Volunteer Overview:
Partner West Africa is proud to fund and operate a free Daycare & Nursery Centre for vulnerable or underprivileged children from the Oshieye fishing community in Ghana and to work with a number of other local partner schools spanning most age ranges across Ghana.
The Partner West Africa Daycare & Nursery Centre offers 100% free, wide-ranging support to up to 70 pre-school aged children who have been identified as vulnerable or needing special assistance by PWA working in partnership with the local community and Ghana Education Board. All of the children who attend the Centre have no alternative access to education.
The Centre has three age groups and subsequent classes:
1: Creche - Approx. 30 children aged 1 to 2 years
2: Kindergarten 1 (KG1) - Approx. 20 children aged 2 to 3 years
3: Kindergarten 2 (KG2) - Approx. 20 children aged 3 to 5 years
Opened in 2014 - to address alarmingly high incidenve of child mortaility in the 1 to 5 age range in the Oshieye community - the PWA Daycare and Nursery Centre is now well in to transition from being a temporary project to a full-time, longterm, flag-ship PWA initiative. As well as providing a basic foundation in education, the Centre now provides access to hygienic washing and toilet facilities, safe drinking water, a nutritious feeding programme, clothes and shoes, first aid and medical facilities, and a range of social care and family support initiatives.
However, as in many of our local Ghanaian partner schools, the children who attend the education system are usually exposed to a traditional learning style of repetitive learning and memory based recollection of facts. Yet Partner West Africa recognises that all children have very different individual support needs, and that pre-school children in particular benefit the most from creative, engaging, interactive educational experiences. As a result, this programme seeks to introduce creative pre-school educational methods and to train local educators to become confident in delivering creative approaches to education.
This programme helps the Partner West Africa Centre as well as our local partner schools to improve internal practices and approaches and to help train locally recruited staff in current, early-years and pre-school best practice, with a strong focus on creative and interactive approaches to education. This approach is combined with the delivery of classes in creative education and creative activities for children and the promotion of educational environments which protect children's rights and allow them to explore their imaginations and enjoy a free and joy-filled childhood.
Unlike PWA's general 'Daycare & Nursery Centre Volunteer Programme', this programme offers suitably qualified or experienced volunteers and supporters the opportunity to participate very specifically in creative, early-years education and child rights activities (volunteers or partners who do not have teaching experience or qualifications in creative educational practice, and who are more interested in child-care or offering general support at the Centre, should apply for the general programme instead).
From cutting-edge creative learning techniques, to arts and crafts lessons and projects, to interactive games and educational play, this programme seeks to enrich the education West African pre-school children receive, primarily by inviting members of the international community to visit our operational Centre in Ghana to engage in bespoke, individually deigned programmes of voluntary knowledge-sharing and training workshops for local educators and/or classes for local children. For individuals or organisations interested in working with Partner West Africa to support this programme, our team will work with you - from the moment you first contact us through to your arrival in Africa - to design and implement a bespoke, personalised itinerary and scope of works which bring out the very best of what you have to offer.
As a team member working on this programme, you will be helping PWA to improve the free educational services offered to all students at the Partner West Africa Centre for vulnerable children and to help achieve the ambitions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: 'Quality Education'. Following the Ghanaian Curriculum wherever possible, and operating under our licence to implement humanitarian and international development services (issued by the Ghanaian Social Welfare Department and audited by our partners the Ghanaian Ministry of Education.)
If you would like more information about this programme, or you would like to discuss the range of skills that you can offer as a volunteer or partner, please contact a member of our team.
In most cases, your suitability to volunteer in any programme is based on a number of criteria:
- Is your application strong, well written, and does it demonstrate the value you could bring to the programme?
- If you are aged 16 or 17, and can get a Letter of Consent' signed by your parents or legal guardians, will the work you will be doing be both safe for you and effective for the people PWA supports? This is established through ongoing conversations and telephone interview between you and our team.
- If you are aged 18 or above, can you provide a Basic Criminal Disclosure demonstrating that you have no spent or outstanding convictions which would prevent you from working with vulnerable people/children?
- As every volunteer placement is individually designed to suit your skills and expertise, and to take account of the priorities of our programmes during the time and duration of your volunteer placement, can we establish that you will be confident and competent in completing the duties assigned to you? This will essentially be decided by Senior PWA Staff Members before your application is 'Accepted in Principle', meaning you will not yet have committed any funds towards flights, visas or other costs before a decision is made.
- Following a telephone or video interview, do we believe that you are a good fit for PWA's projects & team? This will require an assessment of your character, ethical views, and your expectations for your volunteer placement. As a guide, PWA tends to attract volunteers who have a serious interest in their work, are looking to develop their expertise, and can demonstrate cross-cultural understanding, empathy, patience and a good work ethic.
- Are you being realistic about what you can and cannot achieve during your volunteer placement and so are your expectations in-line with the reality of working in a challenging, developing context with few resources available, a challenging climate, and a relatively short period of time?
- Are you able to offer benefits beyond your personal skill set and expertise, such as material resources, raised funds, contacts, or expertise that might assist PWA in a broader sense beyond the limits of your volunteer programme?
If you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility for this programme, please get in contact with a member of our team and we will be happy to provide additional advice and guidance.
'Volunteer West Africa':
As a volunteer-led NGO, which focuses on collaborative partnerships to deliver all of our projects and programmes, international volunteers play a very important role in our work. Through the knowledge and expertise that they share with our team and our local communities, we deliver change from the bottom-up. To facilitate this process effectively, Partner West Africa has a dedicated internal department that manages and coordinates all of our international volunteer placements and programmes. This department is 'Volunteer West Africa' (or 'VWA').
'Volunteer West Africa' allows suitably qualified experienced international volunteers to engage in our programmes in bespoke roles designed just for that individual. Unlike the mainstream volunteering sector, we do not profit from our volunteers financially, but from the knowledge, expertise and motivation they bring to our programmes.
Volunteer West Africa volunteers are, for that reason, fully integrated in to the Partner West Africa team. If you volunteer with us you will sit in on our daily morning project briefings, you will be given a role and responsibilities that will challenge and reward you, you will be part of our decision making processes, and you will have the chance not just to work on the project or programme of your choice but also to play a key role in the operation and daily activities of our NGO.
As a Volunteer West Africa volunteer you will therefore receive a genuine development work experience placement that will help develop your professional skills and increase your experience, whilst delivering valuable and sustainable results, working in a complex, hands-on, development setting.
