Volunteer in Ghana

Longitude has an array of volunteer opportunities in Ghana. Through our partner organization PROFESA, Longitude can set up teaching opportunities in Ghanaian primary, secondary, and trade schools. Longitude projects are dynamic, allowing volunteers the opportunity to develop their own projects or work within existing ones. Longitude is flexible in facilitating different creative opportunities.

Why Volunteer with Longitude?

Longitude works at a grassroots level, matching volunteers' desires with our partners' real needs. Independent-minded volunteers are encouraged to develop their own projects, and those looking for more direction work closely with Longitude’s staff. Our close connections with our partner organizations allow volunteers to create lasting connections. A volunteer’s work varies in duration, content, and abilities depending on the individual, not pre-set criteria. Longitude works closely with its volunteers on choosing flights, securing visas and immunizations, and answering any questions that arise during the planning process.

Program Location

Our projects are located in the surrounding communities of the capital city of Accra and along the Cape Coast. However, volunteers are encouraged to travel to other regions to expand their teaching opportunities, to experience rich and diverse cultures, and to enjoy the abundant wildlife of the nation.

Volunteer Opportunities

Longitude works with volunteers to find volunteer opportunities that best fit the volunteer’s interests, skill set, and the current need of the PROFESA school. Most of our volunteer positions involve teaching or working with students, but there are also needs in the areas of construction, crafts, business administration, and computers.

Teaching: Ages and Subjects

Pre-School (ages 4-5)
English, Creative Arts, Physical Development

Primary (ages 6-11)
English, French, Math, Science

Junior Secondary (ages 12-15)
English, French, Math, Science, Computers

Trade (ages 17+)
English, French, Computers, Math & Accounting

Program Requirements

Longitude is looking for motivated volunteers who are creative, open-minded, and looking for new experience in a culture different from their own.

Longitude volunteers should be 18 years of age or older. Children can also volunteer if accompanied by an adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Longitude volunteers are expected to be able to communicate in either spoken English, or local Ghanaian language.

Longitude volunteer placements can be physically challenging and we suggest that volunteers be healthy enough to handle extreme heat, long walks, and diverse foods.

Longitude expects volunteers to seek out proper Visas and immunizations before leaving for Ghana.

Cost

Longitude maintains a grassroots structure; volunteers can travel on a tight budget or in relative luxury depending on personal needs. Our application and volunteer program does not require compensation for Longitude’s overhead costs.

Longitude does require all volunteers to pay a $75/week PROFESA fee prior to departure that goes directly to Meshach Bondzie, the head of PROFESA. This fee helps to offset the costs associated with hosting a volunteer. Meshach will work tirelessly to ensure that each volunteer’s experience is safe and smooth. This cost is essential in order for Meshach to be able to afford his own needs and living expenses during the volunteer’s stay.

Costs will vary by personal needs, lodging, and transportation types. It is possible to budget less than $10 per day, but for dietary variation, better transportation, private lodging, and travel excursions, Longitude recommends budgeting $30-50/day.

Estimated Costs:

2 weeks: $200 - 600

4 weeks $420 - 1000

6 weeks: $600 - $1500

2 months: $900 - $2200

Pre-Volunteer costs not included: flights, passport, visa, immunizations, travel insurance, and departure tax.

Application Process

Once you have completed the online application, Longitude’s Director of International Volunteering will contact you to discuss program details, confirmation, flights, visas, and shots.