Volunteer and Sponsors for Care Net (Carenet) Ghana

Volunteer and Sponsors

VOLUNTEERS - Testimonials

"I voluntøeered at Care Net by team teaching with a fellow volunteer who was trained in medical science. As a secondary school teacher in the UK I had taught sex education previously as part of Personal, Social and Health education (PSHE). My experience at Care Net was very interesting and exceptionally memorable, mainly because of the positive attitude of the children and their great enthusiasm. Care Net has some very useful resources, mainly in the form of videos on the range of issues related to sexual health and peer pressure. We would watch short video clips and then discuss any issues, which arose. Often this discussion would become a big question and answer session where some students asked very pertinent and thoughtful questions, showing maturity beyond anything I had encountered teaching the same topics back in the UK. One aspect of this teaching experience, which stood out, was the importance of dispelling any myths about HIV, STIs or condom use. Other activities which we did with the students included quiz questions on STIs/STDs, role-plays on peer pressure and practical demonstrations of correct condom use. Students were very well behaved and genuinely interested in what we discussed. They wanted to find out the real answers and it was refreshing to meet so many keen young adults who approached sex and HIV education with the maturity that it requires. For those students who were shy about asking sex related questions openly in the sessions, we introduced a confidential questions box. Students were welcome to put a question in the box anonymously and we promised to try to answer all confidential questions during the next session. This worked really well. Most of the confidential questions were from girls who were worried about teenage pregnancy, STIs and menstruation. The work that Care Net does is so important for the positive progression and development of the local community of Hohoe. My experience there gave me an insight into the great importance of improving the quality of sex and HIV education in Ghana and left me feeling very positive about the attitudes of the next generation of young Ghanaians."
Sarah Black, United Kingdom
volunteer with CCS October to December 2007

"My experience volunteering at Carenet Ghana was an experience of a life time....Patrick and his staff are absolutly amazing people and there smiles would lighten up anybody's day. They are the most giving unselfish people I have ever met in my life.....and believe in a cause for the village of HoHoe, Ghana, West AFrica, and stand by it......even though there are some months they go without pay due to lack of funding...it is there belief in the cause and the hope and furture of there village... that keeps them going. Who could not be involved in such an organization when the people who work at Carenet Ghana inspire you so much and teach us North Americans.....that life is not always about the almighty dollar....it is your hardwork, dedication and spirit and helping thy neighbour....good old fashioned beliefs and values and not wanting anything in return.....My experience in HoHoe, Ghana humbled me and brought me to tears so many times.....but it will be an experience I will treasure a life time and always have fond memories, laughs and tears.... That is why I continue to dedicate my time to this organization and village and fundraise, becasue the future of Africa and these small villages depends so much on outside influence and foreign investment for the survival and development of HoHoe, Ghana West Africa.....Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at: jillbischoff@shaw.ca regarding volunteering in HoHoe or fundraising at your local schools, churchses, workplace or just to donate.....All donations are greatly appreciated.....Thank you...."
Jill Bischoff, Canada

SPONSORS

French Embassy
Ghana Action Medeor, Germany - Visit Website
Mustard Seed Foundation, USA - Visit Website

CARE NET GHANA 2008 Volunteer Opportunities

Unlike a typical volunteer organization, CARE NET Ghana is a registered non-profit organization, which plans and implements various development projects in underserved communities in Ghana especially in the Volta Region.

CARE NET Volunteer opportunities give volunteers from all over the World the unique opportunity to participate in community development projects, have insights about rural communities and be part of the change process. Our volunteer programs focus on the following areas:

Health Education and Health Care,
Education, HIV/AIDS awareness,
Reproductive health,
Support and Counseling for abused children,
Computer literacy,
Child care and development,
Orphanage,
Administrative Work,
Business Development,
Marketing,
Project Management,
Soccer Development,
Construction works,
Skills training, and
Cultural Exchange.

With CARE NET you don’t just volunteer, but you bring hope and development to the target groups.

Medical and Dental Program
We have an outstanding health program for professional health workers and students who want to gain practical experience in their chosen field of career. Volunteers will provide basic health care for rural people in project communities. Volunteers will mainly be placed in community health centres, clinic and other improvised health facilities in rural areas to assist local health workers.

Access to basic health care in limited in many rural communities, volunteers are therefore are required to provide basic services such as eye screening and surgery, diabetic screening, malaria screening, and other both at the rural health facility or through outreach and mobile clinical programs.

While the needs are vast, your small contribution can make a big difference. Our host communities lack modern medical equipment.

Volunteers applying for this program must apply two clear months ahead of your arrival date. This is to enable us obtain the necessary clearance from the Ghana Dental and Medical Council.

Volunteers are also encouraged to bring along basic medical equipment they may need or use. The program is opened throughout the year. There are no specific dates for application. An important element of this placement is about learning health care practices in different culture and being able to make some impact.

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS OUTREACH
Spend time education communities and young people on HIV/AIDS prevention. Visit schools and talk to students about good lifestyles.

You will meet local people in communities and villages to sensitize them on the disease. Assist in local workshops, awareness seminars and support sessions. No Special skills required!

Volunteers who have knowledge on HIV/AIDS are highly encouraged to apply. However all volunteers for this program will still receive some training before they begin work.

