Development and Social Change in Ghana with Amizade

This program was awesome! Amizade did a wonderful job creating a busy and exciting volunteer experience. Our group had a guide (Francis) who was with us at all times to ensure we got where we needed to be. We worked very hard, and had many opportunities to take in the local culture as well. We took trips to the beach, to the slave castles in Elmina and on the Cape Coast, and toured a cocoa plantation. We also had the chance to visit an orphanage and bring the children there small gifts. It was a humbling and eye opening experience. I felt very safe while in Ghana, and the staff at Amizade made sure everything was executed very smoothly. We were fortunate to stay in a newly constructed hotel that had running water, electricity and even air-conditioning!

The community in Jukwa is extremely open and friendly, and the people who live there love to share what they have. We were presented to the village chief, who welcomed us to his community. He made us feel right at home, and was grateful for our help in creating the new library in Jukwa. The chief was very concerned with our well-being, even taking time out of his busy day to stop by our hotel when he found out one of our participants was very ill with a stomach bug. He made sure to let her know that he would help her in any way he could, should she need it. We felt included and welcomed in the community, and it made the experience that much more incredible.

I would go back to Ghana in a second if given the chance. Its a beautiful country with beautiful people, and it was without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life!!