Report on my volunteer work in the street children project in Ghana

The arrival and first days in Ghana

My name is Alina, I'm 18 years old and I spent six weeks with RGV in a street children's project in Ghana. After a 14-hour journey, I landed in Accra at 23 p.m. local time and was picked up by Game (from the RGV team on site). I was immediately accepted and felt at ease, and arriving at the Student House was also very relaxed.

Depending on the project, you either spend the entire stay there, or (like me) just the first few days, until the orientation program is over and you are "relocated" to your actual project. The orientation program includes information about Ghana and a city tour, also with a game, where you can visit and get to know the most important historical/cultural/cool spots in Accra. 

The accommodation with the host family

The street children's project takes place in Mama Mina's garden, where you are also housed. If there are too many volunteers there at the same time, some will be accommodated in a separate apartment, which is only ten minutes away from Mama Mina.

Mama Mina is an incredibly loving, caring woman who takes in us volunteers as her children and always takes care of their well-being. At the time I was there there were sometimes 15 of us, but towards the end there were only six volunteers and there was always a family feeling. The food was good too and there were always vegetarian alternatives! 

The work in the street children project

As mentioned, the project will take place in Mama Minas Garden, in the morning at 8: 30 the children come. First, they play and a so-called circle takes place where children's songs are sung and prayed. This is followed by the "Teaching Lesson", in which the children are divided into three groups (small, medium, large) and then different things are taught according to age.

From ABC to arithmetic, everything is included and even if the children, unlike us, are not particularly receptive, it was a lot of fun. After class we play and eat until the kids go home at 13 p.m. It's unbelievable how much the little ones can grow on you in such a short time. So much joy and gratitude despite the poor living conditions is hard to imagine here, and it was extremely difficult and tearful to say goodbye to them.

Leisure, excursions and activities

Leisure activities are also simple and fun; It's great to travel all over the country at the weekend, I've been on the road four times out of five weekends. You can do so much with so little money, with Trotros you can get from Accra to the west for the equivalent of four euros and activities, accommodation and food are also very cheap.

All in all, you can count on 60 to 100 euros for a weekend (incl. food, accommodation, travel, activities) and you can experience something impressive, but it can definitely be cheaper. From waterfalls to hikes, national parks to beaches, everything is there. There is also a lot to experience in Accra itself; Markets, shopping, swimming, ... And especially in the evening there is a wide range.

On Tuesdays, for example, there is always a karaoke evening in Osu (a district in Accra), where you can get to know many locals, and there are also a few bars, clubs and pubs where you meet many people (always the same after a while) and can make great friends. So there is always something going on. 

My personal opinion:

It was the best time of my life and I'll definitely be back to see the local kids and friends again. It was incredibly difficult to say goodbye and I look back on the wonderful memories/experiences with tears in my eyes.

I gained experience, got to know great people (the solidarity between the volunteers was also nice), took a small piece of Ghana home with me in my heart and the feeling of having gained a second home/family that I will definitely always go to will come back again. 

So I would recommend anyone who has the time and money to invest in a trip like mine and if possible stay a lot longer than six weeks, although four weeks is enough to get an insight into the country and culture. However, those who cannot part with their European standards, especially with regard to hygiene, comfort and cleanliness, should perhaps reconsider. 

Volunteer work in street children's project in Ghana, report by Alina E., 16.10.2017