Volunteer in Ghana with Youth Challenge International
Location: Ghana: Takoradi
Program Duration: 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad)
Dates: July 9 - August 20, 2012
Youth Challenge International
5th Floor 394 Broadway New York City, United States
Description
Volunteer in Ghana and have a chance to be a Youth Ambassador, Youth Innovator, or become part of their Youth Leadership Team and Global Professional Projects. Be able to contribute significantly to the community through awareness and projects that will provide knowledge to the people of Ghana of the impact of their growing population, inadequate education, and high HIV infection.
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is recruiting a team of eight volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 with diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds for a six-week focused youth development project in Ghana from July 9 to August 20, 2012.
This exciting opportunity will include a pre-project distance-learning program, followed by an intensive six-week placement in Ghana. While in Ghana, you will work with YCI's partner the Ghana YMCA or Youth Empowerment Synergy (YES-Ghana).
Key Project Activites May Include:
* Work in conjunction with local partner and create an online discussion forum to solicit feedback on the draft of the Youth Manifesto leading up to the National elections
* Launch the "Youth Manifesto Signature Campaign" in selected areas of Ghana with the YES-Ghana youth advocates
* Develop and deliver a comprehensive small scale initiative focusing on gender equity and women's leadership in celebration of International Youth Day (August 12)
* Support the production of the "Voices of Youth " community radio program and conduct youth media campaigns.
* Work in conjunction with local partner and create an online discussion forum to solicit feedback on the draft of the Youth Manifesto leading up to the National elections
* Launch the "Youth Manifesto Signature Campaign" in selected areas of Ghana with the YES-Ghana youth advocates
* Develop and deliver a comprehensive small scale initiative focusing on gender equity and women's leadership in celebration of International Youth Day (August 12)
* Support the production of the "Voices of Youth" community radio program and conduct youth media campaigns
Highlights
Key Features:
* Work in conjunction with local partners (YMCA-Ghana and YES-Ghana) on grassroots community-led development
* Volunteers have a large role in project design, development and delivery of program
* Gain facilitation and presentation skills
* Become involved directly with youth-to-youth development
* Develop cross-cultural communication skills
* Rolling sign-up you can apply anytime and pick your program
Key Benefits:
* Youth Involvement
YCI believes that young people should play a central role in addressing youth issues. A key component of our work is combining the energy and skills of youth volunteers with those of local youth. Your skills and interests will mobilize local youth to become involved and provide great reach and results.
* Development Results
Our focus is ensuring the best results overseas for local youth and we work hard to ensure that the involvement of volunteers is value added for the partners. YCI focuses on a few long-term programs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness of results.
* Travel with purpose
YCI is ideal if you are interested in traveling with a group on a purposeful project. We do focus on achieving development results, but it also becomes a fantastic travel experience that you would never be able to replicate on your own.
* Cross-Cultural Understanding
By working so closely with local youth and communities, you will develop cross-cultural communication skills and go to places that tourists never get to. Although our focus is on the development results, the projects are truly off the beaten track.
* Safety
YCI has a superb safety track record and has never had a serious incident in its history. Well-trained and local staff members supervise our programs. As well, the team-nature of the program ensures that you are never alone and are constantly supported.
* Work in conjunction with local partners (YMCA-Ghana and YES-Ghana) on grassroots community-led development
* Volunteers have a large role in project design, development and delivery of program
* Gain facilitation and presentation skills
* Become involved directly with youth-to-youth development
* Develop cross-cultural communication skills
* Rolling sign-up you can apply anytime and pick your program
Qualifications
* Background in development, political science or the humanities
* Knowledge of human rights, governance and leadership issues as they relate to youth
* Experience with social media and traditional media programs with a focus on community radio
* Experience in facilitation, special events and/or community mobilization
* Experience teaching life skills, English and/or computers
* Experience working with at-risk or marginalized populations
* Prior overseas experience an asset.
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
USD 3,400
Cost Include Description:
* Preparatory support and pre-project distance learning
* In-country training
* Modest local accommodations and food
* In-country work-related travel
* Comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance
Credit Available
yes
Volunteer Types
- Community Development
- Community Health
- Computer Training
- Economic Development
- English Teaching
- Youth Development
- Human Rights
- Small Business Development
- Youth
- Health Education
- Gender Issues
Age Range
18-30This Program is open to
American, Canadian Participant.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Group living
Participants Travel to Ghana
Independently
Application Process Involves
- Letters of Reference
- Phone/Video Interview
- Resume
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
2-3 weeksPost Services Include
- Alumni Network
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
Youth Challenge International's Mission Statement
Building Communities and Leaders through Global Youth Development.
Year Founded
1989
