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Liberia Refugee Camp - FAQTell me more about the Ghana and the Refugee Camp?What kind of volunteer work is available? What age do you have to be to volunteer? What immunizations/vaccines will I need? Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? When do I need to arrive at the camp? What are the living arrangements when volunteering? Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? Are there more expenses once I arrive? How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana and at the camp? How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? What resources are available for teaching when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own? Can you tell me more about your partner in Ghana? What is the course content of the training? How are couples accommodated while volunteering? Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? ------ Tell me more about the Ghana and the Refugee Camp? Ghana is a vibrant and alluring country, steeped in rich tradition and a frequently tragic history. Free from the trappings of mass tourism, this former British colony has much to offer the visitor. Tropical beaches abound but there's so much more: feed the sacred crocodiles at Paga, plunge into the waterfalls of the eastern highlands, marvel at the game-rich savannah of Mole National Park, or relive the chilling story of the coastal slave forts. For more information we suggest that you purchase the Bradt Travel Guide to Ghana. If you wish you can purchase a copy from our bookshop. The Refugee Camp is home to more than 30 000 Liberians who have been displaced from their home country because of the war that began in 1990. The camp itself consists of dirt roads and very modest homes or huts with no running water or electricity available at all. It is about a 45 minute bus ride from the camp to the capital city of Accra and it is just a ten minute ride to the major market of Kosoa. The camp itself has its own market stalls scattered all over where you can purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, eggs, etc. To learn more about the history of Ghana and the war a good site for research is: http://www.liberian-connection.com/research.htm. What kind of volunteer work is available? The volunteer opportunities with Children Better Way consist of opportunities to work with refugee children of all ages, teaching English, math, science, and other subjects. Most of the children do not to go to a formal school, as school fees are outrageously high and most adults cannot afford them, so the volunteers may be teaching classes to them during the day, and in the late afternoon or early evening volunteers will be tutoring and or helping with the homework assignments for the children who can afford to go to school. In addition, volunteers will participate in an array of recreational activities for the children, inspiring creativity and self-esteem. There is also opportunity for those with a health background to educate children and adults about personal hygiene, HIV/Aids, pregnancy, etc. Additionally, volunteers with an environmental background or just an interest in this area can work with CBW developing sanitation programs and cleanup campaigns for the camp. All of the volunteer activities can be tailored to your specific talents and catered for the amount of time you are there. What age do you have to be to volunteer? You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit. You just have to be in good health. What immunizations/vaccines will I need? This will depend greatly on what country you are from. Once you have paid your application fee you will be sent a pack that includes the vaccine information required. You should always consult your doctor before having any medication as some may not be necessary. In many countries you may have already had some of the required vaccinations as a child. Please refer to the Center for Disease Control website for the most up to date information: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? Yes it would be helpful if you speak English. You may have English as your second language and that is also fine. While there are many local languages spoken in Ghana, the majority of people speak English and everyone at the camp speaks English as well. When do I need to arrive at the camp? You can start the program on the 1st or the 15th of each month. Typically, volunteers will be greeted at airport in Accra upon their arrival. What are the living arrangements when volunteering? You will be staying with other volunteers at our volunteer home. The house has four bedrooms, two beds in each room. There is no electricity or running water, but there is a gas stove and all cooking materials are provided. In addition all food and bedding will be provided. Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? Yes. Any time that you are not expected to be on your project you are free to do as you please. Teaching hours very from 2 - 5 hours per day. You may want to spend some time in Ghana before or after volunteering to see more of the country. You can survive on as little as $7 (U.S) a day in Ghana. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury. The Bradt Guide contains many traveling ideas and is very through in detailing places to stay along the way. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The program fee covers all meals during your placement. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Ghana for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off depending on what you intend doing. Other costs include buying bottled water, departure tax and any shopping you will do personally. How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana and at the camp? Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. The people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. The camp is a gated community and has an UNHCR outpost. The atmosphere in the camp is very community oriented; everyone looks out for everyone else and all of the Liberians are very family centered. They love foreigners and are very grateful for all the help volunteers bring to the community, therefore, they are welcoming and will always look out for your safety and comfort. How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. The maximum number is eight because that is how many volunteers we can fit into the house at one time. What resources are available for teaching when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own? Any teaching resources you have that would be of benefit to you in your teaching subject would ideally be taken with you. You can discuss ideas with our partner at the camp via the email. You need to understand that all schools are very under resourced and much of the teaching is rote learning with the teacher up the front talking to a whole class situation. Many students may not have books or pencils to even work with. Do not expect to have many resources provided at the school. Can you tell me more about your partner at the camp? Children Better Way was started by Semeh Roberts in 1996 while he was still in Liberia. Roberts saw the dire need for an organization to help the mass amounts of children left behind because their parents were killed or had to flee in the first part of the war. Roberts himself had to flee Liberia in 2000 and found himself amidst thousands of other Liberians at the Budumburam Refugee Camp in Ghana, many of whom were orphaned children. This inspired him to start a new chapter of CBW in Ghana for the purpose of empowering the children with informal education, time to play and interact with each other, as well as teach them and their parents or guardians about health issues. What is the course content of the training? The training is based at the camp. It is a practical training course which means you will be trained as you work. How are couples accommodated? Couples will be placed in the volunteer house with all of the other volunteers; however they will have a private room. Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? You will organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Ghana. Also our 26 page program guide which includes links to Ghanaian Embassies through out the world. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours). Click here to apply for the Ghana refugee camp program. |
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