VPWA offers a limited number of internship opportunities in Human Rights. Applications are open all year round. Selected participants will 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 do 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 volunteers.

• At least 18 years or older
• Good spoken and written 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 and in teams
• Ability to respect and abide by the rules of the placement activity

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 VPWA programs
• VPWA Education & Health Fund and communication costs with volunteers

Program Fee

• Airport pick up
• Orientation
• Supervision
• Accommodation and evening meals during volunteer placement period
• In-country 24/7 volunteer support
• In-country administration costs

• Airfare to Ghana
• Visa Fees
• Vaccinations and immunizations (please speak to your local GP)
• Personal insurance (required)
• Personal spending
• In-country travel

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.

• Basic TWI language orientation (Special Fees apply)
• Mobile phone SIM card number on arrival, so that you can inform family and friends of 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.

Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the United States of America. 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 will have emergency support 24/7.

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)

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 send you a letter confirming your placement for use in your Visa application.