Support the Livelihood of Women

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Support vulnerable women and children in Ghana
  • Support a local Ghanaian grassroots organization
  • Get an overall insight into the work of an NGO

Highlights

  • Support vulnerable women and children in Ghana
  • Support a local Ghanaian grassroots organization
  • Get an overall insight into the work of an NGO
  • Work alongside experienced staff
  • Discover the beautiful country and culture of Ghana


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    We are looking for volunteers to help in our LivelihoodProject, which focuses on empowering women in Ghana through provision of loans, saving accounts, business training.

    Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) constantly ​welcomes volunteers from all over the world, to help our team with the planning, implementation and coordination of our projects. As a grassroots organization we strongly believe in the combination of intercultural exchange and regional ...

    About the program

    Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) constantly ​welcomes volunteers from all over the world, to help our team with the planning, implementation and coordination of our projects. As a grassroots organization we strongly believe in the combination of intercultural exchange and regional social engagement of local employees, bearing in mind the important requirement of cultural and social understanding, when it comes to a sensitive work that is actually affecting other peoples life.

    Volunteering with AFAWI will therefore give you a unique chance to learn and experience grassroots development work in a local Ghanaian NGO. You will be working in rural communities alongside our experienced staff and thus ensure equality and dignity for women and children in Ghana and help building the country from the bottom.  


    Together we can bring out real positive change! 
     

    The Livelihood Project focuses on empowering women in need in Ghana, with the overall aim of making them financially independent and giving them and their family the chance to rise above the poverty line. As women play an important role in the economical sector, but often are dependent on the income of their husbands or other family members, our project supports their creation of a new business or their expansion of an existing one (e.g. selling of water, fruits).  The project is thereby scheduled in three phases:

    1.  All women are required to take trainings and workshops.​ The workshops will go through basic business skills, finance, management and health care (incl. family planing). The health aspect is very important bearing in mind the crucial role of a women in the well being of the whole family, which therefore is directly linked to her work ability. During the sessions, the women will further have the chance to connect with others and share their ideas.
    2. In a second step, women are then provided capital in the form of small loans with very low interest rates, for investing it in a new business or expand an existing one.  
    3. Thirdly daily savings accounts are made available (locally known as “susu”) to encourage further saving for the future. Many women do not have access to bank accounts because of the accompanying costs and the long distance to bank offices. AFAWI therefore provides a chance to create a saving account through a personal collection of the saved money by our staff at the womens home or workplace. 



    Typical day

    A working day (Mo-Thu) typically starts for our volunteers at 9:00 am at the office. 

    As the accommodation for our volunteers is located in the same building as our office space, the way to the work is often very short. 
    Depending on the daily task, the volunteers will either work in the office on ...

    Typical day

    A working day (Mo-Thu) typically starts for our volunteers at 9:00 am at the office. 

    As the accommodation for our volunteers is located in the same building as our office space, the way to the work is often very short. 
    Depending on the daily task, the volunteers will either work in the office on planning the next project phase, or help in the preparation and conducting of the workshops (phase 1 of the project). 
    On other days, the volunteers will go out in the rural areas for the field work, accompanied by our staff. In this project this means helping with the recollection of the provided loans or further savings (Phase 2 and 3 of the project).
    The daily working routine is thereby very diverse as we are always trying to give our volunteers an overall insight into the work of a NGO. 

    We normally have a lunch break together on working days if possible and the day officially ends for our volunteers at 4pm. After that, the volunteers have time to explore the city on their own or take part in our activities  (such as language and cooking classes, games night etc.). 


    Free-time activities

    During your stay with AFAWI you will have the possibility to explore all parts of Accra and the rest of the beautiful country of Ghana. The city thereby has a lot to offer when it comes to cultural activities and also it is located directly at the beach, which gives you the possibility of swimming, ...

    Free-time activities

    During your stay with AFAWI you will have the possibility to explore all parts of Accra and the rest of the beautiful country of Ghana. The city thereby has a lot to offer when it comes to cultural activities and also it is located directly at the beach, which gives you the possibility of swimming, surfing etc. in your free time.

    Our team will assist you with the planning of your weekend travel options and accompany you if you are interested in. From waterfalls over hiking in the mountains,  beautiful lakes, long coastline and national parks of Ghana - there is a lot to see.

    Furthermore we offer other free time activities in our house, including local language and cooking classes, games and karaoke nights. 


