Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa (VPWA) operates a microfinance project in the GA West District of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana. This provides financial support to people who are unable to access mainstream banks. In particular, the VPWA microfinance project provides loans to low-income women in the district, allowing them to set up and to grow their small enterprises.

The project started in 2009 and to date more than 60 women have received microcredits. In addition to the provision of loans, VPWA supports the beneficiaries with essential business skills training, such as bookkeeping.

The aim of this project is to support the economic participation of women, promote gender equality and improve the welfare of the beneficiaries.

To grow the microfinance project VPWA would like to establish a network of donors, whether individuals, companies, donor agencies or trusts.

Why is this project important?

Ghana is burdened by extreme poverty and faces significant challenges as it tries to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 44.8% of the population of 22 million is living on less than one dollar a day, whilst 78.5% of the population lives off less than two dollars a day.

Microfinance is proven to be an effective and efficient means to combat poverty. However, in Ghana only about 300,000 people are currently benefiting from microcredit. Many more people could benefit from this help and therefore it is important to expand microfinance programs in the country.

How does the VPWA’s microfinance project work?

The VPWA’s microfinance project uses a Group Lending Methodology (GLM). This requires beneficiaries to form a ‘solidarity group’ with a maximum of four people. The group then joins other groups to form a centre (with a maximum of 5 groups). By doing this the group members guarantee each other’s loans (group guarantee scheme).

Volunteer credit officers provide all the beneficiaries with business skills training before they receive their first loan payment. The borrowers have to repay the loan within a four month period. Repayment begins on a weekly basis at our VPWA Microfinance Centre a fortnight after they have received the loan. The group are only able to receive new credit when all of the group has fully paid back their outstanding loans. The selection of beneficiaries who are eligible for microfinance credits is based on various economic and social criteria.

• 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.