Location
  • Ghana
    • Kumasi
Length
2 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
375
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Sep 07, 2023
Sep 04, 2023
84 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteer in Ghana with Plan My Gap Year – an award-winning, international volunteer abroad organisation with programs based in Kumasi, Ghana. PMGY provides safe, trusted and affordable programs overseas, with a wide range of volunteer projects in Ghana, including Childcare • English Teaching • Medical & Mental Health opportunities.

PMGY Ghana is located in the historic city of Kumasi, in the central Ashanti Region. The Ghana volunteer programs start on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month. Our projects in Ghana run across the year and participants can join us from 2-24 weeks. Volunteers in Ghana are provided with an extensive pre-departure support service, airport pick-up, orientation, meals, accommodation and local support.

Video and Photos

Impact

Ethical Impact

Plan My Gap Year is committed to providing ethical volunteer opportunities that truly benefit the local communities. We have personally vetted all of our Volunteer Programs in every destination. We support a small network of Volunteer Programs abroad that we have specifically chosen due to their efforts being sustainable for our volunteers and the local communities alike. We work closely with each of our local teams to ensure we are assessing and adapting to ensure quality experiences for all involved.

For this reason, PMGY does not provide volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any of our locations. Research and studies have shown that visiting and volunteering in orphanages has the potential to generate an industry that separates children from their families. In turn, putting children at increased risk of neglect and abuse. Therefore, we do not support these institutions with our volunteer network.

Instead, we focus on offering alternative childcare volunteer opportunities whereby children come to and from the placement setting each day. In other words, our local teams collaborate with childcare projects which do not offer any form of residential care. These are safe, responsible, and vetted projects, where participants continue to provide valued assistance supporting local staff.

Program Highlights

  • Most Affordable – PMGY’s programs are accessible to everyone who wants to make a difference, through low fees and high-impact projects.
  • Best Support – Our international and local teams provide extensive around the clock services to assist you every step of your PMGY adventure.
  • Safety Prioritised – With safety a PMGY number-1 priority, we have taken all necessary precautions to ensure our programs are as safe and structured as possible.
  • Extraordinary Experiences – With PMGY, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in amazing cultural and travel experiences, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories.
  • Friendships for Life – Your PMGY experience not only opens up a doorway for new experiences and exciting memories, but also life-long friendships when meeting new people from around the world.

Popular Programs

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Brighten up the lives of vulnerable children in Ghana and make a vital and important contribution to their daily lives.

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Help young children develop the skills that will help improve their future job prospects. Teach a variety of subjects such as English, Maths and Art.

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A fantastic opportunity to gain experience and insight into the health care system. Learn from local staff and get involved in supporting them.

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Designed for those currently studying mental health or psychology, this is an opportunity to gain insight and awareness within a hospital based setting.

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Spend a life-changing 6, 9 or 12 weeks of volunteering across the world’s second-biggest continent in Ghana, fascinating Tanzania & epic South Africa!

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 127 reviews
  • 5 rating 94.49%
  • 4 rating 5.51%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.85
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 4.95
  • Program Selection 5
  • Pre-departure Help 5
  • In-program Support 5
  • Impact on Student 5
  • Value 5
Showing 41 - 48 of 127 reviews
Default avatar
Robyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana

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.

38 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hanan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

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

36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Catherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Truly a Life Changing Experience

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!

56 people found this review helpful.
Rebecca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Disabled children placement

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.

52 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
sian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable & Lifechanging

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.

What would you improve about this program?
No improvemnts needed.
50 people found this review helpful.
Lucy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana

When people have asked me how my time in Ghana was, I have found it really hard to put it into words. I have experienced emotions which I have never experienced before, been introduced to a new culture, become more confident in myself and I have made friends for life.

The volunteer house itself is what I expected with around 6 volunteers per room which enabled me to become really close to numerous people. The living and dining area is spacious so all of the volunteers were able to sit together and participate in activities which also helped our group to become even closer. Although often having no running water came as a shock, I surprisingly really enjoyed the bucket showers.

My time at the orphanage was an experience which I will never forget. Although at the beginning of my three weeks I found it hard to know what I was able to do at the orphanage and after the initial shocks of how the house mothers treated the children, I soon settled in and felt able to contribute in ways that enabled me to make a difference. As my time progressed at the orphanage, I found myself becoming more confident in myself and became much more involved. I painted the disabled girls' room along with a couple of other volunteers and transformed their dark and dull room into a light, pretty, girly room which was greatly appreciated by the house mother and the children. Some of the children at the orphanage have completely stolen my heart and I plan on visiting them again in the future. The children at the orphanage have taught me a very important lesson as they all were so positive, enthusiastic and happy despite them having absolutely nothing.