Be a volunteer, not a voluntourist. Volunteer with Volunteer West Africa today!
Sector-leading Feedback:
Partner West Africa works tirelessly to monitor and improve our effectiveness in relation to the projects we implement and the volunteers who give up their time, energy and money to work on our programmes with us. But you don't have to take our word for it, when looking for clear and honest data about the PWA experience, there's a whole host of ways that you can hear directly from our past volunteers...
We ask every PWA volunteer to complete a detailed de-brief, at the end of their volunteer placement, in which they openly appraise their time with us with a senior member of staff. Any complaints, problems, or recommendations for improvement are used to constantly check and improve the service we offer. However, as the following data demonstrates, our volunteers clearly have very little to complain about! To our knowledge, PWA's internal volunteering department 'Volunteer West Africa' is proud to be the only volunteer-led NGO which has a 100% rating in past volunteer recommendations (see survey data below).
Ways you can hear from past 'Volunteer West Africa' volunteers:
- Many volunteers write our team letters of thank you, stories, or testimonies about their experience with us which we always publish openly and in full for you to read. You will find these on our What Past VWA Volunteers Say Page
- Many volunteers publish thank you's, testimonies and reviews across our various social media sites. Of particular note, 'Volunteer West Africa' currently holds a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from over 50 volunteers who have reviewed us through the Facebook Review Tool
- And many past 'Volunteer West Africa' volunteers are also more than happy to speak with you directly, via telephone, email or Skype, to help you decide whether or not 'Volunteer West Africa' is the right choice for you. Just contact a member of our team and we can put you in-touch with a range of relevant and helpful past Volunteer West Africa volunteers.
- Finally, Volunteer West Africa carries out a formal Volunteer Satisfaction Survey at the close of each year in which every volunteer who joined us throughout that year is asked to provide structured feedback about our performance. In 2015, this survey was designed specifically to address four major concerns, identified by the International Eco-tourism Society, as the 4 most common criticisms which volunteers raised regarding the volunteering organisations they chose. Namely: 1) Poor accommodation, 2) Poor staff, 3) Distrust regarding how the volunteer's money was used, 4) And the sense that the work they/the organisation undertook did not prioritise the needs of the local community.
In addition, as we ask every year, the 'Volunteer West Africa' 2015 Volunteer Satisfaction Survey asked our volunteers to answer the most important question of all... would they recommend us to you?
The 2015 'Volunteer West Africa' Volunteer Satisfaction Survey:
In our 2015 'Volunteer West Africa' Volunteer Satisfaction Survey, all 'Volunteer West Africa' volunteers were asked to 'Agree', 'Disagree' or state as 'Unsure' their positions towards the following five statements (the responses we received are published below each statement):
1.Statement: "The Volunteer West Africa Volunteer Guest House is clean, safe, comfortable and well equipped."
Responses: 100% Agreed.
2.Statement: "Volunteer West Africa staff are friendly, hard-working and welcoming"
Responses: 97% Agreed and 3% were Unsure.
3.Statement: "All money you paid or donated to Partner West Africa was clearly spent ethically & effectively."
Responses: 93% Agreed and 7% were Unsure.
4.Statement: "PWA's highest priority is the children, families & communities that it supports."
Responses: 97% Agreed and 3% were Unsure.
5.Statement: "You would recommend PWA's volunteering department; Volunteer West Africa to a friend."
Responses: 100% Agreed.
So you really don't just have to take our word for it... Volunteer West Africa volunteers tell us that VWA provides a fantastic service to all of the fantastic volunteers who join our team each year!
Hear From a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Annabel: 'Would you recommend VWA?'
"PWA is a charity that works closely with the volunteer to put together a programme that suits the needs of the volunteers themselves as well as meeting the aims of the charity. Through planning meetings to decide on a detailed itinerary for the time you're spending with them, volunteers can experience all Ghana has to offer. As a college student, I was recommended to [PWA's volunteering department] Volunteer West Africa through my teaching staff... I can honestly say that VWA have met and surpassed all my expectations!
My group's personalised itinerary included day trips to the Kakum National park to go on the canopy walks across sections of Ghana's remaining rainforest and learning about the ecological diversity the land has to show. Cape Coast castle was another of the tourist trips we took where we learnt about Ghana's historic slave trade. On the other hand, we took a trip to Opeikuma where we meet the 'Achampi' (the deputy chief) who then later showed us around his village. When there, we visited St Peters school and donated clothes and equipment for the Special Educational Needs children who really would have benefitted from our donations. And one of the most rewarding experiences was handing out clothes at a Children's hospital in Accra; being able to see the parents as well as the children's faces when we gave them clothes was just so special. As I'm training to be a teacher, I spent time working in the daycare & nursery funded by VWA. It was amazing to see how the charity has made such a positive impact on the community by educating some of the local children. From enjoying Ghana to the hard work we did as volunteers, VWA were excellent partners!
The accommodation provided at VWA is what you would expect of a UK Guesthouse but in 36 degree heat. The fans will keep you cool and the fresh water will keep you clean but after a hard day's work or a trip out in to the local communities you will soon realise the absolute luxury you're living in. VWA have a Land Rover called "Llily" used to take you to and from development projects as well as to local areas eg Bars, Markets and the airport. The team ensures the highest of safety with travelling to and from destinations. For larger volunteer groups like mine, we would use Lilly as well as an air conditioned minibus or a couple of taxis. The taxies are checked for seatbelts as this isn't law in Ghana... this is the care and attention the VWA team pay.
Meals at the guest house are hand prepared by the staff who take care to ensure a very high standard when making African as well as western dishes. These dishes are checked against your dietary requirements but due to the culture of Ghana, many dishes are vegetarian. They are full of fresh local produce eg fruit for breakfast and vegetables in the dinners as well as salads at lunches. The staff try their hardest to show the most of the food Ghana has to offer.
Before coming to Ghana, I may have not chosen to work with VWA if I was planning my own trip as I would have thought I was too busy to to enjoy the country and relax in my surroundings but I would have missed a valuable opportunity. I wouldn't have seen 90% of what I have experienced and I wouldn't have seen things that will adapt how I will live my life when I get home.
I cannot recommend Volunteer West Africa enough and I am so thankful to the whole team!"
