Practical information

Expectations

When you want to volunteer or work in Ghana, it is important to take the following into consideration:

Based on our experience, most of the volunteers are enthusiastic, idealistic and energetic persons. They are used to the western rhythm of life and want to achieve many results within their volunteering period. But life and work style in Ghana are different from the West, with a much more relaxed approach to working hours and productivity.

It is almost impossible to have a clear understanding upfront about the way your are going to experience your life in an environment, where everything will be different from what you are used to. Therefore, we will be there for you to explain the differences in culture, to share your experiences and to answer your questions in order to offer a fundament for an extraordinary experience in which you learn a lot about the country, its people and about yourself.

Safe arrival and introduction to the country and project

Jolinaiko Eco Tours will pick you up from the airport and arrange a comfortable hotel or homestay for the first two nights in Accra. During your first two days in Accra, you will get your first impressions about life in Ghana and you will be introduced to the local customs, money transfer and public transport system, which will enable you to feel comfortable in your new environment. After two days, we will travel with you to Atsiekpoe-Vume by public transport or with our own Landrover and show you the house and the area where you are going to stay. We will introduce you to the head of the family and the headmaster of the school where you are going to work. After one week of orientation, we will decide upon you activities during your stay. There will be a contact person of Jolinaiko Eco Tours available to assist you during your work and daily life in your new environment.

Working schedule

As a volunteer, you will follow the general time-table of the school. This means that you will volunteer during the week from Monday to Friday from 7:45 am till 2 pm. During the weekend and public holidays, you will have time to spend by yourself. Its also possible to combine your volunteering period with travelling. For example, we can arrange tours from one to several weeks before, after or in between your volunteering period(s). We can also arrange weekend trips during your stay.

Accommodation

A homestay with a local family will be totally different from the environment you are used to at home. The compound normally exist of mud brick houses with thatched roofs and the only sanitary facility is a latrine and bucket shower. There will be a simple, but clean and private room available for you with a comfortable bed and a mosquito net.

Photos of the village and surrounding area can be found in our photoalbum of Atsiekpoe-Vume photoalbum and photoalbum of the Jolinaiko Eco Village (not available yet).

Flights, visa, vaccinations and other information

Please see our travel section for all other practical information.

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us .