Ghana Rainforest Volunteers [to Africa]
GRASSROOTS SELF-HELP SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Voluntary Workcamps Projects in GHANA, W. Africa
At the bottom find the Volunteer Projects in Ghana, West Africa, that
applications are now being accepted for.
Join the New VOLU List
The response to the 20 projects just announced by VOLU-GHANA
has been enormous! Most of the 800 volunteers that VOLU will invite,
will hail from Ghana and from other African countries. However,
volunteers from outside of Africa are WELCOME. Apply now.
Age range of eligibility: 16 years old to 100 ;-)
VOLU has set up a new list for sending out updates and for keeping
persons informed about these and future opportunities with VOLU.
Via this list, VOLU staff and former participants will be able to
communicate with aspiring participants and interested persons.
To SUBscribe, send a blank message, or any message to:
VOLU-SUBscribe at eGroups.com
Reply to the CONFIRM Request when it arrives.
Address special questions to VOLU-Owner at eGroups.com
The VOLU Website is still under construction -- however,
a lot of information & the application are now accessible.
Also, obtain the application by E-mail: send your request to:
VOLU-application at ghaclad.org
USA Headquarters
VOLU General Secretary
c/o GHACLAD
400 E. 33rd ST. # 1912
Chicago, IL, USA 60616
Fax: 312-996-2770
E-mail: VOLU at ghaclad.orghttp://www.ghaclad.org/VOLUhttp://x13.dejanews.com/getdoc.xp?AN=461650703 (additional info)
JOIN <<AFRICAWORLD>>
To receive info by E-mail on volunteering, internships and jobs
in Africa and elsewhere in the Diaspora, and to discuss issues
important to the Diaspora, join the AfricaWorld Community of
900-plus worldwide. Send a blank msg (or any msg) to
AfricaWorld-Subscribe at eGroups.com
and reply to the CONFIRM Request when it arrives.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
RE: Summer Projects-GHANA - applications being accepted; new Website
THE NUTS & BOLTS OF PARTICIPATING
VOLU of Ghana (the Voluntary Workcamps Association) is now accepting
applications. Go to: http://ghaclad.org/volu
This is the long-awaited response to the numerous demands for details
and information on VOLU's self-help, community development projects.
Below are details on 20 fascinating VOLU projects, and a call for 700 to
800 volunteers. Location, description and dates are given for each
project. This schedule covers VOLU projects through the end of October
1999.
Apply to VOLU through its USA office -- GhaClad (the Ghana Computer
Literacy & Distance Education Program), headed by Dr. Osei
Darkwa. The VOLU contact FAX, address and E-Mail are conveniently
located in Chicago, as given below.
It is hoped that the proximity of the Chicago office will now
serve to greatly simplify the application process, and facilitate
communication about the mechanics of participating.
We feel that all who wish to, will now be able to have this incredible
experience.
EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT
Students are encouraged to arrange with their faculty advisor or
department to earn academic credit (typically 7 to 12 units) for their
overseas experience -- under the rubric of independent study. You might
propose to write a paper on a topic of interest, on your return.
Best Wishes,
Cecil Washington, Jr.
Founder, AfricaWorld
E-Mail: cecil at egroups.com
_________________
HOW TO
RAI$E
THE FUND$?
Pls go to the Websites below where you will find
superb help with fundraising -- obtain
grants, scholarships and loans; receive
support from your campus or department;
appeal to groups and organizations both on campus
and in the community; and win support from
businesses, charities, religious groups,
foundations, and private individual whom you
appeal to for contributions.
http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.htmlhttp://www.fund-raising.com/ideabank.html
(a cornucopia of brass-knuckle ideas!)
