Start Date: Year Round
Age: 18+
Skills: No skills, but those who are Passionate about the work
Language: English (basic level)
Nationality Restrictions: No restrictions.
Time Commitment:
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Highlights
Stay with other volunteers in a rural setting
Discover Ghana’s incredible natural beauty and wildlife
Make positive and lasting impacts on a rural Ghanaian community
Make memories and new pictures you will never forget
Description
Farming project is designed for those volunteers who enjoy the more physical aspect of volunteering and don’t mind getting their hands dirty.
Farming is the primary economic activity of most people living in rural villages in Ghana, yet many communities are unable to produce enough food. Samba Africa Voluntary Organization and its volunteers contribute sustainable solutions to communities agricultural issues and help preserve natural resources. SAVO works with volunteers to increase agricultural productivity through improved seeds and farming practices, improve access to markets so farmers can profitably sell their surplus food while integrating projects that often combine vegetable gardening, livestock management and nutrition education.
Voluntary Activities
Volunteers on the project will have a lot of freedom to pursue their passion within the field.
The Farming Program is especially suitable for those who are interested in agriculture and food security, environmental science, natural resources, ecology, international development and public health. The specific tasks volunteers carry out are depending on the project and the season.
Typical day
Volunteers on the project do hands-on work that leaves a lasting impact on farming communities in need. By assisting throughout the numerous steps of the agricultural process, volunteers are able to be immersed in the local agriculture scene, learn about sustainable farming methods and agriculture processes at the rural level.
Typical Weekly Farm Volunteer Tasks in Season
Monday & Tuesday 7:00-14:00 – Weeding, Soil and Field Maintenance
Wednesday 7:00-14:00 – Seeding, Planting, and Watering
Thursday 7:00-14:00 – Harvesting,
Friday 7:00-14:00 – Seeding, Planting, Weeding, Field Maintenance
Additional Info
After the participants arrive, there will be a Program orientation (of at least 2 days)
Program Orientation takes place the day after arrival day. It includes introduction to Ghana, introduction to the work program, and introduction to the living and working environment.
Transportation costs during orientation are covered by SAVO, culture, lifestyle of the people, food, safety measures etc.
Introduction to Ghana: The following areas are covered: communication, transportation, safety, travel opportunities, the culture of Ghana, survival language, health matters, socially accepted behaviours, and work ethics in Ghana.
Introduction to the work program (including the expectations of the institution and the host project) for volunteer/internship program participants.
Introduction to the Living and Working Environment: The participants will be shown how to take bus from home to work place, to town, to the nearest supermarket, to the nearest internet cyber, to the nearest ATM, etc.
The participants will be given a print out of the completed program detail form (including 24/7 hotline for support, work place address, work phone number, typical duties at work, host family address, host family phone number, useful contacts and other program details).
Free-time activities
Weekends, are free days to volunteers. You may choose to travel out of town to see the many interesting sights and sounds in other parts of Ghana or hang out with your fellow volunteer(s) and/or locals in the neighbourhood. (At their own expenses)
Weekend trips available include visits to Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana. This National Park offers a great Safari-like experience and is one of the biggest Elephant Sanctuaries in Africa with the chance to spot Lions, Leopards & Antelopes in their natural habitat. Volunteers can also take a trip to Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana to relax in the beautiful beaches and see the famous Cape Coast castle, the Kakum Canopy walkway and Elmina castle, where slave trade begun.
Programs Fee
| WEEKS | FEES ($) |
| 2 | 500 |
| 4 | 800 |
| 5 | 900 |
| 8 | 1500 |
| Extra week | 100 |
What’s Included?
Airport pickup upon arrival
Hotel and meals in Accra upon arrival, before transfer to project site
Transportation to project site first day
Accommodation
Utilities
Meals – Breakfast, lunch and super.
Certificate
Info on Airport Pickup at Kotoka International
On the day (or night) of your arrival, SAMBA AFRICA VOLUNTEERING (SAVO) staffs will be at the Accra Kotoka International airport to welcome you and transfer you to a hotel with air-conditioned rooms and restaurant only in the night of your arrival, Orientation and transportation to your assigned placement will be done the next morning following your arrival day but arrival in day time you will be transported to your destination (Kumasi).
Accommodation
Accommodation belongs to the host-families. There are always other people in the house as well; and they would be willing to give you some assistance. You would be placed in the same location with another volunteer – unless you specifically state that you like to be stayed alone. Participants coming as couple or pair will not be placed with other volunteers in the same bedroom. Volunteer have their separate room – with a lock and key. It is advisable to come along with mosquitoes nets.
Bedroom (Double) Bedroom (Single)
Bungalow Guest Family
Food & Beverages
Host families will provide volunteers with breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Breakfast is usually ready by around 7am; however volunteer can eat later if you prefer to get up late. Lunch is usually packed by your host family in a lunch box so that you can eat at your project if you wish. Dinner is usually served around 6pm.
If you have special eating needs, you can inform us. Even though special eating needs are not something we can guarantee, we will do our best to meet your needs.
What’s NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations, Internet are NOT included in the program fees.
Airport
Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ghana.
Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft – travel insurance for Ghana provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Ghana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ghana.