Ghana Program Schedule - Program Photographs - Slide Show 2006 - Application
Ghana Program, West Africa
The Ghana program is eight months long, from August 24th to April 30th. The program offers participants a chance to share in the life of hosts in a rural village and to volunteer in local Ghanaian organizations. The program includes a month of preparation prior to leaving, and one month debriefing when you return. The program cost is $6500, which includes your flight, visa, food, in-country travel, accommodation, and program costs both in Canada and in Ghana.
Preparation
A five week preparation period will be held in Ontario before the group departs. Workshops throughout the month are focused on community building among group members, articulating personal and group goals, developing consensus decision making and conflict resolution skills, working with the urban poor in Canada, learning about the history, politics, economics and cultures of Ghana, enhancing awareness and analysis of poverty and injustice, and preparing both mentally and physically to live cross-culturally. The group will also spend time on a canoe/hiking trip in Algonquin Park to have time to be challenged and know each other better.
Orientation
The group will land in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, where they will receive a guided week-long orientation to become familiar with some practical aspects of traveling in Ghana.The group then travels to Battor for language orientation. For two weeks the group lives in a small guesthouse attending Ewe language lessons and getting adjusted to rural village life.
Village Stays
Participants will spend six weeks staying in small villages near Battor. The focus of this time is immersion living. There are many ways to immerse yourself in the villages. Much of your time will be spent participating in daily life – cooking, farming, eating, talking, working, going to school, and other family/village activities. The group will meet once a week to support each other, discuss what they are learning and experiencing, and to come to greater understanding of the economic issues in the villages through discussions.
Project Work
After a period of travel in December, the next three months will focus on solidarity volunteer work in different areas of Ghana. One World has built relationships with organizations involved in grassroots projects in many areas of the country. Participants will spend this time working in voluntary placements of their choice. In the past, participants have worked in children’s hospitals, medical clinics, women’s groups, as well as with agricultural, cultural and environmental organizations.
Debriefing
This is a very important element of the program. Four weeks will be spent in Ontario reflecting on and processing what has been learned and experienced. This includes guided reflection and sharing, evaluating personal and group goals, and sharing insights and perspectives gained through presentations to schools, colleges and other groups.
Finances
It is the responsibility of participants to fundraise the costs for the program, which is $6500 CAN. One World is registered as a charitable organization and can issue tax reciepts for donations. Many past participants have been able to fundraise all or part of their program fees. The program all receives grants from the Basilian Human Development Fund, and there is a possibility of financial assistance being provided for those most in need. For information on our subsidy program, please click here.
For more information, or to speak with past program participants, please contact us:
One World Global Education Program
314 B Paisley Rd
Guelph, Ontario N1H 2P9
Tel: 519-837-1636
Email: programs@oneworlded.com
Ghana Program Schedule - Program Photographs - Slide Show 2006 - Application