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Liberia Refugee Camp - FAQTell me more about the Ghana and the Refugee Camp?What is the climate like in Ghana? What kind of volunteer work is available? Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer? When will I know specific details on the placement? Where will I be located? Tell me more about flying into Ghana? When do I need to arrive at the camp? How do I get to the project? Tell me more about the accommodation Do you make provision for special diets? Are there holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling? What age do you have to be to volunteer? What immunizations/vaccines will I need? What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? Can I bring my own family with me to the program? Are there more expenses once I arrive? How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana and at the camp? How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? What is the course content of the training? What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? What clothing is appropriate for the program? What resources will be available? Can you tell me more about your partner in Ghana? Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? Do I need travel insurance? How do I pay my fees? ------ Tell me more about the Ghana and the Refugee Camp? Ghana is a vibrant and alluring country, steeped in rich tradition and a frequently tragic history. Free from the trappings of mass tourism, this former British colony has much to offer the visitor. Tropical beaches abound but there's so much more: feed the sacred crocodiles at Paga, plunge into the waterfalls of the eastern highlands, marvel at the game-rich savannah of Mole National Park, or relive the chilling story of the coastal slave forts. For more information we suggest that you purchase the Bradt Travel Guide to Ghana. If you wish you can purchase a copy from our bookshop. The Refugee Camp is home to more than 40 000 Liberians who have been displaced from their home country because of the war that began in 1990. The camp itself consists of dirt roads and very modest homes or huts with no running water or electricity available at all. It is about a 45 minute bus ride from the camp to the capital city of Accra and it is just a ten minute ride to the major market of Kosoa. The camp itself has its own market stalls scattered all over where you can purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, eggs, etc. What is the climate like in Ghana? Since Ghana is only a few degrees north of the equator, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during September-October when the weather is relatively cooler and it rains only occasionally. During December-February it is the dry season, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s F/27-36 C and nights in the 70s F/18-26 C. Another dry season occurs in July and August. A dry northeast wind known as the harmattan blows for about 10 days in January. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest corner has the highest humidity and rainfall, while the north is frequently hot and dry. Don't forget to take along an umbrella during the rainy season. What kind of volunteer work is available? International volunteers can, according to experience and education, become involved with:
You can volunteer at any time of the year in Ghana, the Liberian refugee camp (Peace) program starts on the 1st and 15th of each month. When will I know specific details on the placement? Placements are determined after orientation under consultation with the program staff so that requests and specific needs can be met with regards to both the volunteer and the needs of the community. As the situation in the camp is constantly changing it is best to discuss your placement preferences during your orientation period. Where will I be located? The program is located inside Budumburam Refugee Settlement, just west of the town of Kosoa, and about 30 miles from the capital city Accra. The volunteer house is located outside the camp, in the township of Awutu Bereku. This is a 5 minute walk from the tro-tro stop which will take you to the camp. Tell me more about flying into Ghana? All volunteers fly into Kotoka International Airport in Accra (airport code ACC). Pickup days are the 14th and last day of each month (one day before the program begins). Volunteers should provide their arrival details in advance so they can be met by our partner's representative. When do I need to arrive at the camp? You can start the program on the 1st or the 15th of each month. Typically, volunteers will be greeted at airport in Accra upon their arrival. How do I get to the project? Volunteers are met in Accra on the designated pickup day and driven to their accommodation in Awutu. This is a 5 minute walk from the tro-tro stop which will take you to the camp on each workday. Tell me more about the accommodation While volunteering, you will be accommodated in the volunteer guesthouse in a village about 5mins drive from the camp. There are basic facilities available. There is often no electricity (frequent blackouts) and there is no running water. You will take bucket showers and there is a western style toilet with “bucket flush”. Simple meals are provided for you at the guesthouse. For those signing up to volunteer after June 2008 please be aware that we are considering moving the accommodation to inside the camp around about June/July. More details will come later. Do you make provision for special diets? Vegetarians are fine if they are willing to settle for a limited selection of food. Breakfast is generally tea, eggs, some sort of oatmeal and bread. No problem there. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is served from a revolving menu of rice, potatoes, yams, beans or plantains, accompanied by a sauce on the side (which can often include meat). Often there is also fruit, such as pineapple, set out. You’ll need to supplement at your own expense if this is not acceptable to you. Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling? There are many holidays and festivities in Ghana to enjoy throughout the year. Some of these will interrupt project schedules and some will not. One thing about Africa is that schedules are never written in stone. Volunteers should use the break from the regular work schedule to soak up the culture and get to know the people in your community. School holidays in Ghana vary from year to year and school to school, but typically they start about the second week in April, August, and December and last for one month. If you are volunteering during one of these holidays, there will be only a minimal need for volunteers to teach. Instead, you will spend much of your time on various other projects. What age do you have to be to volunteer? You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. You just have to be in good health. What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Malaria is prevalent in Ghana so we strongly recommend medication for this. A Yellow fever vaccination is legally required to enter Ghana and you will need to provide a certificate to prove you have had it to obtain a Visa. Consult the following links for more information about malaria: http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/faq.htm http://www.cdc.gov/travel/regionalmalaria/wafrica.htm What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program? Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision. Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? Yes it would be helpful if you speak English. You may have English as your second language and that is also fine. While there are many local languages spoken in Ghana, the majority of people speak English and everyone at the camp speaks English as well. Can I bring my own family with me to the program? Due to limited placements in this program, the spaces in the accommodation are reserved for volunteers only. If you are volunteering and would like to bring your family, you will need to arrange separate accommodation for them outside of the camp. As the demands of volunteering are quite strenuous, physically, mentally, and most of all, emotionally, we recommend volunteering on your own so that you may focus on the community and your personal health. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The in-country fee covers all meals during your placement. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Ghana for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off depending on what you intend doing. Other costs include buying bottled water, departure tax and any shopping you will do personally. How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana and at the camp? Ghana is considered a safe, stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries but sensible precautions for foreigners are recommended as you do draw extra attention. Foreigners are perceived as wealthy and although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. The atmosphere in the camp is very community oriented, but the refugee camps, like all of their kind, pose inherent risks and our volunteer houses are not immune to such risks. Two armed-robberies have taken place at GVN Guesthouses since the organisations inception in 2000. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. In addition to having locks on all bedrooms and house entry points, there is also a security guard on duty at the volunteer house each night. The camp itself has a curfew at midnight and employs a small, on-site police force. How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? This depends on how many people wish to volunteer at any one time, the maximum number being 8. What is the course content of the training? There is no actual training in this program in the way of project work. You will be bringing your skills and experience to the organisation so that they may increase their effectivity. What hours am I expected to take part in the program? Volunteers typically work between 8am and 6pm, Monday through Friday, for about 4-6 hours per day. Schedules can be flexible, depending on your specific volunteer activities. Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? Yes. Any time that you are not expected to be on your project you are free to do as you please. Teaching hours very from 2 - 5 hours per day. You may want to spend some time in Ghana before or after volunteering to see more of the country. You can survive on as little as $20 (U.S) a day in Ghana. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury. The Bradt Guide contains many traveling ideas and is very through in detailing places to stay along the way. What clothing is appropriate for the program? Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable but tidy attire. It can be very hot at certain times of the year, however covering up is important not only for protection from the sun and insects, but also to show respect to local staff and members of the community. For women this means long pants, skirts, and dresses. For men, this means long pants, or even nice knee-length shorts if necessary. What resources will be available? Any teaching resources you have that would be of benefit to you in your teaching subject would ideally be taken with you. You can discuss ideas with our partner at the camp via the email. You need to understand that all schools are very under resourced and much of the teaching is rote learning with the teacher up the front talking to a whole class situation. Many students may not have books or pencils to even work with. Do not expect to have many resources provided at the school. Can you tell me more about your partner in Ghana? Our partner is an NGO whose focus is peace and reconciliation for Liberians who have been traumatised by the war. They were founded in May 2003 by Liberian refugees staying in Buduburam Refugee Settlement in Ghana who saw the need and potential for peace among a people ravaged by many years of civil war. They currently have 125 local volunteers who help to implement their aims and activities. Our partner also welcomes international volunteers and appreciates the different perspective they bring. Additionally, the presence of international volunteers helps to reassure and invigorate local volunteers that they are working for something worthwhile. This is an exciting time as Liberians are beginning to repatriate and our partner hopes to soon expand their work into Liberia. There is much work to be done. Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? You will organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Ghana. Do I need travel insurance? As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident cover as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers all fees paid to GVN, Airlines etc (up to US$8,000). The cost is US$150.00 for the first month and then US$100.00 per month after that. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/. How do I pay my fees? Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours).
Click here to apply for the Ghana refugee camp program. |
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Vietnam
Volunteers have the chance to teach English, care for and play with children in placements around central Vietnam. > Read More
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