Volunteering in Ghana: The Agape Volunteer Information Book

volunteering
in Ghana
the agape volunteer information book
0845 519 8469

www.agape-volunteers.com
info@agape-volunteers.com
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Agape Volunteers, 36 Westaway Heights, Barnstaple, Devon, United Kingdom, EX31 1NY
08450 519 8469
Dear Volunteer,
Thank you for your interest in Agape Volunteers! This booklet provides all the information you need about
volunteering with us in Ghana. We hope to make you feel completely comfortable with your volunteering
experience, prepare you for your orientation and minimise any culture shock on arrival. If you have any
questions that are not addressed in this booklet please email us on info@agape-volunteers.com.
Guillaume Lefevre
CEO and founder, Agape Volunteers
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the booking process

you can complete the online booking form & you
will usuallly get a responce within 24 hours.
If you have not already done so, the first step in the booking process is to fill out a
registration form on our website. We will process your application, check if there is space
on your chosen programme and send you a welcome letter, usually within 24 hours. You
will be assigned a personal trip advisor who will answer any remaining questions you might
have and guide you through every step of your preparation.
We do not charge a registration fee, and we will ask you to pay your programme fee to
secure your space on your chosen placement. You will be directed to our online payment
site, which is powered and secured by PayPal, and your payment will be confirmed as
soon as possible. All of your payments are refundable up to 30 days before you travel,
minus a small transfer charge, so you can make sure you are completely happy with your
arrangements. After this date, your fee will have been
distributed to your host family in order for them to provide
you will be assigned
your food and accommodation.
personal trip advisor

who will answer any of
your questions
Once you receive your payment confirmation email, your

trip advisor will provide you with details about your host
family, the address of your placement and the names of any
other volunteers you will be working with. They will help you book flights, arrange a safari
or any other trips you might want to take, and support you in your preparation. Your trip
advisor will ask you for your airline details, arrival time, flight number and other journey
information, to arrange someone to pick you up from the airport. They will also send you
information about acquiring a visa in Accra Kotoka, which normally costs about 20. You
will also receive a list of emergency contact numbers and a final email wishing you the
best of luck!
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your arrival
you will meet the staff responsible for you whilst
volunteering, discuss your goals and aims for your trip,
A member of Agape staff will be there to collect you as soon as you arrive, and it is likely that
there will be other volunteers with you on your flight. If your placement is in the city, you will be
taken straight to your host family to begin settling in. If you will be volunteering further afield,
you may spend the first night in the city
before continuing your journey the next day.
Your first day will be an orientation day. This
is very important to ensure a smooth start to
your volunteering experience, and you will
be given key information about the area you
are working in, receive guidance on safety
during your project, and be briefed on any
house rules whilst living with your host family.
You will meet the staff responsible for you
whilst volunteering, discuss your goals and
aims for your trip, and get to know the other
volunteers you will be working with.
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accommodation
you will be living in volunteer groups of between
4 and 8 in homes near your placement.
You will be living in volunteer groups of between 4 and 8 in homes near your placement.
Your host family will provide bunk beds, a mattress, pillows and usually a mosquito net, but
you should bring your own sleeping bag. In line with the Christian values in most Ghanian
households, all rooms are single-sex. If you wish to
volunteer as a couple, please inform your trip advisor and
You will be living
they will be able to make the necessary arrangements.
closely with other

volunteers and
family members
All of our home-stays have electricity but very few have

