volunteer in africa: ghana, ccs webinar presentation

Volunteer in Africa: Ghana

Tuesday, July 17th

4:00-5:00 p.m. EDT

WEBINARS

www.crossculturalsolutions.orgwww.crossculturalsolutions.org

Introductions

Pete BryanProgram Advisor – Senior Team Leader

Alumnus of CCS Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, and

Morocco

Sara YoungProgram Advisor

Alumna of CCS Ghana and Peru

Agenda

• Introductions

• Review of Agenda

• About CCS

• About CCS Ghana

• Life in Ghana

• The CCS Experience

• Volunteer Work

• Home-Base

• CCS Ghana Staff

• Cultural & Learning Activities

• Free Time & Weekends

• Pre-departure support

• Questions & Answers

• Next Steps

About CCSOur Approach

Respecting Local Expertise in Community Development

• Volunteer Placements• Placement Process• Partner Programs• In-Country Staff

• Cultural Immersion • Home-Base located in a residential

community• Cultural & Learning Activities• Fostering Relationships

• Flexibility• 4 Programs, 12 Countries, and Year-

Round Start Dates

Our Mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

About CCS Ghana Experience the culture and warmth of West African people

• Over 2,200 CCS volunteers have been sent to

Ghana since 1998 – nearly15 years!

• Located in the Volta Region

• All programs offered: Volunteer & Insight

Abroad, Intern Abroad, Teen Volunteer

Abroad

Life in Ghana

• Hohoe is a warm, welcoming, friendly environment, unlike any other country you’ve been to.

• Often referred to as the “Gateway to Africa” • Close-knit community and easy-going nature• Volunteers have a chance to relax and unplug

while volunteering and making a difference

The CCS Experience

A TYPICAL DAY

•Breakfast

•Volunteer at your placement in the

morning

•Lunch

•Welcome a local group and learn a

traditional dance

•Dinner

•Play cards with fellow volunteers,

discuss weekend plans, & talk with

the in-country staff about your

placement

Volunteer Placements -Teaching and Caregiving• Mainly children, ages 7-10• Teach basic subjects (reading & writing in

English, math, etc.) or co-curricular subjects (dance, athletics, art, etc.)

• Teach students with special needs such as a school for the deaf

• Caring for children in nurseries and day care centers

Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains PositiveVolunteer Work

• General care in a health care center• Nurse and/or administration assistance• Nursing/health background preferred

however, volunteers with no background can observe first before assisting

Volunteer Work

Volunteer Placements - Healthcare & Community Development

Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains Positive

• Teaching & caring for children ages 7-10• Community development projects

Volunteer Work

Volunteer Placements - Teen Volunteer Abroad

Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains Positive

• Area of focus available: healthcare, education, social services

• Intern Supervisor• Pre-departure process• Summary project

Volunteer Work

Volunteer Placements - Intern Abroad

Ensuring our Volunteer's Impact on the Community Remains Positive

CCS Home-Base

• Safe & comfortable living environment• 24-hour staff presece• Resource Center• Meals: Three delicious authentic meals

a day by CCS staff cooks & safe drinking water provided

• Transportation: Airport pick-up and drop-off, and safe transportation to & from volunteer placement

• Communication: Phone access & some Internet access

Your Home Away From Home

CCS Ghana Staff

• Strong history & presence in the community • Year-round CCS Staff & members of the

local community• Director & Program Managers

• Makafui Amenuvor • Cooks, housekeepers, licensed drivers• Security

• Alfa, Security Guard – A favorite among volunteers; warm, friendly, and an impressive geography guru that volunteers can’t stop talking about.

In-Country SupportProviding Expert Support for our Volunteers and Partners in the Community

• Batik making – Fabric dying method; staple of Ghanaian culture

• Traditional Drumming & Dancing• Trip to the highest waterfall in Western Africa!• Mountain Hiking • Monkey Sanctuary • Language lessons• Guest speakers – Range from Health &

education to folklore & fairytales

Cultural & Learning Activities

Cultural ImmersionGetting the Insider’s Perspective

Free Time

• Re-live Cultural & Learning Activities!• Shopping for Ghanaian clothing, musical

instruments, etc. • Hiking trails• Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Historical

site and possible • Historical site including canopy walks,

and tree-house stays• Lake Volta (Day trip or overnight)

• Fishing & boating • Walking to meet people!

Afternoons & Weekends

A Chance to Explore the Community On Your Own

Enrollment & Pre-departure Support

• CCS HQ Staff were all volunteers before they were staff• We work closely with local organizations to match

volunteer skills with the needs of the community

Support From Start to Finish

• Alumni references & fundraising support• Staff Support: PAs, PSSs, In-Country,

AES• Travel Documents and Necessities

• Passport, visa, & vaccinations• Things to bring: Snacks, walking

shoes, bathing suit, sunscreen, and energy!

• Climate: Lowest temperature: 60° F• Rain season in Ghana is mild

• We’ll advise you on how to pack for the time of year you travel

Questions?

NextSteps

Determine where, when, & for how long you want to volunteer: www.crossculturalsolutions.org/enroll/enroll-checklist

Contact a Program Advisor1-800-380-4777, Monday-Friday 9am-9pm EDTPete: pete@crossculturalsolutions.org Sara: sara@crossculturalsolutions.org

Upcoming Info Sessions•Charlottesville, VA (July 17th)•Hollywood, CA (July 26th)•New York, NY (July 28th)•Santa Monica, CA (July 29th)•Albuquerque, NM (Aug 9th)

Find more events near you:www.crossculturalsolutions.org/events

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