Do I have to be from a particular country?
No, you can volunteer through Childaid from any where in the world.

What is the minimum period to stay in Ghana?
Voluntary Childaid has a minimum period of 5 weeks (including the introduction week) for the volunteer and intership program. For the volunteer group program the minimum period differs.

I am over 65 years old. Can i still come or is the program only for younger people?
Yes, you can. What is important is that you are in good health and have the right expections of  Ghana. In the past we have send many volunteers aged between 50 and 70 years old.

If I have finished the online application form is it certain that I can participate in the Voluntary Childaid program?
No, after you have finished your application our staff will evalutuate your application. Within one week you will contacted and notified if your application has been accepted.

When do you refuse volunteers to participate in the program?
Voluntary Childaid does not expect the volunteer to obtain any specific skills or a specific minimum level of education. However, we do expect volunteeres to be genuinely motivated and open to the Ghanian culture. We will refuse volunteers if we have the impression that a person sees their visit as a holiday trip and is not truly interested in the current living situation of the people of Ghana.

Do you provide any financial support?
We unfortunately are not in a position to offer any financial support.

What is an indication for cost for a stay of three months?
For a stay of two months you should expect the following cost:

- airplaneticket if you depart from the UK: +/- 900 euro
- cost Childaid: 645 euro
- insurance: 100 euro per month = 200 euro
- visa: 50 euro = 50 euro
- injections: about 300 euro for all injections ( it is possible that you may not need all injections. Contact your doctor to find out which injections you need)
- malarariatablets: 5 euro per week = 40 euro
- pocketmoney: 40 euro per week = 240 euro

The total cost is about 2375 euro (1620 pounds).

For every extra month the costs include 380 euro. These costs include insurance (100), costs hostfamily (100), malariatablets (20) and personal allowance (160).

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.

Do you provide any financial support?
We unfortunately are not in a position to offer any financial support.

What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
This will depend greatly on what country you are from. You should always consult your doctor before having any medication as some may not be necessary. In many countries you may have already had some of the required vaccinations as a child. If you are from the Netherlands or from the UK please have a look at our menu at health.

Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English.

When do I need to arrive in Ghana?
Our program always starts on the first thursday of every month. We therefore expect you to arrive on this day so that we can pick you up togheter with the other volunteers form the airport. It is possible that you may travel on the same airplaine with other volunteers. in that case we will bring you in contact with any other volunteers so that, if you wish, you can travel together.

How often do your programs run?
Our programs operate year-round; this allows us to provide continuity that's necessary for our partners to achieve their objectives.

Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Free time is available some afternoons, most evenings, and every weekend. Our local staff can give you suggestions of places to visit, or you can create your own agenda. During your weekend you can take excursions to other parts of the country, or you may choose not to travel, and stay in town to get to know the community and people more intimately. We will also try to organise a montly activity with our Childaid volunteers to go visit certain interesting places in Ghana. The locals are very friendly and would be more than happy to entertain you or show you some of the local attractions .You may want to spend some time in Ghana before or after volunteering to see more of the country.

How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana?
Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. The people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after.

What resources are available for teaching when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own?
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 in Ghana through email. You need to understand that all schools that volunteers are placed in are very under-resourced and much of the teaching is remote. Many students may not have books or pencils to even work with. Do not expect to have many resources provided at the school.

Who organizes my flights?
You do.

Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will organize your Visa through the Ghanian embassy in your country before you leave for Ghana. We will provide you with a necessary document that declares that you will work in Ghana. Please if you need any help do not hesitate to contact the country director in your country.

Can I go in a group with friends, colleagues, or relatives Yes, you can go in a group as long as the program is not overbooked. However please not that the minimum stay is 6 weeks.

Is there an orientation before I leave for the program?
Voluntary Childaid has groupmeetings every two months in the Netherlands. There you can meet the country director and other interested volunteers. At this time there is no orientation day in the UK.

I don't feel I have any skills. How can I make a difference?
No matter what you believe your skill level to be, you have something meaningful and helpful to offer. Regardless of your background or experience, international volunteering is an opportunity for you to learn and grow by getting to know another culture while taking part in meaningful community development.

If you any more questions please do not hesitate to contact us.