http://www.studyabroad.com/handbook/costs.html#aidhttp://fdncenter.org/index.htmlhttp://www.sau.edu/CWIS/Internet/Wild/Faculty/Administ/admindex.htm
___________________________________
VOLU Home Page
http://ghaclad.org/volu/
Program Overview:
http://ghaclad.org/volu/summer99/index.htm
Off-line Application:
http://ghaclad.org/volu/summer99/app-offline.htm <= apply here
On-line Application:
http://ghaclad.org/volu/summer99/app-online.htm <= apply here
__________________________________
LOCATIONS OF WORKCAMPS
Workcamps are scueduled for the following Regions:
Upper West Region; Upper East Region; Northern Region;
Brong Ahafo Region; Ashanti Region; Eastern Region;
Volta Region; Western Region; Central Region; Greater
Accra
Refer to the OnLine MAP of GHANA:
http://ghaclad.org/volu/summer99/regions.htm
_________________________
VOLUntary Workcamps Association of Ghana
1999 VOLU Summer Workcamps Programme
VOLU General Secretary
c/o GHACLAD
400 E. 33rd ST. # 1912
Chicago, IL, USA 60616
Fax: 312-996-2770
E-mail: VOLU at ghaclad.org
Each camp will take a maximum of 40 volunteers.
_________________________________
FEES
Volunteers attending only one (1) VOLU Workcamp,
within a camping season, pay US$250.
Volunteers attending more than one (1) camp, within a
camp season, pay US$350. These fees cover room and
board for the duration of each workcamp.
Each volunteer will be resposible for: airfare & transportation to
and from Ghana; local transportation to and from the camp(s)
within Ghana; living and other expenses before and after
camp sessions.
___________________________
DURATION: JUNE 4 - JUNE 25, 1999
LOCATION: AKOSOMBO
REGION: EASTERN
DISTRICT: ASUOGYAMAN
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers and technical officers from Forestry
Department will undertake the following activities within the Volta
Gorge to save the Volta Lake:
- Planting of trees
- Maintenance of the already planted area
- Educating the neighbouring communities' of the harmful
effects of deforestation and bush burning.
- Volunteers will do cooking and cleaning of campsite.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in camping tents
and sleep on camp beds. They will be required to bring their individual
camping tents if possible.
REMARKS: Akosombo is about two hours drive from Accra. Akosombo is
where the River Volta is dammed to generate electricity to supply the
entire country.
DIRECTIONS: Volunteers will leave Accra for Akosombo by bus. From
Akosombo, they will have a cruise on the Volta Lake for about an hour to
the campsite.
_________________________
DURATION: JUNE 11 - JULY 2, 1999
LOCATION: WEIJA
REGION: GREATER ACCRA
DISTRICT: GA
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will undertake the following
activities:
- Creation of lanes, pegging and planting trees.
- Educating the neighbourhood communities on
the harmful effect of deforestation around Weija Dam and
how it affects the treated water supply of Accra and the
neighbouring communities.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be accommodated within the Weija
community. They will be required to bring their own bedding and if
possible camping tents.
REMARKS: Weija is about 30 minutes drive from Accra along the
Accra/Winneba road. It is near Weija where the Densu River has been
dammed to supply drinking water to Accra and its environs. It is on the
way to Central Region where a lot of historical monuments like castles
can be found.
DIRECTIONS: Volunteers will take buses from Kaneshie - Accra main lorry
station to Weija.
_________________________
DURATION: JUNE 18 - JULY 9, 1999
LOCATION: JANKUFA
REGION: BRONG AHAFO
DISTRICT: JAMANG
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will undertake the following
activities:
- Planting of trees
- Maintenance of the already planted area
- Tending of the young trees
- Mapping out the track for fire ride
ACCOMMODATIONS: The camp will be housed in a local school block.
REMARKS: Jankufa is about two hours drive from Brekum through Seikwa.
It is within transitional zone between the rain forest and Savannah
zone. It is very close to the Ivory Coat border.
DIRECTIONS: Bus from Accra to Kumasi and then to Berekum through
Sunyani. Another small bus from Berekum to Jankufa through Seikwa.
