Why does this organization need volunteers?

Agriculture is one of Ghana's largest industries. The major crops in this area include plantain, cassava, yam, oranges, bananas, mango, tomato, onion, peanuts, and other smaller vegetables. In the rural areas, most people rely on profits from farming to live. Due to challenging growing conditions and weather patterns, this can be very difficult. It is important to note that in Ghana many of the native people trade with others for food and do not make money at all. If crops go bad or are not plentiful, it can mean times of famine for some families.

Volunteers with experience in Agriculture and Farming would be appreciated to come and help; observing and learning farming techniques used by rural Ghanaian farmers and sharing your agriculture knowledge also. The people here have adapted very well to the conditions given to them but can greatly benefit from a volunteer's help. Any assistance that leads to greater crop yield and greater profit for these people is greatly appreciated.

What tasks will you be required to fulfil?

Volunteers will be working on a rural Ghanaian farm with local families. Depending on the season, volunteers will be involved with planting, maintaining, harvesting, or even selling at the local market.

This placement is partnered with Nustaman Polyclinic. At the clinic, the volunteer can give talks on nutrition and the importance of eating good quality food. They can also visit schools and churches to give similar talks on healthy eating and the importance of agriculture in the community. This will be arranged throughout the placement.

Other tasks that you may be requested to preform outside of your core duties:

Volunteers are welcome to participate in other jobs. Aside from giving talks on Nutrition and Agriculture there may be Health Awareness Presentations in the village. Topics for this may include Malaria, HIV, Hepatitis, or Sexual Health. They may also be able to assist at the clinic on busy days to help handle patient flow.

It may be possible for volunteers to teach, or to create a youth group based on a specialized interest. Volunteers in the past have created a Young Women's Group, a Soccer Club, and a Business Club. It would be great to have a volunteer come and start a Environment/Conservation Club!

Volunteers are free to bring their own ideas and projects to this placement.

How many days per week will you be working?

Variable but usually 4-5 days per week. Sometimes this may include weekends but volunteers are free to take time off as they need to travel or complete other projects.

How many hours per day?

Early morning until about noon.

What age-range will you be working with?

Variable but usually 5-10

What kind of background may be useful at this placement?

Volunteers should have a background in farming or agriculture. They should also enjoy working outside and with other people.

Will you be required to operate any special equipment?

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What personality traits would be useful for a volunteer at this placement?

Volunteers should be enthusiastic, hard working and willing to work on various projects. Agreeable to do manual labor and have respect and understanding for traditional cultivation practices.

Who may have a difficult time at this placement?

People may find this placement challenging if they are unable to work outside for a few hours per day. Farming depends on the weather and therefore delays and cancellations can commonly occur. However, this would be a great time to work on a side project!

What specific skills are they looking for at this placement?

What is the purpose of this organization?

This is a government funded clinic that works to service a large area in the Ashanti Region including Nsuta and 31 surrounding villages. They have maternity, two male wards and two female wards, a laboratory, and a dispensary. Apart from these, they also have a large area where patients sit to wait on when they come to the clinic until they are call to come for treatment. It mainly serves as a day clinic, but 24 hour emergency care is also provided to the community. The maternity and preventive medicine ward serves to register and weigh babies, give family planning services, and provide community outreach and education.

The laboratory uses diagnostic tests for conditions such as malaria, worms, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other infections. The majority of the patients present with malaria and gastrointestinal illnesses.

What community(s) does this organization assist?

Ashanti is one of the ten regions of Ghana which is located in the Southern part of Ghana and its one of the most popular regions of Ghana because of the Golden Stool which was commanded to come from the sky by Okomfo Anokye. Nsuta is the capital of Sekyere Central which is one of the subdivisions of Ashanti Region

Nsutamam Polyclinic provides much needed medical attention to Nsuta and all the surrounding villages that are located in the District of Sekyere Central. Many of the Sekyere Central District inhabitants in these villages cannot travel into the larger metropolitan areas to seek medical attention so the local clinic is important in not only treating illness and injuries, but providing services to prevent these incidents from happening.

Many of these small villages do not have access to medical care. Each week, nurses from the Nsuta clinic will travel to these surrounding villages to assist with prenatal care, weighing children, administering vaccines, and first aid.

Does this organization have any religious affiliations?

This organization does not have any religious affiliations.

When was this organization founded?

Nsutamam Polyclinic was founded in the year 1969.

How are they funded?

This clinic receives funding from the Government.

How many people at the organization speak English?

All staff speak English at this clinic, except for the orderlies and the night watchmen.

If you find sponsors interested in sending donations, here is what they need:

First Aid supplies or children's toys and clothing. and any other thing that could be used at a hospital.

