MAD about this project!

I recently returned from completing my second trip to Ghana to take part in the project. The project itself is very well organized and our tribe leader, Cathy, supported us every step of the way from Gibraltar to Ghana and back.

Maranatha beach camp where we volunteer is a beautiful part of the world. It reminds me a bit of the Caribbean with palm trees on the shore line. It is not a holiday resort however and make no mistake about it, you are in the middle of nowhere where there is no running water or constant electricity. But to my view the resort is all the better for it as this allows you to enjoy the beauty around you more and become part of the community that much easier. You will be practically living like the locals: from showering in the river; to drinking out of plastic bags instead of bottles; to working shoulder to shoulder with them; to dancing to the small hours of the morning on the beach beside a camp fire.

Make no mistake about it, the manual work is tough, but as your time there progresses you will be amazed at what is achieved by people who have never done manual labour before. It will bring out the best in you.

This second time round I could really notice the impact that our first trip has made to the local community. Not only had the school attendance more than doubled in a year, but I could see a marked improvement in the academic level of many of the children. Which brings me to the best part of the whole experience...the local children. They are very excitable, very loud and above all very very fun to be around. You,ll have to fight the urge to take one home with you once the programmer has finished. They love being around the volunteers and help wherever possible.

In conclusion, I cannot recommend this project enough, and if I have an opportunity I will be back for the third time next year!