Microfinance Volunteering and Internships

VPWA runs a small grassroots microfinance programme in the GA West Municipal area of Ghana. This programme complements the work of other initiatives run by the government and other organisations which aim to reduce both urban and rural poverty. Volunteers will work in VPWA's microfinance office alongside local staff to implement this programme.

The idea behind microfinance is quite simple. We provide loans or particular financial products to individuals who may not be able to access these from a traditional bank. These loans are repaid in full over an agreed time period. This simple process has several additional aspects in which self-motivated volunteers with the right skill set can be a great help.

Volunteers can assist the programme by reviewing loan application forms, completing the daily ledger, conducting exit interviews with those who have completed their repayments, updating the beneficiary profiles and visiting the beneficiaries to monitor their growth and receive repayments.

During a longer placement a volunteer is likely to be involved in more in-depth analysis, for example conducting long-term financial projections, reviewing the programme's policies and procedures, and helping to develop new microfinance products.

In any free time we'd also like to see microfinance volunteers complete some of the following tasks on our behalf:

Conduct research and analyse the growth patterns of beneficiary businesses
Provide business advice to beneficiaries through translation by the programme's Ghanaian staff
Discuss programme ideas and implementation with VPWA Director
Write about the project and research case studies for publication in the media
Research different funding and grant opportunities that the organisation could apply to in order to help the beneficiaries in different forms and not only in giving them loans.
Draft grant applications based on research and give these for review by VPWA Director before submitting
Research potential strategic partners for the programme

If you think you have what it takes we would love to work with you.

Apply

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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