1 independent reviews for Film and photography volunteering in Ghana
Reviews for Film and photography volunteering in Ghana
Pamela Cairns review 7 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many memorable and exciting parts to this volunteering. The opportunity to stay within a relatively remote local community and work with the Village by Village team in Ghana has got to be a highlight. Visiting schools around the region, meeting the teachers and the school kids was a joy. Driving to the different schools through the beautiful countryside with Ghanaian pop music blaring on the radio and the team laughing and chatting is a special memory. And finally being able to say in Twi 'Good morning, how are you?' along with the appropriate responses was a real achievement!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Throw yourself into the experience and enjoy every moment. Say 'yes' to every opportunity. Suspend all judgement and learn from how other communities successfully live and work. Be prepared for a basic standard of life knowing this is how local people live and it's absolutely survivable. For every tough moment, there are a hundred amazing experiences.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The work that Village by Village do is amazing for the various local communities that they support. While I was there, we opened a new toilet block at a school which means students and staff don't need to run home - or go into the forest - to answer the call of nature. The VbyV team regularly visits schools around the region to check the polytank system of collecting rainwater and teach children the importance of hand hygiene and clean drinking water; they provide tablets for children to develop awareness of and ease with digital technology; they provide and maintain bikes to allow children to cycle to school; and they do lots more besides. Just by visiting remote schools only accessible along terrible country roads - a journey rarely taken by educational leaders or politicians - we were recognising the work of the school and the teachers. I was taking photos and creating videos to demonstrate the work of the charity. It was a joy to do so and I definitely feel that my work was, and will be, of benefit.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was an amazing opportunity and I feel so fortunate to have been able to do what I did with such a fabulous group of people. There were some tough moments just being in a different culture but I never felt in danger, indeed I was well looked after. Life is poor in Ghana and basic facilities that we take for granted are not always available (I am loving every hot shower I have now!). But the people are delightful, the colours are amazing and the country is beautiful. I learned so much about a different way of life and about myself.Holiday Reviews
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