Best Practice Development Approaches:
VWA works within best-practice international development approaches to deliver projects and programmes in a manner which promotes local ownership, a local sense of achievement and local accountability. Most VWA volunteer programmes are therefore designed to share your knowledge, practical approaches or material resources, through educational or training based approaches, in a way which will help local people to improve their own circumstances.
Our project management team works primarily to deliver services to the children and families associated with our Daycare and Nursery Centre for vulnerable
children
. But we also work closely with many local communities, schools, children's homes, orphanages (please note: we do not place volunteers in to orphanages due to current best practice ethical volunteering principles)
, government
departments, and other NGOs in order to identify children and families who might also benefit from PWA's services.
As well as spending time working within our Daycare & Nursery Centre for vulnerable children
, exactly which of our other projects and partners you might work with, and subsequently
which children or families will benefit from your work, will be determined by the scope of works we agree with you, how long your placement is, and the placement design process our team will go through with you during your application
.
As an example, if you are volunteering to help VWA improve food preparation and hygiene approaches for local parents, then you might assist our Daycare & Nursery Centre's staff to improve food preparation at the Centre somedays but also you might be part of a team delivering educational workshops and events to parents or local schools on other days. Or, if you are working with VWA to help support child rights, then you might be part of a team working with high-priority children at the VWA Daycare & Nursery Centre for part of your placement and then visiting parents or community leaders to raise awareness through knowledge sharing workshops about child right's issues during other parts of your placement.
So if you are serious about delivering real and ethical change to the children and families of West Africa, then the VWA volunteering model will empower you to make the very most of the time, energy and expertise that you have to offer.
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Clare: 'On VWA's Pre-departure Support'
"Volunteer West Africa provide a significant amount of support prior to the trip commencing including tailoring an itinerary to suit the volunteers, fundraising support and guidance, comprehensive information for parents and volunteers, as well as assisting with information evenings wherever possible.
This support is underpinned by regular and effective communication to assist volunteers in preparing for their trip and ensuring it is fully organised and runs smoothly. Support and assistance from VWA is essential in ensuring a valuable experience for the volunteers; the trip begins the moment they sign up and their support throughout is critical to its success.
I have been really impressed by the level of support provided in ensuring our trip was successful. Sandy - VWA Director - has been a huge source of help, advice and encouragement to me. This has included aspects such as fundraising tips to packing advice and working thoughtfully with them to create an itinerary which reflects the aims, and caters for the needs of each volunteer. As a member of staff I felt secure in the knowledge that the trip had been carefully planned and Sandy brought much experience and attention to detail to the preparations and genuinely cared about the volunteer experience. Sandy readily supported in fundraising which encouraged and motivated me to reach our target, and listened to all my concerns and worries about what to expect in country, providing informed answers to their many questions and calming their anxieties. Her in-country knowledge and warm nature is pivotal in ensuring minds are put at ease with regards to any concerns and she takes time to ensure that the trip is truly ready prior to arrival in Ghana.
Sandy and VWA understand the complexities of running such a placement and work extremely hard to ensure that all information and paperwork is in place such as detailed risk assessments, itineraries and general guidance documents. The support received has been comprehensive and it has been a pleasure to work with the team to provide such a valuable, beneficial and fun experience! The pre departure experience was excellent - thank you!"
Fundraising as a Volunteer:
Many volunteers ask if they are able to raise funds or bring with them materials and resources to donate to the children and families we support. In most cases, however, we will work with you, during your application process, to determine if there are any useful items or resources you can bring with you that will directly improve the impact of your work or the outcomes of this programme. It might be that the programme already has a live fund raising appeal which you can help promote, or we might work with you, along with any other volunteers engaged on the programme, to identify resources that are unique to the work you will be doing during your time with us.
In some cases it is better to raise funds in order to buy the required materials or resources here in Ghana, if they are available, in order to support the local economy and simplify your luggage arrangements! But in other cases there are items that are not possible to purchase in Ghana which can be very valuable to our projects if brought with you in your luggage. In either case, we will advise you accordingly and support you however we can.
For a useful document which you can view, download, share and print, which describes all the ways you can support PWA - whether that be through fundraising, collecting up donated clothes and items for our children, or simply helping publicise our activities - please click here to view our Support Brief PDF.
Please be aware though, you are under no obligation to raise funds or materials to bring with you. Your skills, energy and expertise is more than enough!
Purpose-built Volunteer Accomodation:
You will be staying with PWA staff and your fellow volunteers at the Volunteer West Africa Guest House: a purpose built, high-quality volunteer accommodation and office facility sitting within the attractive PWA walled compound and gardens and located in a quiet and undeveloped part of Kokrobite village in Ghana. The guest house is a one minute walk from the beautiful Kokrobite beach and the garden is full of flowers and tropical plants (perfect for relaxing quietly and talking through the day).
The VWA volunteer guest house, and the staff and team who live there, are consistently described by Past VWA Volunteers as being an absolute highlight of their experience in Ghana. The house is clean, well-equipped, well-run and has a fantastic and fun atmosphere year round.
The VWA Volunteer Guest House:
The bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with between 2 and 6 volunteers sharing each room. Rooms are nominated usually as gender specific. The beds are single-width bunk beds with good quality bedding, mattresses and mosquito netting provided.
The house bathrooms and en-suites have sinks, toilets, and showers that are fed by a large water storage tank on-site. There is a fully functioning kitchen, office area, and an outdoor dinning/meeting area.
Things to consider:
Water - Water is extremely precious! Water from the tap system at the guest house is tanked water which is transported by lorry from a local bore hole. This is a privilege: the majority of West African families have to fetch water from a well, using a bucket, each day. Volunteers and staff preserve water at every opportunity. There is, unsurprisingly given the climate, no hot water at the guest house.
Linen & Laundry - Bed linen is provided and will be laundered by VWA staff on a regular basis. Volunteers should bring their own towels and a very light sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner (for weekend excursions etc). You will be responsible for washing your own clothes and towels but, as laundry is undertaken in the typical local fashion by hand, VWA guest house staff are on-hand to give you some useful tips and pointers.
Electricity - The electricity sockets in Ghana are UK-style 230v 50hz standard 13amp 3-pin. The electricity supply can be unreliable, but is improving, and the guest house back-up generator is used only at certain times so as to conserve fuel. This requires that, as power can go off unexpectedly, you should charge mobile phones whenever possible and keep a torch handy. Because of surges in the national grid, you should also avoid charging any expensive or highly sensitive electrical equipment.
