Volunteers of Ghana


Volunteers of Ghana

A nonprofit organization giving people the opportunity to make a real difference in the world around

 
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Work FAQ

WHAT KIND OF WORK WILL THE VOLUNTEERS BE DOING AT THE SITE?
The work experience varies from organization to organization, however it will most likely include painting, building and grounds maintenance, trail clearing and fence building. Many organizations determine their work schedule shortly before the volunteers arrive. Consequently, we are unable to provide you with more specific information regarding the work.

WHAT IS MEANT BY REAL WORK?
It means real manual labor by responsible, committed high school students who are not afraid to get their hands dirty.  Volunteers who have a desire to provide essential help, to build connections and to protect our physical and cultural world are needed at each of our programs.  This could be anything from building a trail in the wilderness to painting a fence surrounding an historic village.

IS THERE ANY REAL RESPONSIBILITY INVOLVED?
Yes. We provides an authentic work experience involving manual labor, but it is more than just a program for students merely trying to fulfill a community service requirement. Our volunteers reach beyond that by bringing the positive attitudes needed to build community and to do the critical work necessary to preserve our world.

WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER WORKED BEFORE?
No problem.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what Real Work is all about.  You will learn the purpose of the work you are doing as well as receive training in doing the essential tasks.  You and your team will put in a full workday that will require rising early and sticking to a schedule.  For many volunteers, this is the very first experience at work.

DO I HAVE ANY TIME OFF?
The primary purpose of Landmark Volunteers is to assist the host organization with its many projects, but there is time in the evening to participate in recreational activities. In addition to evening activities, there is one day off during the two-week programs. Activities vary site by site. In wilderness settings, volunteers may venture forth for a moonlight hike or sit by the campfire playing cards. In the more settled areas, volunteers may go as a team into town for an ice cream cone or a game of miniature golf or visit a nearby attraction. (The team and its leader are required to participate in the same activity.) Because we try to be as democratic as possible, a group vote is usually taken in order to determine what the team will do in the evening and on its day off.

MY FAITH REQUIRES ME NOT TO WORK ON SATURDAYS. CAN I STILL ATTEND?
Landmark has many programs that are suitable for those with religious restrictions. While under the supervision of Landmark Volunteers, all volunteers are expected to be with their team. We ask that those who cannot work on Saturdays bring a book and stay with an adult supervisor

MY FAITH REQUIRES ME NOT TO TRAVEL ON SATURDAYS. CAN I STILL ATTEND?
Landmark has many programs that are suitable for those with religious restrictions. Landmark does offer some programs that do not require Saturday travel as well as programs that do not require Friday travel

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WILL SOMEONE MEET MY CHILD AT THE AIRPORT?
Yes. The team leader will meet all those arriving by plane at the designated airport during the specific window of time as stated on the travel form. At some sites there is flexibility and at others (the ones that are far from the site) Landmark can only allow for slight variation since the team leader must drive back to the site to meet those arriving by car. We has volunteeer Community Coordinators at each site who are knowledgeable about the area and can answer more specific travel questions.

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE THE TRAVEL NEEDS OF MY 14½ YEAR OLD?
Students between the ages of 14½ and 16 who fly need to be registered with the airline as an unaccompanied minor. Some airlines charge a fee for this and require a photo ID of the adult meeting them on arrival.

DO I HAVE TO PAY MY OWN TRAVEL COSTS?
Volunteers' air travel is at their own expense.

WHEN SHOULD I MAKE MY FLIGHT RESERVATIONS?
You should make your flight reservations after you receive your acceptance letter from Volunteers of Ghana. You will receive a yellow travel form with complete details. Fill out the form and return it to Landmark Volunteers by May 1st.

MAY I SCHEDULE MY CHILD ON A FLIGHT THAT WILL ARRIVE BEFORE THE DESIGNATED WINDOW?
Yes, however remember that the Team Leader is only at the airport during the stated window of time. Most volunteers bring along a book or magazine to read while waiting. Please note that your child is unsupervised until the Team Leader arrives.

WHAT DO I DO IF THE AIRLINES CHANGED INFORMATION OR I MISSED MY CONNECTION ON DAY OF ARRIVAL?
On the travel day, if arrival times are changed, please do the following:

  1. Call the Community Coordinator, and alert them. Their number is in the information packet you will receive a few weeks before the program begins.
  2. Page the Team Leader at the airport where they were to meet the volunteer.

 
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