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City/State: Various |
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Country: GHANA
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| Cultural Cube Ltd |
16 Acland Road
Devon
UNITED KINGDOM
PL21 9UR
Phone: 0870 742 6932
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Program description: |
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Your first impressions as you fly into Accra will be of vast acres of green countryside and long beaches that seem to have no end. As you will be working in a country that is known to be one of the most stable and friendly in Africa, you can expect to be totally immersed in a vibrant culture with its many unique traditions. GO-GHANA is a Programme designed to provide the opportunity for individuals from any Country to spend a period of time in what is both an exciting and challenging environment.
If you enjoy the predictable nature of the ‘package holiday’, then this experience is certainly not for you! Each day will bring a different challenge and experience. Successful participants will be adventurous, confident, highly motivated, adaptable, versatile and independent individuals who will probably have previously undertaken an unstructured overseas experience such as a volunteer or work/travel programme. They will appreciate that cultural and religious traditions are important to the people who observe them and that disrespect will cause offence. Even the seasoned traveller will find life in Ghana very different to that experienced elsewhere on their travels and it is here that the phrase ‘culture shock’ will really be understood.
So why consider becoming a participant? Participation will give you a greater understanding of the differences that exist in the world and an appreciation of the daily struggle for live that thousands of people have to endure. You will return with a vastly different outlook on life and the world in which we live and may use your experiences to enhance your local community or to engage others in similar venture. The experience may even change your life!
Living and working in Ghana will provide you with the opportunity of a lifetime. If you are honest in your application and reasons for participation, then the likelihood of having a successful experience is extremely high. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have not only proven that they can assimilate knowledge through examinations, but who have other interests and aspirations. A candidate who has taken time to undertake volunteer programmes impresses many employers.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMMES
Ghana is in desperate need of people who can offer their time in a constructive way to assist with the many development projects that are currently being undertaken in the country. Recent droughts in north severely affected agricultural activities and deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, poaching and habitat destruction continue to threaten the wildlife populations. In addition, water pollution and inadequate supplies of drinking water are some of the many tasks that need to be undertaken by supervised teams of volunteers. Depending on your previous experience and / or training, you may be suited to an administrative role or a position within a private industry.
Workers are required to assist with AIDS related programmes and there are plentiful opportunities to share your child-care skills in one of the many Orphanages. Perhaps you would be suited to Research Work or assist a Charity organisation? Radio / TV placements are also a possibility - in fact, the list is endless!
Projects operate throughout the year, but in order to make a valid contribution, we prefer that participants do not apply unless they have a minimum of 2 months available to devote to a project in Ghana. Shorter assignments can sometimes be arranged. Assignments can start in any month.
All participants will initially be issued with a 2-month visa and on arrival in Ghana, IPES-Suntrust will, if required, arrange for a 1-month visa extension that will permit an initial stay of 3 months. Should you wish to stay for longer than 3-months to either continue with your project or to travel, IPES-Suntrust will arrange for up to two further visa extensions at no additional cost to you.
These assignments are generally unpaid, voluntary positions. Projects may be organised by international or local organisations and may be composed of a small-localised team or a larger workforce. Projects may also be designed for participants to be involved in small-group outreach work in the rural areas. The arrangements for accommodation and meals also vary. Some projects may be located in a camp-type setting with communal facilities to which participants make a financial contribution. Some projects may provide you with free accommodation and meals with a family. Once a suitable project has been identified, you will be informed of the accommodation and meal arrangements before being asked to make a commitment to join.
As a rough guide, an amount of GBP75 would be sufficient to cover your living expenses (food and accommodation) during a stay of a month on a typical volunteer project.
TEACHING POSITIONS
Teaching in Ghana is probably going to be the most demanding and rewarding positions you will ever undertake. Your imagination, determination and adaptation will be your key to success, especially when resources are limited. There are regular teaching assignments available in the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary level. In addition, placements are also available in Schools for children and young people with visual impairments or physical, emotional or behavioural problems.
Persons wishing to be considered for a Teaching Assignment should be aware that a teacher is a highly respected member of the community and as such, is expected to be a role model to both adults and children. Some previous experience of working with children and/or young people in a classroom teaching situation is a prerequisite for consideration and those who are successful in their application will normally be expected to teach to a set syllabus, write summative reports and prepare the students for examinations.
Most Ghanaian schools, like the major public offices, operate from early morning until early afternoon, five days a week. The afternoons may be spent undertaking extra-curricula activities with the students or may be free of all duties, allowing you to explore the country and become more involved in Ghanaian culture.
Please be aware that many schools will be in rural areas – no bright lights or supermarkets here. Your living conditions will be adequate but will not match the standard you are used to at home. It is said that ‘teaching is a vocation’ and taking one of these assignments will test your dedication to the profession. Imagine … pupils who actually want to learn and who are so grateful for the slightest favour.
There is a minimum assignment of one-term, approximately 3 months, although it is preferred that you commit yourself to a full 12-month assignment with the school. Shorter assignments can sometimes be arranged. Assignments will start in the following months: January, May and September.
These assignments are generally unpaid, voluntary positions and in most cases, the school as part-contribution towards your services provides accommodation and meals free, or if this is not the case, accommodation is offered at minimal cost, usually no more than GBP75 per month. Upgraded or superior accommodation is sometimes available, but to take this option often destroys a large part of the cultural experience. Some schools may offer a small stipend and if this is the case, you will receive details with your offer of a placement.
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: 18+
Travel to site: Independent Travel
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Varies
No. in group: 1-20
Living arrangements on the program: Varies, Group living, Home stays (living with local families), Independent Living
How long does the program last?: Various Durations
What are the dates of this program: Volunteer projects start year round. Teaching appointments start in January, April and August.
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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Enhanced CV / Resume
International exposure
Opportunity to contribute to greater international understanding and world peace
Opportunity to make friends and contacts outside one's homeland
Build on existing skills and enhance competencies
Practical work experience
Opportunity to make a difference to deprived communities
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Cost or price of this program: |
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GBP375
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Typical person for this program: |
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Enthusiastic, out-going, flexible person who can accept change and wishes to make a difference in a challenging envioronment.
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Qualifications required: |
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No specific skils - Sense of purpose and enthusiasm more important
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Salary/pay/benefits description: |
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Normally unpaid. Some may offer small stipend or free / subsidised accommodation and food.
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Application process Involves: |
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Visit website / download Information File / complete Application File
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