Do I need any special training or certificates to volunteer?
No, you don’t. We accept all volunteers.
Where in Ghana do you have volunteer programs?
Our placements are mostly in rural and semi-rural communities in Ghana.
Can I select the project and location where I can volunteer?
Yes, you can. Although we do make recommendations, we let volunteers decide on their placement.
Can I request to volunteer on a project that's not listed on the website?
Yes, we have numerous partnerships in Ghana. If we don’t run any projects you’re interested in, we can help you make arrangements with other local organizations.
Can I volunteer at any time during the year?
Yes, our projects operate all-year.
What kind of training and orientation is provided?
Training and a project orientation will be provided by Miracle Works. Our training aims to introduce you to the local community and provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make the largest possible impact.
What vaccines I need?
When traveling to Ghana you will need a few different vaccines and medications:
Yellow Fever (the only required vaccination, offered at the airport in Ghana for around $20)
Hepatitis A and B
Malaria
Typhoid
Do I need a visa for Ghana?
All visitors coming to Ghana are required to obtain a visa. Visas are generally around $60. We help volunteers with the application process. No Miracle Works volunteer has ever been denied a visa.
Do I need travel insurance?
Although we do not require travel insurance, it is a good investment. Travel insurance can save you money with unexpected expenses such as flight changes, lost baggage, medical emergencies and emergency evacuations.
What services can be found in the project locations?
The Awutu Senya District has all your modern amenities: post offices, hospitals, taxis, buses, markets, parks, hotels, restaurants, tourist sites, and internet cafes.
What happens when I arrive in Accra?
At St. Miracle Works representative will meet you at the Accra airport. After meeting the representative you will be taken to your host family where you will began your orientation.
What is the accommodation like?
Volunteers will live with a host family where they will have their own bedroom with a lock, and a western bathroom. There is no running water, but there will be clean water for washing and bathing.
What is the food like?
Volunteers will be offered all kinds of dishes, including foreign dishes in restaurants and local foods in the market: rice, fish, chicken, ampesi, homemade bread, kenkey, plantains, fufu, banku, gari, and numerous different vegetables and fruits. Volunteers can also shop at the West Hill Mall supermarkets where they can find imported western foods.
What kind of water is available?
Sashay water, popularly known as the pure water for most Ghanaian happens to be the main drinking water for people in Ghana except those in the smaller rural communities (just few). These sashay water is a well-treated water approved by the food and drugs board as very safe for consumption. Other drinking waters such as Voltic etc. are also available and less expensive to afford.
What do I gain from this program?
The project is an excellent opportunity to combine adventurous foreign travel with a worthwhile job. As well as gaining experience that looks brilliant on your CV, you will improve your transferable skills such as team-working, presentation and communication.
Can you give me an idea about the cost of living in Ghana?
The cost of living depends on your lifestyle. We recommend that volunteers budget $30-$60 a week for restaurants, internet access, transportation, snacks, and entertainment.
How much does transportation cost in Ghana?
The best transport option within short distances is the tro-tro, a bus on a set route with low fares of about $0.50-$1 a ride. The other option is taking a taxi which will cost you around $0.25-$1 a mile.
For how long can I volunteer?
We allow volunteers to stay for any length of time.
Who pays for my airfare?
Airfare, visas, and vaccinations are all paid for by the volunteer.
Will I have access to the internet?
Yes, there are numerous internet cafes offering work rooms with Wifi. An hour of access is $0.50 and international Sim cards are also available for purchase.
What is the local language?
The local spoken dialect is Twi. However, English is the official language used in Ghana.
Things to carry along:
Laptop, Digital cameras, Torch, lamps, Toilet rolls & soaps, Walking boots-trainers, Candies and Chocolates for children, Sandals, sneakers, one pair of nice shoes, Sunhat, Sun glasses and sunscreen, Flashlight & spare batteries, Watch , Money Pouch. Towels, Insect repellent, Mini First Aid Kit, Beach wear, IPOD, MP3 etc.
Is there anything else I need to know?
The most important thing to remember is to ask questions. It’s normal to feel intimidated by volunteering abroad and we’re here to help!