Program Reviews

Returned to stay with Atlas after enjoying my first experience so much, I was volunteering in schools.

As a qualified teacher I was given the perfect level of support for me, I was checked in on and my relationship with the school was supported, I was given advice where needed, but ultimately left to support students and staff through exams however seemed effective for us.

Socially it's an ideal setting to go out and have fun when you'd like to, but with space to have time to yourself too when you'd prefer.

I felt safe at all times, both at the volunteer house and out in the local community.

Overall I loved it as much as my first trip, and I will definitely be back.

I was a little nervous about coming to Ghana before I arrived, but it turned out that there’s absolutely no need to worry. The Atlas team is super friendly and always there to help or answer questions. I only stayed for one month, but when it was time for me to leave, I really wished I could stay longer. Though if you do have time to extend your trip, the team is super flexible and usually it wouldn’t be a problem to stay longer than you originally intended to. I‘d recommend staying for at least two months, as time passes super quickly.
Regarding the school placements you are totally free to choose what you want to do and what you feel comfortable with, such as deciding what subjects and age groups you want to teach or if you prefer to do one-on-one tutoring in reading, Maths or English. Typically it’s easier to teach older children from 12 and onwards as the language barrier is much lower with them.
Usually you‘ll go to school until 1 or 3 pm each day and afterwards you have time to do activities with the friends you‘ll definitely make! I really enjoyed spending time with the other volunteers and there’s always something you‘ll do together, whether that’s going to the bar at night, swimming in the pool of the local hotel, exploring the nearby villages and so much more.
I‘m really glad I decided to volunteer in Ghana, it’s an unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss out on :)

It was my first time in Africa and I am very happy to had my first experiences there with Atlas Volunteers. It was a very nice and eventful time in Ghana, experiences that I wish everyone to have. I went there alone for a month. Both before departure and during my trip, I always felt that I was in good hands. On site you are together with many other volunteers and it is very important for the Organisation that there is a sense of community and that nobody feels alone. At the same time, you can withdraw at any time, whenever you want. In my month I managed to completely renovate an entire school and create a suitable place for the children to learn. All of this was possible because Frank did a very good job of organizing the project and Dom actively supported me in the work. Without this support the project would never have been so successful. In the end we were able to paint the school with all the volunteers - a great group community. In order to make an impact on site, I recommend everyone to go there for at least 1 month, rather more. I wish everyone a great time there, you won't regret it.

I have just completed my third trip with Atlas Volunteers, this time I lived there for 8 months. There are lots of reasons I keep going back and will continue to. The support system and the Atlas Family is supportive and passionate about yhe projects and making sure that every volunteer thar is safe, happy and enjoying their stay as well as being fulfilled by whatever project they are in. Atlas is very flexible as well in the sense that if a volunteer wanted to change projects or extend, staff is available 24/7 to help you out. Ghana is one of the safest places  I have evwr traveled, I tell everyone that I feel more safe going out in Ghana alone then I do at home  (California, USA). I loved my Ghana life, traveling around the country on the weekends, going to the local markets, and going to school during the week. And i had the unique opportunity to watch change happen. Usually people omly have trips for a couple of monthsm But because I was there for longer I got to see plants grow, schools built and children grow. You usually can't see the impact you've made in such a short time, but I've seen Atlas Volunteers work. And I can't wait to go hack in the coming years to see how they've grown!

From the first evening I spent in pepease I felt really welcome and during the first few days I got fastly integrated into the group. The Projects with kids were very fun and I had the feeling I may have had an impact on the children. The coordinators that I met during my stay were really helpful especially Dom and Frank. Frank helped me ease into the project in the first few days and was always there and easy to talk to. The same goes for Dom who also helped us organizing trips on the weekend. I never felt left alone in 2 month that I was in Ghana. The house that I was living in had an unbelievable view every morning and it was a very calming atmosphere in general.
Lastly the rest of the organization that I have met like Richmond and Sam have also always been nice. I think I met most of the organizers during my stay which helped me identify with the organization easier and faster.

Volunteering for Atlas in Ghana was my best decision so far!
It was my first time in Africa, all by myself, not knowing what to expect. But honestly, I have never felt lost or unsafe. Dom, Frank, and Sam are experienced and passionate in what they do. They will make you feel at home and give you a lot of guidance, both in the project and during the rest of your time in Ghana.
During my project, there was room for helping with other projects as well, which made it really diverse and fun! I worked with the local community directly, which made the project of high impact and value. The volunteering project is of course the main focus, but the time is flexible. You will have time to explore the rest of what Ghana has to offer (spoiler: A lot of good stuff!).
I would highly recommend Atlas!

Ghana was one of the most important experiences I had in my life. To be with people where nothing of your previous life matters is a situation everyone should be in. The Ghanaian culture allows you to have fun and joy in another way even in the school's its so normal to just dance and enjoy some moments with the students and the teachers. Being a part of Atlas Volunteers made me feel like home. All the people caring for you and you can feel completely safe. Also the fact that you have still your own life there is really important. Your day isn't planed you have your own choice what you want to do in your freetime. Meeting people from all over the word is something you cannot have in so many places but here. Learning from other cultures and making friends who will last for ever and to feel yourself in a way you feel completely comfortable with. That's Ghana for me.

On my arrival, I was very well received by the atlas team and the other volunteers, I stayed 4 months with them in Ghana and I was not disappointed with the trip, the mission met my expectations.
By getting involved, there is a real possibility to have an impact in the schools with which the association works.
I highly recommend going there if you like, or want to discover how is it to work with children.
The accommodation is of very good quality and well maintained, the area is also beautiful.

I am 18 years old, I wanted to do a real volunteering program.
And with “real” I mean helping people, being needed in a project created with the only purpose of giving and not receiving, that wanted to make a change and not money. In other words, something impossible to find.

That is what I thought until the day I arrived to Atlas. The transparency, mentality, and the desire to make a better world that they have is unbelievable and really admirable. I stayed only for a month and I could learn so much more that I could give. I really want people to feel what I felt, to live what I lived, to have what for me was the best experience of my life.

Furthermore, I would like to encourage people to take the step as I did, I promise that you will never regret it and will some day tell your experience as fascinated as I am

It is an incredible and unforgettable experience where we bring new knowledge to the children who are very happy and grateful.
Community life allows you to meet beautiful people of different nationalities, which promotes an exchange of culture. Morever we can travel for tourism, it's really great.
the people of the association are always attentive to our questions and our needs, they are super caring.
The realization of theme evenings allows everyone to get to know each other and always have a good time.
Life at home is very comfortable and pleasant.