running water, instead using drainage pipes and water tanks
stored inside the house. It is unlikely that you will be able
to shower as often as you are used to, so please be prepared for this! Your family may also
have certain house rules, such as not leaving the house after dark, which are in place for your
safety. Please respect their concern, as your wellbeing is of the utmost importance. You will be
living closely with other volunteers and family members, so please be understanding of their
needs.
Most of our home stays have a vibrant evening atmosphere that means you will never be short
of entertainment! There will often be games and activities, including African poker, a particular
favourite of the Agape staff. There will be singing and dancing and playing with the children of
the family, and the local people will always be keen to talk with you about your life at home.
food:
Breakfast and dinner will be provided for you with your host family. Breakfast will be bread,
butter, jam, eggs and chai, a type of African tea. Ghanian food often has an Indian influence,
and dinner consists of rice, beans, mixed vegetables, chapatis, ugali and stewed meat. You
are encouraged to try out the local vendors and stalls near your placement for lunch; they
provide food very cheaply and you will be promoting Agapes support for the community, as
well as having the opportunity to sample local cooking. However, your host mum will provide
you with a packed lunch if you prefer. You will get the chance to practise authentic Ghanian
cooking for yourself, with traditional ingredients and utensils. It is recommended that you drink
only bottled water during your stay, which is available in most shops. If you have any special
dietary requirements, do let us know and your host family will be informed.
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weekends
weekends are available for volunteers to
pursue their own activities.
African schools teach on Saturdays, and although this is optional for teaching volunteers,
it usually involves lots of games rather than serious lessons. Even volunteers who are not
teaching find it enjoyable and worth attending at least once. Families traditionally attend church
on Sundays and this is optional for volunteers, although you may find your host family ask
you to try it. Weekends are also times for volunteers to pursue their own activities. You can
work with the street children of Mansek, or
take part in hiking or sports trips. You are
welcome to visit the other volunteers and
there is plenty to see and do across the city.
Your host family will give you advice about
the best places to visit and how to get there.
Sports are very popular at the weekend,
with huge varieties of sports played in the
different communities. You are welcome to
bring your own equipment and teach new
sports to the children in the community, but
any participation is greatly appreciated!
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longer trips
many of our volunteers, choose to take a longer
trip during their time in Ghana,
Many of our volunteers, especially those on extended stays, choose to take a longer trip
during their time in Ghana. You will receive more detailed information on this when you sign up
to a project and again when you reach your host family. However, some suggestions are listed
here to enable you to budget effectively.
There are plenty of optional extras you can choose to include in your trip. At the weekends,
you can get involved with lots of activities taking place in and around the city. Teaching at
Saturday school is optional for volunteers, and usually
involves lots of games rather than serious lessons. You
As a volunteer you are
can spend the weekends working with the street children
entitled to reduced
of Mansek, or at a local orphanage. Your host family will
rates on safaris
also have good recommendations for places you can visit.
Most families will attend church on Sundays, and whilst this
is optional, they may invite you to try it. Most of our volunteers also choose to take a safari,
which is an unparalleled experience in some of Africas most beautiful parks. It is available
to our volunteers at a reduced rate from the tourist prices. The town of Takoradi, where you
will be placed is a lively, bustling yet laid back town. The market circle is always heaving and
definitely something that needs to be experienced. From Takoradi it is easy to travel to good
beaches such as The Green Turtle or to the Elmina and Cape Coast Forts.
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your preparations
we strongly recommend that you seek medical
advice before your placement begins
We strongly recommend that you seek medical advice before your placement begins, to make
sure you receive all the correct vaccinations. Your doctor will be able to give you personal
advice about the extra immunisations you may require, but the vaccinations we
recommend are:
mandatory
strongly recommend
recommended
Tuberculosis
Cholera
Hepatitis A
Rabies
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Tetanus
Meningitis
Yellow Fever
malaria
We strongly recommend taking a course of anti-malaria tablets during your placement.
Malarone is the most popular form of treatment thanks to the limited side effects, which
can be minimised further by taking the drug with food or milky drinks. Other options such
as Doxycycline or Proguanil are also widely available. Please bear in mind that Ghana is
a chloroquine-resistant malaria zone. It is important that you remember to continue your
medication after you return home to cover the incubation period of the disease.
As with all diseases you may encounter, prevention is extremely important. Please bring a
strong insect repellent and a good-quality mosquito net, and your chances of becoming ill will
be greatly reduced. Again, we recommend that you speak with your doctor before travelling to
arrange prevention and treatment specific to your requirements.
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safety
a section on safety to acquaint you with scenarios which
might arise and ensure you are well-prepared
During your orientation you will be made familiar with our safety procedures, and our incountry staff will always be on hand to give you guidance and make sure no major issues
occur. However, we have included a section on safety to acquaint you with scenarios which
might arise and ensure you are as well-prepared as possible for life in Africa.
In general, we advise that no volunteer should be out
Africans are friendly
alone after dark, and that volunteers should stay indoors
after 9pm. Exceptions are made when volunteers are
people by nature,
with Agape or project staff. Africans are friendly people
especially towards
by nature, especially towards volunteers who are helping
volunteers who
their community. People might stop you and say hello,
are helping their
and it is polite to respond, but they will understand if you
are busy and cant chat for long. However, a stereotype
community.
of westerners and volunteers is that they are rich, and it is
best to apologise and leave if you are asked for money. Giving money outside established
programmes can be counterproductive and even dangerous as it may draw unwanted
attention to you. Never agree to visit a strangers home.
Many children live on the streets around all our placement areas. There are enough projects
in circulation to cater for nearly all street children. Begging children are often already enrolled
in a support program, or they may have made the decision not to enter care if they do not like
regimented regime. Giving money only encourages this. We understand it can be difficult to
refuse a child help, but if you are concerned, make a note of where they were and tell your
host family.
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safety cont.
Matatus are the most common form of African transport,
and are a cross between a minibus and a taxi.
Transport in Ghana is also very different from western transport systems. Matatus are the
most common form of African transport, and are a cross between a minibus and a taxi. They
are often pimped, with neon lights, TV screens and speakers, and they are a cheap and
entertaining way to travel. A 5 mile journey will cost around 20p. However, due to the cramped
conditions there is a risk of pickpocketing. Never take any valuables or large amounts of
money with you on one.
HIV is also a risk, particularly for volunteers working on medical related placements. HIV can
spread through an exchange of bodily fluid, through unprotected sex, sharing needles or
exposing an open wound to another persons blood, among other routes. To avoid infection,
always wear gloves when dealing with blood injuries, even if you have no cuts yourself. Further
precautions are discussed in orientation.
Support during your placement and emergency measures