_________________________
DURATION: JUNE 25 - JULY 16, 1999
LOCATION: AKOSOMBO
REGION: EASTERN
DISTRICT: ASUOGYAMAN
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will continue the work done by
volunteers who attended Akosombo I.
- The living conditions will be like the first camp.
- They will be required to bring their own camping tents.
_________________________
DURATION: JULY 2 - JULY 23, 1999
LOCATION: SOKODE
REGION: VOLTA
DISTRICT: HO
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL BLOCK
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will help in various practical tasks
in connection with the construction of a school block for the local
Sokode Secondary - Technical School. It will be the third time
volunteers will be working on the project. They shall work with members
of the local community. Work will involve moulding of blocks, screeding
of floor, mixing of concrete and mortar, carting of blocks, etc.
- The volunteers will do cooking and cleaning of campsite.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in a local school block.
They are required to come with their own bedding.
REMARKS: This will be the third time volunteers are sent to work on
this project. Sokode is not far from Wli Water Falls and Mount
Afadjato. These are some of the tourist attractions within the Volta
Region.
DIRECTIONS: Take a bus going from Accra to Ho and alight at
Sokode-about 10km to Ho.
_________________________
DURATION: JULY 9 - JULY 30, 1999
LOCATION: BREMAN BENIN
REGION: CENTRAL
DISTRICT: ASIKUMA
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF TRADE SCHOOL
FOR TEENAGE MOTHERS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers and the local community will
work on construction of a trade school for teenage mothers.
Tasks to be undertaken include:
- Digging foundation trenches
- Mixing concert and mortar
- Carting blocks, sand and water
- Volunteer will assist masons laying blocks, etc.
- Cooking and cleaning of campsite
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in
classrooms or in various houses in the village.
They will however come together for meals,
meetings and entertainment.
REMARKS: Breman Benin is in Central Region and a few hours drive to
Cape Coast/Elmina where the slave castles are located as well as the
Kakum Park -A tropical rain forest and tourist resort with a canopy
walkway.
DIRECTIONS: Take a bus from Kaneshie main Lorry Park to Breman Asikuma
and another from Asikuma to Breman Benin.
_________________________
DURATION: JULY 16 - AUGUST 6, 1999
LOCATION: AKOSOMBO
REGION: EASTERN
DISTRICT: ASUOGYAMAN
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will continue with the tasks set for
Akosombo camp #1 and camp #2 with the same living conditions.
- Volunteers will bring their own camping tents if possible.
DIRECTIONS: Volunteers will leave Accra for Akosombo by bus. From
Akosombo, they will have a cruise on the Volta Lake for about an hour to
the campsite.
_________________________
DURATION: JULY 23 - AUGUST 13, 1999
LOCATION: SEFWI AMAFIE
REGION: WESTERN
DISTRICT: WIAWSO
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: OIL PALM PLANTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will work on an Oil Palm Plantation
which is one VOLU's own long-term projects. The main task for this camp
is to clear the weeds with in the plantation and replace those that
could not survive. They will also harvest palm fruits.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will stay in various houses in the village
(Experimental Living). They will however come together for meals,
meetings and entertainment at the camp leader's house.
REMARKS: Sefwi Amafie is located within the tropical rain-forest zone
about three hour's drive from Kumasi.
DIRECTIONS: Bus to Kumasi from Accra: Kumasi to Sefwi Wiawso and taxi
to Amafie, which is about four Kilometers from Wiawso.
_________________________
DURATION: JULY 30 - AUGUST 20
LOCATION: KWAHU DAANTENG
REGION: EASTERN
DISTRICT: KWAHU SOUTH
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF A HEALTH CLINIC
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will work on a block for a clinic. Work
to be done includes digging foundation trenches, moulding of blocks,
carting blocks, sand and other materials to the worksheet, mixing
concrete and mortar, laying blocks, etc.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in a house with in the
village.
