Description

Volunteers will arrive at the clinic and check in for the day. They will start their day by helping the nurses take vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate) and weights of the pregnant woman. During this time, they will also be able to give educational material to patients and their caregivers.

Volunteers can become involved with HIV testing and the documentation of the results of the tests. Experienced volunteers may be able to help counsel patients with respect to test results.

There may also be administrative duties for volunteers to perform. These will range from health record updates to processing insurance claims. These duties are usually done near the end of the day. The volunteers may also help prepare vitamin packages for the pregnant woman and work in the pharmacy.

Highlights

Volunteers are always welcome in this busy, high paced clinic. The clinic provides services for many women and the staff need help moving patients efficiently through the different clinical areas.

The Salvation Army is important in Accra because there is a lack of resources in the area for pregnant women. Although hospitals and clinics are available, these are usually not affordable for the general population. The Salvation Army supports women who may not have access to safe and hygienic places to give birth. Ghana has a high rate of child mortality thus the work that this organization accomplishes is very important for both mothers and newborn babies.

Volunteers are also needed to help give educational sessions to patients and the community. Information about pre and post-natal care, breastfeeding and HIV prevention are very applicable topics for the types of patients this clinic takes care of. General talks on malaria, nutrition, hand hygiene, and sexual health are also valuable.

This clinic would benefit greatly from the assistance of volunteers who are interested in the health care field and are willing to help where they can.

Qualifications

Patients do not need to have a medical background for this placement but it would be beneficial. Volunteers with an interest in obstetrics and gynecology will find this placement very rewarding.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

• Medicine

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3,245 for 8 weeks; USD 205 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998