Internet - The guest house does have a limited over-air internet connection, and a 3G connection is available on your handset from most telephone networks, but the connection in Kokrobite can be a little slow. You can travel to internet cafes where the service is much better but, on a day-to-day basis, access is limited to basic email and social networking activities. Although you can buy a portable 3G dongle to plug in to your laptop, for around £10, which will give you your own dedicated personal internet connection!
Mobile Telephones, Tablets & Laptops - Mobile telephones are owned by most Ghanaians and phone calls are cheap and usually the connection is very reliable. Please bring a simple and robust 'network unlocked' mobile phone with you as you can buy a local SIM card and credit very cheaply. Laptops and tablets can be useful in the completion of your work but are brought at your own risk.
On-site Assistance - The house employs a Care Taker, Cook and House Manager who clean, maintain, and coordinate the house and grounds and prepare meals. They will always be happy to assist you however they can.
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Annabel: 'On VWA's Staff & Accommodation'
"The accommodation provided at VWA is what you would expect of a UK Guesthouse but in 36 degree heat! The fans will keep you cool and the fresh water will keep you clean but after a hard day's work in the community you will soon appreciate the utter luxury you're living in.
Meals at the guest house are hand prepared by the staff who take care to ensure a very high standard when making African as well as western dishes. These dishes are checked against your dietary requirements but due to the culture of Ghana, many dishes are vegetarian. They are full of fresh local produce e.g. fruit for breakfast and vegetables in the dinners as well as salads at lunches. The staff show the most of the food Ghana has to offer.
Before coming to Ghana, I may have not chosen to work with VWA if I was planning my own trip as I would have thought I was too busy to to enjoy the country and relax in my surroundings but I would have missed a valuable opportunity. I wouldn't have received 90% of what I have through other organisations and I will adapt how I will live my life when I get home as a result.
I cannot recommend VWA enough and I am so thankful to the whole team!"
Our Home in Africa:
If you apply for this programme, you will be living and working alongside local and international PWA staff and volunteers at the PWA compound in the village of Kokrobite, Ghana. Our Daycare and Nursery for Vulnerable Children is also located within this compound, along with our offices, staff accommodation and, of course, our beautiful volunteer guest house.
Kokrobite is a fishing village, located about 20 km (15 m) west of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Kokrobite is known across West Africa for the diverse and popular range of beach bars and restaurants which come alive during holidays and at weekends to create one of West Africa's 'must-experience' music and dance destinations. Located on on a stretch of golden sandy beach, Kokrobite has a sleepy, creative and unique character which attracts visitors from across West Africa and beyond. As a VWA volunteer, you are encouraged to make the most of your time in Kokrobite and to experience the full array of local entertainment, food and culture.
Kokrobite in Pictures:
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As well as living and working within Kokrobite, PWA works with a number of other local communities that are usually no further than 10 km (6 m) from the VWA compound. Depending on the duties and responsibilities of your individual volunteer placement, your time will usually be split between working within the PWA compound, working within Kokrobite village, and/or travelling with PWA team members and other volunteers to work within the other local communities which PWA supports.
At times you may also be required to travel in to the capital city, Accra, or to other communities or locations as required to complete your duties effectively.
Safety & Security:
Although Ghana has been officially ranked as one of the freest, fairest and safest countries in Africa, Volunteer West Africa takes the safety and security of its staff, partners and volunteers very seriously. The risk assessment of our premises, the local context and our programmes and projects is over-seen by senior staff who are certified in security management for NGOs. All VWA safety and security policies and procedures are also overseen by a qualified and experienced VWA Operational Director who lives and works in Ghana on a permanent basis. To date, no VWA volunteer has been the victim of any serious crime, injury or loss during their volunteer placement.
All VWA volunteers will receive safety and security information prior to arriving in Africa as well as a comprehensive safety and security induction when they arrive at the VWA compound.
The VWA team are happy to discuss all aspects of safety and security with you before you apply. We also recommend that you speak with your Foreign Office (or equivalent) to take any advice or guidance regarding your travel to Ghana.
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Teresa: 'On VWA Safety and Security'
"There is a good feeling of safety and security within the Volunteer West Africa volunteer house and also in the local Ghanaian communities as a whole.
During preparation for the trip, many discussions take place between VWA and all those involved with the trip. Safety plays a large part in the organisation of the trip and this includes a suitable itinerary, a range of advice on fine detail such as appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, and a comprehensive safety induction talk is given on arrival (and covers, safety, hygiene, fire evacuation procedures and the use of electrical equipment, security and even environmental issues such as water usage).
The VWA volunteer guest house is situated in a gated, secure complex and has a strong feeling of security, with security staff and four barking dogs to deter unwanted visitors. Windows are barred and mosquito nets are in place on each window for protection against mosquitos. This is particularly necessary during the rainy season from July and later in the year. In addition, rooms are regularly sprayed with mosquito repellent and mosquito nets are hung over each bed.
A key for each bedroom is kept in a coded security box which must be used each time the room is left empty. Secure lockers are available in bedrooms for additional security of personal items.
When visiting local areas, such as the beach or local shops, at least one member of VWA staff accompany the group if requested or required. Swimming in the sea would not be advisable for unconfident swimmers at certain times, the current can be strong, so plenty of information with regard to sea conditions is provided.
"Lilly" the VWA Land Rover used to transport the group to areas outside the local area is very well-equipped, and serviced and maintained regularly to ensure it is roadworthy to an acceptable standard. When using local taxi's VWA provide plenty of advice to help volunteers ensure the vehicles are of a good standard and safe.
During my time at VWA we have been looked after very well, and felt safe and secure at all times, whilst staying in the house and visiting Ghana."
Getting to see Ghana:
Absolutely, yes! As long as you have completed your duties & responsibilities, the many joys of Ghana await:
The famous Big Milly's Backyard, a back-packer style beach bar and resort and a local hang out for volunteers from all over West Africa, is located within walking distance of the VWA guest house. VWA volunteers regularly visit Big Milly's to enjoy the great food, African dance performances, and the opportunity to unwind and meet like-minded travellers over a cold beer or cocktail at the bar.
Next door to Big Millys is Bahdoosh, a beer bar, hostel and restaurant and across the street is Kokrobite Garden (an Italian restaurant with great pizza!). Kokrobite Garden, in particular, is a favourite with VWA team members as the delicious menu is served in a beautiful and peaceful tropical garden by friendly staff. A perfect place to unwind after a tough day.
