Program Reviews

I've just returned from 5 weeks in Ghana. It was a brilliant experience and it was shared with an amazing group of people. Having not travelled to Africa before, I was apprehensive about safety but this never became an issue. I always felt safe and comfortable when going around Kumasi. I spent the majority of my time teaching at the school. It was an incredible journey from the first day to the last. Seeing the kids' eagerness to learn was so refreshing and it was so rewarding watching them progress in my time there. It was such a good feeling when I managed to get them to understand something when they were struggling. All of the staff in Ghana do a fantastic job. They make every volunteer feel welcome and they all try so hard to make it a fun and enjoyable experience. My time in Ghana with PMGY was a truly unforgettable experience and I would recommend it to anyone who's thinking of going.

Amazing! I was scared that it wasn't going to be as good as other programs due to the price being much more affordable. However this was not the case! I can't fault anything and I had an experience of a lifetime. Everyone was so friendly, the accommodation was fantastic, the food was better than I was expecting, there was a bar and restaurant at the accommodation, the medical program was great. I can't wait to choose another destination to volunteer at through PMGY or to go back to Tanzania!

I spent 2 weeks in Ghana, on the orphanage placement. It was such an amazing experience and every day I spent, whether at placement or even just at the house, was fantastic.
At placement, in the orphanage, we were introduced too all the mothers and got too know the routine. I found my favourite area was the day centre as I was able too teach and help out with lunches and washing up. I also really enjoyed the home unit as I really felt valued and as though my help was really needed. Even just little jobs like helping serve lunch, washing clothes, changing nappies and playing with the children, made a massive difference and meant the world too the children.
As well as working in the orphanage, I also had the opportunity too go to the school and sit in some lessons and help with marking. I also managed too donate money too enable the school nursery to be re-do and make the environment more appropriate for young children too learn and play in.
The staff at the volunteer house were all so supportive and helpful no matter how little or much you asked of them. The staff constantly made me feel safe and relaxed throughout my stay, and looked after us 24/7.
The environment in the volunteer house, was so homely and made me feel at ease and comfortable. I wish I had been able too stay longer, and will definitely be going back next year !
I would reccomend PMGY too anyone looking at international volunteering. After being too Ghana, at first it was a culture shock but I soon adjusted and almost immediately was able too fully enjoy the experience and get the most out of every day. All the luxuries I take for granted at home, even little things, have been put in perspective; and the whole trip has been a massive eye opener and the most amazing experience.

I stayed in Arusha, Tanzania for 1 month from the 3rd of June till the 2nd of July volunteering in an orphanage. I cannot recommend this trip enough! i think 1 month is the perfect time limit to go as you have enough time to really get to know the other volunteers and locals that work there. I also think that going in June/July time is perfect as there are always other volunteers around and the weather isn't too hot.
It's difficult to describe how it's so enjoyable but it is definitely worth doing through PMGY.

I really enjoyed my time in the PMGY ghana house, I made lots of wonderful friends and got to explore some of ghana with the most amazing staff team! On days off we were always given options of things to do by the in house staff such as the culture centre, market etc. and were generally either taken there or shown how to get there (which we always felt safe doing by ourselves as the tro tros were quite easy to use). The biggest challenge was dealing with the lack of running water but we all managed to deal with that quite quickly. it was really fun being able to live with so many people and play games every evening to chill out after placement.
The trips to cape coast and mole national park were amazing, it was incredible to be able to see so much of a different country and i really enjoyed the surfing lesson. it was really fun being able to do something recreational and getting some fabulous experiences along side my friends.
I enjoyed the placement and tried to get as much out of it as possible, i learnt a lot from the nurses who were very willing to explain to us what was going on. However the psychiatric unit was disappointing as the nurses and patients spoke in the native language to each other ( as expected i guess), which made it difficult to understand what was going on and to make a positive contribution. the nurses did their best to explain what was happening but we weren't left with much opportunity to participate and do things. we also went out with the community outreach nurses into the local community to promote mental health and reduce stigma which was really interesting to learn about how little the public knew about mental health. again there was not much english spoken here so it was difficult to understand and contribute to the discussions. overall the placement was positive and i learnt a lot but i feel i was limited by the language barrier.
I really enjoyed the whole experience, and it was really sad to leave everybody behind when i had to go home. it is definitely an experience that I won't be forgetting any time soon.

I have just recently returned from Ghana, where I spent four weeks. I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing and incredible things I have ever experienced.
Throughout my time there, I volunteered at two hospitals in Ghana in their psychiatric units as I was on the mental health programme. However, in the last week I spent a lot of time at the school as well. I really appreciated the flexibility and the opportunity to spend time and help such extraordinary children.
The mental health programme allowed me to learn so much about how they diagnose and treat psychological and psychiatric disorders. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience that I couldn't have gained in the UK.
I couldn't have felt more comfortable in the volunteer house, and while the water/power cuts could be annoying. However, it was never for long, and accommodations were made for that. The staff at the house were amazing, and could not have been more helpful or available. I never once felt unsafe, and always felt secure.
I highly recommend this experience and PMGY to anyone.

