Empower Marginalized Slum Dwellers in Ghana

  • The Project

    Volunteer abroad in Ghana and work on a training project set up to increase skills training for marginalized and vulnerable groups in Accra. This project, now in its 5th successful year, started as an initiative focusing on supporting house helps to acquire additional skills so that after serving their term, they would be able to go on to work and earn an income on their own. Based on the successes of this project, the skills training has now expanded out toward other exposed members of society. With the support from the Ghana AIDS commission, in one year, we were also able to train over 20 individuals affected with HIV and AIDS thus increasing their employability. In recent years, the outreach program has helped people with disabilities, schools leavers, truck pushes, kakayoo and more.

    We are now undertaking a four year development project in Agbogbloshie – an urban slum in Accra. This project seeks to empower residents economically by training them in various skills such as computer literacy, bead and batik work, catering and hairdressing. Working with a diverse group of individuals this project also focuses on health and sanitation education, awareness in regards to HIV and AIDS, reproductive health and financial management. As well as skills training, post-skills support is also given to help in preparation for the competitive job market.

  • Why the project needs you

    Volunteers are an integral part of this four year programme, and are needed to keep all of the development projects up and running. Your background and area of expertise does not matter for this project, all that is desired of you is a real willingness to make an impact in the lives of the vulnerable and marginalized groups of Accra.

    Since the project has started, there have been a huge range of areas in which education and skills training have taken place and we need more volunteers to add to this list as well as working to develop the skills already outlined below. Information which has been given already to the trainees include: hairdressing, catering, computing, bead/batik and tie dying skills as well as programs on fire, health and safety, domestic violence and educational classes have been given as well. This target population are generally of a very low educational background and are of low financial status. As a volunteer, you can help to equip these wonderful people with extra skills to help them get ahead in life; providing more equality to the people of Ghana.

    Project Location

    Your project will be based in Accra, a bustling and modern landscape hugging the Gulf of Guinea and the largest city in Ghana. While it boasts a waterfront location, most of Accra’s action happens away from the coast line with recent developments turning this once scattered village, into an expansive low rise skyline city. Accra is at once exhausting and exhilarating with the hustle and bustle giving way to coveted areas of peace and tranquillity.

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
    • Cost: £599 ($1048) for 2 weeks; £115 ($201) for each additional week
    • Requirements: age 18+
    • Location: Accra, Ghana
    • Project activities: Teaching skills based workshops from your area of expertise.
    • Working hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
    • Project availability: Projects run year round

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Single or shared room in a home stay
    • Food: 2 meals per day, breakfast and dinner
    • Airport pick up
    • Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
    • Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas
    • Airport drop off
    • Transport to and from projects (this is usually just a walk)





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