Building Volunteer Project Abroad in Ghana, Accra

Building Projects in Ghana
The growth of many developing communities is often stunted due to the lack of decent facilities in the local community. Although teachers give children the chance to work their way out of poverty through education, equally as important are the school buildings needed to teach these children, which provide an appropriate place for them to learn and develop in a safe and secure environment. Furthermore, having a well-maintained school building undoubtedly boosts children’s self-esteem as well as the pride they take in their work. Aside from education buildings, decent drainage and sanitation systems are often lacking and usually cause poor health and sickness in the community. Then there is the need for good recreational facilities for the children and locals, which are normally absent altogether. However, through our building projects, you can join one of our volunteer teams during a gap year, career break or volunteer holiday and make a long lasting impact to the developing communities in Ghana.

Your Building Placement
It is the lack of funding and manpower that prevents the development of new buildings in the disadvantaged communities in Ghana. By joining a building project, you will bring the manpower and finances needed to fund the construction of much need facilities. Projects are selected by community need, which therefore creates a variety of different projects. Education and sanitation are usually at the top of the list, but we are also very keen for volunteers to work on recreational projects, such as pitch flattening and maintenance and the development community centres, which often provide a great focal point for the community promoting community cohesion. Depending on the size of the project you are helping with, different volunteers may start, continue and finish the work on the same project. This creates a huge impact in the community due to the accumulation manpower and materials that come from our volunteers’ participation in the projects. Building projects are one of the most rewarding volunteer roles to undertake. This is because you can immediately see the results from the hard graft you put in. Whether it is digging foundations, laying the floor, erecting walls or finishing the roof, you will quickly be able to see the fruits of your labour.

Your Building Role
By joining a building project, you will join a team of other volunteers and locals, all of whom will become very close friends by the end of it. The Ghanaian workers are skilled and know how to use the local materials. They will act as your guide and, no doubt, teach you many ‘tricks of the trade’ so the construction can be done quickly and efficiently. Because the projects vary, so do the tasks. However, many are common to them all such as physical and strenuous days. But don’t be put off, all the projects accommodate volunteers of reasonable physical fitness and you will never be asked to do anything you do not want to do. However, you will soon find that being outdoors and working as a team is a fun and truly rewarding experience.

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

Gap Year and Career Break Building Projects in Ghana
By taking part in a building and construction volunteer project in Ghana during your time abroad can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences you can have. You are not only helping to promote community development by providing new accessible facilities for the local people, leaving something tangible behind after you leave, but you are also sharing skills and knowledge with local tradesman to benefit future development projects. You are guaranteed to meet some amazing characters and make friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

You can arrive any weekend of the year to start the project on a Monday. We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you back to the accommodation to settle you in and meet the rest of the team.

Please note that some national holidays may cause disruption to normal sessions but our in-country team will do their best to support activities around this.

Visa
British Nationals (and most visitors to Ghana) will require a visa to enter Ghana and we suggest you apply for a tourist visa. You can check your visa requirements by visiting the Ghana High Commission website. Please search online for details.

Everyone will also require a yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana and a certificate to prove you have had this. You should contact your travel nurse/doctor to discuss this further.

Optional Teaching in Ghana
In addition to your coaching role, you will have the opportunity to teach classes, or assist in teaching classes, in one of the sports academies or schools based in Accra. This will give you another impacting experience while allowing you to make a difference outside the world of sport. With a western education, you will be able to contribute massively to the standard of tuition that the students receive. Subject areas include English (language and literature), math, science, journalism, business, IT, RE and a whole variety of extra-curricular activities.

Other Options in Ghana
It is likely that there will be a whole variety of other activities you can get involved with while you are away. Because we have focused in-country teams, they will be able to inform you of other opportunities both inside and outside the capital. This gives you a unique chance to combine projects and experience the country in a whole variety of ways.

Equipment Donation for Ghana
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in Ghana. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.

Social Life in Ghana
Our social life is unrivalled and we believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. Some of these activities include visits to the best night spots, group meals, trips away and sports teams where you can to take on local competition.

Akpateshi FC
If you fancy a game of footy while you are away, or simply enjoy the social side of football, you should join our volunteer team, Akpateshi FC. This gives you the chance to play alongside the other volunteers and challenge some serious African opposition. However, although the team has a competitive edge, the emphasis is on the social side of football and is aptly named after the locally brewed bush whiskey! If you play in the team, or simply become a supporter, you will soon see why Akpateshi FC is so renowned for its unpredictable matches and fiery social life.

Travel and Adventure in Ghana
You will be encouraged to explore Ghana during your free time so you can sample some of its breathtaking sights and meet some of Africa’s friendliest people. The capital, Accra, is full of great places to visit and you will meet both locals and other travellers at a variety of bars and restaurants that provide authentic African live music and dancing. There are also a large number of western-style pubs and clubs, including an Irish Bar, an American Sports Bar and a series of dance-venues very close to where you are living. And, if you fancy a football experience to remember, then prepare yourself for watching Hearts of Oak at the National Stadium where the locals wave flags, blow horns and dance on the roofs of the terraces!

Beyond Accra, there are countless places to visit. You could take a Sunday pleasure-cruise on Lake Volta (the biggest man-made lake in Africa) or you might want to visit the history-laden slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. You may want to take a walk on the wild side with the elephants at Mole National Park or spot tropical birds in the rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park. Then there is the 60-metre-high Wli waterfalls, the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (where monkeys are preserved as ‘sacred’ creatures!) and the endless palm-tree beaches lining the Atlantic coastline! The captivating places, intriguing people and diverse landscapes will make Ghana one of the most enlightening experiences a traveller could wish for. Our in-country team will also help you build a travelling itinerary and give you plenty of advice on how to make your way through the country.

Accommodation
The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to the placements. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away.

Accommodation
Communal House; Basic but comfortable; Dormitory style rooms (4-10 people per room); Shared toilets and showers.

Food
3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious local foods

Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to / from placement; Laundry service; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Preferred Duration
Volunteers should try to come for as long as possible preferably for 8 or 12 weeks. This ensures better management of the project and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer.

Typical Hours
Monday-Friday; 4-6 hours a day; Occasional work at weekends but usually free for personal time and travel. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause disruption to times / days during your volunteer project.

Pre-requisites
No prior building experience or qualifications are required. You will need to be healthy and of reasonable fitness as work can be strenuous.

Ideal For
Gap Year and Career Break Holidays in Ghana; Volunteer Building Work Abroad; Construction Volunteering in Africa; Summer Holiday Travel.

Suitable for ages 17 to 60

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community but they must be reasonable fit given the physical work of this project.