There are certainly many countries in Africa that need support from other economically developed countries. World leading powers get involved in volunteering programs everywhere they can. The main goal of these projects is to create possibilities for disadvantaged communities by gathering overseas hospital volunteers who want to share their knowledge and their time in order to improve the local living conditions. Top priority goals include facilitating access to healthcare for people that find it hard to travel to cities or pay for these services, educate them in regards to hygiene and various diseases, offering treatments and support them in creating healthier habits.
I would like to draw attention on one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa and how volunteering there can be a life-changing experience. Also known as “the Gold Coast”, Ghana represents a developing country with a lot of challenges when it comes to infrastructure, healthcare and quality of life. The Government is actively involved in offering the people basic medical care, but taking into consideration that almost 30% of the population lives in scarce conditions, their system needs improvement only to be able to keep up with the bare minimum health services. Rural inhabitants cannot afford to pay for the National Health Insurance, so their only chance to receiving medical services is through volunteering programs. So what would you have to offer to Ghana and most importantly, what would it give back to you?
First of all, you would find yourself full of amazement seeing how the people react to exterior kindness and help. For them, your presence there means hope. Hope that their child might live the typhoid fever, hope that your modern treatments work wonders compared to their traditional African medicine or that one of their loved ones doesn’t end up to be just another statistic of how basic healthcare can save lives.
Secondly, there are so many ways in which a volunteer can touch the lives of so many by simply putting passion into each activity. Visiting schools and orphanages in rural areas and raising awareness about hygiene conditions, health concerns, healthy lifestyle choices in young children represents a step forward in changing and improving a developing society. Healthcare professionals work side by side with volunteers to make sure modern practices are well set in place, that everybody is well taken care of, that diseases don’t strike people down in the prime of their life if they can be treated or at least managed by proper medication.
The reason why Ghana is a destination of choice for overseas hospital volunteers is its beautiful people. Ghanaians are warm, welcoming, friendly people that show their gratitude through showing you their rich culture and hospitality. Living as a volunteer there, you will become a part of their family, you will enjoy their strong religious beliefs and you will adapt and learn to embrace their unusual rituals.
From a touristic point of view, Ghana has a lot to offer: wild savannahs, rainforests, relaxing beaches and a pleasant atmosphere. Just to name a few attractions, the Kakum National Park, the Elmira Castle, Busua beach or Lake Volta have the potential of making your stay there much more enjoyable. The Ashanti culture is famous for their craft making talents and if you are at all interested in learning it, they will surely share their secrets with you. Another important and beautiful aspect of the Ghanaian culture is their traditional music. Walking through the capital city of Accra, you will experience a vibrating musical atmosphere, as local live bands put on great shows for their tourists. To get a taste of their delicious traditional food, try some of their dishes you can find anywhere at an affordable price, such as Banku, fermented corn served with fish or meat, Waakye, spicy dish made from rice and beans or if you have a preference for street food, order Chichinga, a kebab made from sausages or beef.
Exploring Africa through participating in volunteering programs will enrich your knowledge of the world, will make you sensitive to people’s expressed gratefulness, will make you realize how beautiful nature can be and how much a traditional African culture can make you value ancient rituals and crafts. Ghana is an impressive destination where you could mix your duties with pleasure and enjoy the best of two worlds.
Visiting third world countries can be a life-changing experience that teaches you about different values appreciated in other cultures. Besides the fact that your presence there can bring hope to so many needy people, you, the western traveler, can enjoy so many aspects of their traditions, habits and local touristic attractions. Educating yourself about the beauty of wild life, appreciating ancient rituals and touching peoples’ lives will definitely make you a spiritually richer person.
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