Kokrobite is a traditional fishing community but the beach is often 'borrowed' by visitors from all over Ghana including families enjoying the weekend or groups of friends who have come to eat, drink and enjoy each other's company.
It is simple and relatively cheap to travel from Kokrobite to the capital City, Accra or to closer towns or areas where you can find internet cafes, Shopping Malls, ATMs, restaurants and bars, and supermarkets that sell most western goods. In Accra you can wonder the bustling traditional markets, visit the theatres, national monuments and museums, or simply sit and people watch.
For travel and sightseeing that is further afield it is possible - if you have a free day or two - to travel to: the Cape Coast Castle (historically one of Africa's most prolific slave-trading sites which now offers insightful historic tours); the Volta Region (a breathtaking collection of lakes and wetlands - including Lake Volta; the worlds largest artificial lake by surface area - with tours and activities a plenty!); or Kumasi (Ghana's second city and a rich and vibrant centre for traditional Ashanti and West African tribal culture).
Fitting In:
Ghana is an ethnically diverse country with a mixture of traditional and contemporary cuisine, arts, dialects and clothing. From traditional spicy 'Red Red' bean stew to a wood smoked Four Seasons pizza and from traditional hand woven Kente Cloth robes to the latest football shirts, old meets new and all are welcome.
Ghanaians pride themselves on being friendly and welcoming and they are renowned throughout Africa for being one of the warmest and most engaging of all African peoples. In most cases, the music is loud, the welcome is warm, and the community and extended family are at the centre of most social structures.
Ghana is a religious country. Traditional beliefs, Christian ideologies and Muslim values combine with some evangelistic views to create a unique mix of churches and places of worship. Almost all Ghanians do believe in a god and do integrate their faith in to their daily life. The major religion is Christianity.
Many Ghanaians celebrate their religion on a Sunday by attending church and meeting and visiting friends, family and neighbors. Volunteers, visitors or people of different faiths are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Sherrie: 'On Local Culture'
"Having stayed in Ghana for a short amount of time (I definitely advice you stay for as long as possible!), I learnt very quickly from VWA that with any culture, in any country, there are rules of etiquette which it is courteous and respectful to follow.
Before arriving, I was lucky to have been given an insight of what it would be like and what to expect from the VWA team and then again on arrival by a senior VWA staff member, and then continuous tips and advice were provided by the rest of the Volunteer West Africa team throughout my stay.
The culture differs from the UK greatly in how Ghana has the reputation as one of the friendliest countries within West Africa and there is a justified reason for that. Greetings in Ghana are much more structured and important and this is especially so in smaller towns and villages. The elderly people are treated with much more respect. It is also considered rude to ask questions, such as 'Where is the rest room?', without first exchanging a greeting. It is considered polite to say 'hello' to anyone you may pass along the way. It's also customary to visit the chief of any village where you intend to stay or sight-see, which we did many times with VWA. Whereas in the UK, people tend not to communicate or even to avoid one-another!
One thing I noticed is that in Ghana, time is not a strict concept as where in the UK, people are constantly evolving around time and I can see that this is a reason which contributes to the friendlier atmosphere seen in Ghana because people take the time to enjoy life, spend time with friends and family, and visit places.
One thing I expected - but not quite as much as I received - was the reaction of young children... smiling, waving, shouting 'Obruni' (which is a warm greeting for a white person) and them touching my skin with great curiosity.
I could only advise people visiting for the first time to take things light-heartedly and to laugh and smile at situations which you might consider a bit absurd and when being asked questions, to always greet someone and ask how they are and once they have answered and returned the greeting, you can then ask them a question, a favour, begin bargaining or enquire about the price of something.
Greetings are the first and foremost single part of etiquette to learn in Ghana, especially for someone like myself who might not have found it intuitive to greet their waiter/waitress before asking something.
First time visitors and those with white skin may be surprised at the amount of attention they attract which ranges from every passing taxi in Accra beeping their horn at you to mobs of children waving exuberantly.
Ghana is an incredibly welcoming country and although you may encounter people who treat Westerners like a walking ATM, they are the exception, definately not the rule."
Looking After Your Health:
It is important that you consult your GP or medical practitioner prior to making your application to Volunteer West Africa. If you suffer from any health conditions they can offer you advice on whether or not a volunteer placement may cause you any specific difficulties. It is also important that VWA is made aware of any special health related requirements or potential risks that are unique to you (this will be covered during your application process) so as we can manage any resulting issues appropriately.
Things to consider:
Immunisations - Your GP or medical practitioner will offer you advice on what immunisations or inoculations you need before you travel. Their advice will be based on your medical history, the locations you are traveling to, and your duration of stay. However, it is critical that you have a valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate or you will be refused entry in to Ghana.
Malaria - Malaria is a problem throughout Africa and without correctly following a course of anti-malaria treatments before, during and after your travel there is a chance that you will contract Malaria. Consult your GP or medical practitioner on what treatment will be best for you and ensure you follow the course correctly.
Diarrhoea - For volunteers who have not travelled to tropical locations before the chances of experiencing bouts of diarrhoea are increased as your body will not have had the chance to build up its defenses against tropical bacteria. Please ensure you pack some diarrhoea treatment, that you wash your hands before preparing food or eating, and that you drink only clean drinking water (provided by VWA during your volunteer placement).
First Aid & Injuries - Volunteer West Africa has a First Aid Station at its guest house as well as staff trained in basic first aid. There is a community health clinic a few minutes walk from the VWA guest house which can deal with most minor ailments and injuries and there is a fully equipped private hospital, which is approximately a 30 minute drive from the VWA guest house, which can deal with most emergencies and serious injuries. Health care is not free in Ghana so all volunteers must take out suitable travel insurance prior to travel. Volunteer West Africa will provide guidance on first aid procedures when you arrive for your placement.
Bites and Beasties - All volunteers need to be sensible and take responsibility for protecting themselves from insect and animal bites/stings. Because the Volunteer West Africa guest house is situated by the coast the sea breeze means the mosquito population is not as concentrated as it is further in-land. However, volunteers should use a mosquito repellent when out and about at dusk and dawn (when mosquitos are most active). Consult your GP or medical practitioner for advice on the best mosquito repellent for you. Volunteer West Africa will provide you with training and advice regarding these issues prior to and when you arrive for your volunteer placement.
