GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteer in Ghana

I highly recommend GVI Ghana for anyone looking for a volunteering program to get involved with! In my 2 week program in Ghana I had a fantastic time meeting new people (both in the local community and with other volunteers), sightseeing around Ghana and spending time on projects helping out in local schools. There were a wide variety of programs available which the staff were happy to provide guidance on, and they all had a strong focus on sustainability. I was also pleasantly surprised by how much free time we were given and all the activities that were organised by staff members and the facilities were much nicer and more established than expected! Definitely no regrets signing up- the only downside is the constant sweating from the heat!

As my end date drew closer I realised that I did not at all feel ‘done’ here, after seeing my project start to actually impact the children I was teaching, I felt it would be too soon to leave. And, without question, the other contributing factors to my extension was the people I had met here and the like-minded nature of all the participants, being truly motivated by impacting the community in the best way they could, whether it be in environmental projects, education, or women’s empowerment, is something so inspiring to be amongst- they are people I likely would never have met had I not been in Ghana and were such an added bonus to my experience here. I was also involved in other projects such as Menstrual Health Management, teaching French as well as computer lessons for young girls.

I volunteered at GVI Ghana for 4 weeks on the women’s empowerment programme, and it was the most amazing experience- I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. There is a wide variety in the lessons and projects provided that you can get stuck in to- my favourites being gender based violence, menstrual health, and fit Ed - and within each of those you have the ability to help plan and deliver the classes. The team have a great relationship with the schools, and we work on other projects with them such as painting and beach cleans with the kids. The kids are amazing and definitely are one of the things that made my time there what it was- and I know many others felt the same. Gvi Ghana itself is incredible in its focus on making sure it's impact led, and above all else that all the work done is ethical. From day 1 there is a strong focus on the ethics of the work you’re doing which I believe is so so important, and is definitely something that stuck with me. Beyond your projects, you can spend free time on base which is a beautiful place to live; in Kokrobite which has many social places like Big Millys, Kokrobite gardens and an incredible beach; or there are organised trips every other weekend. These were such a highlight of the experience and you become immersed in the history and culture of Ghana, as well as getting to see some beautiful sights! I went to Volta and we hiked mountains, swam in waterfalls, saw monkeys, drank palm wine... it was the best weekend!! There are also weekend trips to Cape coast to see the historic slave castles, and to Ada. The staff are incredible- shoutout to Will for (sometimes) making everyone laugh, to Naa for her delicious cooking, to Joanna for her beautiful jewellery and much needed laundry service, and most of all to Matt for making GVI Ghana what it is. The base pets are the cutest little things as well (I was very close to putting them in my bag and taking them home)! The overall experience genuinely was amazing, I'm planning to go back already and I would urge anyone to go, you will not regret it. For me it was the best decision I ever made and I would do it a million times over again.

I loved my time at GVI Ghana but it definitely was difficult! You'll experience a lot of different things culturally but in the end it is very rewarding! Projects are hard sometimes just because of cultural differences and the work that we do here is sustainable so do not expect to see results/impacts even though you are making one! I would advise you come here with a very open mind and be expecting to grow mentally, physically + emotionally! And on a not so serious note be ready to sweat like a lot! Overall if you are passionate, dedicated and flexible I would absolutely recommend GVI Ghana to you! Also the staff and community will welcome you with open arms and make you feel right at home!

My GVI Ghana experience has truly been phenomenal. The community in Ghana is one of the kindest I've had the pleasure to work in. Thank you for this life-changing opportunity.

I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a volunteering/internship in women’s empowerment courses.

The base and facilities at GVI Ghana are fantastic and the staff are so welcoming.

You will meet some incredible people out here, those in the community and those working with GVI Ghana too, you’ll make friends for life!

My experience at GVI Ghana has been life changing for me. I have been able to partake in once in a lifetime opportunities on the trips we have taken and made friendships I know will be long lasting. Most importantly for me however is the level of personal growth I have experienced, and I know I have changed a lot as I go back into my life at home. I came to Ghana after I finished my masters program and was at a loss where to go and what to do next. Being out here and working with the amazing staff and other participants with the aim of helping the community has helped me understand what I deem important and helped me understand what I want to do next moving forward into my career. Throughout the course of my six week stay in Ghana I had to overcome challenges that I had not faced previously which allowed me to gain skills leading to a notable increase in my confidence. This change I have witnessed in myself is possibly the most important thing I have taken away from my time at GVI Ghana. It has given me a level of self assurance about taking on upcoming challenges when I get a job that I did not have before coming here and am confident I wouldn't have gained without this time. If you are nervous about taking a risk and coming to GVI Ghana I wholeheartedly recommend taking the leap of faith, I was extremely anxious before coming but now I can't imagine not having gained the knowledge and friendships I have. I will be forever thankful to GVI Ghana for the best six weeks of my life and I hope other people are able to experience it too.

Wow! I have had an amazing time with GVI Ghana. It has been such a unique experience and genuinely something I would do again and again if I could. This experience has truly surpassed my expectations of my gap year travels. I spent my birthday out in Ghana and it was such an amazing day! Everyone here, staff and participants, are so lovely and welcoming and it feels like a little family! I've loved the project work and being able to get to know the children and teachers and my time here has felt so fulfilling. This experience is something I will seriously hold in my heart for life!

There are so many wonderful parts of this GVI program I can go on and on about. In order to keep it short I will just mention a few parts.

1. The people you meet/help are grateful and appreciative of the work you do in the schools/communities.
2. You as the participant are in-charge of the kind of impact you want to have/leave.
3. The culture created on base is that of a working and supportive family.
4. The weekend excursions are a blast! The are a way for you as the participant to see other parts of Ghana as well as get to know the other participants better.