Working with Children

Volunteer on three projects, one location, all with children, make a triple impact even in one week!

Street Library

In early 2012, Founder of VPWA won a Social Entrepreneurship award to implement a program to improve the literacy of children in Ghana. His idea, the ''Street Library''. The program roll out since mid 2012, visits villages to make books available for deprived vulnerable children. Children in rural Ghana have no access to reading materials besides the limited text books in their schools.  The importance of this concept can therefore not be underestimated. VPWA volunteers have the opportunity to work with children in different locations from Monday-Friday between 3pm to 6pm. More information on this program here

VPWA Children Centre

Through the efforts of VPWA past volunteers(2010-2011 participants), VPWA was able to raise substantial funding in addition to its internally generated funds to construct a children center  At this centre, VPWA provide support and care to eight orphan children. We have three Ghanaian staff managing the centre. The support of volunteers are constantly needed to provide support in various ways to the development of the children. This includes, helping the children with academic difficulties, washing the clothing, preparing them for school, supporting in their meal preparation, support on the organic farm, Organizing leisure activities etc. More details

Teach In Ghana (TIG)

Volunteers participating in this program have the opportunity of volunteering in a local Ghanaian school. Academic subjects volunteers teach includes; English, Science, Mathematics, Creative Arts etc. Volunteers are at liberty to teach on subject you feel confident. Volunteers receive an orientation prior to the beginning of placement. If interested to work in the school as part of the 3 in 1 program, you will be expected to start work at 8:00am and finish at 1pm. Monday to Friday. You can find more information the TIG program here

To apply for this 3 in 1 opportunity, send your CV to info@vpwa.org after completing the form here 

VPWA Children Centre

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.