Memories that last a lifetime. Orphnage Program, Ghana.

Volunteering with IVHQ was a truly a life changing experience. Prior to deciding to volunteer in Ghana I had numerous questions which were promptly and patiently answered by Daniel Radcliffe. From the moment I was picked up from the airport as a wide-eyed and somewhat vulnerable 18 year old girl, I knew I was in safe hands. The fact that IVHQ were able to place my three friends and I together for our volunteering experience proves how accommodating the staff are for all ages and numbers as well as individuals.

We spent our first three days in country at the main volunteer house in Accra with Edward and Eric where we were able to get a taste of Ghanaian life and take part in orientation activities and language lessons-we were even able to attend a wedding with Eddie! We were lucky enough to spend our three months at Achiase Children's Home located in a small town surrounded by dusty orange roads and magnificent greenery, yet only a short two hour bus ride from the capital city (where we were able to satisfy our chocolate cravings).

From our first bombardment of hugs from both the children and directors, Sarah and Frank Sam, we knew immediately they had stolen our hearts and that we would forever have a place with this gigantic family. We spent the mornings getting the children ready for school; helping the younger ones shower and dress, find their missing shoes and chasing them around the home until we ensured their teeth were sufficiently cleaned! After the children had walked the 60 odd meters to the school (missing doors, windows and colour) we helped wash clothes, clean dishes and prepare lunch.

We also had the opportunity to head down to the school and assist the teachers in their lessons or merely carry the sleeping two year old students home for a snooze. After school it was play time! From dancing the 'hokey pokey' to cooking toffee to playing intensely competitive ball and card games, afternoons always seemed to fly by and before we knew it we were called 'home' for dinner (the volunteer house next door ownded by a local woman). It truly was a race to see how fast we could eat so we could head straight back over to the kids to help with homework, have a good old chat and joke with the older kids and Sarah and have the little ones fall asleep on you; like monkeys with their arms clinging around your neck.

Although our days were fairly basic each one was unique and so rewarding. After familiarsing ourselves with the running of the home we were able to see how we could make some improvements to their livelihoods. Through generous donations sent from back home in Australia, we were able to paint the existing school, build a brand new colourful, cement brick classroom equipped with desks rather than planks of wood, purchase a water tank to store water for the dry season and buy LOTS of chicken and fruit in an attempt to fill our children's bellies and supply them the vitamins and nutrients their bodies craved. Not only did we have fun painting the school and classroom but the kids had an absolute BALL; although most of the paint ended up on their faces and bodies rather than the walls.

Other highlights included numerous parties-fried rice party, fruit salad party and fufu party, dancing for hours to Ghanaian pop music with kids as young as 18 months and taking the older children to a national park to walk over canopy bridges. These big events and simple everyday moments instilled in our brains and hearts memories that will last a lifetime. Leaving my Achiase family was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. When Sarah and the older girls were crying it was bad enough. But when 'tough' boys aged 9-12 cry uncontrollably because you are leaving them, you know you have made a difference and had an impact on their life. Needless to say the long journey back to Accra was a tearful one.

On weekends we had the opportunity to travel throughout Ghana where we visited some truly amazing and picturesque places such as waterfalls, slavery prisons, beaches and monkey sanctuaries. This was a great opportunity to meet other volunteers from other programs, where we realized how fortunate we were compared to those with other companies who paid thrice the amount as us for half the support and services we received.

Our trip could not have exceeded our expectations to such an extent without the 24/7 support and guidance of the IVHQ staff in country. Our safety was there absolute, number one priority and if ever we felt uneasy they were available to help us. We were also incredibly lucky to have a cook live with us from IVHQ, Florence or our 'Flo Flo.' Not only did Florence prepare our three delicious meals a day but was always up for a laugh or chat, looked after us when we became ill and was our surrogate mother. Bottom line- she became our best friend who we still keep in contact with six months later, along with Sarah Sam and the children. I cannot speak highly enough of my trip or express how grateful I am for this experience with IVHQ. Not only is the program highly affordable but the staff truly care about their volunteers and the Ghanaian people they are placed with.

Thank you IVHQ!