Affordable and Meaningful Volunteering In Ghana in a Variety of Projects

This was my first volunteering experience. I did not expect it to be this fun and safe. There are different programs for all personal tastes. I took part in education, reforestation, and football academy. The atmosphere with the other volunteers is perfect, weekend trips are some of the most interesting ones I have ever done, and Ghanaian people are the best: always welcoming and helpful. I would recommend joining Atlas to anyone. Activities are sometimes very tiring but it is always worth it at the end of the day.

My trip to Ghana was a real human and learning experience.

Firstly, the inclusion in the volunteer team and the team in general is incredible. Arriving as a 19 year old amongst a majority of 25-30 year old who didn't speak French could have been complicated but they welcomed me straight away, Dom was attentive to all my questions, doubts, surprises as well as informing me about the Ghanaian culture and guiding me.

I spent a total of 7 weeks in Ghana. When I arrived, we were only 11 volunteers separated in two houses. The green house was made up of an American, a German, a Scottish, a French, myself and Dom, and in the second house, the white house, an Italian, a German, a Spanish, a French and two Americans and Ben. I describe this to show how much I was impressed by the diversity of people and culture from the beginning of my stay and how much it enriched my stay.

I was immediately very well received by all the volunteers, at the beginning I was in the same room as Tabea and Camille, we all spoke in English and from the second day everyone offered me to do an activity with them and integrated me into the group by giving me advice, tips and information on everyday life. When I arrived late in the evening Dom introduced me directly to the house, the other volunteers and I took a tour of Abetifi (the nearest town) the next morning with Ben. They accompanied me on my way to change money, to do my first shopping and to know the important places and words to know in my daily life.

Frank came to me the day after my arrival to introduce me to the different projects and to organise me with the renovation and the teaching. I was therefore before the strike in the primary school of Abetifi, to which I went by taxi 3 times a week. I had a class of 40 pupils of 7-8 years old to whom I taught the basics of French through cards prepared beforehand, songs, drawings and lectures. Even though I had hardly ever taught before, the most important task was not to teach the basics but to keep the pupils attentive, concentrated and interested! The teacher stayed in the classroom but let me do as I wished. Following the strike that took place in the middle of my stay we all changed schools, as we were mostly in different schools, to go to private schools. I was then able to teach different classes with smaller numbers and a more "family" organisation and to do some support: the "reading club".

These two experiences were great and allowed me to realise that private schools are not as luxurious if they are reserved for students from wealthy families as in France.

My second project that I did on Monday and Tuesday was the renovation (construction of reinforced concrete walls) of a school in Suminacase. I did this project with several other volunteers, Geoffroy from the beginning and others who arrived little by little. Unlike

teaching, this project was more expensive and physical, and I enjoyed it very much! At the beginning Frank came with us all day to supervise the work, to teach us how to help Jesse the bricklayer, and then we went on our own by taxi.

Different changes punctuated my stay: firstly, we had to move house because the number of volunteers became too large. At the beginning we lived in two separate houses and joined each other in the evenings and were all very independent, but now we have all moved into the same house. Reorganizing everything was a bit complicated but very well supervised by Sam, Dom, Frank and Ben! It has been great to learn to live in a real community again, share ideas and activities with everyone and have relationships with even more people. When I left, we were over 24 volunteers from all over the world! For me it was always a bit confusing to see people leave and get used to the newcomers, but it was great!

On Wednesdays, the family nights allowed everyone to get together outside of projects or daily life and get to know each other over a game, a barbecue, or a debate. Having local language lessons once a week by one of the coordinators allows us to get involved and try to communicate while we are running errands, at school or looking for a taxi. Apart from the team members, what has made me feel more confident and comfortable in my projects is the inclusion of woman in Ghana and safety.
At school during the projects or in everyday life, even though all the volunteers are foreigners and know little of the language and culture.

When I left, we were over 24 volunteers from all over the world! For me it was always a bit confusing to see people leave and get used to the newcomers, but it was great!
Thanks to this we organized weekend trips: like visiting a national park, going on a safari, going on an adventure. Dom encouraged and accompanied us on our visits to waterfalls, forests, caves, and typical villages. The weekends and evenings we spent together allowed us to learn about Ghana, its culture, language, food, and people. What impressed me most about the Ghanaians was their sense of welcome and trust.

This is a short review of my stay as a volunteer in Ghana, a stay that made me grow and allowed me to discover a great country and a great association with which I hope to be able to go back one day: AtlasVolonteers.

This was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. Within the classroom, it can be an overwhelming & unique experience without a teaching background but Atlas volunteers made the experience comfortable & enjoyable. They allowed you to choose your subject area you felt the most comfortable to teach, they paired volunteers together if needed, they supported each volunteer fully while integrating into the school system

Outside of the classroom, you return HOME to a FAMILY of volunteers. We had volunteers from around the world- Canada, US, France, Netherlands, South Africa, etc. but nobody ever felt out of place. Sam, Dom, Frank and Ben have created an atmosphere that integrates the Ghanian culture with everyone elses background which confidently makes me say this is the best volunteer program you can be apart of. From the family game nights to the multi day adventures- this was my home away from. I made friendships that will last a life time

Most importantly, Atlas operates based on IMPACT within the Ghanian community. They aren’t ran by money, they’re motivated by difference making. They make a difference in every students life, the school atmosphere and the Ghanian environment. I can’t say enough positives about this organization

I had an amazing time teaching in Ghana with Atlas volunteers, the way the volunteer coordinators and teachers look after you, to the way the children love your company, help and playful moments, it’s an incredible, irreplaceable feeling!

The way the staff handles all the questions and inquiries you have is really commendable, not only do they show you around the small villages, but you can also learn a lot of things about Ghana from them than you would never know. Big thanks to Sam and Libby who were supportive and amazing from the start to the end of my 2 week program! Couldn’t recommend this program more!

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!