The Glory Of Ghana (trip)

The Glory Of Ghana

  • Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana
  • Volunteer Vacations
Have Fun
,  Help People
,  Africa
,  teach
,  service vacations
,  voluntourism, Ghana, Africa

from $1,290* per person7 DaysAugust-December
Simple accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Globe Aware 12 people max
The Glory Of Ghana takes place in beautiful Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, in southeast Ghana, near Mount Adaklu. Once part of the German colony of Togoland, then occupied by the British, the country finally gained independence in 1957. Ho itself is safe town, enveloped by a lush, mountainous surrounding area, and well-known for a lively and huge open market that attracts people from all over Ghana and Togo. There are a few internet cafes, numerous churches and restaurants, and a town that feels like a huge village. Never have smiles been easier to come by, nor more beautiful than in Ghana; locals are always willing to chat and teach you their distinctive greeting (a finger clicking handshake.) The beautiful area, combined with the history of the Ewe people of Ghana, make it a place many never want to leave. But despite the natural beauty, Ho and surrounding communities are facing a variety of challenges ranging from lack of clean water in rural areas to a workforce untrained in the use of modern tools such as the internet, something many there view as a necessity if Ghana is to progress. Nor are there currently enough teachers or facilities to offer free education to all children, many roads are not paved and the republic is still heavily dependent on international financial and technical assistance. This is a lovely place to offer your much-needed hand, for, as Lonely Planet writers state: "If an award were given for the country with the friendliest people in West Africa, Ghana would be a strong contender... you'll swear the wind and waves off the Gulf of Guinea have infused the land and people alike with equatorial warmth."

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Locations visited/nearby

Have Fun , Help People , Africa , teach , service vacations , voluntourism, Ghana, Africa

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Special information

  • Family oriented trip.

Itinerary

Work Project

Volunteers will work with a locally organized group but with projects in numerous surrounding villages. Projects are in one of two areas: the first is Rural Communities and School Support related. These projects include the building of school blocks for kindergartners, instruction, or improvement of washrooms and facilities that the children use (often times current conditions are extremely unsanitary.) Volunteers might also help with the construction of wells or water systems, which can save lives in the dry season, or build libraries or internet training centers. The second project area is Orphanage Home Support Projects. These projects entail volunteers working to improve the facilities at a local orphanage. Efforts in Ghana have a great deal of support in the local communities, and volunteers will be cherished and appreciated as they help the people of Ho, and of Ghana, on projects that are important to them, and learn to see and experience their culture in a way that few rarely ever do.

Food and Lodging

Volunteers are settled together in large home stay facilities in the community in which we are working. Accommodations usually include running water, (showers), flushing toilets, and some access to electricity (enough to recharge digital cameras, but the government has instituted rolling blackouts). Hot water cannot be relied upon but is occasionally available. Some of the needier communities in which we work only have access to scoop showers; if this is an urgent issue for you, please check with us ahead of your program. Traditional and delicious Ghanaian meals served to you will include specialties such as Jollof rice (rice, tomatoes, spices, with beef or vegetables) and a variety of other fish, fruit, and vegetables. Ghanain food is perhaps surprisingly spicy and diverse. There's something delicious for everyone, and for the adventurous the local dishes like Banku and Fufu offer a very unique culinary experience. Bottled or boiled water is provided.
Leisure and Activities

We visit the largest waterfall in West Africa and learn about Ghana's unique Kente tradition of weaving, the "cloth of kings." You will experience African dancing and drumming lessons. You are likely to playing futbol with other volunteers and community members. We make a visit to old colonial town Amedzofe, where you can take in the view from the tallest mountain in Ghana. You'll have time to explore all this and enjoy the people of the Volta region as part of your free time and in organized activities. You can choose to watch butterflies, go fishing, and almost certainly participate in some dancing in the streets. You will also become part and parcel of a slower pace of village life.

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