Soccer Development Program
This program provide opportunities for young people of the Volta Region to participate in the game of soccer while being guided by principles centered on good sportsmanship, player development, peace building, community participation and role modeling. You could teach and coach young people aged from 9-18 in bother soccer and English. Working along side a physical education instructor or coach will give you the opportunity to assist coaching sessions and provide Basic English lessons.

Although no actual qualifications are required, an all round interest in and knowledge of soccer would naturally be useful. Good fitness and lots of enthusiasm are both required to keep up and encourage the kids.

Volunteers applying for this program are highly encouraged to bring along their own sports gear and if possible collect some soccer gear and equipment for the program.

Construction and Renovation Work Camps

Most volunteers see this Work Camp as ad adventure. There is lots of fun working with local people on renovation and building projects such as schools, libraries, market places, health centre’s and many more. Participating in this project is challenging, you need a lot of energy to pond a nail, carry mortar, swing paint brushes, plastering buildings, land scaping, carrying water and mixing mortar.

No specific construction skills are needed, but volunteers with knowledge in building plans and those who enjoy hard work are needed. Also volunteers applying for this program must be in good and have ability to do hard work. This program is opened from January to May and July to December each year. Energetic drumming and dancing is very popular in villages, learn to dance and traditional drums. Apply now!

PROGRAM FEES

Program Fee Disbursement Schedule

Meals and Accommodation (35%)
Contribution to Project

Pre-departure Information
Volunteers will be provided program information including packing list and instructions on health related issues and other detailed information on pertinent issues that will concern volunteers such as cultural shocks, safety, and many others which prepares you towards your departure.

Airport Pick Up and Departures
Upon arrival, CARE NET staff will be at the airport to pick up volunteers. Volunteers must first send us their flight information before we can arrange a pick up. Notice of flight cancellations must be communicated to us promptly. Airport drop off is arranged for volunteers departing from project site only. Volunteers who decide to in country travel on their own will have to arrange their own transport to the airport.

First Night Bed
Volunteers will spend the first night in Accra the capital of Ghana, before proceeding to the program office the next day. Volunteers that arrive in the morning or afternoon will be transported straight to the program office located in Hohoe. (A journey of 2 and half hours)

Orientation and Training
Two days orientation about the local culture, history, religion and other issues relating to the region and Ghana as whole will be organized. Practical language for interaction with local people and job training will be provided.

Transportation to placement
Volunteers will be travelling with CARE NET staff with car, cab, Taxi, tro-tro (mini van) or bus to project destinations.

Accommodation
We provide two types of accommodation for volunteers. 1. Host Family, 2.CARENET Home stay.

Accommodation is provided for all programs, but where accommodations are provided for free by the placement, volunteers are informed and are charged any fees.

Food
In most cases volunteer’s meals are prepared and served by host family or Home stay. Volunteers take 3 meals per day (Breakfast-7.00am, Lunch 12.30noon, Dinner 6.00pm)

Contribution to Project
The program fees also cover some contribution to the project or placement.

Safety
Our volunteer’s well being while volunteering with us is our priority. We make sure your trip is safe and staff provides the needed support you require at all times.

Administrative Cost
Our staff works everyday to make sure every plan is on course by responding to emails, picking phone calls, coordination between program office and field/placement sites. Most important the staff also ensures that volunteers are placed with areas of their interest according to the approved placement. Although most of our staff are volunteers but we surely incur overhead cost to make your trip a memorable one. As a policy our administrative cost should not exceed 10% of fees.

Visa Documentation
CARE NET provides support for volunteer visa application including references being required by Ghana Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates abroad. Contacts and addresses of Ghanaian missions abroad will be provided including letters of support or invitation. However appropriate travel document such as passport and visas are the responsibility of the volunteer.

RATES: 2 weeks to 4 weeks ($450)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Placement
CARE NET Volunteer placements are influenced by your skills, preferences and project availability. Projects are very flexible so it’s all about using your skills and initiative where you can. Majority of Volunteers are placed in the Volta Region of Ghana, although some placements also exist in other parts of Ghana. There is often the possibility of working along side other local or foreign volunteers.

Orientation
Upon your arrival in Ghana, Volunteers participate in an orientation program for two days to acquaint themselves with Ghanaian lifestyle. The orientation will cover session on culture, customs, language, beliefs, practices, history and background of area and area tour.

Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the program fee during your placement. Depending on your placements it is possible to have a free accommodation. Participants stay with carefully selected and screened host families. Period of participation is for short and medium term basis. Living in a rural village or small town, you can expect to;

Live with carefully selected host family
CARENET volunteer home stay/lodge

Enjoy local food prepared by host family or home lodge caterers and interact with local community.

Process

Fill out the attached application form. Upon receipt of the form, we will assess your suitability for the program. If you are successful we will then send you a letter of acceptance. Once you have read through the acceptance letter and have all your questions and concerns addressed, the process begins!
Once accepted to participate in our programs, we shall provide information on how to obtain Ghanaian Visa, Vaccinations, Fundraising ideas and total communication support during the period.
Purchase your ticket and send us a photocopy or scanned copy with your itinerary to enable us arrange your airport pick up and a nights hotel reservation for you in Accra. You will be arriving in Ghana at the KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. It is important you provide accurate itinerary information without which we are unable to pick you up.

All program fees are paid on arrival in Ghana. Apply online now, click here.

For information on tourist attraction in the Hohoe District please visit www.hohoetourism.com

PROJECT SUPPORT ANNOUNCEMENTS 2008