About Us

DIVOG is a Ghanaian nonprofit that builds global partnerships to empower underdeveloped rural communities throughout Ghana. We connect international volunteers with local communities to work together and develop sustainable solutions to education, healthcare, infrastructure and sanitation needs throughout rural Ghana. Whether you’re looking for a long-term volunteer placement or a two-week volunteer vacation, DIVOG is right for you!

Our Mission

Since its inception in 2002, DIVOG has been committed to empowering rural communities throughout Ghana, impacting over 50 communities. You may be wondering, “I haven’t heard of many ‘disasters’ in Ghana.” In many ways this is true; Ghana fortunately avoids many natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc) and man-made disasters (genocide, political turmoil, etc). However, we strongly believe that there are countless socioeconomic disasters that plague rural Ghanaian communities—undrinkable water due to a lack of simple sanitation systems, inadequate educational facilities, and orphanages that cannot meet the basic needs of underprivileged orphans.

Founder Richard Yinkah recognized these widespread problems and saw the need for grassroots, Ghanaian solutions. While many people abroad have been aware of the obstacles faced by underdeveloped nations throughout Africa, Richard sought to provide international volunteers with an affordable, hands-on opportunity to understand the reality of these issues. For nearly a decade, DIVOG has been successfully providing international volunteers with the opportunity to experience Ghana and make a sustainable, lasting difference.

Our Vision

One of our fundamental beliefs is the need for EMPOWERMENT INSTEAD OF CHARITY. We believe that many programs based on hand-out principles, while well-intended, will be disappointed in their long-term impact. Our programs are rooted in the idea of community ownership and participation; local stakeholders volunteer their time alongside our international volunteers, offering their specialized expertise and/or manual labor to ensure the sustainability of our efforts. The benefits of encouraging communal collaboration are undeniable.

We seek to increase awareness of the obstacles preventing improvements in education, sanitation, nutrition, and infrastructure, and after volunteering abroad with DIVOG, most of our volunteers return home and instantly serve as ambassadors to their own communities. Experiencing life in a rural Ghanaian community as an active member, not just an observing visitor, is an adventure that stays with each volunteer. Several of our volunteers have started their own nonprofits after their experience in Ghana, and many of our volunteers return to work with us regularly.