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ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

Who volunteers?
Anyone between 16-65 years regardless his/her nationality and back ground. The common characteristic is their willingness to help. Our volunteers donate their time and money to conserve and protect the environment, uplift and build positive communities, teach children and adults, and promote health, education, and ecological awareness in Ghana.

Who will I be helping?
You will be helping our partner organizations and the communities with which they work. Your assistance will benefit local communities who have little as compared to those in the big cities. And most importantly, the people,and the community iniatives aided by our projects will positively benefit from your work.

Why should I pay to volunteer?
We do not receive any financial support or funding of any kind so volunteers have to fund their projects themselves. The money you pay allows us to provide you with all supports and services. We have built our reputation on this and we believe that this is what makes our projects work for volunteers. You will be working in places where you are genuinely needed and also our partners are non-profits organizations doing meaningful, much-needed work in their local communities in Ghana, in addition, a specific amount of your volunteer fees are used as a donation to these organizations to keep the projects running.

What do they use the donation for?
The donation is used for basic facility needs, such as electricity and plumbing. Some of it is also used to buy much-needed school and medical supplies or building materials. The staffs on our project are also supported by this donation.

What about the rest of my fees?
The rest of the fee also covers: Airport Pick Up, Transportation to placement, Orientation, 24/7 in Country Support, Food, Accommodation and our services, see the program fees page.
We want you to have a worthwhile and successful Volunteer experience. Our staffs are dedicated to helping you plan your trip and to make sure it goes smoothly. When you contact us, you are guaranteed quality service and assistance. The staff at DIVOG will help you choose a location and a program, set up accommodations and help you with your travel plans. Our purpose is to help you reach your goals as a volunteer.

PROJECT QUESTIONS

Who can work with DIVOG?
In order to join our projects, DIVOG only requires that you are 16 years old and above,eligible to enter the country Ghana where your project is based. All nationalities are welcome.

Can I get help paying for my trip?
DIVOG has prepared a Fundraising Tips package to help you with ideas for how to raise funds for your trip. Please ask your DIVOG Advisor if you'd like to receive this package after confirming your participation.

Where will I live while I'm volunteering?
Each project has different living arrangements. You will either live in a host family or in volunteer housing, dormitories or camps. The project page for each project can tell you the exact living situation for your particular project.

Do I need to be able to speak a foreign language in order to join the program?
In Ghana, people speak English, so communication should not be a problem. For volunteers interested in exploring local language and culture, DIVOG organizes a 2-week extensive language and cultural program.
Because we believe that learning a bit of the local language will make your experience more interesting, productive, and meaningful. DIVOG makes it easy for you to learn the language of your host country by scheduling language instruction around your volunteer work. However, knowledge of a foreign language is not a requirement on any of our projects.

Are there any other requirements?
Skills and requirements vary on a project-to-project basis. All of our projects include training if specific skills are required for that particular project.

When do projects start?
Some projects have specific start dates, but others allow volunteers to start any day year-round. This information can be found on each project page.

What would happen if I decided not to stay for the entire duration of the program?
Once the volunteer makes a decision and pays for the program fee, upon receipt of invoice, DIVOG will not refund any program fee under any circumstances.

How long do projects last?
Our projects last from 2 week to 12 or a year depending on arrangement. The majority of projects have a length of 4 weeks.

When should I apply?
We ask our volunteers to apply in full at least a month before the departure date. If you can, you should plan about 3 months to a year ahead, as most projects fill up quickly.

What is the application process?
The easiest way to apply is by enrolling by emailing or calling us for the application to be sent to you. To reserve your space on any project.

May I go to more than one project location?
Yes. Spending time in more than one region can expose you to different languages, projects, and cultures. DIVOG staff can recommend projects to combine and help you arrange a Combination Project Package.

How should I pay for my project?
You can pay for your project by cash or wire tansfer. You can also make a wire transfer to our Bank Account.

Can I get college credit for volunteering?
It is possible to get credit for many of our volunteer projects. Please contact your university for credit information. We would be happy to provide any documentation requested by your university.

