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  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Volunteer in Ghana in orphanages. Over 170,000 children in Ghana have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic alone. Many of these children are taken in by extended family and friends, but the remainder must either live on their own or in orphanages. ELI has worked with orphanages throughout Ghana including the Offinso Center for the Vulnerable and the I Care Orphanage and International School. These orphanages work not only to house and feed the children but also to offer the empowering benefits of education and healthcare. The main responsibility of a volunteer at any of the orphanages is to spend time with the children and give them the attention and love they need. Volunteers will organize games and activities for the children and can help teach in the schools associated with the orphanage. Working in an orphanage requires motivation, energy, patience, and resourcefulness.

Highlights: Experience the easy rhythm of Ghanaian life while becoming part of the community. Ghana is an incredibly diverse country with a vibrant cultural heritage. Participants stay with local host families, gaining firsthand knowledge of daily West African life, and are often invited to community events such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. The program allows time for independent travel, so participants can see what Ghana has to offer including the elephant herds in Mole National Park, the Ashanti capital of Kumasi, and the white beaches of the Gold Coast.

Minimum Education: High School

Language: English

Cost in US$: Prices vary by duration. Please contact us for details

Cost Includes: Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Registration fees and Written materials pre-departure

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help participants prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Accra and provided with transportation to the hostel they stay at during the orientation. In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a four day orientation in Accra which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Ghana; a historical overview and introduction to Ghanaian culture; cultural classes including dancing, drumming and cooking; and visits to landmarks such as Nkrumah Masoleum, the National Cultural Center, and the beach. In-country Staff Support: ELI's partner organization in Ghana has years of experience working with visitors to Ghana. The coordinators are very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Volunteers will also meet a network of English speaking Ghanaians throught their host families and placements. Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Ghanaian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Placements are throughout Ghana, often in places well off the beaten track.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: AIDS, childcare/children, education, literacy, orphans, primary education, social services, social work, street kids, teaching, volunteering, youth and youth development

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangement: Home-stays

Participants Travel to Ghana Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001