Description

Volunteer in Ghana and have a chance to be a Youth Ambassador, Youth Innovator, or become part of their Youth Leadership Team and Global Professional Projects. Be able to contribute significantly to the community through awareness and projects that will provide knowledge to the people of Ghana of the impact of their growing population, inadequate education, and high HIV infection.

Youth Challenge International (YCI) is recruiting a team of six volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 with diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds for a six-week focused youth development project in Ghana from July 11 to August 22, 2011.

This exciting opportunity will include a pre-project distance-learning program, followed by an intensive six-week placement in Ghana. While in Ghana, you will work with YCIs partner the Ghana YMCA in Koforidua to further the reach and relevance of their youth development program.

Key Project Activities May Include:
- Organize advanced training workshops for partners and peer educators/mentors on gender sensitivity and health issues
- Work in conjunction with peer mentors to organize, develop content, and deliver 3-5 youth summits in rural Ghana to address relevant leadership, gender and health issues
- Develop and organize a sponsorship program for rural youth to attend the YMCA Ghana National Youth Conference
- Participate in and provide support to the YMCA Ghana National Youth Conference

Highlights

Key Features:
* Work in conjunction with local partners (YMCA-Ghana and YES-Ghana)
* Grassroots community-led development
* Youth-to-youth development
* Team based program you will live with and learn from other volunteers and youth from the host country
* Rolling sign-up you can apply anytime and pick your program.

Key Benefits:
* Youth Involvement YCI believes that young people should play a central role in addressing youth issues. A key component of our work is combining the energy and skills of youth volunteers with those of local youth. Your skills and interests will mobilize local youth to become involved and provide great reach and results.
* Development Results - Our focus is ensuring the best results overseas for local youth and we work hard to ensure that the involvement of volunteers is value added for the partners. YCI focuses on a few long-term programs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness of results.
* Travel with purpose - YCI is ideal if you are interested in traveling with a group on a purposeful project. We do focus on achieving development results, but it also becomes a fantastic travel experience that you would never be able to replicate on your own.
* Cross-Cultural Understanding. By working so closely with local youth and communities, you will develop cross-cultural communication skills and go to places that tourists never get to. Although our focus is on the development results, the projects are truly off the beaten track.
* Safety YCI has a superb safety track record and has never had a serious incident in its history. Well-trained and local staff members supervise our programs. As well, the team-nature of the program ensures that you are never alone and are constantly supported.

Qualifications

Recommended Skills and Experiences:
* Experience in facilitation and community mobilization
* Background in development, social science, environmental science, teaching or gender studies
* Training in business, NGO management, monitoring and evaluation, development
* Training in environmental education or gender issues
* Training in facilitation, experience leading gender discussions, good knowledge of environmental health and/or environmental issues.
* Experience working with at-risk or marginalized populations
* Training in gender issues; proven effectiveness in cross-cultural settings
* Prior overseas experience an asset.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,300

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

What's Covered by YCI:
- Preparatory support and pre-project distance learning
- In-country training
- Modest local accommodations and food
- In-country work-related travel
- Comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance

What's Not Covered by YCI:
- Airfare and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Volunteers will be expected obtain the required vaccinations and take anti-malarials at their own expense.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18-30

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 4-6

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Youth Challenge International's Mission Statement

Building Communities and Leaders through Global Youth Development.

Year Founded

1989