Description

From Adaklu Abuadi to Kumasi
Picture yourself walking along a dirt path lined with flowers under a canopy of banana trees to a small village preschool where smiling children await you each morning. Now, imagine yourself in the bustling Kejetia Market, the largest in West Africa, surrounded by many acres of market stalls selling everything from housewares and foodstuffs, to dried chameleons and snake skins. If you want to have these experiences, join us on this program, which takes you from a quaint village in the jungle to a lively urban metropolis allowing you to have a broad understanding of the lives of the Ghanaian people.

Volta Village Service
The Volta Region is a lush green mountainous region in eastern Ghana home to the friendliest people in the country. Very few visitors to Ghana are adventurous enough to travel to this region but those that do enjoy stunning natural beauty and warm hospitality. Our trip begins in the village of Adaklu Abuadi, where the Queen Mother of the district has asked us to help support her goal of increasing the educational resources available to children. Over the course of the next week, we will help to build a library, offer support to community development projects, and work with children in the local preschool. During this time you will have the chance to live with a local family to learn first-hand about their way of life. We will also participate in a number of workshops to learn local skills such as cotton spinning, bee keeping, and kente-cloth weaving providing you with further insight into village life.

Monkeys and Mountains
We will travel north from our village for the weekend to enjoy some of the sites that the Volta Region has to offer. On Friday night, we will be entertained by traditional fables around a campfire. In the morning, we wake up to feed sacred Mona monkeys who will eat bananas out of your hands while our local guide tells us the history of the people's relationship with the monkeys. Afterwards, we hike to the top of a peak overlooking the town of Amedzofe, the highest town in Ghana, with views out to Lake Volta. The following day, we will hike through the rainforest to Wli falls, the highest waterfall in West Africa, where a dip in the cool shallow pools is exactly what's needed after a humid trek. In the evening, we will return to Adaklu Abuadi to continue our service work.

Cruising to the Coast
After saying farewell to our friends in Adaklu, we will head to the beachside city of Cape Coast. Arriving in the afternoon, we will explore a local craft's market and climb an old fort for a spectacular sunset over the city. In the morning, we will tour St. George's Castle for a solemn yet powerful portrayal of the history of the slave trade in this region. Afterwards, we will spend the afternoon at a secluded beach lined with palm trees strung up with hammocks to rest up before heading to the city.

Heart of the Ashanti Kingdom
Leaving the coast, we will drive north to Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana, for a few days experiencing big city-life. We will be spending our mornings exploring and learning about the city by visiting the Ashanti Museum and seeing the palace of the royal family. We will also venture into the Kejetia Market for an eye-opening experience seeing how much of the developing world shops. Additionally, we will get to try the local craft of batik tie-dye and make our own patterned cloth. Meanwhile, our afternoons will be spent volunteering at an orphanage providing stimulating activities for the children and helping to improve their facilities. Our last day will be spent in Accra, where everyone will have the chance to buy great souvenirs in the Arts and Cultural Center, which sells a huge range of Ghanaian crafts such as hand-made drums, carved masks, and beaded jewelry. After a final farewell dinner, we will make our way to the airport for the trip home. This is a journey you will never forget!

Who Should Come?
This program is for students who are excited about having an authentic village experience with rustic accommodations. A student who is looking for an in-depth cultural exchange and is up for adventure is a great candidate. We hope you join us for the Volta Village Life and Service program!

Highlights

LIVE with a local family in the welcoming community of Adaklu Abuadi.

FEED sacred Mona monkeys at a village eco-tourism project.

LEARN local skills like kente-weaving, bee-keeping, batik tie-dye, and cotton production.

DANCE to the pounding rhythm of African drums.

HIKE through the jungle to the base of the largest waterfall in West Africa/

CONNECT with children as you tutor and exchange language lessons with kids at an orphanage in the city of Kumasi

DISCOVER one of the most impressive coastal castles and bustling ports in Ghana.

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,695

Cost Includes:

• Travel while in host country
• Housing
• Food
• Excursions
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• English Teaching
• Orphans
• Teaching
• Tutor
• Youth

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983