Ghana Sustainable Change Project

In June 2004, USAID awarded the Ghana Sustainable Change Project (GSCP) to the Academy for Educational Development and its partners, CARE, the Manoff Group and EXP Momentum. The purpose of this $17,000,000- project is to improve the health of Ghanaians through the use of state-of-the-art communications and social marketing initiatives. The project will support all of the USAID Mission’s health programs, including child survival, maternal and reproductive health, and HIV/AIDS, and is an integral part of the Mission’s overall Country Strategic Plan, “Empowering Ghanaians through Partnerships to Build a Prosperous Nation” (2004-2010).

GSCP has four main objectives: Strengthening public and private capacity for sustainable behaviour change communication (BCC) activities at all levels; Developing and implementing BCC and information, education and communication (IEC) activities (mass media, interpersonal) in reproductive and child health, and HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support; Strengthening the capacity of government, decision-makers and opinion leaders to advocate in support of the programs and activities that influence positive behaviour change; and Strengthening and expanding social marketing of products and services that will support positive behaviour change.

In addition to national level programming, the geographic focus of GSCP is driven by the USAID strategy for CHPS roll-out which targets 30 districts in seven of Ghana’s regions. Beyond this geographic parameter, project activities will also target areas where high-risk populations converge and HIV/AIDS is a notable threat.

View pictures of GSCP.

Available Positions

Editor / Writers

An important part of the project is documenting lessons learned and processes of the evidence based approach. GSCP is seeking the help of professional editors that can work closely with the team. The successful candidate must show excellent written English skills.

Code: GSCP01

Download Info Pack | Apply

Monitoring & Evaluation

An important part of the project is evaluating the impact of the interventions and monitoring processes. Towards that end, GSCP is seeking the help of experienced monitoring and evaluation professionals that can work closely with the team.

Code: GSCP02

Download Info Pack | Apply

Community Radio

A key component of the GSCP project is to work with community radio stations to help promote these health campaigns through talk radio, radio dramas, and radio spots. A volunteer is required to do this and train of local radio staff may also be needed.

Code: GSCP03

Download Info Pack | Apply

Requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age upon application.
  • You must have a background of relevance to the individual position and have a strong interest in contemporary architecture and urban planning.
  • In order to maintain the sustainability and high performance of this project all interns are required to complete a detailed hand-over document for successive interns .
  • You will need to be flexible and tolerant, show initiative and enthusiasm to face the many hurdles and challenges that you will encounter.

Documentation Requirements:

  • A completed application form - required for application.
  • An up to date CV (Resume) - required for application.
  • A personal or professional reference given by an employer, teacher, lawyer or doctor. This reference must include detail of the context in which the referee knows you, verifying your CV and stating that he/she knows of no reason why you should not volunteer. The referee should also provide their contact details in order that Ikando can contact them prior to your departure to confirm the reference given. This reference should be emailed by the referee to info [at] ikando.org.
  • A copy by email to info [at] ikando.org of your travel (including medical) insurance certificates.
  • Information on your travel arrangements (flight number, airline, arrival and departure time and dates). We always recommend volunteers who book online to email us their booking.
  • A copy of the photo page of your passport to be emailed to info [at] ikando.org.

All Documentation must be sent to us at least two weeks before arrival.

Academic credit is available for this placement. Email us for more information.

Important Details

Project Duration Minimum Duration 12 weeks - Maximum Duration 26 weeks (can be extended in-country)
Dates You can volunteer at any time throughout the year.
Pricing £ 1351 for 12 weeks, £87 per week thereafter. For prices in your local currency click here.
Deposit £ 150 (included in total price)
Location Accra
Airport to fly into Accra Airport (ACC) - (also known as Kotoka International Airport)
In-country Budget From $50 on a tight budget to $150 p/week if you wish to explore Ghana. Read more...

Click here for more information on our pricing.

What’s included in the project fees?

• Accommodation
• Welcome pack
• In-country introduction to life in Ghana.
• Airport pick-up & drop-off
• 24/7 Emergency support.

What’s not included?
• Flights & Visa
• Vaccinations (please speak to your local GP)
• Insurance (required)
• Donation (GSCP let it be known they do not wish to receive a donation as they are already significantly funded).

Health and Safety
Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It is the perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our ten-strong team in Ghana is there to ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.

Accommodation
The volunteer will be housed in our accommodation in the centre of town, with it possible to walk from the accommodation to nearby shops, communication centres, bars and restaurants. The spacious accommodation with a fully furnished kitchen is well maintained and has live-in staff to ensure you are well looked after. The surrounding garden and balconies overlooking Accra are perfect for chill out sessions with fellow volunteer housemates.

Food
Food is not included in our placements as in our experience volunteers prefer to cater for themselves. We have a fully furnished kitchen and our staff will show you where you can do your shopping. Western-style supermarkets and the bustling markets can be found nearby. A weekly vegetable & fruit shop can cost as little at $10, however shopping at the western-style supermarkets can be quite dear as most goods are imported.

"Quarshi (Ikando Staff) will introduce you to a woman named Felicia who sells mangos and bananas. Her mangos may very well be the sweetest in town. And, you will love shopping in the market." Elise Wray.

Airport Pick up
An Ikando member of staff will be at the airport arrivals to meet you and take you to the Accra accommodation. Please be aware that arrivals is located outside the airport, just keep an eye out for a sign with your name on it. Please ensure you send us your flight details two weeks before arrival.

Flights
Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should aim to arrive on the day your placement is due to start. If you are unable to do so please just check first with your volunteer coordinator whether the new dates also work for us. The following airlines fly into Accra:


Volunteer Visa

You must obtain a volunteer visa for travel to Ghana. Once you have secured your placement we will send you a letter confirming your placement for your visa application. Your visa must be obtained at least ten days prior to traveling.

 

How do I apply?

To apply for one of our positions please complete our online application form. Please take your time to fill out this application form thoroughly, as it is used by the organisation of your choice to assess your suitability for their programme.

Placements

    Our Ghana Team

Al, Rose & Gabriel

Our Ten-strong staff team will be available 24/7 to help you throughout your placement.

 

Resource Centre

Check out our extensive resource centre where you will find documentation on working with children, fundraising, volunteering with Ikando and much more.

Our Accommodation
Ikando Accra Accommodation

In Accra we have two accommodations just round the corner from each other and located dot in the centre of town.

How safe is Ghana?

Ghana is generally a very peaceful and stable country. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It is the perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa.


Explore Ghana


Ghana boasts beautiful white sandy beaches, dense tropical rainforests and wild savannahs. Volunteers usually spend their weekends together exploring the country

Airport pick-up
Quarshi Quarshi will most probably be the member of staff to meet you at the airport. Arrivals is located outside the building. Just keep an eye out for an Ikando sign with your name on it.

Ikando volunteer blogs


Want to know previous Ikando volunteer's experiences? Just check out their online blogs detailing their volunteer experience.

"All of the Ikando staff were so helpful and made the experience so much easier than it could have been – Thank you!!"

Laura Berlinger - July 2008


"The experiences of this summer and the people I met had a profound impact on me personally. I learned to have more confidence in myself and my work. I learned that my opinion could be interesting and also useful. The experience made me stronger; increased my focus, made me more ambitious and more determined that my skills and education could actually make a difference. "

Stephanie Wright - September 2008

FAQs Categories

    How do I apply?

    To apply for one of our positions please complete our application form. Once we receive your application we will review it and send you additional information on the placement(s) of your choice together with an sign-up form.


I'm traveling on my own

99% of our volunteers are solo travelers. Ikando is also a great way to meet friends and meet people that could become travel buddies for weekend excursions.