Orphanage and Child Care Projects

VPWA has developed a Children Centre in the small rural village of Darmang Anhuntem near Accra. The goal of the centre is to improve several key outcomes for orphaned children using a multi-dimensional approach; including to empower the young people to become responsible, autonomous and functioning adults.

Orphaned youth are more likely to experience a host of unfavourable circumstances, as they are often perceived as an unwelcome burden on the caretaker. As caregivers struggle to maintain their own livelihood, the needs of their young charge are often overlooked. Children as young as three years old, are often left to fend for themselves without consistent adult supervision, limited access to food and water, and often suffer abuse and neglect in various forms.

The centre is designed to address the educational, physical, psychological, and social needs of the selected children, while providing a safe and structured environment, where the young people feel free to thrive and realize their fullest potential. The objectives of the centre include guaranteeing regular school attendance, monitoring proper dietary intake, providing engaging activities geared toward self-sufficiency and teamwork, creating opportunities for community involvement and growth, and providing an emotional and psychological support system.

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.