Volunteering
Through "Meet Africa" you can work as a volunteer with a Ghanaian organisation or foundation in North Ghana in the areas surrounding the cities of Tamale and Bolgatanga. We consider it important that initiatives of the people and the government of the country itself receive acknowledgement and support. After all, they are the ones who can develop their country in a way that is right for them. Thus they can preserve their identity and obtain a certain degree of independence. We also aim at your taking part in the Ghanaian system, together with Ghanaian colleagues. In this way you get to know the Ghanaian way of working, thinking and acting from within. Also, you are really in the midst of an African society. A period of two months is the minimum for voluntary work, so that you have time to really get to know the work and your colleagues. Mostly, you will work in the mornings (from about 8 am until about 1 pm) and from Monday to Friday.
Host families
During your period of voluntary work you will stay with a host family. This will give you the possibility to temporarily live with an African family like one of their sons, daughters, aunts or uncles and to build strong ties. We select host families who like to receive foreign guests; they actually consider you part of their family. You will stay with a family with a low to average income, so that you will experience how the average family in Africa lives and how they still honour traditions and customs. Apart from contacts and friendships the housing of voluntary workers allows the families an extra income so that, for instance, they are able to send their children to school. You can choose from two kinds of families.
- Accommodation with a host family in or in the neighbourhood of the city. The house where you will be staying has electricity and sanitary conveniences (toilet and washroom).
- Accommodation with a host family in a traditional village. In that case you will have a hut of your own. Generally speaking, there is no electricity and overall, it is much more primitive. However, it is a unique and very special opportunity.
What does our organisation offer?
Apart from mediating for voluntary work and accommodation, we offer a lot of written information about culture and customs beforehand and, moreover, practical information for your stay in Ghana. Of course you can always reach us by telephone and email. Moreover, you will deal with one contact whom you know and who knows the present situation in Northern Ghana.
On arrival in Ghana you can be collected from the airport so that there is someone there to pick you up and your stay in Accra is arranged. You will then have a full day during which someone will show you the city and will help you book your bus ticket to Tamale.
In Northern Ghana you will be supported by the "Meet Africa" team, who are always at your disposal for assistance and for answering your questions. There are separate teams in Tamale and Bolgatanga so that you will never have to travel (cycle) far if you need them. For the first four days you will attend an introductory programme and after that there are bi-weekly meetings during which your questions will be answered and possible problems can be discussed. Moreover, they will introduce you to your host family and voluntary work-place and, should you be interested, they can help you making further contacts with, for instance, a traditional healer or sooth-sayer.
Courses and lessons:
- Drumming lessons in Tamale's cultural centre.
- Dancing lessons in Tamale's cultural centre.
- Painting lessons. Ghana is well-known for its creative billboards and signboards; all are hand-painted. You can attend lessons with a Ghanaian painter.
- Sewing lessons. In Ghana practically all clothes are made to measure. You can attend lessons at a sewing shop and learn how to make traditional African dresses and gowns (but also designs of your own).
These lessons can all be booked in Ghana at a very reasonable price.
Round trip
You can of course make a round trip and get to know the rest of Ghana. It goes without saying that we can give advice and information to people who want to travel independently (which is quite possible with a good travel guide, such as the Bradt travel guide). There is much to be seen: the former slave forts, Ashanti sanctuaries, Africa's largest water reservoir (Lake Volta), tropical rain-forests, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries - with, among other animals, elephants, antelopes and monkeys - beaches, enormous markets and much, much more.