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VPWA's Africa Business Development (ABD) project provides volunteering opportunities for professionals who would like to contribute their skills and experience to indigenous African companies. Students can also apply for internship opportunities in a wide range of business areas.
Through this project volunteers can share practices and help companies improve their overall performance, as well as corporate social responsibilities. We believe volunteers will be able to understand the business environment in Ghana and be interested in seeing how some entrepreneurs are helping to combat poverty and create opportunities through their businesses.
Jacob and Margaret were volunteers in the Africa Business Development Project during September-December 2009
Jacob and I came to Ghana with few expectations about living and working. We worked in a small business, a travel and tour company. We came to the office unsure if we would have much freedom to share our ideas or to learn. Immediately our boss, Sam, asked us for all the advice and plans we could come up with! Jacob and I were able to create long-term planning tools for the company and more rigid guidelines for expanding. We also quickly learnt a few major differences in doing business in Ghana, compared to other Western nations. It was an invaluable learning experience for both parties. We gave Sam ideas for the business and the future, and Jacob and I gained familiarity with Ghanaian business practices and work experience.
Volunteer Positions Available: Apply
Marketing Consultants
Finance Officers
Public Relations Officers
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.
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