REMARKS: Kwahu Daanteing is very close to the beautiful KWAHU scap at
Nkwkaw. The beautiful Boti falls can be found within the eastern region.
DIRECTIONS: Bus from Accra to Nkawkaw along the Kumasi road. Pick a
smaller bus to Daanteng, which is about 12 kilometres from Nkawkaw.
_________________________
DURATION: JULY 30 - AUGUST 20, 1999
LOCATION: KAASE
REGION: ASHANTI
DISTRICT: KUMASI
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL LIBRARY
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Work will involve digging foundation trenches,
mixing mortar, casting foundation concrete and moulding blocks and other
constructional tasks.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be camped in a
school block within the Kaase Community.
REMARKS: Kasse is a suburb of Kumasi City. It is not far from Lake
Bosomtwi, the only natural lake in Ghana. Other attractions are the
Cultural Centre, Asantehene's Palace and Museum which treasures the
artefacts of the Asante Kingdom. Volunteers will be required to bring
their own bedding.
DIRECTIONS: Take a bus from Accra to the main Lorry Station in Kumasi
KAJETIA. Take either a taxi or mini bus to Kaase.
_________________________
DURATION: AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 27, 1999
LOCATION: AKOSOMBO
REGION: EASTERN
DISTRICT: ASUOGYAMAN
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will continue the
work done by their colleagues who attended Akosombo Camps I, II, III.
- Their living conditions will be like the first camp.
- Volunteers will be required to bring their own camping tents and
bedding.
DIRECTIONS: Volunteers will leave Accra for Akosombo by bus. From
Akosombo, they will have a cruise on the Volta Lake for about an hour to
the campsite.
_________________________
DURATION: AUGUST 13 - SEPTEMBER 3, 1999
LOCATION: BEYIN
REGION: WESTERN
DISTRICT: JOMORO
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will undertake the following tasks:
- Creation of lanes, pegging and planting of trees.
- Educating the people in the neighbourhood on harmful
effects of deforestation and land degradation.
- Volunteers will do cooking and cleaning of the campsite
themselves.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be house in school
blocks in Beyin village. They will need to come possible with
their own and if possible camping tent.
REMARKS: Beyin is located within the rainforest area. Some
of the tourist attractions are the beautiful Ankobrah Beach and
Busua Beach. Volunteers will be required to bring their own bedding.
DIRECTIONS: Take a bus from Accra to Takoradi. From Takoradi
take another bus to either Axim or Essiama and finally to Beyin.
_________________________
DURATION: AUGUST 20 - SEPTEMBER 10, 1999
LOCATION: AKONTOMBRA
REGION: WESTERN
DISTRICT: SEFWI WIAWSO
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: COCOA PLANTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will work in a cocoa
plantation, which is one of the long-term projects for income
generation for VOLU. They will under take various tasks in
rehabilitation a cocoa farm.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in school c
lassrooms with the locality. They are required to bring their own
bedding. They will however, come together for meals, meetings
and entertainment.
REMARKS: Akontombra is in the tropical rain forest zone, about
three hours drive from Kumasi.
DIRECTIONS: Bus from Accra to Kumasi, another bus from
Kumasi to Sefwi Wiawso and a mini bus to Akontombra.
_________________________
DURATION: AUGUST 20 - SEPTEMBER 10, 1999
LOCATION: NEW NINGO
REGION: GREATER ACCRA
DISTRICT: DANGME WEST
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF A SCHOOL BLOCK
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will help in various
practical tasks in connection with the construction of a school block.
Work will involve digging foundation trenches, mixing mortar, casting
foundation concrete and moulding blocks and other constructional tasks.
Volunteers will do cooking and cleaning of campsite themselves.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in classrooms.
Volunteers will have to come with their own bedding.
REMARKS: New Ningo is along the coast, about 50 km from Accra with
beautiful beach resorts. Volunteers who like will have a nice time.
