RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

We work with community development projects that are designed to create an impact on communities at a grass roots level. Whether you're working with children without any background education, or lending a hand at the local clinic, your focus will be to provide guidance and skills that can be used to help enrich the lives of those that live within the community.

This is an opportunity to work with children and other groups in need on a face-to-face basis. These types of programs have the potential to create bonds, impressions and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Your role as a volunteer

During your volunteer placement, you will gain an invaluable insight by working and living amongst the people these rural folks, thus obtaining a true cultural insight into Ghana and its communities.

The main types of program activities are listed below:

• Tree planting projects

• Teaching Placements - Choice of working in a primary (5-13yrs), junior secondary (13-16) or secondary School (16-18)

• School Holidays and Summer Schools (classes)

• Health Care Work and Medical Clinics/HIV/AIDS Programs

• Construction Program

• Schools for Special Needs

• Farming-land work

• Environmental protection

One interesting aspect of the program is its composure and there is something for the volunteer(s) to do at any particular time; the chance of working with different groups of people either in the community or in offices. Notwithstanding that, you get the core of the people especially the children. Mostly this program is suitable for group of volunteers but individuals are also encouraged to participate. The rural folks are very appreciative and wonderful people who are always willing to receive volunteer(s).

Choosing Your Program

To help us arrange the most suitable volunteer project for you, GCS will ask for your first, second and third choice of project area that you would like to work in. Our placement search team will then arrange this placement and your host family according to your preferences.

Program Schedule

You will typically work in the mornings and/or the afternoons with a break. And at times in the evening depending on activities available. Work days are from Monday to Friday and even Saturdays.

Program requirements

Patience, perseverance and understanding are key qualities required for community development programs. Some projects under the rural communities also require the services of teachers and volunteers with the ability to work hard. Some projects will benefit from volunteers with specialized skills involving areas such as health, technology and administration. But there are numerous other general projects that need volunteers who have initiative, enthusiasm and the willingness to learn.

Program dress code

As the projects vary, we will provide specific information on dress code with your placement information packet.

Proposed/Suggested resources for the program

Medical supplies for community clinics, stationary, books, sports equipment, board games and any other educational materials are welcome. Again depending on the type of project, some resources will be more beneficial. We will provide a detailed list of suggested resources for donation with your program information.

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