Drinking Water - It is important that you drink only clean sealed water (provided by VWA during your placement) while you are in Africa. Clean, safe water is available to purchase almost everywhere you travel within Ghana. It is important to stay hydrated, even if you do not feel thirsty, as the tropical climate can dehydrate the body quite quickly.
Communication:
As with many ex-colonies in Africa, the official language of Ghana is English.
However, there are a number of regional dialects and nine languages have the status of government-sponsored languages:
Akan, Ewe, Dagomba (Dagbani), Dangme, Dagaare, Ga, Nzema, Gonja, and Kasem. Akan has two literary dialects, Twi and Fante.
The region that the Volunteer West Africa guest house is located is a region that speaks Ga and Twi. However, most people do speak English so, if English is your first language, communication will be relatively straight forward for you. You are encouraged to try and learn some basic Ga or Twi before you travel to Ghana, to demonstrate an interest and to be polite and respectful to the local people, but VWA will provide you with information on key phrases and expressions that will make your communication more effective throughout your stay.
Food & Diet:
Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the VWA guest house and volunteers can buy or prepare their own lunch.
The guest house provides a set menu which combines local Ghanian dishes with continental dishes. Local food is simple, often spicy and consists mainly of fresh fruit, bread, eggs, and root vegetables or starchy sour doughs served with rice, stews, or soup. Fish, chicken and goat meat dishes are widely available locally but are not regularly served at the VWA guest house. Continental foods, such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches, potato chips, and sweet snacks, are widely available in Ghana. Dairy products, like cheese and fresh milk, are available locally but are expensive.
Safe drinking water, tea and coffee are supplied throughout your stay by Volunteer West Africa and are served with powdered milk. In Ghana, clean drinking water is usually supplied in small plastic sealed bags which you bite the corner off to drink from. Perfecting the method takes a little practice but the water is perfectly safe, widely available and very low cost (about £0.05p per 500ml). The plastic bags can easily be recycled afterwards which heavily reduces the environmental burden on the region.
The guest house has a cook who will prepare dinner each day - apart from Sundays which is 'Feed yourself Day' when the volunteers take turns to cook! - but you are free to buy and prepare your own meals at anytime if you prefer. Depending on the number of volunteers at the time, you may be asked to assist in preparing for meal times or cleaning up afterwards. There are also plenty of opportunities for a group night out at one of the many local restaurants or 'chop bars'.
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Annie: 'On Food... nom nom nom'
"Volunteer West Africa provides two meals a day plus plenty of snacks and water for day trips. For breakfast, we received a range of cereals, fruits and spreads. An important part of experiencing a new culture is eating the cuisine. We were able to try traditional Ghanaian foods both in and out of the VWA guest house. The VWA menu included yam and garden egg stew, chicken and Jollof rice, and eto with salad as well as Western dishes like spaghetti bolognese, and macaroni cheese. A particular favourite of mine was plantain and bean sauce. Plantain is like a savoury banana. It is also made into crisps which were a perfect snack for when we were travelling!
Mary and Sarah, the VWA cooks, cooked our meals at the volunteer guest house. Their cooking was so delicious, so much so, many of us would regularly go back for seconds. They catered for everyone's needs. For example, they provided meat options and vegetarian options, and they adapted the recipes for those who had allergies or didn't like a certain ingredient. Some nights we also had dessert. Matt, VWA's Director, prepared baked pineapple in cinnamon with ice cream which was heavenly! Also, during some of the evenings, we explored the local area which included beach bars and restaurants like Big Millie's and Dizzy Lizzie's. They provided a range of Ghanaian and Western dishes and they served refreshing drinks like fresh fruit juices and coconut milk
Furthermore, in Ghana you are never far from food. Along the streets, there are lots of stalls selling various snacks and meats in particular. However, during our stay we had to be careful about consuming new foods because we couldn't ensure that these foods were cooked sanitarily. Likewise, we had to take a similar approach to the Ghanaian food markets. These are sectioned into different food types. So, you would see multiple stalls of tomatoes followed by endless bags of spices - I love that you are constantly exposed to an array of colours and smells across the markets."
Weather & Climate:
Ghana is located close to the equator in the centre of the tropics. Between 26 and 32 degrees centigrade is the norm year round although it often feels much hotter due to the humidity.
The VWA guest house has ceiling fans in all of the bedrooms.
There is some seasonal variation in Ghana but the seasons are relatively minimal in temprature (a few degrees between winter and summer, for example). There is the dryer season from November to March, when the weather is less humid, the skies are clearer, the sun is hotter, and the wind of the Harmattan (the wind drawn down from the Sahara desert which contain dry dust and sand) takes effect. There are wetter seasons around April, June and August/September, where the skies are more cloudy, the air feel sthicker, and sudden, heavy down-pours, that pass quite quickly, are common-place.
Whatever time of year you come, you will to be prepared to be sweaty during the day, especially when you are active. You can experience a nice breeze sitting out in the guest house garden or relaxing in the shade but, when you are out and about, being sweaty is nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. The locals sweat just as much as you will!
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Kerrie: 'On the Climate & Weather in Ghana'
"Travelling from England, I had established that the climate here in Ghana is different but very beautiful. Ghana is in close proximity to the equator, therefore giving the country a typical tropical climate. Due to the combination of little rainfall and high temperatures, the ground can be dry and dusty too. For the duration of my stay, the daytime temperature fluctuated around 30 degrees but temperatures during the night dropped by a few degrees. Despite this, the temperature is reasonably consistent throughout the year.
Coming from a country with a varied but often cold climate, a little time to acclimatise was expected, although I personally found that adapting to the temperature was a quick process, especially with the helpful facilities provided by Volunteer West Africa. For example, in each room there was at least one fan and all vehicles used for travelling were well equipped with air conditioning. In addition to this, the location of the Volunteer West Africa accommodation is a 5 minute walk from the beach, which also supplies a cool and light windy breeze.
I visited Ghana during the summer season, also known as the dry season, where mosquitos tend to be in high numbers, although this is a problem that I did not encounter due to VWA's stringent precautions: All bedrooms at the VWA guest house have well-fitted and large mosquito nets which enabled trouble-free sleeps. Mosquito repellent is also highly recommended for the Ghanaian climate but as previously mentioned, mosquitos were not a major problem despite it being summer in Ghana. As expected, temperatures are slightly hotter during the dry season but the staff at VWA always ensured there was an infinite amount of safe, cool drinking water; likewise, there was plenty of opportunities to keep hydrated in the climate when out and about.
