GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteer in Ghana

What an experience! In October of this year, I spent six weeks in Kokrobite with GVI Ghana. It was genuinely six of the best weeks of my life. Matt, Zen and all the staff on base are so welcoming. It's literally as if they are welcoming you into their family. You have everything you need on base; great food, facilities, resources for school and projects etc. It makes it so much easier to get the most out of every day. I was an international development intern, which meant I got to attend cool events like YouthConnekt Africa Summit '21 and meetings with GVI Ghana's key local partners. These meetings allowed important community stakeholders to voice their opinions and identify what the most pressing community needs were. It also helped us to draw up projects to address these needs. If I could have changed one thing about my experience, I would have liked to do more of this kind of work. Regardless of what programme you are doing, everyone gives a hand out in the local schools at one point or another. The thing is once you do it once, you want to go back every single day. The kids absolutely idolise the volunteers. It is impossible not to smile from ear to ear when you work with them. I have zero teaching experience but with the support of the other volunteers you learn pretty quickly. If you are not comfortable taking a class by yourself which I wasn't for a little while, you can do one to one learning support with kids who may need it more than others. The kids are so hungry to learn and you can see the happiness it brings them when they learn something new. The evenings and weekends also provided a great opportunity to bond with other volunteers. Between sunrises, sunsets, surf days and weekend trips you share some pretty wholesome experiences together and you will make friends for life. To anyone thinking of going to Ghana, the advice I would give is go for as long as you possibly can. I was there for six weeks and I would have stayed for six months if I could!

When I decided to do an International Development Internship with GVI Ghana I thought I knew what I was getting into. I could not have predicted or imagined all of the amazing experiences I had in Kokrobite, Ghana. Not only did I have an amazing experience culturally in Ghana, I was able to connect with and meet people from all over the world. Not only was I able to enjoy myself in Ghana but I was able to be part of projects and a purpose that I truly believe and make a difference. Originally I had planned to go for 6 weeks but ended up staying for 8 only to leave wishing I had more time with GVI. Ever since I have left I have been thinking about when and where I can do another program. Truly an amazing program with adventure all the while working in an environment that will help build professional experience for my career.

Going to Ghana I signed for the teaching programme and I am so unbelievably grateful that I did, i stayed with my class for 13 weeks and I got to watch them improve and grow and it was the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever had. I have fallen in love with everything about this place- the people , the food and the country. And on top of all that I have made some best friends for life. I enjoyed my time here so much that I am planning to come again over Christmas 😊. My perspective on life and values have changed so much.

I signed up with GVI Ghana for two weeks, over two months later I am still here volunteering in this amazing country. From day one I have felt a part of this community, making relations with the local people and getting great insight to life in Ghana. I felt safe during my whole time here, especially during a pandemic. I have been part of community projects that I will remember forever, and have made friends that I will have forever. I cannot recommend GVI Ghana enough to people, it has been the greatest experience of my life.

I went out to GVI Ghana in Spring 2021, it was by far the best thing I have ever done with my life. The base is in Kokrobite which is a town full of really welcoming people who are grateful for your time and efforts. I went out to do the Women's empowerment project, but also got really involved with the education side of it, and loved every minute. I have never experienced anything as fulfilling as the past 6 weeks of my life. I was only meant to be there for 4 weeks, but I very quickly decided this would not be enough time to spend there, especially when I had such an amazing opportunity. The connections and relationships you build up with your students (any age) and fellow volunteers is amazing, it's a bond you can't replicate. I love to be outdoors, meeting new people and trying new things, so this program was perfect for me.

Travelling has always been a massive thing for me and after my travelling got cancelled due to corona virus i was searching the net for other options. I found GVI volunteering and had a look at the different places i could visit during the pandemic. Ghana was one of the only places open at the time and i was a bit hesitant but after looking at the videos online and reading more about it i decided to book for 6 weeks (March 2021-May2021). I can say hand on my heart this was the best decision I've ever made, i even extended to 10 weeks whilst i was out there. I was working on the educational program which was so eye opening and incredible. I felt so lucky i could work so closely with the community and i was able to make such a difference over the 10 weeks. At times i did find certain situations hard to deal with but everything i did has made me grow so much as a person. Matt who is the Program Manager would always check on us and was always available to chat to if we were ever struggling or needed advice. Our weekdays were full with teaching the children and doing extra activities with them such as creative arts, boxing, dance and much more. As i have dyslexia i could straight away spot the children who also suffers with the disability. I found in Ghana the teachers were every unaware of the struggles some children may have because of dyslexia. I was able to do a presentation to spread awareness and give them tips of teaching methods which could help some of the children with learning. The weekends were our to do as we please. We were able to visit many places such as Cape Coast, Volta Region, Ada Foah, Accra and Wli waterfalls. Ghana is such a beautiful place with wonderful people and i couldn't recommend going enough. I'd give my whole experience 10/10. I cant wait to return, hopefully next year!! I also want to say thank you to Naa who did most the cooking which was all delicious.

I spent 4 weeks in Kokrobite, Ghana, teaching and travelling, and it was the best 4 weeks of my life! GVIs commitment to sustainable development really stood out to me and the staff at the base are very welcoming and friendly. GVI staff were incredibly helpful pre-departure also! Volunteering in the school is challenging but also so fun. The children give you such a unique insight into Ghanaian culture and its hard to see how the experiences I had in that school can compare to anywhere else in the world! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact as a volunteer and anyone looking for an adventure!

Volunteering through Global Vision International was a great experience.

Before volunteering, all my questions were answered, and the registration process was simple. I was provided information on what to do when I arrived in Ghana and met with the Director of the program I worked with, Sabre Trust.

During my time as an English Volunteer, I taught primary school students and lived with an amazing host family. Outside of volunteering, I was able to spend time with other volunteers on excursions and explored the country.

I would recommend GVI for volunteering and interning, and I look forward to my next volunteer experience through them.