Ikando: Volunteer Projects and Internships in Ghana, Africa

Ikando specializes in volunteer and intern recruitment on behalf of Ghana organizations in need. With headquarters based in Accra, Ghana and ten in-country staff members to ensure you have a great experience, Ikando knows the country inside and out! With an objective to help more people gain the life-changing and life-affirming experience that volunteering can provide, Ikando is committed to enabling skill transfer, allowing organizations in the developing world to access different skill sets and to help volunteers realize the value they can add using the skills they hold. As a result of these experiences, it is hoped that all volunteers become responsible global citizens by promoting the need for social change and raising awareness in their home communities on the issues they encountered.

If you are a first time traveler or a first time volunteer to Ghana, then partnering with an organization such as Ikando is a good approach. As a first timer myself, I can confidently say that it was reassuring to know that if any problems arose during my stay or my placement, I had someone to either find a viable solution, guide me towards one or act as a liaison between myself and my placement. Aside from volunteering, Ikando is also a great way to meet friends and meet people that could become travel buddies for weekend excursions. —Melissa, Ikando Volunteer

What You Can Do

Volunteer Work & Internships in Ghana

Ikando enables people from around the world to share their skills and expertise, welcoming applications from all, regardless of age or experience. Placements are facilitated for solo travelers, couples or groups for a minimum of two weeks, and placement is usually secured within two weeks of receiving your inquiry. Your skills and expectations with be matched with those of your host organization to ensure your placement is a professionally and personally rewarding experience.

Ikando also facilitates internships with high-profile organizations in Ghana. From legal consultancy firms to architecture bureaus, you name it and they've got it! International internships enable students to further develop their skills and gain the invaluable experience that will set them apart from their peers. Employers would far rather employ staff who have both experience and have demonstrated daring-ness and initiative. Ikando can help you achieve this. They will provide you with any documentation required by your university for academic credit or work experience (European "Stagieres"—a French term that essentially means apprentice).

Ikando Placement Overview

Street Academy: Sports Coaches, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Project Coordinators, Fundraisers, Web Designers

Architecture: Researchers, Web & Graphic Designers, Product Developers, Office Admin (stipend provided!)

Social Development: Students, Child Rights Educator, Social Worker, Development Project Assistants, Community Sanitation Officer, Development Fundraiser

African Busin ess NGO: Microfinance Business Advisor, Business Development Researcher, and positions in Youth & Women's Enterprises, Agribusiness Development and Waste Management

National Museum: Assistant Curator, Cataloguer, Students

National Newspaper: Journalists & Reporters, Proof Readers, Press Photographer, Marketing Executives, Graphic Designers

Autism Centre: Special Needs Teaching Assistants, Speech & Language Therapist, Playtime Coordinators, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Psychologists, Special Needs Teachers, Music Therapists, Art Therapists, Drama Therapists, Fundraisers, Students

Children's Village: Orphan's Care Assistants, Pre-School Teachers, Healthcare Volunteers, Primary School Teachers, Computer Instructor, Kitchen Assistants

Housing Rights Centre: Human Rights Lawyers, Women's Rights Project Assistants, Communications Assistants, Project Assistants

Community Development: Performing Arts Volunteer, Agricultural Coordinator, Sanitation Officer, Conflict Resolution Officer, Music Club Coordinator, Micro-Finance Advisor, Community Healthcare

Marketing & Advertising: Marketing Assistants, Film Editor, Advertising Agents, Graphic Designers, Students

Shawbell Consulting: Assistant Consultants, Law Undergraduates

Art Exhibition: Exhibition Coordinator
Contemporary Art: Office Administrator & Event Organizer, Fundraiser, Project Coordinator

Art & Culture: Graphic Designer, Film Editor, Editor & Writer, Curator & Cataloguer, Web Designer, Studio Artist, Fundraiser

USAID Funded Project: Experienced Editors & Writers, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialists, Community Radio Coordinator

Planetarium Project: Planetarium Assistant, Project Coordinator

Literacy Program: Nursery Coordinator, Adult Literacy Instructor, Reading Club Coordinator, Child Care Assistant, Administrator, Fundraiser, Web Designer

Rural Orphanage: Orphan's Care Assistants, Teaching Assistants, Health Education Program Officer, Sports Teacher, Project Administrator, Library Assistant, Assistant Supervisor, Kitchen Assistants

Deaf School: Grounds Workers, Classroom Assistant, Playtime & Sports Assistant

Disabled Rehabilitation: Marketing, Business Development, Sales & Fundraising Officers; Carpentry, Sewing, Shoe Making and Village Craft Instructors

Human Rights Centre: Human Rights Educator, Gender Project Advocator, Sexual Rights Officer, Communications Officer, Human Rights Lawyer, Medical Assistant, Peer Educator, HIV/AIDS Counselor, Youth Rights Project Officer

Women & AIDS in Africa: Healthcare Project Coordinators, IT Officer, Fundraisers

Wild Gecko: Jewelers, Carpenters, Wood Workers, Joiners, Blacksmiths, Welders

BusyLab: Software Developer (All expenses paid!)

Ghana Wildlife Society: Vets, Researchers, Professional Photographer, Students

Ikando: Web Designers, Database Developers, Photographers, Fim Maker, SEO Consultant, Marketing Assistant, Translators, Business Development Officer, DIY Volunteer (No placement fee for all Ikando positions!)

What's Included

The project fee includes accommodations, airport pick-up and drop-off in Ghana, in-country welcome introduction, 24/7 emergency support, and a team of experienced coordinators to assist you while in Ghana. You will be responsible for airfare, visa, vaccinations, insurance and food.

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.

Housing is located in the center of Accra. The main house is large and spacious with a big surrounding garden. There is 24-hour security and two live-in staff will take care of your every need. The house has a spacious communal living area, dining area and kitchen. Upstairs there is a large balcony where volunteers sit out in the evening, a study area and bedrooms with two bathrooms. All of the upstairs bedrooms have access to balconies. Most likely you will be sharing a room with another volunteer. Internet access is located right around the corner from the main building.

Connections & Application

Ikando
Ghana Office
Keta Close
Ring Road Central
Accra, Ghana

info@ikando.org
www.ikando.org

Complete the online form to begin the application process. You will also need to email Ikando a completed application form and an updated resume in MS Word format. Your resume will be forwarded to the placement organization who will confirm your acceptance. A placement fee invoice will then be emailed to you. Upon receipt of the deposit, your placement will be secured. Bon Voyage!

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Ikando can be found in the Work, Volunteer & Intern Abroad channel