A TYPICAL DAY IN GHANA

On a typical day in Accra, most volunteers wake up around 7:30am, which leaves time for a quick shower and breakfast before leaving for work around 8am by taxi. [Paid for by Vital]. Some volunteers rise much earlier than that, preferring the "cool" (usually no cooler than about 25 degrees Celsius or 72 degrees Farenheit) of the early morning to jog or walk. Breakfast is cooked by the house staff, and can include eggs, toasted bread with butter, jam or cheese spread, crackers, fresh fruit (pineapple, watermelon, apple, etc.), juice and instant coffee or orange pekoe tea. If you prefer brewed coffee, you should bring your own coffee and filters. You should also bring any herbal teas and or your favorite breakfast cereals if desired, as these are hard to find in Ghana.

Once at the office, school, or clinic, you will meet occasionally with your supervisor to review your goals, and to pose any questions or request supplies.

Lunch is brought to your work location by the house staff around 2pm each day. Lunch is the big meal of the day in Ghana, and includes rice, chicken, plantain, a vegetable salad and bread. We recommend you bring a bottle of water and refill from bottled water we have purchased and brought with the meals.

The day usually ends at 6pm and a driver is available to bring volunteers home. A light dinner (similar to breakfast) is provided around 7pm. Volunteers are free to spend their evening as they wish. Depending on location volunteers may have access to TV, DVD and VCR. Saturdays and Sundays are normally non-working days. Volunteers can use this time to tour interesting and historical sites, such as Ghana slave castles and forts, spend time relaxing at our nice local tropical beaches, visit arts and crafts centers and large open African market places. Volunteers are responsible for all expenses incurred during leisure time activities.

Most European cellular phones will work in Ghana. North Americans can also bring their old cell phones to Accra as there are stores where chips can be replaced to enable your phone to function here. Phone cards are widely available, and a 75,000 cedis [$9.00] phone card can last 20 minutes or longer when calling North America. If you prefer, Vital International will arrange a local cellular telephone rental at $20.00 per week upon your arrival.

Please note: We are able to accommodate most special dietary requests. If you have food allergies or if you have dietary restrictions or are vegetarian, please let us know so we can accommodate you.

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