Overall, the climate in Ghana is very warm but at the same time, it is breath-taking. There are times whereby it can feel particularly hot but acclimatising will help, similarly the facilities provided at VWA are exceptionally great when adapting to the climate too."
Not-For-Profit:
Unlike volunteer agencies or gap year travel organisations, VWA is a fully operational and legally registered not-for-profit charity. We do not take a cut or commission from any of the money that volunteers pay or donate.
Your volunteer project work with VWA is free. However, you must pay a Reservation Fee, to cover the cost of reserving your place and processing your application, and a Food and Accommodation Fee, to ensure that the money and resources donated to VWA for charitable use are not diverted to pay for the cost of hosting and supporting you during your volunteer placement.
These fees are as follows:
Placement Duration | Total Cost |
2 weeks | £500.00 |
3 weeks | £650.00 |
4 weeks | £750.00 |
5 weeks | £850.00 |
6 weeks | £900.00 |
8 weeks | £1,000.00 |
12 weeks | £1,500.00 |
26 weeks | £2,000.00 |
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Sarah: 'On VWA's Value for Money'
"The cost of the main programme (in my case £250); which includes an educational excursion, transport for work purposes and food/accommodation is excellent value for money at Volunteer West Africa! The all encompassing way in which this is funded, eases the day to day schedule as minimises the amount of cash exchanging hands. This allows for a greater focus on the day to day activities and work rather than needing to worry about carrying sums of cash or keeping track of expenditure.
I also fund-raised to sponsor a child at the VWA Daycare & Nursery Centre, for £350 for one year, which is clearly an important part of your opportunity as a volunteer given the nature of the programmes VWA runs and the fact that it is such a reasonable sum to provide a child with all the excellent services that VWA provides.... it would also be interesting to know the plans and costs for short/long term projects within the nursery. But that said, what is abundantly clear, is that the donations, both monetary and resources, go directly to those in need, which is clearly one of the biggest values VWA offers.
All in all, when you consider the additions of the flight, visa/vaccinations and spending money, the total cost of the package is excellent. VWA provides a very good alternative to other volunteer programmes, who, often ask for significantly greater sums and offer a less individually tailored programme and personal service. The education and experience the programme as a whole provides to both the volunteers and recipients of the funding is without question excellent value for money."
Planning your Spending Money:
In addition, there are a number of other costs you will need to consider and plan-for before deciding to make your volunteer application. These include:
- Immunisations and inoculations - Costs will vary based on your medical history;
- Entry Visa in to Ghana - Approximately £60 GBP (placements longer than 2 months but shorter than 3 months will require a visa extension - costing c. £10 GBP - this is required even if you have a 3 month visa as visas are validated for 60 days at immigration on arrival; placements longer than 3 months will require Ghanaian Work Permits & Non-Citizen ID Cards - issued in Ghana - costing c. £350 GBP);
- Malaria prevention medicine for the duration of your placement - Costs will vary;
- Your flight, or travel, to/from Ghana - Costs will vary depending on your location, airline, and the season;
- Travel Insurance - Costs will vary based on the level of cover;
- Security/Criminal background check - Approximately £20 GBP (in the UK);
- Spending money: You will need to fund your lunch on a daily basis, any snacks or soft drinks, any daily transportation, and any socialising you do in your spare time. Volunteer West Africa recommends a maximum of around £3 GBP per day.
What is Included in the Fees you Pay:
While volunteering with VWA, your placement is technically free, although we do expect you to cover the cost to our charity of your food & accomodation (this is so as our donors & supporters are not expected to pay for maintaining the volunteer guest house). However, you will still have access to one of the volunteering sector's leading volunteer support packages. This will include:
- A detailed volunteer application process through which we will check your suitability to work with VWA and through which we will work with you to design a unique volunteer placement that best suits your individual skills and interests;
- After your application is accepted, you will have access to an online introduction pack that will outline important information regarding planning your visit and volunteer placement, health, security, safety, and how you can generally best prepare for your experience;
- Collection by a senior Volunteer West Africa team member from the airport, or your local hotel, when you arrive in Africa to begin your placement;
- Healthy and hygienic African or Continental breakfast and dinner for the duration of your volunteer placement;
- Secure, clean and comfortable accommodation, alongside other PWA staff and volunteers, at the VWA guest house in Kokrobite, for the duration of your volunteer placement;
- 3 to 5 days of structured induction and orientation from the Volunteer Manager and/or other senior team members. To include, where appropriate: an introduction to the organisation and other team members; a tour of the local community and essential amenities; cultural and safety related training; an opportunity to adjust to the context and climate before your begin your work; a general question and answer session to cover any concerns or queries you might have; and a follow up review after your first week in Africa;
- Wherever possible, a one-to-one hand over with a volunteer who is or has worked on this programme;
- 24-hour a day access to senior Volunteer West Africa team members and 24-hour a day 'live-in' support from a VWA Volunteer and Project Manager;
- Regular team briefings, progress meetings, and information updates during your stay;
- An end of placement debrief and assessment of your experience;
- If requested, once you have returned home, one of our team will also contact you to see how you are adjusting and if we can offer you any further support.
Please note: the fees you pay to VWA are for food & accommodation at the VWA guest house only. While we strongly encourage you to explore Ghana and enjoy your recreational time, any social activities, evenings out, weekend travel or excursions are NOT included in our pricing and must be met by you in full.
Transparency: Example of Average Monthly Guest House, Office & Volunteer Support Costs:
So as to provide complete transparency to our volunteers, please find here a document outlining the average monthly PWA expenditure to fund our guest house, office and volunteer services. Please Note: This document does NOT include for PWA project & programmes costs, and therefore provides an accurate monthly average of the costs your fees as a volunteer contribute towards.
What our Volunteers Say About PWA's Value For Money:
VWA Volunteer Sarah: 'On VWA Value for Money'
"VWA provides a very good alternative to other volunteer programmes, who, often ask for significantly greater sums and offer a less individually tailored programme and personal service. The education and experience the programme as a whole provides to both the volunteers and recipients of the funding is without question excellent value for money."
Best-practice Ethical Volunteering:
Volunteer West Africa is a department of Partner West Africa: a non-ideological, grass-roots, not-for-profit, volunteer-led charity (or non-governmental organisation/NGO), with a headquarters in the UK and an operational base in Ghana.