Agape Volunteers has a 100% safety record and we have every intention to keep this intact.
In order to achieve this we provide you with huge amounts of support both before, during
and after your stay. It all starts with this very booklet which is geared towards preparing you
as much as is possible for your stay in Africa. The use of personal trip advisers means that
whenever you contact Agape, you always talk to the same person, who knows you and any
special needs or requests you have. Once in Africa the orientation we provide you with then
prepares you fully for your stay and we cover safety in much greater detail at this point, once
we are able to demonstrate some of the things that we must warn you about. Fully qualified
members of Agapes team conduct all transport around Africa and there will be at least two
members of staff with you on airport trips and long journeys. If you wish to be escorted from
your home-stay to your placement, we can make arrangements for this to happen for as long
as you wish. All of our home-stays are compound based and are guarded at night.
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safety cont.
Should you fall ill during your stay, you must ensure that
your travel insurance; that is mandatory with Agape
Should you fall ill during your stay, you must ensure that your travel insurance; that is
mandatory with Agape Volunteers, covers all medical expenses. We will take you to a doctor
or a hospital if you require this and make every effort to assist your recovery. Should you have
to return home early, in accordance with our terms and conditions, we cannot be liable for
your extra travel costs, however, we will support you as much as possible both from the UK
and Africa to get your flight changed as soon as is possible.
We do not envisage ever having to deal with a situation where all volunteers must leave
a country. However, it would be naive of us to make contingency plans for this. On the
volunteering policy that you fill out before you leave, we collect contact information and
passport details. This allows us to make embassy contact in the event of any emergency. Rest
assured full contingency plans are in place for any evacuation procedure, if you wish to view
these, please contact Guillaume Lefevre on gee@agape-volunteers.com.
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fundraising
volunteers often fundraise to either fund their trip or to
donate to a project they feel is particularly worthwhile.
Many of our volunteers fundraise before they leave for Africa, either to fund their trip or
to donate to a project they feel is particularly worthwhile. Agape supports both of these
processes and we are happy to help where we can. If you would like any further information or
fundraising ideas please contact anthony@agape-volunteers.com.
kit list
below is a receommended kit list for all volunteers to
pack for there trip to Ghana

