African Adventures - Harpenden Ghana Trip July - Aug 2016

A group of nine teenagers and one adult visited Ghana to develop an understanding of a very different culture and society by volunteering to teach and build in a school on the south-east coast of Ghana. We spent 17 days either helping the teaching staff meet their teaching objectives or helping build a classroom in a school with virtually no resources. And what a tremendous experience it was - I have spent a lot of time abroad and I can honestly say that my trip to Ghana was one of the most rewarding experiences that I have ever had.

The trip is designed to integrate the group into the local community and immerse them in the local culture and society as much as possible in a relatively short time...and it worked! I left Ghana feeling that we had developed a real understanding of the issues facing a developing sub-Saharan country, how they affect people and how they can be tackled in a sustainable fashion. I was also left with a deep respect for the wonderfully kind and generous people who opened their arms to us and made us feel incredibly welcome throughout the trip (the Ghanaians’ reputation for openness and friendliness is well-deserved).

Ghana is an extraordinarily beautiful and diverse country, steeped in rich history and culture, on the edge of developing rapidly, with some of the most friendly people in the world and a raft of opportunities unspoiled by tourism. Our trip was punctuated by two wonderful weekends: the first in the East, in the highland rainforests where monkeys eat plantains from your hands and you can wash away dirt and cares under the highest waterfall in West Africa; the second spent exploring the amazing and historic Cape Coast Castle,, taking a rope walk over the canopies of a beautiful rainforest and getting up close and personal with crocodiles!

I would recommend this programme unhesitatingly for any group who wishes to get a real insight into Ghana, its people, culture and issues. A beautiful country, a great programme and a genuinely valuable experience.