Give | Volunteer | Connect | Share
Spend some time in Ghana
Volunteers often go beyond the classroom to help students learn. Mr. Ben tutors Charles and Joseph after school to ensure they understand the material.
Teach. Raise AIDS/HIV awareness. Learn about our world.
Build community partnerships. Help teachers improve. Assist migrant families find work. Help someone start a business. Provide computer classes. Make friends. Have fun.
The best volunteers are individuals who feel that there is more to learn from students than they could teach students. They have the energy to motivate students and parents to want to learn. They believe that even the small things matter. They understand that caring is not just a word, but an action. They see diversity as an asset not an obstacle. They know the power of education and they want to share it with others.
Life as a volunteer
Ghana is an incredibly friendly place. It is also one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa. Although living conditions in this relatively rural community may not meet most western expectations, there is running water and electricity. Access to the internet, a western grocery store, and all the resources of a city are less than one hour away. Community members will often offer you assistance with everyday things like shopping or washing clothes, which although almost always perfectly safe, you should accept at your own discretion. Volunteers can expect to be welcomed by the community, although many community members will expect tremendous wealth in any foreigner, including volunteers.
Daily volunteer work usually lasts about eight hours a day, Monday through Friday, but our high-energy volunteers often use time outside of the traditional school hours and help students learn after school and on weekends. Most volunteers teach their own class using the national curriculum as a guide and starting place alongside supplemental Manye lesson plans. However, motivated volunteers and teachers have fantastic leeway in their endeavors, helping provide meaningful activities beyond that predefined role of most teaching positions. Volunteers wishing to help with other programs must be especially self-motivated and able to bring vision and creativity to their work. We welcome volunteer-initiated programs, as that is how Manye has developed best.
Unlike other volunteer positions such as clinic work, where you only see patients briefly, life at the Manye Foundation lets you build lasting and genuine relationships with wonderful people: students, parents, and the whole community. This environment provides a meaningful experience where you are sure to learn more than you can teach. It is ideal for all those who want to better understand issues in international development through personal experiences and relationships. The Manye Foundation is a fantastic first step for individuals who have never lived in or experienced a developing community, but want to learn more. Learn more about life as a volunteer and read about Mr. Ben and his work with the Manye Foundation.
Qualifications, Expenses, and Preparations
The Manye Foundation wants qualified, energetic, and thoughtful people. We consider qualified any individual who has been accepted to a university, currently a student at a university, or holds a university degree. Although in the past we were able to provide volunteers with free room and board for the entire stay, due to rising energy and food prices in the region, we are asking for a minor contribution from volunteers to help cover the costs of their stay. We provide three hot, generous meals each day cooked by an amazing chef, Emma (who’s also known as mommy and serves the community as a nurse). All volunteers stay in their own room, share meals together, and have healthy flexibility in their schedule and work. The costs of meals and use of the internet for each volunteer is about 200 cedis each month, or less than $200 US. The exact amount is negotiable depending on length of stay and experience. Volunteers must provide their own way to Accra, but from there the Manye Foundation will assist with transportation to Kpone Barrier and help you to move in and make you feel welcomed.
While in Ghana, we are unable to offer reimbursement for personal travel or medical expenses, but at the foundation, our staff takes good care of you and looks out for your health and safety. Volunteers should bring additional money for activities outside of the village. Additionally, volunteers should have enough money to buy bottled or bagged water because most people from developed areas are unable to tolerate the impurities in the water from the local tap (which although clean, still contains certain impurities your body is not likely accustomed to). Bottled water runs about $10 each week, likely your biggest regular expense, although bagged water is readily available for much less.
Volunteers should be aware that travel to Ghana (and anywhere in West Africa) requires a current Yellow Fever vaccination and a valid passport. We recommend getting a tourist visa before you arrive. Volunteers will likely want to get additional vaccinations before leaving home. Similarly, you will need to take anti-malarial medication while volunteering. Please consult your doctor for the best medical advice. These medical expenses may or may not be covered by your insurance, so check well ahead.
So I want to Volunteer!
If you are interested in volunteering in Ghana at the Manye Foundation or want to hear more about ways you can help from your home, email the Manye Foundation and World Partners in Education to make arrangements, go through training, and get help preparing. Please let us know you are interested by sending us a brief and informal letter of interest, including the dates you would like to volunteer, any particular projects you might like to work on, and most importantly share a little about yourself. Education, in and out of the classroom, is the most important way you can give to any community.
Just for Dartmouth College students.
Current Dartmouth undergraduates may also receive funding from the College through the Dickey Center for International Understanding or from the Tucker Foundation.
Give | Volunteer | Connect | Share