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    We are constantly looking for volunteers to help our experienced staff with the planning, implementation and coordination of our projects. We are therefore looking for individuals having an active interest in gender equality and grassroots sustainable development work, and share our mission and vision. AFAWI welcomes everybody who seeks to make a real difference in this world and we will adjust the work of each person on their existing qualifications.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by AFAWI

    AFAWI is not charging for the volunteer program itself. However, if you chose to stay in our accommodation facilities (which is recommended but not mandatory), the total cost are including: 


    • Air port pick up and drop off
    • Accommodation with AC and night security officer (incl. Electricity and water)
    • Lunch and Water (during workdays)
    • WIFI during working hours
    • Transportation to Project site
    • AFAWI Tshirt
    • Accra City Tour
    • Twi language Course
    • Cultural Dancing and Drumming Class
    • Volunteer Intern Orientation Material
    • 24/7 support in Ghana by AFAWI staff members
    • Internal Trainings 
    • Travel assistance (organized Travel Tours are not included)
    • Registration Fee (one time 100 EUR)
    • Project Contribution for selected Project  (one time 100 EUR)

     


    Airport Pickup at Kotoka International Airport

    One of our staff members is picking you up with the car at the airport in Accra when you arrive and will also drop you off on your departure day .You will recognize us on the airport with our T-shirt with an AFAWI Logo as well as a sign with your name.  The drive to our house is around 40 minutes. 

    Accommodation

    Normally the volunteers stay in our accommodation facility in a shared room with one other person. However the amount of people in one room might be more (or less), depending on the season of the year and the number of volunteers we are receiving. 
    The bathroom and kitchen is shared. Cooking equipment is provided in the kitchen area. 
    There is an outside and inside eating area. 
    The accommodation is mainly self organized by our volunteers, but our staff provides assistance with the general cleaning, as well as the cooking of lunch during working days in the office. 

    Food & Beverages

    The accommodation is mainly self organized by our volunteers, but our staff provides assistance with the general cleaning, as well as the provision of water and cooking of lunch during working days in the office. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ghana. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ghana provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ghana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ghana. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    There is no specific start date for our volunteers, but we encourage you to start at the beginning of a month! 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 850€
    8 weeks 2,050€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 10,450€
    Average fees 317€/week

    Program fees

    317€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with AFAWI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    AFAWI

    Perfect 4.6 rating (24 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2006

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Below average response rate

    Coordinated by

    Marlene

    Spoken languages: German, English

    About the project

    AFAWI is a grassroots Ghanaian organization, that has been striving to narrow the gender gap and empower women and children in Ghana for over ten years.

    Meet your organization

    Alliance for African Women Initiative (AFAWI) is a grassroots Ghanaian organization, striving to narrow gender gaps and create opportunity and prosperity to empower women and children in Ghana for over 10 years. We strongly believe in sustainable development and strive for our projects to become self-reliant.

    AFAWI therefore takes a holistic approach to sustainable development through consulting and collaborating with communities to meet their needs and goals, to ensure projects will bring the most opportunity and success, to empower the communities as a whole.

     

    We believe in sharing ideas and collaborating with people to bring about real positive change. Together we can change our world! 


    MISSION

    ​To create an enabling environment for the vulnerable in society, especially women and children.

    VISION

    ​AFAWI seeks to ensure equitable development for both rural inhabitants and poor urban dwellers, especially women and children.


    24 reviews · rating4.6

    Carina Meineche Kristiansen rating5

    2023 at Support the Livelihood of Women

    I had the privilege of volunteering with AFAWI in Ghana in Nov/Dec 2023. My experience was enriching on both personal and professional levels as it provided great insight into the work of a local NGO. Working closely with a local Ghanaian NGO and the women in the community allowed me to gain ...
    Rowan Mobeck rating5

    2023 at Support the Livelihood of Women

    Myself and my mother spent 3 weeks this November volunteering with AFAWI. We had an absolutely incredible time in Ghana and working with the AFAWI, creating so many amazing memories. One thing in particular that we enjoyed was working on Financial Literacy with a group of market ladies in Abokobi ...
    Luisa Bell rating5

    2023 at Support the Livelihood of Women

    I volunteered with AFAWI in Ghana for 2 weeks because I wanted to support a local NGO. During my stay at AFAWI, I had the opportunity to get to know different areas of the NGO, i.e. I helped with the field work in all ongoing projects and also got a detailed impression of the NGO management. All the ...
    Artur Arndt rating5

    2023 at Support the Livelihood of Women

    Working at AFAWI as a volunteer was such a pleasure. I was given responsibility from day one and was being involved in different projects. The balance between fieldwork and office was just right. The field works really gave me new insight on what people go through. And in the office, I really ...
    Angela Boakye rating5

    2021 at Support the Livelihood of Women

    My internship at AFAWI was initially planned for 3 months. But I liked it so much that I stayed 2 months longer. I was allowed to work on the livelihood project and supervise another project. What I particularly liked about AFAWI was that as an intern you are given responsibility for projects and ...
    Marlene Keller rating5

    2020 at Support the Livelihood of Women

    I decided to voluntary engage myself with AFAWI in Ghana for 6 months, because I wanted to support a local NGO that is mainly employing Ghanaian staff. I liked the idea of combining cultural knowledge and the long time working experience of the professional team members with intercultural exchange ...

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    Contact Marlene
      Below average response rate
    German, English

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