DIRECTIONS: Bus to Ashiaman and then a mini bus to New Ningo
_________________________
DURATION: SEPTEMBER 3 - 24, 1999
LOCATION: AKOSOMBO
REGION: EASTERN
DISTRICT: ASUOGYAMAN
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will undertake the
same work as done by their colleagues who attended
Akosombo I, II, III and IV.
Their living conditions will be the same as the first four camps. They
shall
be required to bring their own camping tents and bedding if possible.
Volunteers will be required to bring their own camping tents.
DIRECTIONS: Volunteers will leave Accra for Akosombo by bus. From
Akosombo, they will have a cruise on the Volta Lake for about an hour to
the campsite.
_________________________
DURATION: SEPTEMBER 10 - OCTOBER 1, 1999
LOCATION: SAVELUGU
REGION: NORTHERN
DISTRICT: SAVELUGU
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL BLOCK
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will help in various practicals in
connection with construction of school block. They will work with people
from the locality. Work will involve:
- Digging of foundation trenches
- moulding blocks
- casting foundation concrete
- doing the hard core filling
- laying blocks
- they will do their own cooking and cleaning of campsite
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in classrooms.
They will be required to bring their own bedding.
REMARKS: Savelugu is located with the savannah zone. It is about an
hour drive from Tamale, the regional capital. Among the tourist
attractions are the Mole Game Reserve near Damongo, etc.
DIRECTIONS: Take bus from Accra to Tamale and a mini bus
to Savelugu.
_________________________
DURATION: SEPTEMBER 17 - OCTOBER 8, 1999
LOCATION: NAWULEY
REGION: WESTERN
DISTRICT: JOMORO
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: AFFORESTATION
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will undertake the
following tasks:
- Creation of lanes, pegging and planting of trees
- They will tend the planted trees
- Educate the village folks on sound environmental
practices including the harmful effects of deforestation
and land degradation.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers may be camped in either
tents or in classrooms. They will bring their own camping tents
if possible.
_________________________
DURATION: SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 15, 1999
LOCATION: WA
REGION: UPPER WEST
DISTRICT: WA
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF SCHOOL BLOCK
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will help in various
practicals in connection with construction of school block.
They will work with people from the locality. Work will involve:
- Digging of foundation trenches
- moulding blocks
- casting foundation concrete
- doing the hard core filling
- laying blocks
- they will do their own cooking and cleaning of campsite
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will live in classrooms or have
experimental living, i.e. living with families.
REMARKS: Wa is both the Regional capital as well as the municipal
capital. The most outstanding tourist attraction is the Wa-Na's Palace.
Wa is located within the Savannah Zone.
DIRECTIONS: Take a bus direct from Acca to Wa.
_________________________
DURATION: OCTOBER 1 - 22, 1999
LOCATION: MANSO AMENFI
REGION: WESTERN
DISTRICT: WASSA AMENFI
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35 - 40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF DORMITORY BLOCK
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteers will undertake
construction work on a dormitory block for the Youth Leadership
Training Institute, which belongs to the national youth Council.
The tasks involved include digging of foundation trenches, moulding
blocks casting foundation concrete carting sand water and blocks
as well as other related tasks.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in a house within
the Manso Amenfi community.
REMARKS: Manso Amenfi is located within the tropical rain forest zone,
about 120-km from Takoradi.
DIRECTIONS: Volunteers will take a bus from Accra to Takoradi. Pick
another bus from Takoradi going ro Asankragwa and alight at Manso
Amenfi.
_________________________
DURATION: OCTOBER 8 - 29, 1999
LOCATION: KORDIABE
REGION: GREATER ACCRA
DISTRICT: DANGME WEST
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 35-40
PROJECT: CONSTRUCTION OF STUDENT HOSTEL
DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Volunteer will work on students hostel for a
Training Center where VOLU trains the youth in a number programs
designed to combat youth unemployment. The tasks to be performed shall
include digging, of foundation trenches, moulding of blocks doing the
hard-core filling, casting of foundation concrete, carting of sand and
other related materials and if possible laying of blocks.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Volunteers will be housed in a hostel at the VOLU
Training Centre.
