun Road, Peking, China. Tel:+86 10 532 1319 / 532 2288 Cable: GHANAEMB, PEKING Email: ghacan@public.bta.net.cn Website: Honorary Consul of Ghana in Hong Kong
Cuba	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana, 5A Avenida No 1808,Esquina A La Calle 20 Miramar, Havana. Tel:293513,17961, 27640. Telex: 512108 Website: www.ghanaembassy.cu
Czech Republic	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana,V Tisine 4, Prague 6. Tel:373058/59
Cyprus	Ghanaian Consulate in Nicosia	Ghanaian Consulate in Nicosia, Cyprus. Strovolos Industrial Estate 19, Kambos Street. 2030 Nicosia. P.O.Box 21326, 1506 Nicosia. Cyprus Tel:(+357) 22 48 22 65 Telex: (+357) 22 48 17 57/(+357) 22 57 00 94 Email: consulate.ghana@cytanet.com.cy mathnasiadou@peletico.com
Denmark		Egebjerg Alle 13, Dk-2900 Hellerup, Copenhagen. Tel:+ 45 39 62 8222 Fax: + 45 39 62 1652 Telex: 19471 gh dk Cable: Ghana emb.Copenhagen Email: ghana@mail.dk Website: www.ghanaembassy.dk
Egypt	Embassy of the Republic of Ghana	Embassy of the Republic of Ghana 1, 26th July Street, Lebanon Square, Mohandessin, Cairo. Egypt. Tel:(202) 3303 2290 / 3344 4455 / 3303 2293 Fax: (202) 3303 2292 Email: ghmfa23@tedata.net.eg / ghmfa23@rite.com
Ethiopia	Embassy of the Republic of Ghana	Embassy of the Republic of Ghana. B.P. 289 Caracolas. Malabo. Equatorial Guinea Tel:(240) 098 909 Fax: (240) 098 882; 098 883 Email: ghcon14@wanadoo.gq
France	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana. 8 Villa Said 75116, Paris. Tel:+33 1 711402 Telex: 21249 GHANAEMB ET Email: chancery@amb-ghana.fr
Germany	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana. Rheinalles 58 53173, Bonn Tel:+49 228 352001/3 Fax: +49 228 3698 GERMANY Telex: 885660 Berlin Branch Office Waidstr 11, 13156, Berlin. Email: consular@ghanaemberlin.de Website: www.ghanaemberlin.de
India	Ghana High Commission	Ghana High Commission. 50-N Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India. Tel:6883298 / 6883315 / 6883338 Consul General: Mrs. Vilas Lokhandwala, 6A, Kapur Mahal, 65, Marine Drive, Bombay 400 020. Tel: 281 0938 /281 9590.
Italy	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana. 4 via Ostriana 00199, Rome Tel:+39 06 8621 5691 / 8621 9307 Fax: +39 06 8632 5762 Telex: 2610270 GHANAEMB, 1 Email: info@ghanaembassy.it Website: www.ghanaembassy.it
Japan	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana. Azabu, P.O. Box 16, Tokyo. Tel:+81 3 409 3861 Fax: +81 3 409 3047 Telex: GHANAEMB J 22487 Website: Embassy site
Lebanon	Ghana Consulate	Ghana Consulate. Avenue sami el solh, ghorayeb bldg. First floor, Beirut. Tel:+(961)01 393946 393948 Email: ghanaembey@hotmail.com
Netherlands	Ghana High Commission	Ghana High Commission. c/o Parkhotel den Haag, Molenstraat 532513 BJ den Haag, The Hague. Netherlands. Tel:+31 70 362 5371 Fax: +31 70 361 4525 Website: http://www.ghanaembassy.nl/
Russia Federation	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana 14, Skatertny Pereulok. Moscow. Russia. Tel:+7 095 202 1870 / 202 1871 / 202 1890 Telex: 413475
Saudi Arabia	Embassy of Ghana	Riyadh Embassy of Ghana P.O. Box 94339. Riyadh 11693. Tel:+966 1 464 1383 Telex: 206599 GHANAEMB SJ Jeddah Consulate-General of Ghana P.O. Box 1657, Jeddah 21441 Tel: +966 2 660 7545 Fax: +966 2 661 1559 Telex: 605001
Serbia & Montenegro (Ex-Yugoslavia)	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana, Ognjena Price 50, Belfisrade. Tel:442-401, 442 445
Singapore	Consulate-General Of Ghana	Consulate-General Of Ghana, C/O Lum Chang Holdings Ltd. 1 Selegie Road 06-02 Pomo, Singapore 188306. Tel:(65) 6273-8888 Fax:(65) 6311-0900
South Africa	Ghana High Commission	Ghana High Commission, 1038 Arcadia Street, Hatfield 0028, Pretoria. South Africa. Tel:+27 12 342 5847 / 342 4848 / 342 5849 Fax:+27 12 342 5863
South Korea	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana, 5-4 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Seoul 140-210. Tel:(82 2)3785-1427 Fax:3785 - 1428 Email: ghana3@kornet.net
Spain	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana, Calle Capitan Haya, No 38, l0A - 28020. Madrid. Tel:(0034-91)5670390 / 5670440 Fax:(0034-91)5670393 Email: mission@ghanaembassyspain.com Working Hours: 9.30 am - 3.30 p.m. Address Hon. Consul, Calvet, 36-38. 08021 - Barcelona.br Tel: (0034)93 209 0743 Fax: (0034)93 201 1227
Switzerland	Embassy of Ghana	Embassy of Ghana, 11, Belpstrasse 3000, Berne Tel: +41 31 257852 / 257853 / 257854 Fax: +41 31 254941 Telex: 912993 GHA CH
Turkey		Abide-i H\|rriyet Cad. Mecidiyekvy Yolu No:268 Boyda~ Han. Istanbul. Tel: 02122312181 Email: deniz.aksoy@turk.net
Ukraine		P.O.Box 178, Kiev 01025 Ukraine. Tel: +380-44-229-6960 Fax: +44-207-6811610 Email: nexus@gu.net Website: www.ghana.org.ua
United Arab Emirates, Dubai		Consulate General of Ghana, 36 Street, Villa No. 11, Al Jaffilia, P O Box 127776, Dubai. Tel: +971 043982017 / 043987799 Fax: +971 043982017
United Kingdom	Ghana High Commission	Ghana High Commission, (Including Education Section, Recruitment Section, Passport, Immigration and Consular). 104 Highgate Hill, London N6 5HE. Tel: 081-342 8686 Fax: 081-345 8566 Website: www.ghanahighcommissionuk.com Trade Section: 102 Park Street, London WIY 3RT. Tel: 071-493 4901
U.S.A		New York Ghana Permanent Mission 19, East 47th Street. New York. NY 10017. Tel: +1 212 832 1300 Fax: +1 212 751 6743 Telex: 234101 (GHANAUN) Washington D.C..Embassy of Ghana 3512 International Drive NW. Washington. DC 20008. Tel: +1 202 686 4500 Fax: +1 202 686 4527 Telex: 64539 Website: www.ghanaembassy.org
United Nations		Ghana Permanent Mission to the European Office of the UN56, Rue de Moillebeau 1209, Geneva Tel: +41 22 34 91 50/59 / 734-9150/59 Telex: 22434 GHANA CH

Volunteer In Ghana

VOLUNTEER IN GHANA

GO GHANA

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

HOW TO PACK

Application Form

	+233506618189 +233246469484 +233244787870
	VAG Building Rm 4 North Ola, Sanaa Lodge Hotel Rd, Cape Coast, Ghana
	figinfogh@gmail.com info@fig-ghana.org