GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteer in Ghana

Coming from a background In sustainability and recently completing a master's, I felt like I could make a difference when volunteering in GVI Ghana, the pre-departure systems gave me a lot of comfort before arriving and gave me realistic expectations. My experience has been nothing but spectacular, the culture in Ghana blew me away, and GVI gave me such great training in how to deal with cultural differences and classroom behaviours! although there were challenges, mainly the heat and unexpected power cuts, GVI made my 8-week stay comfortable and maintained communication while offering me support through projects and any queries I may have had. The Staff at GVI were considerate and made me feel welcome. I am most thrilled about having the opportunity to reach so many students and experience the real culture of the community. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to make an impact and learn more from the people.

If you are considering volunteering abroad, I can highly recommend GVI. My experience with them at their Ghana base has been amazing. I was looking for a project that has good ethics and is happy with older volunteers. GVI Ghana has fulfilled both of these requirements. During my time here there has been an age range between 75 and 18. The training, support and encouragement has been first class. The work in schools is both demanding and rewarding. There is a perfect balance between project work and socialising, with great trips organised for the weekends and barbecues on the beach and beach cleans. If you at all nervous about taking this leap of faith, my advice is to do it! It has been a fantastic experience and one I'm glad I did not miss out on.

GVI Ghana was both a challenging and very, very rewarding experience. I loved the core principle for sustainable and IMPACT led change and the care and good intention of the GVI staff at base was evident throughout. It is hard not to be inspired by their dedication and the engagement of the community, especially the schools and pupils, that are positively impacted by the GVI Ghana programme. I would recommend to those looking to explore volunteering opportunities abroad and make responsible impact.

My journey started out pretty chaotic as my flight to Ghana got cancelled. I got on a new flight and when I arrived in Ghana a day later than expected, the airline had lost my luggage. I called GVI Ghana and the staff helped me to sort the situation quickly. Overall I am really pleased about my experience with GVI. All of the staff is very effective, acts fast and it is clear that they care a lot about their work. They make sure to give you the right tools and knowledge through training before starting any projects.
I have grown personally, learnt about cultural differences and gained a new worldview and would highly recommend GVI to anyone who wants to volunteer.

Amazing experience! I cannot explain this in any other way. This has been the best experience of my life so far! From start to finish it was incredible.
I completed 4 weeks in Ghana with GVI, as a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) volunteer and was able to partake in a number of different projects. My favourite being ‘self-care for boys’ teaching about mental health and ways to look after it.
The work GVI undertakes in the community of Kokrobite has such a positive impact particularly in the schools that projects are undertaken. I worked with some amazing staff and participants that all showed tremendous dedication to the work we were carrying out. The staff were all so welcoming from start to finish, always available if needed or just for a chat about life in general. The conversations had here will be held dear to me for many years to come.
My time in Ghana consisted of teaching, painting, playing in a football game, exploring the local community, and visiting other regions of Ghana. I learnt about the history of Cape Coast and had a weekend in Adda. The weekends were free time with GVI staff arranging trips for participants at an extra cost, I cannot recommend doing these trips enough!
I have been able to develop my skills and will take these with me for the rest of my life.
I would recommend GVI Ghana to absolutely anyone wanting to volunteer abroad and make an impact, this impact may not be seen but hopefully in the long term it’ll be there. It is important to keep an open mind and fully immerse yourself into the culture and opportunities available because this allowed me to experience so much more!
GVI Ghana has my heart, it will be a birthday I will never forget and hopefully I will be back soon 😊

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with GVI Ghana. The passion the staff show for the work here enables all participants to have a meaningful impact on the community in Kokrobite. The lessons taught to the children in school are designed and delivered in a way that offers maximum impact, creating last impressions that will hopefully benefit them for years to come. The culture on base is vibrant and friendly; it really feels like home. The community members are always so welcoming and seem genuinely happy that we are there. Thank you GVI Ghana for having me!

GVI Ghana changed my life. It was an experience that created core memories. I wish I was still there, trying to figure out how to get back as soon as possible. First day of training was necessary. It provides culturally relevant information to be a respectful guest in a community that warmly welcomes GVI participants. Take all the opportunities given to you to get to know the community and you’ll quickly fall in love. Stay curious while on base and you’ll learn from idealistic people from around the world. Give it all you got with an open mind and heart for the short time you're there- you’ll wish you never left!

My time at GVI Ghana was absolutely fantastic! The integration was seamless, the projects were interesting, and the people I met, including participants, staff, and community members, were truly incredible. I highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking to make a positive impact and gain deeper insights into Ghana and its culture. Despite my brief two-week stay in Kokrobite, I had a chance to explore other historically rich regions, eat local food, immerse myself in the culture, and overall grew as a person and broaden my perspective. Given my professional background, in the chocolate industry this opportunity was particularly valuable to me. It provided an incredible chance to expand my knowledge of Ghana's agriculture and the challenges posed by climate change. I am grateful to everyone involved for making this journey so memorable. Many Thanks! Nathalie.