Leo Graham - Dullaert ( February - April 2008)

I have been working with Voluntary Childaid for two months as a teacher in Tamale. I have really enjoyed my time in Ghana. Graham, Dorcas, Francis and Rachel have all made me feel extremely welcome. My placement at Fou Motorisa School was very challenging and rewarding; after seeing that some children were desperately far behind others I was given the freedom and flexibility to teach them English separately which proved quite effective.

The trip to the coast was great fun and thank you to all who organised it. Finally I would like to say that my hostfamily ( Joyce, Sammy, Jemimah, Kerzia and Junior) have been absolutey wonderfull. They have been so kind and considerate and genuinely made me feel like a member of their brilliant family.

Thankyou to you all.

Leo Graham- Dullaert

UK

danique Berger ( February - April 2008)

experience of Voluntary Childaid

I already had the feeling in Holland that Childaid is a trustworthy organisation. When we arrived in Accra, Graham and Dorcas were there for us to pick us up and bring us to out hotel. Everything was very well and with care organised. When at any time during the day problems apeared, Childaid was there to help us.

Experiences of my workplacement

Although they are working a lot of volunteers, I did not have the feeling that my efforts were not usefull. There were always things to do. Some of the staffmembers are really friendly and it was a pleasure to work with them. On the other hand there ar also staffmembers who I did not like when I was working with them. They were such ungrateful to you. They had comments on everything. Besides sometimes I had the feeling that some of the donations are not coming in the right hands.

Last but not least , I would advice voluntary childaid trying to get workplacements at the other orphanges in Tamale. In my opinion they have less volunteers and donations and I think they will be happy with it.

Experience of Host family

Since the day that I walked into the house they were always friendly and carefull. Beacuse of them, I know a lot more about the Ghanian life than before, they took me to a lot of Ghanian traditions.

I would also like to say that the food I got was really delicious. They often made something western for me although I tried ot eat the Ghanian food. The people of my host family gave me trustworthy and safe feeling. They did not bother me in the things I did. I hope they same the same thing about me!

Danique Berger

Holland

Isabell Kashammer (January - February 2007)

I stayed in Ghana for six weeks. During this time Voluntary Childaid took good care of me. They picked me up at the airport and organized the whole journey to Tamale including a guidance through the market of Kumasi. The first days in Tamale Voluntary Childaid showed us round the different projects and introduced us to everything in the town. They visited me several times at my hostfamily to check if everything was all right. I had to change hostfamily, which was disagreeable but the new hostfamily I moved in was great. I had a very good time with them. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, so I realy felt home in their house.

Jette Damen and Annemijn Schoemaker December - March 2007

Ever since we came to Ghana we have had such a great time. The country, the culture, the people ... it is all breathtaking. And although it does take some time to get used to being in such a different place and culture it is all definitely worth it in the end.

Our experience with Voluntary Childaid have also been good and our New year trip with all the volunteers and staff will definitely be one we will never forget! We have made friends for a lifetime and it wil break our hearts when we will have to go back to Holland again...

Jette ( 22) and ANnemijn ( 19) from Holland

The school where I teached was a provisional building, which was not very practical. The organization of the school and also the working morale of some teacheres were not understandable to me. Even if it was difficult sometimes I do not want to miss the experience of teaching at this school. I can just recommand to everybody to make the experience of travelling, working and living in Ghana.

Isabel Kashammer

Switserland