Sleeping bag
Medicines
Mosquito net
Malaria tablets
Clothing
Immodium
T -shirts
Aspirin
Shorts
Ibuprofen/Paracetamol
Lightweight trousers and tops
Any other medication
Jumper and jeans for evenings
First aid kit
Sports clothing
Insect repellent
Smart clothes for church
Water bottle
Trainers
Cards and games
Sandals
Penknife
Day shoes
Music
Hat
Books
Plenty of underwear
Teaching aids (if required)
Towel
Sports equipment (if required)
Toiletries
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spending money
in Ghana, most volunteers find around 30 a week
sufficient for spending money
In Ghana, most volunteers find around 30 a week sufficient for spending money. You should
leave around 5 a week to buy drinking water when you are out and about, and the same
again for a weeks worth of lunches, if you want to buy from vendors. Matatu rides cost around
10 pence a trip and are not a major expense. You may wish to bring money for gifts and
shopping in markets.
your departure
Your transport back to the airport is covered by your program fee. If you inform your host
family of your flight time they will arrange your transport with one of the drivers. As with all air
travel, it is a good idea to leave an extra 2 hours before your flight departs.
Accra Kotoka airport sometimes practises departure tax, whereby departing passengers are
subject to a 20 fee before leaving the country. Most airlines include this in your return ticket
price. You can check this with your airline in advance or have a spare 20 just in case.
It is polite to give your host family a small gift before you leave, and many volunteers like to
bring something from their own country so it is more personal. Another option is to ask your
family if there is anything they need whilst you are there and then buy a gift locally.
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appendix: teaching specific info

below you will find specific information related to the
programmes run in Ghana
teaching - typical day
School starts at 9am with an assembly and prayers, and then you will usually teach two
lessons before morning break at 11am. During breaks, youll be helping the teachers serve
porridge and joining in with the childrens games. At 12 you will teach one more lesson before
lunch.
Lunch runs from 1pm until 2pm, and again you might be asked to help serve the childrens
lunch before heading out to meet other volunteers for your own lunch. Children tend to be
harder to teach in the afternoons, so afternoon lessons from 2pm until 4pm are used for PE
and games up to three times a week.
After school you can choose to help out with sports practices or continue the childrens
games, and this is often the most rewarding part of the day. Dinner is usually at about 7pm
back with your host family, before games among the volunteers and then bed around 10pm.
teaching - project advice

You will be placed in a primary school which teaches children aged between 2 and 14 years.
The curriculum is therefore quite straightforward, but all children sit state exams which check
the progress of both the pupils and the school as a whole. You will be teaching classes such
as English, Maths, Science, Religion, Social Studies and Games. A local teacher will teach the
pupils first language, but if you learn a few basic phrases to use (included in this booklet) then
the children will respond to you very quickly and respect you as a teacher.
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appendix teaching cont.

Games are a fantastic way to teach children of all ages. Word games such as hangman
have proved particular favourites in the past, as they develop the childrens spelling and
concentration. These games can be quite challenging in a second language, so giving the
children words to guess from a particular theme is often helpful. Dictation is a very effective
if slightly less engaging method of teaching which significantly aids the development of the
childrens English. Hearing a native voice is the best way for them to learn how words are
pronounced and sentences are structured. In Maths, you can try teaching the times tables
in competition format, with sweets as prizes. Dont be afraid to use your imagination and
initiative when teaching; the more exciting you can make your classes, the more information
your pupils will retain. If you are volunteering for a while, you can make your classroom your
own by getting the children to make posters and decorating the room with their work. During
your orientation you will receive much more detailed advice on how and what to teach, so
dont worry if you feel underprepared at this stage.
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appendix orphanage specific info

