Sanitation engineers are needed to work with our communities to design appropriate public toilet facilities in communities. Below are the details of one of the projects we have worked on in Damang Village.

Project Overview

The only sanitation block in Damang Village has collapsed. The foundations gave way causing the entire structure to fall into the pit below. The large majority of Damang residents have no toilets in their homes and therefore rely on this sanitation block on a daily basis. For the residents surrounding the collapsed block, the nearest alternative facilities are more than a twenty minute walk away. These facilities are also not be able to support the additional 1,200 people who have been forced to also use the block. VPWA is urgently looking for funding to rebuild the collapsed toilet block.

Why is the project important?

Because of the lengthy walk to the next toilet block many people continue to use the few remaining cubicles in the collapsed block, despite the block being closed and declared structurally unsafe. Presently there is a serious risk of injury or even loss of life though further collapse of the remaining toilet block.

The lack of adequate sanitation facilities within the township also poses considerable health risks to the community. There is therefore an urgent need for new facilities.

Building needs to commence as quickly as possible. The existing block, built in the 1990‘s, consisted of two groups of five cubicles forming separate male and female facilities. Before its collapse it has been suggested that these facilities were stretched. Any new facilities must therefore offer at least the same number of cubicles or if possible, expand the facility.

• 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.