VPWA Conservation & Environment Project
GREEN GHANA VOLUNTEERS PROJECT
This is the ideal opportunity for short term volunteers. No skills are required and you are able to make a significant contribution even if you are only staying for one week.
Our Green Ghana project aims to build a healthy and sustainable environment in Ghana, whilst also reducing poverty by providing social and economic benefits.
At Green Ghana's nursery we grow seedlings of the fast-growing and drought-resistant Moringa oleifera tree. As well as having highly nutritious, health-giving leaves that can be eaten by both humans and animals, this tree is extremely good at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere so it is also great for the environment. Seedlings are provided to farmers at no cost and are used to regenerate poor or unused farmland. The seedlings are only paid for when the first crop of leaves is harvested.
The trees are also being used to redevelop land that has been heavily mined for construction material. In this way we can also create aesthetically pleasing, recreational spaces for the local community.
We will provide supervision and training to our volunteers so that they can participate in Green Ghana's diverse range of activities. These include drought resistance projects, growing seedlings at our tree nursery, tree production, tree management, carbon sequestration, tree vegetable nutrition and redeveloping unused or poor land. To sustain a healthy environment, we also encourage and educate local communities to connect with their environment and become active in protecting it.
To find out more about the Green Ghana Project and to hear VPWA's Executive Director talk about its work visit www.greenghanavolunteers.org
Volunteer requirements
At least age 18 (no maximum age limit)
Good English
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Strong commitment to values and principles of volunteerism
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to adjust to difficult living and working conditions
Strong support and advocate for NGOs
Should be able to work independently as well as in teams when there is the need.
Ability to respect and abide by the rules of the placement activity.
Further details
What’s included in the project fees?
Registration Fee (Non Refundable if you choose not to go) – Application Review and processing, administration costs, Visa Support letter, 24/7 emergency support from VPWA, Program marketing costs, Pre-departure information, travel costs to inspect programs, VPWA Education & Health Fund and communication costs with volunteers.
Program Fee – Airport pick up, orientation, Supervision, accommodation and meals(dinner) during volunteer placement period, In-country 24/7 volunteer support and In-country administration costs.
What’s not included?
• Airfare to Ghana
• Visa Fees
• Vaccinations and immunizations (please speak to your local GP)
• Personal insurance(required)
• Personal spending
• In-country travel
Accommodation
Volunteers working on VPWA projects live in Greater Accra and Eastern Region. Please confirm your project location with our coordinator. Volunteers live in shared rooms with bunk beds. Couples are advised to inform us if they wish to share a room in advance. The rooms have comfortable beds with pillows and covers, so there is no need to bring sleeping bags. The volunteer apartment has a kitchen with fridge, as well as toilet and shower facilities.
The following services may also be offered based on availability
Basic TWI language orientation(Special Fees apply)
Mobile phone SIM card number on arrival, so that you can inform family and friend’s your number in Ghana
Certificate of Recognition given to hardworking volunteers, as well as the opportunity to serve as VPWA ambassador in your city, college or community. You need to write a volunteer report covering the period of placement to qualify for the certificate which has the endorsed logo of the United Nations Global Compact.
Health and Safety
Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It provides a perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our team will ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.
Flights
Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should communicate your arrival date and time to Volunteer Coordinator. The following airlines fly into Accra:
Alitalia (Lagos, Rome-Fiumicino)
British Airways (London-Heathrow)
Delta Air Lines (New York-JFK)
EgyptAir (Cairo)
Emirates (Abidjan, Dubai)
Ethiopian Airlines (Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Lagos, Lome)
Ghana International Airlines (London-Gatwick, Dusseldorf)
Kenya Airways (Nairobi, Freetown, Monrovia)
KLM (Amsterdam)
Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Lagos)
South African Airways (Johannesburg)
Visa
You must obtain a volunteer visa for travel to Ghana. Once you have secured your place on the project and made a deposit. We will then send you a letter confirming your placement which you can use for your visa application.