1 VOLUNTARIADO EN GHANA Miren Arrazola
2 Pasos a seguir: Syto ghana: Student and YouthTravel Organisation. (Todo mediante ) Enviarles un primer escrito mostrando interés directamente desde la web (www.sytoghana.org) Ellos te van pidiendo: CV + Passport + Police clearance report (antecedentes penales). Te mandan varios documentos en word y los rellenas: Syto application form Reservas los vuelos + pagas sus tarifas Ellos te mandan el Volunteer Project Information (VPI) Conseguir el visado (te mandan Syto visa letter) + ponerte las vacunas (necesitas el certificado de la fiebre amarilla para el visado)- centro de vacunación internacional 639
3 A tener en cuenta… Se envía toda la documentación en inglés. En Ghana se hablan inglés (inglés básico y con acento africano) y varios lenguas locales como por ejemplo el Twi. Se debe empezar cuanto antes, se necesita tiempo, sobre todo para las vacunas, como mínimo un mes antes. El visado se hace mediante la embajada ghanesa, está en Madrid, se puede hacer por correo, mandándoles toda la documentación que necesitan, también se puede hacer allí. Tardan unos días en hacerlo. Cuesta 50€ Los de la organización son todos ghaneses tardan en contestarte, no dejan las cosas claras… Debes preguntarles todas las dudas que te surjan por , a veces tardan en contestar. En SYTO generalmente hacen dos días de orientación en la capital, donde te hablan de tu proyecto y te dan unas pautas de cómo moverte por Ghana. Otras organizaciones: Hands for help, Madre Teresa de Calcuta…. Hay muchas!!
4 CONVIVENCIA:
5 Día a día: trabajo en el “Mampong babies home”
6 No todo es trabajar…
7 DE QUE ME HA SERVIDO… Es una experiencia que te CAMBIA LA VIDA.He conocido una realidad distinta, otra forma de vida. A pesar de que tu ayuda no les va a mejorar mucho su situación, si que es verdad puedes contribuir haciendo pequeñas cosas. Es una experiencia muy muy recomendable. A tu regreso agradecerás mucho mas cada cosa que hagas en tu día a día y valorarás las los momentos cotidianos de la vida.
8 ¡GRACIAS POR VUESTRA ATENCIÓN!Contacto:
9 LO QUE NO DEBES OLVIDAR:Ropa cómoda A book and information about Ghana We recommend Camera Unlocked Mobile phone (you can use mobile phone after changing SIM card) In orientation week we take you to a local telecommunications company where you can purchase an active SIM card. Insect repellent Sun block (SPF) Toiletries First aid kit to include: pain killers, Imodium, alcohol gels, antiseptic creams etc.... Flash light Electricity adopter/converter Footwear (for work and travel)
10 SYTO RECOMMENDATIONS:On average we recommend that on a 3 month duration $600 is usually sufficient. However approximately you may need $5-10 per day for personal expenses such as like water, soft drinks, taxis or local trotro (the local buses) and shopping. In your first couple of days in Ghana you will have orientation days and we use this as an opportunity to change money with the local exchange bureau which is situated in close proximity. We also recommend you to have is a VISA Debit card as ATM machines are available in the cities and increasingly now in the rural areas if you use these you can withdraw the local currency which is called The Cedis. In Ghana, people of U.S. or European decent are considered rich no matter how true it may be. This can makes you a target for pick pockets or scam artist. Participants on all the programmes are required to be smart in regards to money when travelling through Ghana. Please be advised to pay attention to these guidelines. Remain aware of the exchange rate and cost of item Store money in a secure, well-hidden place or safe. Avoid obvious money pouches, dangling backpacks and camera bags; limit the amount of jewellery that you take. Don't flash money or your wallet. Travel in pairs or groups to the ATM. Carry money in different pockets and places.
11 Do I have to bring a gift for my host family?Bringing a small gift for your host family is common courtesy. You are not required to do so, but if you choose to bring a gift it should be very practical and simples. We suggest for the host mother for example, talcum powders, body creams, or general toiletries. You will often be made aware of children who you will be sharing your home with so pencils, pens, as well as games for the children to enjoy. How do I make contact with my family and SYTO staff members? We advise that all volunteers should bring an unlocked mobile phone. When you arrive in Ghana you can change your SIM card and use your phone. Usually on the first or second day during orientation we will take you to a local telecommunication company where you can purchase a SIM card for a very small fee and use it in your phone, alternatively if you do not have an unlocked phone then one can be purchased here in Ghana. This is the perfect way to stay in touch with your family and SYTO staff. Internet access is available in Accra and at the Pink Hostel as well Internet cafes in and around Accra and some of the areas where you will be staying. Most locations are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday. Prices are very inexpensive. International phone calling is easy in Accra with a phone card or at a communication centre. What happens if I don't like my placement? We at SYTO will always endeavour to ensure that you are enjoying your placement and experience here in Ghana. However if the matter does arise the first point of contact should be your placement manager to voice your concerns. We will explore as many options available and try and resolve the matters so that all parties involved are happy.
12 How do I change my programme?Initial contact should be made with the regional officer to discuss your new interest and areas that you would like to work in. Usually the change of programme will take effect two weeks after initial discussions. Who bears the cost of transportation? On completion of the SYTO orientation which will be based in Accra, journey cost to respective placements and programmes will be funded by SYTO. On completion of your placement back to Accra the cost will be funded by the participant. How do I travel back from my project to Accra? This is to be discussed with the regional co-ordinator who will ensure that you are aware of all the transportation options available to you. How do I receive letters and parcels? You will have the option of using either the SYTO Accra contact address or the SYTO regional office address. What happens if I get sick? Initially you should tell your host mother/ family member who will then contact the regional co-ordinator. Your host mother/ family member would then take you to the hospital/clinic. We advise that any medical receipts as well as doctors' reports should be requested. Costs of medical attention are met by the participant however we advise all participants to take out medical insurance before they come to Ghana, and claim back cost once they return to their respective countries. What is the dress code in Ghana? Ghanaian people can mostly wear what they like within reason. If you like to reveal more flesh than usually, or like to wear what many would regard as extreme, offensive, or off- beat clothing, then it would be wise to tone down your dress code out of courtesy.