REMARKS: Priority will be given to volunteers who have computer repair
skills to help repair a number of compuers (mostly PCs - XTs) to be
used in training youth in computer literacy programme.
DIRECTIONS: Kordiable is about 65 km from Accra about a one-hour
drive. It is very close to Shai Hills and the Shai Hills Game Reserve
where one can see baboons and other wild life. It is also not far from
the Akosombo Lake and Aburi Botanical Gardens.
_________________________________________________
Special THANKS for compiling the information and erecting the VOLU
Website go to:
Prema Qadir <prema at hilobay.com>
Dr Osei Darkwa <darkwa at uic.edu>
Dr George F Kojo Arthur <arthur at MARSHALL.EDU>
[note: some unimportnat typos caused by scanning]
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
[Note: some unimportant typos in text below caused by scanning]
VOLUNTARY WORKCAMPS ASSOCIATION OF GHANA ORGANIZATIONAL BRIEF
1. Description and History of the Organisation
The Voluntary Workcamps Association of Ghana (VOLU) was founded in 1956.
It is a non-political, non-sectarian voluntary organisation. Its
membership is open to all people over the age of 16 years irrespective
of nationality, race, religion, political views or educational
qualifications. The current membership of VOLU stand at approximately
9000 strong.
VOLU does not restrict its activities to benefit the people of Ghana
alone, but to serve the human race, regardless of nationality, creed,
colour or sex. This is embodied in our motto "Service to Mankind".
VOLU's aims are:
- To bring together all people interested in voluntary workcamps with
the objective of fostering the spirit of common understanding among
all classes of people.
- To give young people the opportunity to use their leisure time by
offering service to the community by participating in community
development schemes and to generally organise and assist local and
national efforts in such projects.
- To give practical assistance through co-opertion with volunteers from
all countries, in crisis situations and in works of public interest.
In order to meet some of these aims, VOLU runs camps:
- To encourage voluntary service to the community both among campers and
the communities for which the campers work.
- To bring together the literate and non-literate, town people and
villagers, Africans and Non-Africans in the attainment of a single goal
of community development.
- To assist rural village in community development
- To further national and international understanding by inviting people
from
abroad to attend camps in Ghana by sponsoring Ghanaians to attend camps
abroad.
Apart from organising workcamps, VOLU has also organised social service
and leadership training camps. Of late, VOLU has diversified its
interests into the area of skills training for young people.
2. Target Population: The primary target population in all of VOLU's
activities is the rural dweller, marginal people and young people who
would benefit from training and capacity building.
The secondary target population are the volunteers themselves. Through
experiential learning via participating and taking on roles of
responsibilities, learn and take an interest in rural development needs
of Ghana.
In the area of training the target population has been youths residing
in rural communities who need skill training to enable them to be
gainfully employed. This endeavour hopes to help cease the rural - urban
flow of unskilled youths who become employed in the informal sector in
big urban areas.
3. Activities Conducted: Workcamps have been the traditional core of
VOLU's programmes. Over time, VOLU's workcamps have evolved from merely
being activities that involve manual labour directed towards rural
infrastructure development. New dimensions have been added to workcamps
to enable public education and information dissemination to be part of
the workcamp programme.
VOLU has expanded its programmes to include adult functional literacy
programmes, health education, environmental programmes and education on
current youth problems (such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, etc.),
women's pogrammes and youth leadership training courses.
The VOLU Training Centre - Kordiabe (VTC - Kordiabe) was opened in 1989.
Training has been carried out in basic skills such as carpentry,
masonry, agriculture and dress making. The primary aim of the training
is to provide skills training for young people to be self reliant and
economically independent. (Please refer to Annex 1 for a list of camps
and activities organised by VOLU).
