Tasneem came to volunteer from KY

Tasneem came to volunteer from KY

Lisa came to volunteer from NY

Lisa came to volunteer from NY

Sara came to volunteer from OR

Sara came to volunteer from OR

VOLUNTEER IN WEST AFRICA

 

Deciding to volunteer abroad is a major decision; a decision filled with hope, passion, and opportunity. When you decide to volunteer with Point Hope Ghana, your life will change forever. The way you view other cultures, how you relate to people, what you learn from those you serve will forever change the way you see the world.

We want to help you change lives in Ghana, including your own.

Make real connections to people and families in a refugee camp, in a rural community, or in an urban neighborhood. Share ideas, share a meal, shop in a local market, and learn local customs and traditions.

Volunteering in Africa means you are likely to be stepping into the unknown. It will be a challenging and rewarding experience in a culturally rich and friendly country.

Point Hope is here to facilitate an enriching experience and support you in this new endeavor.

 
 

why volunteer with point hope?

Do you want to feed a child, grow vegetables with a farmer, build a structure, teach a new life skill, or counsel a new mother on proper nutrition? You can do any of these things and so much more when you volunteer with Point Hope.  We have projects and opportunities in Health and Nutrition; Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, and Special Needs Education; Water and Sanitation; Agriculture; Construction; Skills Training...and you are always welcome to develop your own project that aligns with our vision and goals found in Point Hope's 12 Foundational Pillars

Sara Kiely came to Ghana as a volunteer, two years later, she is one of Point Hope's Board members.  Her life was impacted by the work she did in Nutrition and Public Health while volunteering--how will volunteering impact you?

Sara Kiely came to Ghana as a volunteer, two years later, she is one of Point Hope's Board members.  Her life was impacted by the work she did in Nutrition and Public Health while volunteering--how will volunteering impact you?

Point Hope will be here to facilitate your arrival, offer a comfortable volunteer house for the duration of your stay, provide 2 meals per day, orientation to your project and to Ghana, and provide 24/7 in-country support during your stay.


 
Work with students at Basic (Primary) Schools

Work with students at Basic (Primary) Schools

Nutrition Outreach to work with malnourished population

Nutrition Outreach to work with malnourished population

A van ride with local kids

A van ride with local kids

 
Crocodile Pond, Paga, Upper East Region, Ghana

Crocodile Pond, Paga, Upper East Region, Ghana

Suspension Canopy Bridge in the Rainforest, Central Region, Ghana

Suspension Canopy Bridge in the Rainforest, Central Region, Ghana

Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer.
— Allen Klein
Fresh coconut and beautiful beaches are fairly easy to find...

Fresh coconut and beautiful beaches are fairly easy to find...

A Day in the life of a volunteer

A volunteer's working day will generally last 4 to 6 hours. Flexibility is a key element for a successful volunteer experience. Depending on the program with which you choose to work, your week will be spent at your project site: school, nutrition center, farm, office, medical clinic, etc.

There will be opportunities to help out in other areas of interest as time allows. Work hours will vary based on your program and you will be able to coordinate your schedule with your mentor once you arrive.  A typical day in Ghana begins early; roosters will be crowing, children will be headed to school, and women will be cooking in the first light of dawn.  Breakfast will be provided at the volunteer house.

You may be responsible for your own transportation to your project site, either on foot or by taxi or tro-tro (shared vans used as public transportation).  Staff and house members will help you navigate your way and can offer suggestions on local lunch spots, or you can pack your own, as lunch will generally be taken out of the house.

As your day comes to a close, you may return to the volunteer house, visit an internet café, explore the town and markets, or spend time with house members or other volunteers. Dinner will be served each night back at the volunteer house.

If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.
— African Proverb
 

Evenings and weekends: Volunteers will have opportunities to visit local sites and attractions during the workweek and explore further destinations in Ghana on the weekends.  The inexpensive and extensive tro-tro and bus systems of Ghana can take you in any direction with ease. 

Staff members can help you plan a trip to one of Ghana's many beautiful beaches, waterfalls, or other scenic sites, such as Mole National Park in the north, Cape Coast and the historic slave castles and rainforest in Central Region to the west, Lake Volta in the east, touring the art, museums, and restaurants of the capital city of Accra, or even across the nearby border to visit French-speaking Togo.

Togo street/beach food vendor

Togo street/beach food vendor

Axim Beach Resort, Western Region, Ghana

Axim Beach Resort, Western Region, Ghana

And then your week will begin again...Interested, but still would like to know more about what you might eat and what it will cost to stay in Ghana?