International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Be open-minded, and embrace the journey and cultures! It will be different and difficult at times but it will also be the most rewarding journey you will experience. We are so blessed that we forget the basics in our everyday life.
These programs touch you in more ways than you will ever understand so I would say don't put it off do it today!

You have breakfast at 730 and then head for the first program - a nursery school from 8 am to 12:30, During this time you assist the teachers with all activities, reading, painting, games, and feeding the children who are between 2- 5 years old.

You go back to the volunteer's house for lunch and then 3 pm - 5 pm you go to the village to teach the village kids. There is no structure, you don't know what's been taught before either so you have to engage with the children to understand them and what you think will benefit them. The children (aged between 8 - and 12) are amazingly keen to learn, full of enthusiasm and so thankful for your presence. The teaching was so variable as you can cover so much with them such as Basic Maths, English spelling, Countries and Maps, and fun activities. You walk feeling blessed to be in their presence!

Being on my own, at the age of 56 I had never been away on my own (unless it was through work) so being in another country on my own was a little worrying however I got support from the beginning from the program facilitators here and in Sri Lanka so felt as I was part of a family from the offset. I just had to be open with communication and engage with other volunteers as we were all on our own!

For those who are thinking of volunteering, my only message to them is to do it now! Life is too short and YOU can make a difference to so many people, programs, and lives including yours. I started the program thinking I wanted to give something back and make a difference, but I feel as if the program was a gift to me, I am honored to have been able to experience something that so many will never get the chance to do. It has altered my perspective in life and it's something I will do again. Why Not eh? You get a chance not just to volunteer but to learn about other cultures and countries combining it with a holiday too!!

In Africa, bring as few clothes as possible, and nothing with long sleeves and long pants. Clothes can be washed daily if necessary. Insect repellents are only required at night, as they simply wash away in the daytime by the heat. Bring anti-malaria medication and personal toiletries, and a small first aid kit.

My advice: DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING! You will be with an outstanding group of people and you will have a fantastic adventure.

Because of the heat in Ghana, all 10 of us only worked in the mornings.

In construction, we left for our 30-minute walk to the site around 6:30 am and it was an enjoyable walk, as everybody waved and greeted us. We returned to our compound around noon on motorbikes.

The childcare group prepared breakfast and lunch for the school children and were finished by 1 pm. Their school was only a 5-minute walk. Afternoons and evenings were spent reading, playing games, interacting with the children.

Weekends were for sightseeing, usually gone for 2 days (at our expense).

I had no fears, no concerns. The website provides all the information that you need about your program. The country website (tourism) provides the rest.

As for safety, always remember that you are in a group. There are no safety concerns at the placement site, and we traveled on weekends in groups for 8 or more. Local people are very hospitable and helpful. You will soon discover that you have no worries.

Enjoy your stay.