ABOUT OUR SERVICES

Why should I choose DIVOG?
DIVOG is committed to finding the best projects in Ghana and to ensuring that you have an incredible volunteer experience. Our experienced staff will help you find a project that suits your personality and skills, make sure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible, and answer any questions that you have about travelling, projects, or any other concerns that may arise.

DIVOG program fees include the following:

• Accommodation - We arrange lodging during the course of your project, either with carefully selected local host families or in volunteer housing at the project sites.
• Meals - All of our projects include meals prepared by host families, project staff, or on a rotating basis by the volunteers themselves.
• Transportation - Whether it's arranging airport pick-up or providing transportation to project sites, we make sure you get where you need to be.
• Project Training - While none of our projects require special skills or previous experience, all programs have orientations to help familiarize you with your volunteer work.
• Language Classes - DIVOG makes it easy for you to learn the language of the country in which you volunteer by scheduling intensive language classes around your volunteer work.
• Activities - Many of our projects offer workshops, activity programs to help you experience the local culture.
• In-Country Support - From the moment you are met at the airport you are part of a team of staff and volunteers in your destination. Our in-country staffs are there to make sure your placement runs smoothly and that you are as effective as you can be during your time with us. They also play an important role in organizing your placement and accommodation before you arrive. We pride ourselves on the attention we pay to each individual volunteer. Tell us you are a vegetarian, for example, and our team will make sure your host-family knows what type of vegetarian you are before you arrive!
• Insurance – Volunteers are to purchased their own Medical and Emergency Travel Insurance from their local travel agent before coming.
• Country Information and Orientation - DIVOG will provide you with information packages on the country and program in which you will be volunteering.
• Volunteer Advisors - Our volunteer travel advisors are ready to answer your questions, help you choose the right program for you, and give you up-to-date details about your trip, location, and program whenever you contact us.

TRAVEL QUESTIONS

What are the current safety and health conditions in my project country?
For updated travel alerts, potential health hazards, and other related issues, please consult your home country travel advice websites. DIVOG is not responsible for any damage resulting from your negligence in failing to take appropriate travel advice offered by your home country.

How Safe is Ghana?
Despite numerous political problems in other West African countries, Ghana is a very safe country. Crime is much lower than in other African states, and indeed much lower than in many western countries. Ghanaians are also very friendly toward foreigners, and treat them as welcome guests in their country. Many people will greet you throughout Ghana with the phrase "Akwaaba" or "Woezor"- meaning welcome in Twi and Ewe, the most commonly spoken local language.

What vaccinations will I need for Ghana?
In Africa, malaria is the major problem; volunteers are highly encouraged to get a malaria vaccine before leaving for Ghana. DIVOG suggests that you consult a travel doctor from your country before you depart. Volunteers are recommended to immunize for Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid and polio
(NOTE: Some vaccinations are needed as much as 2 months before arrival in Ghana).

Immunization
www.cdc.gov/travel

Will I need a visa, or will a passport be sufficient?
Ghana as a country has its own visa policies, and these policies vary according to the nationality of the visitor. For most countries you can get a tourist visa with little or no problem. We recommend checking online, or with the nearest consulate of Ghana for the particular visa requirements . DIVOG will also provide you with basic visa information .

How can I get a visa?
All volunteers are advised to contact the Ghanaian High Commission or Consulate in their country and apply for a tourist visa before travelling to Ghana. If you decide to stay longer in Ghana, you can extend your visa after you arrive. Extension is obtained from the immigration department in Ghana.

What should I do about health and travel insurance?
We advice all volunteers to purchase their own health and travel insurance before the trip.

Will I have an opportunity to get to know the location in which my project is based and see the surrounding areas?
Yes. Although you are committed to specific volunteer schedules, we make sure that you have free time to explore and get to know the local culture and attractions

Can I arrive before my project start date?
Yes. As long as it is not earlier than 3 days to your project start date and pickup location but, please note:If you arrive earlier than the program start date you will be required to pay $16/night for accommodations including 3 meals/day. Also there will be a small fee associated with picking you up at the airport due to an early arrival.