Every Share Helps!

Interested in volunteering in Africa? Here is a look at just two programs available to you!

Volunteer Africa (East Africa)

Volunteer Africa is an organization unlike most others you will find because it is completely run by a group of past volunteers dedicated to helping others get involved and making sure the organization can continue to function in partnership with other NGOs. Since the nonprofit began recruiting volunteers in 2002, hundreds of people from all across the world—from the US and UK to Australia and Brazil—have participated in Volunteer Africa’s unique program, which is dedicated to providing community development in Tanzania. 

Volunteer Africa prides itself on keeping administrative costs low, so nearly all of the money associated with the program and donations goes directly to the villages they serve in Tanzania. In turn, the organization looks for volunteers dedicated to community development and who stand to gain a lot from such an experience.

Because women and children are the main priorities of the organization, prospective volunteers should also have a keen interest in these issues. Volunteers spend the crux of their time working on projects; however, they also have ample time for enjoying the local culture and getting to know the people they will encounter. Volunteers undergo four to five days of on-site training, including an introduction to the local language and culture.

Volunteers can work on a variety of projects, mostly depending on the focus of the organization during their service. Past projects have included improving access to schools and constructing medical staff houses and dispensaries, and access to safe drinking water.

• Location: Signida, Tanzania
• Duration: 2, 4, 7, or 10 week services between May and November
• Accommodations: Group homes
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to participate
• Applications are welcome from all parts of the world
• For more information, check out www.volunteerafrica.org

International Volunteer Headquarters Program in Ghana (West Africa)

International Volunteer Headquarters (IVHQ) is a nonprofit organization based in New Zealand that is dedicated to providing individuals from all areas of the world with flexible, affordable, and worthwhile volunteer experiences in various countries. IVHQ's programs benefit the communities in which volunteers serve as well as the volunteers themselves. The organization boasts a partner program in Ghana, providing volunteer experience to over 250 volunteers last year alone.

Volunteers are able to work on a variety of projects in Ghana, including both rural and urban environments. Check out some of the placements available:

Orphanages: Volunteers who work with orphan homes are generally tasked with projects relating to the implementation of effective teaching programs and other activities which allow social interaction and learning.

Education: Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to engage children in their educations and create a learning environment that is both strongly educational and fun, heavily focused on communication in English, as well as music, math, and arts. Volunteers are needed to teach independently as well as assisting. No teacher qualifications necessary!

Sports: Volunteers looking for an experience with kids but not comfortable teaching should strongly consider working in sports programs in Ghana. Volunteers are sought to bring physical awareness, self-confidence, teamwork, and motivation to the children and young adults whom they teach a variety of sports and athletic skills.

Medical: Volunteers are needed in an effort to improve access to health care for rural families. Volunteers are placed in rural clinic where they assist full-time, local staff. Qualified medical professionals only.

Agriculture: Designed for volunteers who seek a labor intensive experience! Mainly focused on finding ways to provide food for orphanages. Volunteers work directly with the expansion of food access programs and have vital roles in the development of new agriculture strategies. Other tasks include crop and animal farming, fertilizing and clearing fields, teaching farming techniques to older children and young adults, planting crops, and more. 

• Location: Accra, Ghana, and surrounding villages
• Duration: 1 week to 6 months
• Accommodations: Home-stays 
• Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school education to participate
• Group volunteering is available!
• For more information, check out: www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-ghana

Have you volunteered in Africa? Do you have program recommendations? Post them below!