Art and Craft Volunteer Project Abroad in Ghana, Accra

Art and Craft in Ghana
Art has always been an important part of West African life, both as a decorative and a communicative medium. Although Ghana is blessed with a number of talented artists, artistic development is often restricted by a narrow school curriculum and limited resource. This project is an ideal opportunity to make art available to young Ghanaians during a gap year or volunteer holiday who would otherwise be excluded from developing their creative abilities. Furthermore, you will have the chance to work alongside some of Africa’s leading artists, sharing ideas and styles from the western and African traditions.

Your Art and Craft Volunteer Placement (Working with Children)
During part of the project, you will help to run school art clubs within a number of local schools. The clubs extend right across the artistic spectrum, from painting to sculpture, so you will be able to focus on one or many of a number of different areas. Aside from learning artistic techniques and self-expression, the children you work with will greatly value the attention and help you offer, and life-long friendships are sure to be made.

Your Art and Craft Volunteer Placement (Working with Local Artists)
Your time will also be spent working with a number of gifted Ghanaian artists whose range of disciplines include painting, sculpture, carving, screen printing, jewellery design, batik and photography. Through your discussions and practical experimentation, you will learn a great deal about the imagery, history and style of African art, which has a unique character set apart from ‘Western’ heritage. At the same time, you may be able to offer advice and introduce new ideas and interpretations. Please note that working with the local artists is subject to their availability and may incur an additional contribution for any time and materials you require outside of the project.

Your Art and Craft Role
It is up to you to decide your level of involvement with each part of the project. However, there is a vast pool of artistic knowledge that you can take advantage of so we invite you to delve as deeply as possible. There is no obligation to keep up with your associated artists, but we are sure that you will want to take full advantage of the artistic ideas and skills they are willing to share.

During your role at the arts club, you will be able to create a programme with your class by developing a syllabus and setting achievement targets. This will, of course, demand more consistent commitment. The ultimate goal for students will be to display some of their work in a special exhibition, which you will help organise. This will be crucial in the development of their self-confidence and in setting firm foundations for a possible professional career in art.

Art and Design University Electives and Dissertations
If you are doing a creative course at university and able to use part of your studies to gain hands-on experience, we can make an elective programme ideal for you. We have had a number of students working in Ghana towards their degree, either filling course electives or researching and working towards their dissertation. If you are already qualified, the project is also a perfect opportunity to gain the sought-after experience all professional employers look for.

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

Gap Year and Career Break Art Experience and Craft in Ghana
A gap year and career break art and craft project in Ghana during your art experience abroad is the perfect way to enjoy gap year and career break travel while giving something back through a meaningful volunteer project. Our art and craft project will provide fantastic gap year, student travel opportunities, unforgettable travel and gap year memories, close friendships, and the art and craft experience of your life.

You can arrive any first or third weekend of the year to start the project on a Monday. Please try to arrive on a Sunday into Accra. We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you back to the accommodation to settle you in and meet the rest of the team.

Please note that some national holidays may cause disruption to normal sessions but our in-country team will do their best to support activities around this.

Visa
Most visitors to Ghana will require a visa to enter. We suggest you apply for a tourist visa and we will supply you with all the required information once you have booked. You can check your visa requirements by visiting the Ghana High Commission website. Please search online for details.

Everyone will also require a yellow fever vaccination to enter Ghana and a certificate to prove you have had this. We also highly advise getting malaria tablets. You should contact your doctor to discuss this further.

Optional Teaching in Ghana
In addition to your coaching role, you will have the opportunity to teach classes, or assist in teaching classes, in one of the sports academies or schools based in Accra. This will give you another impacting experience while allowing you to make a difference outside the world of sport. With a western education, you will be able to contribute massively to the standard of tuition that the students receive. Subject areas include English (language and literature), maths, science, journalism, business, IT, RE and a whole variety of extra-curricular activities.

Other Options in Ghana
It is likely that there will be a whole variety of other activities you can get involved with while you are away. Because we have focused in-country teams, they will be able to inform you of other opportunities both inside and outside the capital. This gives you a unique chance to combine projects and experience the country in a whole variety of ways.