VWA is a proud member of the leading international network of organisations and charities working to reduce harm done to vulnerable children through irresponsible or poorly planned volunteering projects: the
'Better Volunteering, Better Care' Network'.
Our small team of passionate humanitarian professionals design and implement ethical and sustainable development projects that support and protect vulnerable West African children and which fully comply and compliment the aims and objectives of the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2015; the ethical framework agreed by the international community to guide all best-practice international development work until the year 2030.
We live and work year round in the communities we serve. We are not a commercial volunteering agency, we do not profit financially from the volunteers who join our team, and our volunteering projects & programmes offer serious, challenging and ethical opportunities to engage in entry-level development work.
Whether you are a gap-year traveller exploring an alternative career path, an under-graduate student seeking structured work experience in your chosen specialist field, or an experienced professional seeking to share your expertise to achieve serious and high-impact aims & objectives; Volunteer West Africa can offer you a broad range of exciting and unique volunteering opportunities that all have one thing in common: they genuinely address the complex needs of the children, families, and communities that they are designed to assist.
The volunteering, or 'voluntourism', sector has become a $multi-million industry which in recent years has become the subject of much controversy and skepticism. From commercial volunteer packages which divert funds away from the the local communities they are supposed to be supporting, to ineffective projects designed with little understanding of the complexities of international development or the context in question, there are many reasons to be cautious when considering which volunteering organisation to join, or even whether you should volunteer abroad at all (for an excellent discussion of these issues and an explanation as to why PWA's approach is considered the leading ethical alternative to the mainstream international volunteering sector,
please see the following article by the respected think tank 'Responsbile Volunteering').
Before you commit your time, money or energy to any volunteering organisation, remember that you have a responsibility to ensure that you have thoroughly researched and assessed the issues and options [to learn more about the issues surrounding poor volunteering practice please read VWA's guide;
'Be a Volunteer, not a Voluntourist' and for an independent guide that demonstrates VWA's programmes meet ethical benchmarks please read the Tourism Concern sponsored brochure
'Choosing an Ethical Volunteering Organisation'. Poorly planned or managed volunteer organisations and projects can often do more harm than good, so if you are serious about volunteering to help others, the organisation you choose will be as important as the work you undertake!
So if you are considering volunteering, particularly in Africa or West Africa, then please take just a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the exciting and best-practice opportunities and knowledge sharing approaches that VWA is proud to offer as a leading ethical voice in the international volunteering community.
Making the Right Choice When Considering Volunteering:
There are many reasons that people choose to offer their time and expertise as a volunteer. For some, volunteering is simply a way of helping those in need. For others, volunteering is a way to travel the world or develop professional or academic experience whilst also doing something rewarding. But there is one key principle of VWA which often determines whether a volunteer will join our organisation or not: VWA is primarily a place for volunteers to secure well structured, NGO and development work experience. For volunteers interested in generic volunteer packages, with a greater focus on travel & entertainment, there are a number of alternative organisations to chose from. But if you are looking for relevant, rewarding, practical experience working in a development setting, VWA is difficult to beat.
However, ensuring that you also find the highest level of enjoyment in your experience is one of the greatest ways for Volunteer West Africa to deliver long-term positive change. If your experience with VWA is a good one, we are certain that when you finish your volunteer placement with us you will still continue to benefit the communities and people that we serve...
From inspiring others by sharing your stories and experiences of the people and projects you have worked on; to sustaining long-term relationships with the members of the community your volunteering placement has introduced you to; to acting as an ambassador or fundraiser for the aims and objectives of vulnerable people in future, if you find great reward in your experience with us then we hope we will have found an ally for life in you. For that reason, we take our responsibility towards your experience with us very seriously.
Your volunteer placement with Volunteer West Africa can be the beginning of a life time of travel, experience, learning, cultural awareness, philanthropy, or professional international development work. But an understanding of the many different peoples, cultures and complexities that define international development is the key to delivering any and all positive change. And your placement with VWA can provide you with genuine and hands-on experience of working in your chosen technical discipline in a challenging, developing context.
To read what past VWA volunteers say about their experience with VWA, please view our What Past VWA Volunteers Say Page.
Hear from a Volunteer:
VWA Volunteer Ellen: 'On VWA's Safety and Security'
"When our group of volunteers arrived at the VWA guesthouse we were greeted by the staff who were very welcoming and seemed pleased to meet us despite the fact it was ridiculously early in the morning! The welcoming and positive nature of the staff never fails to get a low mood off the ground.
We were settled quickly so that we could be prepared and refreshed for our first full day. Much of the activities we undertook would not have been even half as enjoyable as they were without the support of all the VWA staff members who provided us with knowledgeable company and guiding hands throughout our stay. Inusah's - the VWA Volunteer Manager - funny and high spirited company could not be out weighed by how comforting and essential his endless local knowledge is. Chris, better known as 'Big Chris', definitely provided a strong feeling of safety on our adventures out of the VWA guest house and infinitely interesting conversations. Despite feeling very safe in Ghana anyway the added support of Big Chris was most definitely a comfort. And the incredibly talented Mary and Sarah were responsible for the stunningly amazing food we experienced on our visit.
On one of our first nights in Ghana Sarah, who being the same or a similar age to most of us became quite close to the group, was kind enough to teach us some of her unbelievably amazing traditional Ghanaian dancing. Although I'm not convinced we were very good it was so much fun to dance with her and exchange moves! Mary's amazing cooking is always matched with a friendly good morning, a good chat and some fabulous hairdressing skills. Having Mama Sandy around was also really wonderful. Having been involved with arranging our visit from the start it was lovely to have a familiar face around. There were also many other staff members at the guesthouse frequently who were happy to welcome you and with a smile and a friendly hello, including Kofi, the caretaker, who is able to fix just about anything! Although because of the hours he works we did not see Matt - the VWA Director - as much as we would have liked, but it is very clear the hard work he provides and how passionate he is about his job is what drives VWA forward. This passion and dedication for his job is inspiring. All the VWA staff members have been incredible at supporting and helping me over come some of my general anxieties in life.
Overall this visit to Ghana has been the most amazing, inspiring and life changing experience of my life, which has taught and instilled values in me that I hope to retain for the rest of my life. The VWA staff members have played a massive part in this and making my visit so truly enjoyable. Without the VWA staff none of this visit would have been possible and I can only thank them for this life changing experience. I can't wait to return!"