Location description

Nsuta is located in the Ashanti Region, near Kumasi. The people in this area are known for their arts, crafts, and hospitality! The trip to Nsuta is beautiful,(travelling through the mountains on a paved road, one of the best in Ghana). The town itself has a great vibe, and there are lots of opportunities to hike in the surrounding mountains. There are less than 5000 people in the town but it swells enormously on Thursdays, "Market Day". Nsuta services hundreds of small villages located in the Ashanti Region and these people come to town every Thursday to trade goods and purchase items to take back to their villages.

The town has all the essentials, including a medical clinic, restaurants, food stands, churches, and schools. The people here are very friendly and welcome volunteers with open arms. You will definitely have ample opportunity to practice your newly polished Twi skills!

Historical significance of the area

Ghana has been inhabited since at least 4,000 BC. Europeans began to arrive in the late 15th century due to the gold and ivory trade. However in the 16th century the slave trade rapidly replaced gold as the chief export and continued until it was abolished in the early 19th century. Ghana gained its independence in March of 1957, the first African country to do so.

The Republic of Ghana lies on the Gulf of Guinea on the western coast of Africa. It is not a large country by African standards; among the 47 countries of mainland Africa it ranks 30th in size with a population of approximately 19 million. The capital of Ghana is Accra with about 3 million people. The majority of the population is concentrated in the southern and central parts of the country largely for climatic reasons.

English is the official national language, however a total of over 75 African languages and dialects are spoken in Ghana. Twi is the main Akan tongue and is the first language to at least half the population of Ghana.

Freedom of worship is a constitutional right in Ghana with Christian and Islamic being the most prevalent although it is to be noted that various traditional beliefs and customs have also been retained. It appears that many Ghanaians manage to adhere to two contradictory systems of belief.

What is the weather like?

The dry season in Ghana is from September through March and temperatures generally range from 30-45 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is April until August and is a bit cooler with temperatures of 20-35 degrees Celsius. As the name of the season suggests, rainfall increases dramatically throughout these months. It is generally not constant rain, but when it rains, it usually pours.

What fun things are there to do in the area on days off?

The Kejetia Market in Kumasi could take a whole day to explore. It is the "Largest Open Market" in West Africa, spanning more than 12 hectares. Over 10,000 traders operate there each day. The massive accumulation of people, the hundreds of stalls, the smells and the sounds combine to make this an unforgettable experience. Spend an afternoon in the market. It is worthwhile and you will definitely improve your bargaining skills!

Kente Weaving is an ancient Ghanaian Craft which is popularly associated with the Asante Region but which is also practiced in the areas of Ho and Hohoe. Modern Kente Weaving is characterized by intricately woven patterns and colourful designs. Bonwire is a small village that is known for its Kente Cloth Weaving. Volunteers can visit this site and learn how this type of cloth is made.

Okomfo Anokye Sword is a historic site that attracts tourists from around the world. According to ancient legend, the Sword has been stuck in the same position in the ground for over 300 years. The Sword marks the spot where the Golden Stool initially descended from the sky and solidified the Ashanti Region. It is believed that if the Sword is removed the entire Ashanti Kingdom would collapse.

Cape Coast is always a favorite weekend destination for our volunteers. Beautiful beaches, large markets, historic castles and active trading posts are just a few of the fascinating places to check out.

Kakum National Park is definitely worth visiting; especially if you are an animal lover. Kakum National Park covers an area of 607 square kilometers and is home to over 40 species of animals. Not only is Kakum National Park filled with hundreds of critters, but it is also the only place in West Africa to have a Canopy Walk. The Canopy Walk is approximately 350m-long and is suspended high above the trees.

If you love hiking than the Domana Rock Shrines is the place to go. The Shrines consist of a three-storey high natural cavern formed by one large rock which balances the others. Take a guided tour to the Shrines and then a canoe ride in a hand carved boat.

Mole National Park is a must see. One of the only Walking Safaris in Africa; a very unique experience. Spend your morning hiking into the Game Reserve in search of elephants, antelope, baboons, and crocodiles. Your guide knows the best spots and perhaps will teach you how to track elephant movement patterns. After the safari, relax at the hotel pool and watch the animals come to drink from the watering hole located right under your deck!

Visit the famous Ashanti Region and emerge yourself in the culture and colours of the Ashanti People. Try your hand at Kente Cloth Weaving and make groundnut cake with the locals while visiting Nsuta. This region also offers rainforest hikes and waterfalls!

The Cultural Centre, and Kumasi Fort are also attractions worth exploring in the nearby city of Kumasi. Day trips to Lake Bosumtwi, the Cultural Center, The Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Kintampo Falls, and the Manhyia Palace are just some of the options available in and around Kumasi. If you're lucky you may even catch the Adei Festival held every 6th Sunday.

How do you get to your placement after your orientation?

Volunteers will leave the BaseCamp Center and travel by bus to Kumasi. In Kumasi, you will take a tro-tro,(commercial mini bus), to Nsuta. Nsuta is located about 1.5 hours from Kumasi.