Nature Volunteering

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

Description: YUDES nature volunteering adventure travel program grants participants the opportunity to experience nature in the rural settings of Ghana. This is a program designed for volunteers wishing to move out of the chaotic environment of the city and live close to nature while offering help to the underprivileged in rural communities in Northern, Central, Eastern, Volta and Ashanti regions of Ghana.

Our volunteering programs has led to a mutually beneficial relationship between the host community and the participants of our program. Volunteer placement opportunities abound in varied forms from teaching, working with an orphanage, engaging in HIV/AIDS programs activities with NGOs and also working with NGOs in the areas poverty reduction, child trafficking, issues of street children, etc.

Helping build local rural communities has been one of our main activities. YUDES contribution towards volunteering programs and activities in rural Ghana has led to the achievement of set goals aimed at giving back to the community in which we implement our programs.

Our program covers educational tours to interesting parts of the country where participants get to learn more about African communities, their culture, eco-tourism sites such as the Kakum National Park and it Canopy walkway, the crocodile pond of Paga, the Tafi Atome and Tafi Abuife Monkey Sanctuaries.

Participants also take a 12 hour adventure tour to northern Ghana to see the Pikoro Slave Camp and the slave route which begins from the camp and ends at the Cape Coast Castle.

Those of you interested in internships,YUDES role in assisting interns get the right placements to suit their interests has been phenomenal. Interns need to indicate their areas of interest by filling a form and the necessary a arrangements will be done.Like our community service/volunteering program, the internship program has been very successful due to our partnerships with the various NGOs and institution in Ghana.

Highlights: Volunteer placements: Volunteer placements are arranged prior to the arrival of the participant/s. The prospective participant is given the placement according to his/her preference and activities are outlined and sent to him/her through email correspondence with staff of YUDES.

Home-stay: Home-stay is in two folds i.e. rural and urban housing. This arrangement is concluded according to the applicant's choice. Those who wish to live very close to nature in Northern Ghana are free to choose that option.

Airport pick-up: Staff of YUDES will be present at the Kotoka International Airport to pick-up volunteer to his/her designated hotel accommodation in Accra and later transported to the host family.

Orientation: Orientation is given on safety tips, currency, cultural do's and don'ts, as well general information on living in Ghana. This is designed to help volunteers get adjusted to the environment and to immerse him/herself in the Ghanaian culture in the shortest possible time.

Volunteer activities: The volunteer will be introduced to the supervisor at site and volunteering activities begin right after that.

Program evaluation: An evaluation form will be completed by the volunteer at the end of the period. Information gathered on the form will help us improve on the program.

Application procedures: An application form will be sent to applicants to fill and submit via email attachment.Processing of placement and host family arrangements begin immediately after the completed application form is received.

Visa acquisition: All applicants may be required to submit a letter of invitation from YUDES to the Ghana Embassy in his/her home country. This letter will enable the volunteer/applicant acquire visa from the Ghana Embassy.The invitation letter will be sent to the volunteer via email and a copy faxed to the Ghana Embassy in the home country.

Health:Yellow fever vaccine and anti-malaria drugs should be obtained by the volunteer before embarking on the flight to Ghana.However,volunteer can buy anti-malaria drugs from a pharmacy in Ghana in case he/she forgets to buy one in his/her home country.

Cost in US$: 550

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ghana Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 25

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Youth Travel & Development Exchanges (YUDES)'s Mission Statement: To promote understanding, peace and development between Africa and the rest of the world through cross-cultural programs, volunteer services and development exchanges and build confidence in the youth around the world.

Year Founded: 2003