Community Development Project

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: You can volunteer at any time throughout the year.

Description: This community development project is a UK registered charity that aims to empower as well as help the people of Kwahu-Tafo; an impoverished rural town in the eastern region of Ghana, via responsible giving that generates a capacity for self-development in education, job-creation, quality of life and infrastructure.

Friends of Tafo was founded in 2001 by the friends and family of TV Producer Humphrey Barclay after his installation as Nkosuohene (Development Chief) in the ancestral home town of his friend the late Ghanaian actor Gyearbuor Asante. Friends of Tafo recently held a fundraising event at the Royal Geographical Society in London. The event saw celebrated comedian and travel writer Michael Palin (Monty Python) interview Humphrey on the goings on in Kwahu Tafo.

Kwahu-Tafo is one of a group of towns on the high Kwahu plateau north of the capital Accra. It has approximately 5,500 inhabitants. However, there is around 80% unemployment - virtually no income. This in turn means that many children cannot attend school for lack of money for books and uniforms, and many of the schools are in a poor physical and financial state. The indigenous language is Twi, one of the Akan family of languages.

This Community Development Project is run entirely by voluntary and unpaid effort. They work in close partnership with the community of Kwahu-Tafo to ensure that the projects chosen and the resources allocated reflect local needs and priorities. To do this, Friends of Tafo collaborates with its sister organization, the Kwahu-Tafo Development Council which initiates, budgets, prioritizes and manages projects within the town.

Highlights:
* Performing Arts Coordinator
A volunteer is needed to help preserve and promote the cultural identity of Kwahu-Tafo and support educational initiatives by holding community performances.

* Agricultural Coordinator
A coordinator is needed to develop and promote projects aimed at increasing the yields of local farmers, whilst also encouraging more young people into agriculture .

* Sanitation Officer
The volunteer will advise town leaders on ways to improve community sanitation and execute a public education campaign to improve conditions in Kwahu-Tafo

* Conflict Resolution Officer
A dedicated Conflict Resolution Officer is required to train community groups through seminars and workshops on conflict resolution strategies.

* Music Club Coordinator
A Music Club Coordinator is needed to train students in their individual disciplines, including Choral work, Brass, Traditional Drumming, Piano and Guitar.

* Micro-Finance Advisor
A micro-finance advisor is required to develop micro-finance scheme which will be easily accessible to residents of Kwahu-Tafo to help grow local small-scale businesses.

*Community Healthcare
A Community Health Education Officer needed to implement a year round "Love Life" program to cover HIV/AIDS, STDs and teenage pregnancy, and general health issues such as malaria, diabetes etc.

Cost in US$: USD 163 p/wk

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Ikando's Mission Statement: Ikando looks to support local community organisations through the placement of international volunteers. We seek to offer volunteers affordable, quality and skill specific placements with organisations that require their help. We believe our volunteers can be catalysts for change within these organisations. Ikando aims to communicate through its volunteers the positive story coming out of Africa.

Year Founded: 2004