HIV/AIDS Volunteer in Ghana
Overview of the Project
HIV/AIDS has been a worldwide killer for decades. Despite global concern and efforts, the deadly disease is still rampant, especially in impoverished African nations. AIDS is a leading killer in Africa - with over 2.4 million deaths in 2002 alone. Despite major investments in prevention, the rate of HIV infection in many African countries is still on the rise. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is exacerbated by poverty and malnutrition. Eighty-three per cent of AIDS related deaths happen in Africa. Ghana, like its neighboring countries, has not been able to escape the AIDS pandemic and the far-reaching impact of AIDS is deepening and assistance is needed.
Our HIV/AIDS Volunteer in Ghana project is attempting to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS as well as offer care and support to those infected. Armed with accurate information, this project spreads awareness and education, reaching as far as possible into urban and rural communities.
- Program: Volunteer in Ghana
- Project: HIV/AIDS Volunteer in Ghana
- Start dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
- Location: Kasoa, Accra, Kumasi, Hohoe
- Departure and End Point: Accra, Ghana (Kotoka International Airport)
- Language Need: none
- Accommodation and meals: Home base and Ghanaian cuisine three times daily
- Activities: HIV/AIDS prevention, counseling and outreach
- Working hours: 25-35 hours per week
Our partner organizations work to advance adolescent reproductive health and disease prevention. Project workers focus on promoting behavioral changes by facilitating related discussions in community groups, including youth in and out-of-school, antenatal clinic patients and general community meetings. The project provides educational materials on issues relating to the causes, effects and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other STDs as well.
Role of Volunteer
As a volunteer HIV/AIDS Volunteer in Ghana, you will take care of HIV/AIDS infected patients and engage them in educational and training activities meant to increase awareness and stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ghana. Volunteer help is highly useful in the following activities:
- Care and encouragement of HIV/AIDS infected individuals
- Counseling and education in hospitals and communities
- Increase “personal risk perception” among the youth, men and women by involving them to actively participate in HIV/AIDS preventive education in the community
- Assist various HIV/AIDS organizations in their community outreach programs such as hospice care, recreational and educational programs, voluntary HIV counseling and testing and educational seminars and conferences
Skills/Qualification Needed
There are no specific qualifications needed to join our HIV/AIDS Volunteer in Ghana, but your understanding of Ghanaian culture and language can help improve the experience for you and those with whom you interact. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program. Volunteers should be willing to share love, time and compassion with people, all the while maintaining great patience and high flexibility.
Volunteer in Ghana: Project Locations and Free Time Options
Our volunteer in Ghana projects are located in and around cities. Volunteers can visit Kumasi, known as "The Garden City" because of its many beautiful species of flowers and plants; and explore Accra, the capital city. Projects are also located in Akatsi, Vakpo, Hohoe and other administrative regions like Greater Accra, Central and Volta.
Volunteers have a colorful assortment of choices for how to spend their free time away from projects. Ghana offers one of four rainforest tree canopy walks in the world! Get a literal bird’s eye view and observe the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest below you. Explore Ghana’s beaches. White sand and sea turtle sightings combine with water sports or lounging in the slight breeze to make an amazing beach experience. Wildlife is abundant throughout the country and Ghana is home savannah elephants and many other mammals, including seven types of monkeys. The urban experiences deliver cathedrals, museums, theaters, restaurants and more. Volunteers will not be bored in Ghana!
