Why should I Volunteer with AFAWI?

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AFAWI is a grassroots Ghanaian Non-Government Organisation (NGO) who owns and implements all of its projects. We are not a volunteer placement agency, this makes our organisation unique to many others in Ghana.

 

You will have an opportunity to support local development work and regional engagement in a sustainable way, through cultural and social understanding.   Our projects empower individuals and communities through sustainable development projects.

 

You will experience what it is like to work with a grassroots NGO, from planning, fundraising, implementation of projects, field work, monitoring and beyond.  AFAWI Staff have over 19 years experience in the development field and create an office environment for learning, collaborating and knowledge sharing.   We have welcomed volunteer interns from around the world to Ghana for over 14 years and we hope you are next!

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Do I have to pay fees to Volunteer Intern?

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Short answer is yes but you are not paying to Volunteer Intern.  We recognize and appreciate you giving up your time and skills to move our work forward, but there are costs associated to be able to welcome volunteer interns to Ghana.

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The program fee goes towards covering your costs of living expenses while you stay at the accommodations, as well as transportation, the additional costs of having another person in the office and a contribution to the project.

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Please find more information under the section Cost & Requirements.

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Does AFAWI accept groups?

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Yes, please contact us directly to ensure there is room in the current project to accommodate your group. We can work together to customize a program for your group depending on your time and budget.

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Do I need special skills or qualifications to volunteer?

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No, you do not need special skills or qualifications to be a Volunteer Intern, only a passion for helping people and an inquiring mind to learn about sustainable development from our experienced staff.   

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Can anyone volunteer?

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Yes, anyone is welcomed to apply to be a volunteer intern.  We are looking for passionate individuals that are willing to learn and collaborate on projects that help communities in Ghana, independent from your nationality, gender and religion.  

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Please find more information under the Requirements section.

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Will I work with other volunteer interns?

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There are times during the year where there are many volunteer interns working with AFAWI at the same time.  Some may be working on different projects but stay in the same accommodations. The amount of volunteers fluctuates throughout the year.

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How do I obtain a criminal background check?

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AFAWI works closely with communities in vulnerable situations and their safety is taken seriously.  It is important for our volunteer interns to have a criminal background check completed, prior to arriving in Ghana.  A basic volunteer criminal background check can be obtained by visiting your local police department. Please keep in mind this check may take a couple weeks. The background check must be issued within 12 months of your start date and is required in English. If your city does not issue the background check in English, please have it translated and provided a verified copy along with the original. 

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Please contact us if you need further details.  

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Do I need insurance?

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Yes, it is mandatory for Volunteers Interns to purchase themselves medical insurance, prior to arriving in Ghana.  It is optional for any other travel insurance you may want to purchase.

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How far in advance should I apply and register?

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The sooner you apply the more we can consider your personal preferences and guarantee you a stay with AFAWI. Please note that we only have positions for 10-15 participants at a time.

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Will AFAWI provide a reference for me when I finish?

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Yes, AFAWI would be happy to provide a reference for you upon completion of the program.

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Will I require any vaccinations?

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Yes, you must visit a travel doctor for medical advice before coming to Ghana. Please note that everyone entering Ghana is legally required to have a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card (you will be asked to present it at the airport before customs).

The following vaccination have been recommended to past Volunteers:

 

• Yellow Fever (Required)

• Polio

• Hepatitis A & B

• Diphtheria/Tetanus

• Typhoid

• Tuberculosis (when epidemic)

• Malaria Prevention - Tablets

• Dukoral or other medicine that protects against travellers' diarrhea caused by bacteria called E. coli. (ETEC) and Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria found in unclean water. (This is because the tap water is not recommended for drinking and even with diligent awareness of this, some restaurants may use the water to cook with, if it is not boiled for long enough, the water may cause these symptoms.)

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Do I need to be able to speak the local language?

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It is required to be fluent in English. Ghana has further eight official languages. The most widely spoken language in Accra is Twi, but some of the communities we work with speak other languages.  Thus it is only required to speak English and when necessary AFAWI Staff or partners will translate.

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Can I travel and sightsee on weekends?

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Yes, we encouraged you to travel and see the beautiful country of Ghana in your free time.  AFAWI staff would be happy to make suggestions or plan the logistics of the trip for you.   You will be responsible for the costs of trips planned outside of our ongoing scheduled projects.  Ghana has many wonderful and diverse places to visit when you are here.

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Can I fundraise?

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Yes, we appreciate any fundraising efforts and greatly encourage it.  As a non-profit organisation, we relies on donations to keep our projects going and growing to empower as many women and children as we can in Ghana.

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Fundraising is not a requirement for volunteer interning with us.  

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