Location:

Accra, Ghana

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Gap Year

Term:

Year Round

Program Overview

Program Description:

Since 2004, The Sankofa Center, a 501(c)(3) U.S. operated charity has educated village youths and adults about how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and prevented through artistic expression. They educate while changing perceptions using culturally comprehensive methods- African dance-dramas- in Ghana, West Africa. They also conduct free counseling, rapid HIV testing in village outreach tours, and provide links to treatment and life-saving drugs for thousands of women, men, and children in Ghana. Programs consisting of a local crew and cohorts of international interns from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. run throughout the year.

The Sankofa Center is a grassroots organization that gives volunteers the opportunity to really experience Ghanaian culture and understand the issues experienced within the country. Volunteers are taught one of the local languages, they eat traditional Ghanaian dishes, and they live within the city in a compound with a host family. Volunteers are taught traditional African dances while utilizing these dances to educate about HIV/AIDS and connect with the citizens. This is a unique experience you won't find anywhere else.

The value goes further than just a fulfillment of educational requirements or credits. You learn about a field you were interested in like no other experience could teach you. The Sankofa Center values community development using local initiatives, values and methods and teaches about international work and the importance of indigenizing our practice abroad. The Sankofa Center internship has been used in fulfillment of field practicum and students have access to an employee with a Master's Degree as a field instructor. We do not offer course credits but can be utilized in partial fulfillment of field practicum hours, which can be negotiated on a case-to-case basis dependent upon the needs of the students. Please contact us for more information.

Setting Description:

The Sankofa Center fuses tradtional African dance, drama, & contemporary art genres with W.H.O. health information to educate Ghanaian youths & adults about HIV/AIDS. These very necessary performances are both entertaining & educational. Their program utilizes the vibrant energies of interns & a local team to tour various villages & schools to help eradicate HIV/AIDS in Africa through culturally appropriate methods! They also conduct risk assessment/risk reduction counseling & free rapid HIV testing during village outreach to link those needing treatment with medical partners as outlined by Ghana's National AIDS Control Program. International interns are accomodated with full room & board in The Sankofa Center Compound dormitory with exposure to real world traditional Ghanaian life with trusted host families living in the compound. Cultural exposure is also enhanced through weekend trips to popular tourist & beach destinatons. However, interns have the security of Western trained loc

Cost:

$300 Non–Refundable Admin Fee* Program Fee: Up to 2 weeks- $900 Each Additional Week- $250 *Meaning that 2 weeks costs $1200 and each additional week is $250 on top of the $1200 Your Program Fee Covers: - Airport pick up / drop off - Room & Board at the nearby Sankofa Center Compound for the duration of your tenure - 3 Local Meals per Day - Program Training - Dance/Drumming and Twi Language Lessons - Transportation to all worksites - Services of Local and International Staff - Certificate of C