The staff at PMGY Ghana have been absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive, caring and enthusiastic team to spend my three weeks with. Whenever I needed advice or help Seth or Flo were always there to help. As this was my first time volunteering abroad I was a bit apprehensive before I came as I thought I might feel out of my comfort zone, however, the staff really helped to make everyone feel at home as soon as they stepped foot in the volunteer house. I felt so safe during my time in Ghana, there was never a time that I felt anxious or worried about safety aspects.

Overall, I have had the most amazing experience of my life and I cannot recommend volunteering in Ghana enough. I believe that it has changed me for the better and I have learnt a lot of important life lessons.

51 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Savannah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY Ghana

I have recently returned home from three weeks in Ghana with PMGY.
I loved my three weeks in Ghana, I can honestly say I've made friends for life. After arriving off the plane and arriving at the hostel we were met by staff at Pmgy before arriving at the hostel for the night.
The volunteer house is easy to settle into with bunk beds and lockers for personal belongings. The living room has a TV and the dining room is large and good to play games in. I found myself enjoying the bucket showers which were welcomed after a long hot day.
Placement is overwhelming but amazing and the children will steal your hearts as they did mine. I was shocked to have found myself so attached the the children so soon but with their charm and smiles they make any day a good day. The orphanage was hard for me at first but after finding my feet I was confident to roam around and find jobs to do. The school is so amazing, the children will be overjoyed to see new people and they love singing and dancing! I would definitely recommend visiting both.
The staff are helpful and are happy to help arrange any excursions you're interested in.
Overall I would recommend this amazing oppertunity and I've returned home with a lot more perspective on the little things. I would love to visit the children again and see how they've grown.

What would you improve about this program?
I think that a little more insight on life at the volunteer house e.g. Food and bathroom situation and bedroom would be useful in preparing new volunteers.
49 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Caitlin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

PMGY GHANA- MAY/JUNE 17

I cannot put into words how amazing my time was in Ghana. The past two months have been absolutely incredible and life changing. I have come back so thankful that I got to experience what I did and it has changed my outlook completely. I loved my time in Ghana and I cannot thank the PMGY team enough.
I did the teaching project and the orphanage project and loved both! I fell in love with the children from day one and the bounds formed with them I will never forget. I would teach at the school in the mornings and then volunteer in the orphanage in the afternoon and I'm thankful that i was able to do both projects as they have taught me so much. Both projects are completely different experiences but each were equally rewarding and I felt like I was helping at both. Whilst at times it was challenging, the fulfilling feeling you got from helping the children and seeing them happy made it easier. The attitude that the kids have is inspiring and seeing their smiling faces has really taught me not to take anything for granted. They constantly stayed positive and happy and I feel blessed that I got to work with them. I will honestly always remember them and everything they have taught me. Leaving both projects was incredibly difficult and probably one of the hardest things i've had to do. I miss the Kids so much and think of them everyday, they have made such an impact on my life.
Not only is the projects amazing but so are the PMGY Ghana team. They are incredibly hard working and helpful and this experience wouldn't of been the same without them. Seth and Flo will do anything to help and go out of their way to ensure you are enjoying yourself and having a good time. Flo is a shinning star and to me the heart of the house. She is constantly upbeat and cheerful and its impossible to be anything but happy when around her. Whilst also working at the school herself, she also helps volunteers in any way possible and I never felt out of my depths at the school as she was always there to make sure everything was ok. I also need to mention the two best chefs Kristy and Cindy for the delicious food they cooked for us everyday. Not only that though they too were so upbeat and happy that it was just lovely to be around them. They created such a fun atmosphere in the house. Often you'd come home from project feeling tired but it was nice to come back to their liveliness and chat about our days or have a little dance. I consider all of them friends and I feel lucky to of meet them. Also not to miss out Roland, Dennis, Kwami and prince, a massive thank you for making this time so great. All the team made me feel so welcome from day one and it did feel like one big family. I never once felt alone as I knew I could always have someone to go to. By the end of my time in Ghana it felt more like a second home. Also to all my fellow volunteer a massive thank you to all of you for making this trip so special, I love you all!
I never felt unsafe throughout my whole stay in Ghana, and I always knew if I needed help the locals were always more than happy to help with what you need. I've fallen in love the country and the culture, whilst its very different to back in the uk, its so interesting to see and experience. What i have found most inspiring is the happiness of everyone you meet, even people who are struggling keep a smile on their face and I think that's truly amazing! I would 100% recommend PMGY Ghana! The memories I have from Ghana I will cherish forever and Ghana will always have a special place in my heart! I will definitely be returning.

40 people found this review helpful.

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