4. Implementation Capacities
4.1 Human resource capacity
The membership of VOLU is made up of professionals and non-professionals
from varied backgrounds and different experiences such as social
workers, teachers, economists, engineers, agronomists etc.
Most of our members undertake assignments with VOLU on voluntary basis.
The Association has five full time staff members who are competent in
their areas of work.
There are 10 voluntary regional secretaries who are in charge of VOLU
projects in the regions.
4.2 Logistical capacity: The Association has built its own Training
Centre at Kordiabe with total financial support from the German
Development Service. It is equipped with a classrooms, a hall, kitchen
and dormitory facilities. Other NGOs also run short
term seminars/workshops at the centre. The local chiefs and community
organise their programme and meetings at the centre. Recreational
activities for the children and youth are organised there.
4.3 Institutional support linkages: VOLU has co-operation with over 100
workcamp organisations worldwide. Over the last 15 years, VOLU has had
working relations with the German Development Service.
At the local level VOLU collaborates with some of the NGOs in running
youth, and student seminars/workshops on teenage pregnancy, drug abuse,
mobilisation of street children and community based projects.
5 Workcamps and Rural Development: Methods of intervention always
involves not only consulting the local community but also involving them
in the actual work. This enables the community to feel a sense of
ownership over the development of their own community. The presence of
local and international volunteers in rural development workcamps aims
at motivating the local community to actively participate in their own
development.
VOLU always works in consultation with the relevant government
organisations (depending on the nature of the project undertaken) to
ensure that the plans for rural community development is in live with
the national blue print for development as laid out by the government.
At times, VOLU also works in collaboration with other non-governmental
organisations to ensure that all the other needs of the community are
met.
Workcamps do not only serve the function of providing the rural
community with a physical structure. During the camping period, the
volunteers also interact with the local community and discuss issues
such as health, environmental issues and family planning. The awareness
created through information sharing benefits both the host community and
the volunteers. It goes part way in widening the knowledge base of the
rural community on the concerns associated with rural development.
6 Training of young people: VOLU has been carrying out leadership
training camps for young people who intend to participate as camp
leaders in future workcamps. These camps are also open to non-VOLU
members who are field workers and rural community workers.
7. Projects aimed at creating financial self sufficiency
8. VOLU started on Oil Palm Plantation project in Sefwi-Wiawso, Western
Region as an income generating project that was aimed at enabling the
community sustain themselves and offer training in oil palm production
to the young people who were not in school. The returns from this
project has enable the residents to start an oil mill for the plantation
as a secondary project. The returns have also financed the building of a
clinic for the community. A garment making co-operative was started to
offer training and employment for single teenage mothers.
9. A similar garment making co-operative targeted at the same group of
young people has been started in the Brong-Ahafo Region.
10. A teak tree plantation has been started in Gyankufa, Brong-Ahafo
Region
as a income generating project for the community.
VOLU - KORDIABE TRAINING CENTRE
1. Description and History of Kordiabe Training Centre
Kordiabe village is situated in the Dangme West District of the Greater
Accra Region. It is approximately 56 km away from Accra.
Kordiabe is mainly a farming community, growing vegetables and cassavas.
The village has one primary school and one Junior Secondary School
(JSS). The nearest Senior Secondary School (SSS) is in Dodowa, 30 km
away from Kordiabe.
In 1987, 125 acres of land was donated to VOLU by the Paramount Chief,
elders and people of Kordiabe. In October 1989, with funding through the
German Development Service (DED) a main block constituting offices,
conference halls, library, toilets, kitchen and other facilities were
completed and commissioned at the VOLU - Kordiabe Training Centre
(VKTC). Following this, in 1991 as building for a 50 bed hostel was
completed and commissioned.
2. Target Population: The primary aim of the VKTC is to provide
vocational skills training for rural youths, youths who have stopped
schooling and are unemployed and youth who have no formal education. The
objective of the training is to provide the young people with skills
that will make them employable.