Equipment Donation for Ghana
We are dedicated to sustainable development. This is why part of the fee you pay goes towards buying decent equipment for beneficiary organisations in Ghana. You will often use this equipment during your project and it is always left with the community when you leave. In some cases, an equipment donation may not be appropriate so a financial contribution is made instead.

Social Life in Ghana
Our social life is unrivalled and we believe it is important to give volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. Some of these activities include visits to the best night spots, group meals, trips away and sports teams where you can to take on local competition.

Akpateshi FC
If you fancy a game of footy while you are away, or simply enjoy the social side of football, you should join our volunteer team, Akpateshi FC. This gives you the chance to play alongside the other volunteers and challenge some serious African opposition. However, although the team has a competitive edge, the emphasis is on the social side of football and is aptly named after the locally brewed bush whiskey! If you play in the team, or simply become a supporter, you will soon see why Akpateshi FC is so renowned for its unpredictable matches and fiery social life.

Travel and Adventure in Ghana
You will be encouraged to explore Ghana during your free time so you can sample some of its breathtaking sights and meet some of Africa’s friendliest people. The capital, Accra, is full of great places to visit and you will meet both locals and other travellers at a variety of bars and restaurants that provide authentic African live music and dancing. There are also a large number of western-style pubs and clubs, including an Irish Bar, an American Sports Bar and a series of dance-venues very close to where you are living. And, if you fancy a football experience to remember, then prepare yourself for watching Hearts of Oak at the National Stadium where the locals wave flags, blow horns and dance on the roofs of the terraces! Beyond Accra, there are countless places to visit. You could take a Sunday pleasure-cruise on Lake Volta (the biggest man-made lake in Africa) or you might want to visit the history-laden slave castles of Cape Coast and Elmina. You may want to take a walk on the wild side with the elephants at Mole National Park or spot tropical birds in the rainforest canopy at Kakum National Park. Then there is the 60-metre-high Wli waterfalls, the Buabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (where monkeys are preserved as ‘sacred’ creatures!) and the endless palm-tree beaches lining the Atlantic coastline! The captivating places, intriguing people and diverse landscapes will make Ghana one of the most enlightening experiences a traveller could wish for. Our in-country team will also help you build a travelling itinerary and give you plenty of advice on how to make your way through the country.

Accommodation
The accommodation is basic but comfortable and you will stay in a dormitory style room. The accommodation has a very sociable atmosphere and you will find it a great place to relax and unwind in the evenings. The accommodation is also centrally located to the placements. Shops and other useful amenities are either a short walk or taxi ride away.

Accommodation
Communal House; Basic but comfortable; Dormitory style rooms (4-10 people per room); Shared toilets and showers.

Food
3 meals a day; Basic but nutritious local foods

Airport Pick-Up
Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Training
Full project induction and local orientation given on arrival.

Support
Pre-departure help and advice; Local in-country team; 24 hour emergency support.

Flights; Travel Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; Spending money; In country travel; Payment for transport to/from placement; Laundry service; Soft drinks and alcohol; Extra activities not on itinerary.

Preferred Duration
Volunteers should try to come for as long as possible preferably for 8 or 12 weeks. This ensures better management of the project and also helps you get the most from the social activities and group travel opportunities on offer.

Typical Hours
Monday-Friday; 4-6 hours a day; Occasional work at weekends but usually free for personal time and travel. Please be aware that some public holidays may cause disruption to times / days during your volunteer project.

Pre-requisites
No formal artistic training is required, although an interest in art and craft is expected. Also an interest and basic experience working with children would be useful.

Ideal For
Volunteer Art and Design Holidays and Projects in Africa; Activity Breaks in Africa; Volunteer Art and Design Gap Years and Career Breaks in Africa; Student University Summer Holidays, Student Electives and Fine Art Students wanting to do something different.

Suitable for ages 17 to 80

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community. We have even had people in their late 70s join us so don't be put off!