I am really happy that I have volunteered to help and doing something good for the kids at the school , to see their faces lighting up when they see you and so eager to learn and so interested in what you have to say. They even will pul you into their class and they were so smart that I didn't have to work so hard in teaching them. I loved every moment with them and I will be back next year, I miss them so much

Upon booking this trip I was extremely nervous, as I have never traveled alone before. However, from the start, I was never actually alone. The PMGY team were always eager to answer any questions and answered my emails/returned my phone calls promptly. They ensured that everything ran smoothly from the airport pick up, to transportation, food, (etc.). The second I got off the plane and exited the airport, I was greeted by smiling, friendly faces. Seth, Dennis, and Florence helped me with exchanging money, activating my SIM card, and anything else that I may have needed assistance with.
Everyone in the volunteer house is like one big family. The house is surrounded by a gate and has an outside patio space, kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and several bedrooms as well as a living room and dinning room area. There are many group activities to partake in, but one is always free to go out and explore on their own adventure if they wish to do so! I found that I was never bored while staying in Ghana, as there was always something to do.
I volunteered at the Manhyia District Hospital in the Emergency and Surgery Ward, and also assisted teachers at the school placement as well. Both placements were extremely rewarding. I got to watch multiple surgeries, and the doctors actually gave me a lesson or two during the procedure and explained step by step what they were doing to the patient. It was a brilliant learning experience. In the emergency ward, there was more hands on work. I got to take patients vital signs, assess patients, and assist nurses with whatever they needed! The school placement was filled with vibrant energy, and the children I got to meet were unforgettable. You are able to teach the children your own lesson that you have constructed, and interact with them one on one. The teachers at the school love the volunteers and really do appreciate the help.
Overall, Ghana with PMGY was an incredible experience. I have come back home a different person, with a different perspective. I am forever grateful for the friends I have made, the people I have met, the experiences I've had, and the memories I've made. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel! PMGY makes you feel right at home, and ensures that you are safe at all times and have no complications during your trip. It was a wonderful experience!

I spent four weeks in Ghana, on the Disabled children placement.
It was a great experience, from the start we were guided around until confident to travel alone. Even when travelling alone the local community are so helpful and friendly; from telling you which stop to get off for the next minibus, to letting you know your bag is open in the market. There was never a reason to feel unsafe during my time in Ghana.

For the placement itself once I was able to recognise the routine of the children's home it became easier to be productive and make a good impact. The home seems understaffed so being able to help with washing clothes, changing nappies, and giving so more attention to a child who's usually left to their own devices does make a positive difference. w
Whether it's chatting or singing with them, exercising their arms and legs to encourage mobility, there's always something to be done.

In addition to working in the children's home I was given the oppurtunity to contribute at the School; I paid school term fees for a number of students and helped towards their end of term party.

The PMGY team in Ghana were really supportive and hardworking, and help you to let of steam at the end of a tiring day or week.
I wish I could have stayed longer as they have created a home environment for us volunteers, and continually took our needs into consideration, seeing what they could change to make our stay better. They also told is about the differences in Ghana, and encouraged us not to be wasteful, for example concerning water and food.

I would recommend Pmgy Ghana to anyone and hope to return. Come with an open mind and acknowledge that many of the norms which are taken for granted in the developed world are luxuries here and appreciate how people work around it. It may take a few days to adjust but it's worth it.

Firstly, from the start of my experience when I signed up with PMGY , the U.K staff (Philip & Josh) were most helpful. Together, they were on hand , on a daily basis (via email) to answer all my queries. The sign up process was made simple and every question I had was answered prompt and honest. I then made contact with Seth (the company coordinator in Ghana) via facebook, and he also answered every query I had leading up to my trip. Already, even before arriving at Ghana to volunteer I felt at ease that I would be looked after.

The staff in Ghana are all amazing people. You become part of a family. All of which are on hand 24 hours a day as you all live together in the same house during your stay.

The safety elements during your placement in Kumasi is the teams utmost importance. It actually surprised me how safe of a country Ghana is, so although you can assured that the team has your safety as a number one priority, this is not something that is an issue. Ghana is one safe friendly county. You will not only be looked after by the team, but also by the local Ghanaians. Never once throughout my stay did I feel unsafe. It was like home from home to me. Far safer than even being at home in the U.K in my opinion.

The placements offer so much experience and opportunities. Those of which you can not gain in the UK. For example, during my mental health placement at Tafo District, I was able to write out patient prescriptions for the nurses. You gain so much hands on experience which will have a huge impact on your life forever.

Mental Health project lets you have an insight on how mental health patients are treated. In the UK you could ever gain an insight like you can in Ghana. Medial staff are friendly and are really helpful with any questions that you may have.

The school/teaching project is most enjoyable. You will engage in very close relationships with the children, the teachers and even the children's parents. I was lucky enough on my last weekend to go to one of the family's home and take their 3 children out on my own. The Ghanaian community are most friendly I've met in my whole life. I've gained a new family for life.

I am confident that after completing my placement at both Mental Health and School/teaching, I have made a huge impact into various lives. Returning back home to the UK is sad, but Its also and incredible feeling knowing you have touched the lives of so many people who can stay in touch with and be a part of their life forever.

Food is amazing. I love embracing in local cultures of any country I visit, and Ghana has been my favorite by far. From learning to african dance, make african food, to getting tailored african outfits made at such a low cost, it made my trip even more enjoyable than I could of imagined.