Location:

Accra, Ghana

Program Type:

Intern Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Year Round

Work Types:

Business, Education

Program Overview

Program Description:

Recently visited by US President Barack Obama, Ghana has been heralded as a shining example of sub-Saharan African democracy and development. The first African country to gain independence in 1957, it has a diverse and vibrant culture and plays an increasingly important role in African politics. However there are still many millions living below the poverty line and the country is greatly dependent upon international aid. Ghana has a rich civil society and boasts a large number of local, grassroots non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This project places you with a local NGO that works in a city recycling programme. Working with the local community the organisations collects discarded plastic drinks sachets, stitching and transforming them into fashionable bags that are sold locally and exported to a number of countries around the world. You will have the chance to gain inside experience working with this NGO by observing and participating in their daily activities, gaining valuable experience that will further your career in the development sector.

* Min age 18 * MInimum 6 weeks commitment * Able to work in hot climate * Reasonable physical fitness * Motivation to work on environmental issues, journalism and/or to gain NGO management experience * Good Spoken English * Full travel & medical insurance * Necessary vaccinations * Necessary flights & visas

You will participate in all stages of the recycling process from the gathering of raw materials to the manufacturing and retailing of the finished products. This can include: * Working directly with the community recycling programme by collecting the discarded plastic drinks sachets * Managing and running the cleaning and sterilizing process, and assisting also stitching the sachets into bags * Getting involved in the marketing process * Educating local people about environmental awareness and encouraging them to dispose of their rubbish responsibly. The NGO also needs volunteers who have an interest in journalism and photography to get involved in an ongoing documentary blog covering the activities of the organisation and the people who work there on a daily basis. This is a very flexible placement that can be moulded to suit your particular interests and ambitions. Your free time can be spent learning the local language, enjoying the home-cooked food of villages and towns around Ghana, taking African dancing, drumming, and pottery or weaving classes. Various activities, tours, and expeditions around Ghana can easily be arranged for before or after your placement. You will be offered all information and booking details when you arrive.

Cost:

Fee: £650 GBP Project Fee for the first month (£250 for each additional month) + £249 GBP Placement Fee What's Included: Project Fee includes all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, language lessons, 24 hour support and project activities. We charge a flat, one-off Placement Fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flights, visas and vaccinations)