It was realized, when the VKTC site was chosen that many of the young
people do not continue schooling after JSS as they have either lost
interest or are unable to afford schooling. As such they then turn to
small scale trade and hawking as a means of livelihood. Many leave the
village for Accra in hope of securing a better job, but often fail to do
so and they end up on the streets selling. Some girls do not leave their
village, instead they stay on and make their early transition to
motherhood, often with dire consequences for both the child and
themselves. VOLU assessed that the provision of a training centre in a
predominantly agricultural community would provide career alternatives
to the young people, especially for those who are unable to stay on in
formal education. In the long run, the training provided to the youths
will help bring social and economic development to the village.
3 Activities Conducted: The conference centre, hostel and library is
rented out to NGOs who wish to run courses. It is also planned for the
centre to run courses in computer literacy, distance learning,
leadership training and orientation courses.
The training centre presently runs a two year national vocational
training institute (NVTI) grade II course. The courses offered at the
centre includes dressmaking, carpentry, masonry and agriculture.
Emphasis shall be laid on training the students to be self-sufficient
and self-reliant.
The entry qualifications for those who wish to be enrolled in the course
are middle school, JSS and SSS school leavers and dropouts.
The centre shall also be opened to the Junior Secondary School (JSS) at
Kordiabe, Agomenda and Doryumu for their practicals in vocational
training.
4. Method of Intervention
The objectives of the centre are:
To provide studies intended to orientate the attitude of youth to
worthwhile values for viable society in terms of citizenship roles,
self-help self-reliance, community organisation, co-operation and other
values that contribute to the acquisition of desirable attitudes to the
society.
To provide training for self-reliance.
To provide training for the acquisition of skills for self-reliance and
development of economic independence in the areas of small scale
farming, livestock, carpentry, masonry, dress-making, catering and
generally, orientation to the concept of dignity in working with ones
own hands.
To enhance the development of activities which stimulate and challenge
youth in society that enables them to take responsibility and find a
sense of achievement in our socio-economic development.
To provide programmes on functional literary.
5. Administration: At the present, the centre is under the supervision
of a Programme Officer who reports to the VOLU Standing Committee
through the VOLU National Secretariat.
The Programme Officer is to supervise, co-ordinate and direct activities
at the Centre approved by the VOLU Standing Committee through the
National Secretariat. He is to design and implement programmes at the
Centre and to establish and maintain effective co-operation and contacts
with the relevant Ministries and NGOs who function in similar fields.
5.1 Human Resources Capacity: Presently the Centre has qualified
Dressmaking, Agriculture, Masonry and Carpentry instructors.
5.2 Logistical Capacity
Facilities at the Centre:
4 big rooms 4 small rooms 27 bunk beds 10 single beds Toilets (7) 8
Indoor shower stalls 10 Outdoor shower stalls Hall complex with 200
seating capacity Offices 2 roo classroom block Carpentry workshop
Poultry pen to house 2500 birds
5.3 Institutional Support and Linkages
The Centre receives and gives support to the German Decelopment Service,
Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry
of Employment and Social Welfare.
6 Financial Management Capacity: The Centre has a management committee
which meets regularly to see to the smooth running of the Centre. The
finances are controlled by the Committee. The Chairman or the Vice-
Chairman or the National Treasurer of VOLU sign the cheques of the
Centre. Any two of the above mentioned Board Members can sign the
cheques. The organisation uses the services of the Ghana Commercial Bank
and Barclays Bank, High Street.
............
Thank you.
Dr. Osei Darkwa
Volu at ghaclad.org
[Sorry for typos due to scanning]
_____________
Distance Education & Computer Literacy Conference
Join the volunteers who are planning and organizing the
2nd Int'l African Conference on Distance Learning, Computer
Literacy & Info Tech, to be held in Accra in June 2000.
The 1st Int'l Conference, held last May, was a GREAT
success !! Send a blank msg, or any msg, to:
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and reply to the CONFIRM Request when it arrives; or go to
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