Description

The Construction Program entails building several different structures such as; schools, housing units and toilets/bathrooms. These structures would be only a part of the focus in the program. The main focus would be on simple constructive projects such as painting or plastering. If volunteers are interested and there is an abundance of funds in the DC Fund, then a prospective volunteer could have the financial aid in the program. However if there is a lack of funds from the DC Fund, then the volunteer would have to pioneer his or her own means of raising the necessary funds in order to accomplish the completion of one of these much needed structures.

Some of the responsibilities would include the need to be timely in building (if building an entire structure). An organized plan of attack for the completion of the structure would be very helpful. It would be a good idea to list out the small tasks throughout the course of each week in order to give a better idea of how long the project would take. Additionally, it would be important to keep a daily record of incoming and outgoing funds. Finally, get on board!

Length of Commitment:
This also varies as followers can have an indeterminate term whereas project leaders would be there for the duration. ie the construction of a bathroom (toilet) might take 2 weeks. This means it all depends on the project that you choose.

Accommodation:
GCS mostly provide both on-site and host family accommodation for volunteers. Accommodation will sometimes be in shared rooms with typically no more than 4 to a room. Volunteers will have access to electricity, bathroom with shower and flushing toilet. Most projects are walking distance from the accommodation which will help minimize transport cost. Volunteers are placed with screened Host Families; this is to make sure the family is healthy and do not have any communicable kind of disease dangerous to volunteers' health. Placements are very flexible with your individuals/groups preferences and requests.

Know before you go:
Visitors to Ghana are expected to acquire a valid Passport and a Visa. All passports must be valid for at least six months on arrival in Ghana. GCS provide support for volunteer visa applications including references being required by Ghana Embassies abroad. Contacts and addresses of Ghana High Commissions will be provided including a Letter of Support. It is recommended and required of a volunteer to visit a health center in their home country for yellow fever and other health related vaccination, and also request malaria prevention drugs.

GCS Staff will guide you through every process in your preparation for the trip in our pre-departure welcome information pack in newsletter formats. The newsletters are contained in ten (10) different formats with varied information.

Highlights

After breakfast each morning at or before 7am, the main activities begin. If a volunteer is placed during the dry season, it is advisable to start work very early while the sun is milder. You lose a lot of energy working in the sun.. You have an hour break for lunch and a volunteer is allowed to rest due to the physical nature of work.

Qualifications

These vary according to the approach you wish to take with the program. If you choose to lead a project (group) then you should be experienced in having dealt with construction, hopefully know the area you would be working in and have insight as to what the community thinks about the project.

If following a project (individual, and most common), only a qualification of taking orders would be needed. This would be the easiest approach but also the most widely needed.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

550 USD (4 weeks)

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

Airport pick-up, Orientation prior to beginning of work, Transportation to project site, Accommodation (Host / Home stay / Volunteer room placement), Daily meals, Certificate of recognition and an opportunity to serve as GCS Ambassador in your city, college or community, A brochure, In-country support (24/7 support lines), Volunteer tag/card, A possible trip tour arranged by GCS, Basic local language orientation and Placement.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Despite our name, any person may volunteer with GCS as long as they are over 18 years old. The majority of our participants are 18-30 years old, but we welcome anyone who wishes to join us and make a difference. You do not need any special skills to volunteer with GCS. We just ask that you are willing to give back to your host country; you are willing to learn as much as you can about the people, environment and issues facing your host country, and are ready to make the best friends along your adventure of a lifetime.

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
• Independent living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 5

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Global-Cultural Solution's Mission Statement

To help bridge the wide gap between the privileged and the under-privileged with the provision of general support to deprived and needy communities through sustainable human resource services.

Year Founded

2007