Human Rights Internship

VPWA offers internship opportunity in Human Rights to limited number of people. Application is open all year round. Selected participants work with GA West Municipal Office of the Commission responsible for Human Rights under the constitution of Ghana. This is a government body.

The core functions of the commission are:

*To investigate complaints of violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in the public and private

sectors, injustice, abuse of power and unfair treatment of any person by a public officer in the exercise of his/her official duties.

*To investigate allegations that a public officer has not complied with a provision of the code of conduct

for public office holders.

*Investigate all instances of alleged or suspected corruption and misappropriation of public monies by

officials and to take the appropriate steps resulting from such investigation.

*To educate the public as to their fundamental human rights and freedoms.

One important thing to note is that, in resolving complaints the commission receives, they uses mediation, negotiation, compromise and other alternative dispute resolution(ADR) mechanisms.

What does interns do?

Interns usually assist in resolving complaints (mediation) and also participate actively in public educational campaigns. Interns also help in Administrative work including but not limited to grant sourcing.

Getting to Work:

Volunteers work in the municipal capital of Amasaman and shall spend 0.40 pesewas (equivalent of 0.25 US cents.) to and from work daily using public bus. Volunteers shall be living in the community of Pokuase where VPWA has an apartment for it volunteers.

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 ar

rival 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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