Vocational Impact

The accommodation was perfect, I have my own room, bathroom, the food served is delicious and I have my privacy which is always good. I found it very easy to settle in, everyone at the house is very open and welcoming. The house, room, food, area is perfect, the girls so welcoming, the children were wonderful, and I made friends with the other volunteer. The most educational was being at the hospital and getting lessons from doctors and going to the conference. The most life changing was the experience at SAPNA with the traumatized patients. I involved in lessons with doctors, seeing patients. I cultivated so much compassion, empathy, and understanding that this will definitely help me in my future profession. I will be able to have a better understanding of situations that I cannot directly relate to. It gives me understanding and perspective for things that are not my own. I understand hardship on a new level and this understanding creates empathy and this empathy can only be of benefit for a psychotherapist.

This was a truly transformative experience. The work experience we did was extremely valuable, and I gained so much from it. It has contributed positively to my CV and career pathway. I had an amazing time, and always felt safe. Although we did run into some issues on the ground, the team were extremely communicative, and we were guided through them with lots of support. The charity work that vocational impact is supporting in Ghana was incredible, and it was so special to be a part of such an impactful charity. I loved spending time in the amazing country that is Ghana!

Volunteering in Ghana was a unique and eye-opening experience that offered me both personal and professional growth. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the locals and the staff on my programmee. Working with such a small, dedicated team impressed me, and I was able to learn a lot about the justice system through hands-on experiences. I particularly enjoyed the field trips, which included visits to four prisons, discussions with lawyers, and insightful briefings with police officers. These experiences allowed me to deeply engage with the criminal justice system in Ghana and compare it to the UK. The placement not only broadened my understanding of global justice issues but also helped me develop practical employability skills. I participated in the production of documentaries highlighting prisoners’ stories, which was both eye-opening and educational. Outside of work, I explored the beautiful country, visiting national landmarks and meeting welcoming people, which made my time in Ghana unforgettable.