Blacksmiths with Wild Gecko Handicrafts

Wild Gecko Handicrafts has the aim of improving and developing local artisan skills in order to adapt and develop traditional products and technologies to meet new demands for innovative and high-quality products and the growth of local and export markets.

The volunteer
Skilled blacksmiths and welders are required to train staff in new techniques and maybe along the way pick up some African skills. In particular guidance is needed with product development, from the sketch to the end-product.
You will have to have patience, be a real team player and a good communicator. The ideal candidate will have at least 5yrs work experience.

Requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years of age upon application.
• The ideal candidate will be very outgoing, patient and sociable
• 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 have to be able to cope with simple working conditions and be able to work with little resources.
• This post does not require a high level of experience but commitment and enthusiasm is essential.

The Application Process

Step 1: The Application Form - To apply for one of our positions please complete our online application form. To save us and more importantly our already overstretched partner organisations time, please only complete this form if you are serious about applying.

Step 2: The Additional Info Form - As soon as we receive approval for your placement from the partner organisation we will send you an additional form to complete. This form requests information on your emergency contact details, your health background and other important information. Please email this form back to us as soon as possible.

Step3: Secure your Placement - Once we receive your additional information form back we will invoice you for your placement. Your deposit will be due within a week of the date of the invoice. If you are applying less than 60 days before the start of your placement, you will be invoiced for the whole amount. Please be aware that your placement is not secured until you have received confirmation from us of receipt of either the deposit or full payment. Once you have secured your placement you can start booking flights. We recommend you purchase insurance as soon as you secure your placement.

Step 4: Speak to your In-Country Coordinator - We will email you a week before your remainder is due. As soon as we receive your remainder we will introduce you to your In-Country Coordinator who will help you prepare for your trip and will ensure that an Ikando member of staff is at the airport to meet you.

Documentation Requirements:

• A completed application form - 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 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. References cannot be family memebers
• 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.

The Orientation

We will provide you with a stress-free and in-depth introduction to Ghana by picking you up from the airport and giving you an orientation that helps to settle you into the country as quickly as possible. The Orientation will include showing you the places of interest in Accra, getting your money changed, informing you where you can do your shopping, and much, much more.

We have staff on-call 24/7, so if there is ever anything you need we are there and happy to be of assistance.

Important Details

Click here for more information on our pricing.

What’s included in the project fees?
• Accommodation and a fully furnished kitchen
• Welcome pack
• In-country introduction to life in Ghana.
• Airport pick-up & drop-off
• Live-in Ikando staff support
• 24/7 Emergency support.

What’s not included?
• Flights & Visa
• Vaccinations (please speak to your local doctor)
• Insurance, both Medical and Travel (required)