typical day
In the morning, your duties will be based around the school, making sure the orphans who
attend school elsewhere are there on time. Then you will be assisting with morning lessons,
which begin at 9am. At 11am, you will be handing out porridge for break time, as well as
playing with the children. At 12 you can either return to the classroom, or help prepare lunch.
Lunch runs from 1pm until 2pm, and after serving the orphans, you are free to meet the other
volunteers. In the afternoon, youll be looking after the younger children in the orphanage,
reading stories, playing games and watching over naptime. At around 4pm the older orphans
will begin to return from school, and youll be helping them with homework, cooking dinner
and assisting with other chores. They might also go to sports practices or to meet friends, and
the volunteers are encouraged to go along. Dinner is usually at about 7pm back with your host
family, before games with the other volunteers and then bed around 10pm.
project advice
Your teaching-based duties will be very similar to those described in the teaching placement
supplement, so you might find those suggestions about this aspect of your work useful for
planning lessons and ordering your ideas. As with all placements, learning a little Kiswahili will
quickly gain you the respect of the children you are working with. Aside from teaching, the
most valuable work you do will simply be spending time with the orphans, playing with them,
helping with homework and getting to know them. Forming friendships and helping to foster
a sense of family and community is hugely beneficial, as it is something that many of these
children will have lacked throughout their lives. As well as spending time with the children on
an informal basis, you may also be asked to organise games or other evening activities. You
will also be carrying out more practical work including cooking, cleaning and other domestic
chores, so plenty of enthusiasm and energy is a must!
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appendix music specific info

Volunteering in the music programme in Ghana focuses around the Mansek region of the
country. This music service in Mansek started ten years ago as a very small music school
teaching students of all ages to play organ for their church. They paid for the lessons but they
hoped to be able to earn money playing for their church services.) The lessons were given
on half a dozen old keyboards using enthusiasm and very outdated books, this continued
for many years until Agape became involved in 2011. In order to volunteer in the music
programme you must be competent on your instrument and also confident with making
music. You must also have a good understanding of musical theory as this will be essential
for teaching and some score knowledge would be very useful indeed. As with all teaching
programmes, no teaching experience is necessary, as long as you are enthusiastic and willing
to learn then you will be fine.
As a music volunteer you will be responsible taking music lessons to children of all ages in
the local community. You will work out of a set school, however, as the Mansek music service
is a community project, the children will come from all over the region. The children will be
of all abilities but extremely enthusiastic to learn. The instrument that you play is not hugely
important, however, it is essential that you bring it with you. Your lessons will vary between
one to one tuition for children who are experienced with music to more general classes for
younger children who may be being introduced to playing music for the first time. You must
also be prepared to teach some non-musical classes as well, as music must fit around the rest
of the curriculum, for details on this please go to the teaching section of this website.
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appendix medical specific info

programmes run in Kenya
typical day
Your day will begin at the clinic at 9am. After discussing the day ahead with the local staff,
you will be assisting with rounds, assessing new patients and checking the conditions of the
overnight patients. Any treatment will be done by the local doctors or under their supervision
at first, but as you progress you will increasingly be allowed to work unaccompanied.
After getting lunch with the other volunteers, you may be asked to assist on major procedures
which take place in the afternoon. It is unlikely that you will play a major role in these, but if a
doctor thinks you are capable, he will ask for your help.
The clinics usually close around 5pm, and medical volunteers usually either help out with
games at another Agape project or return to their host families. Dinner is at about 7pm, before
games with the other volunteers and then bed around 10pm. If you are assisting with a birth,
these shifts will usually start at around 9pm.
project advice
Medicine is practised very differently in Kenya from westernised countries. No matter what
your level of experience is, you will spend your first few days shadowing an African duty
doctor and learning African techniques, before gaining the confidence to practise on your own.
You will not be asked to perform any procedure you do not feel comfortable with. Observing
the techniques closely will be invaluable, and please do not hesitate to ask if you need
something repeated. If you are asked to assist with surgery or with a birth, then do take it as
a compliment! Despite the physical and emotional effort involved, it is an incredibly rewarding
and valuable experience.
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volunteering

0845 519 8469

the booking process

personal trip advisor

Once you receive your payment confirmation email, your

closely with other

All of our home-stays have electricity but very few have

Support during your placement and emergency measures

Lightweight trousers and tops

Any other medication

Jumper and jeans for evenings

First aid kit

Smart clothes for church

Cards and games

Teaching aids (if required)

Sports equipment (if required)

appendix: teaching specific info

teaching - project advice

appendix teaching cont.

appendix orphanage specific info

appendix music specific info

appendix medical specific info

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