ANNA HEARTWELL -ENGLAND I have had the most amazing time in Ghana mostly because of the welcoming nature of the people in general and the staff and children of the offinso children home particular.
It was great having the support of the R. V. O organization and to be met at the airport. It makes all the difference when settling into a life so different from home.
My experience was improved greatly by working with other volunteers who were the same age and had similar interest.
Thanks so much for everything and all R.V.O staff that made it possible for this memorable experience in Ghana.
ANNA HEARTWELL
Dave Campbell I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering in Ghana with the Robbooker Voluntary Organisation to anyone interested in a year out or spending time in Africa. Volunteering and staying with local family enabled me to come to a far greater understanding of the country and its people than I would have had if I had just been traveling and staying in hotels, and enables you to give something to the people you meet. My hosts, Eric and Millie Quaicoo and children made me feel like I was a part of the family and introduced me to the neighborhood - before I knew it I was a member of their community. You will also receive a lot back in friendship and warmth.
Ghana is a great country to visit and its people are its great strength. I have never felt so immediately welcomed anywhere else I have been. Kumasi is well located in the centre of the country with many opportunities to visit tourist sites and national parks; even if you can only get away for a weekend while working there is a lot to see.
I would also like to wholeheartedly recommend the Robbooker Voluntary Organisation, a dedicated charity committed to the development of Ghana. Richmond Amoakoh or Rappito as he prefers, is a considerate, fun and charming guy who will do all he can to help you out during your stay.
Dave Campbell
UK
MAURA LYONS - IRELAND. (JUNE 2005)
VOLUNTEERED AT THE WESTPHALIA CHILDRENS HOME: The two weeks just wasn't enough. I have not settled and Achromatized but very sad to go home soon.
The most wonderful two weeks l have ever spent travelling with a firm conclusion that I will definitely be back soon.
I spent a lot of time at the Westphalia children's Village with over 70 orphans. Daily duties including, getting children ready for school, sports and library.. I also got to teach the children English, Maths and Sanitation.
My host families were most welcoming and informative. The R.V.O Ghana staffs are very hard working, caring and always there to assist volunteers. They are wonderful.
In the very short time, l learned the Ghanaian lifestyle and got a real taste of the African culture. Adventures n Kumasi and Cape Coast topped the trip of Historical. I visited the Ashanti Chief palace, Elmina castile etc with the help of Richmond.
This journey to Ghana has given me a whole new perspective on life and l look forward to returning again, and working with Richmond and staff members. Yours,
Maura Lyons Cruvary, Clona Kitty, Co Cork, Ireland
EMILY JANE KOZAKIEWICZ
CHICAGO, USA
My orphanage stay at the Akomadan children's home was very great. The staff members are so friendly and they really care about the children. They really like their work and that made me happy. They gave me such a great time in Ghana. The children are just the best. They are so happy, thankful and enthusiastic. I have only positive things to say about the orphanage and Ghana. I stayed in the room near the orphanage that they rented for me. I liked it very much; it was really private.
The children deserve the best. (Ghana staff of Robbooker Voluntary Organization) is very co-operative; he helped me a lot to change the place where I am now. I enjoyed the program very much. I appreciate that all the Ghanaian people are really concerned for our well being. I had a lovely time with my host family. They really worked hard to make me feel welcomed. Foreigners are used to having space between people, but Ghanaian people are very friendly, touching each other. I really enjoyed the painting and other work. I had a wonderful time in the village and plan to return to Ghana again.
EMILY JANE KOZAKIEWICZ
CHICAGO, USA
ROSIE -AUSTRALIA
I have just recently completed the 2-weeks language and cultural programme for Ghana. The first week we had Twi language and history lessons with a well trained lecturer, a qualified teacher in Ghana.
The first two lessons comprises of Ghanaian history, primarily regions and beliefs. The next five lessons Twi language lessons that at times l found to be quiet irrelevant when we were learning the part of the body, however i found it to be extremely helpful. I also feel as though the Ghanaians appreciate our attempts at speaking their language.
The second week two other volunteers and myself traveled to a village call Bonwire, where we were lucky enough to stay in the house of the queen mother.
We spent a day at the family's farm where we lean to differentiate between the crops that are mainly consumed in Ghana such as Yam, Cocoyam, Cassava and their leaves.
We found the day to be very enjoyable especially eating and drinking on palm leaves. We also walk back to town carrying logs on our heads as Ghanaian women do. People found to be quiet amazing, but we love it. I now have developed a lot of admiration for the Ghanaian women who carry large materials on their heads and carry a baby on their backs. Whiles we learnt a lot during the day it didn't stop in the night. At night we visited a local bar where we were exposed to Akpeteshie, which is a local alcohol which as Richmond claims to be 99% alcohol' was extremely potent.
We were taught how palm wine is extracted from the palm trees and of course learnt how the famous / colorful local clothe of kente is woven. It is an extremely tedious process however; the final product is well worth the hard work.
It was a very enjoyable week and Bonwire is a very beautiful and quite small village that when the time came we did not want to leave.
Upon arrival in Ghana, I felt very lost and overwhelmed. However, on completion of the language and cultural programme l felt a lot more in tune with my surroundings. This program really prepares volunteers for their respective projects.
HIV AIDS AND TEACHING PROJECT:
After the R.V.O language and cultural orientation programme did both the HIV aids education project and Teaching project.
I was placed with a local organization in Kumasi actively involved with HIV aids education. We had week orientation training and then beings the education.
We went to schools, communities, and market place, house to house education etc. I really enjoyed it.
I taught in a primary school. It was an amazing experience to learn and be part of another culture quite different to my own. The experience helped me to realize what l want to do with my life, which prior to Ghana l had little idea of what l wanted to do. I met many beautiful people; they were very hospitable and also very kind.
The country of Ghana is full of history and rich in beautiful landscapes. I traveled Ghana quite extensively and found traveling around to be some of my most memorable times.
MY HOST FAMILY:
My host mother and father were excellent.. I together with other volunteers in the house were treated as family members and we felt like been in our home country. I really love and remember their hospitality. God bless you all.
R.V.O STAFF:
They were marvelous, supportive, helpful, very kind and above all hard working. Thanks to you all for making my stay in Ghana a memorable one. Your good work would be forever remembered and hope you will continue extending the same spirit to volunteers who would be coming in the future.
I would be happy to recommend your organization to students and volunteers who want to come to Ghana.
Rosie
Sydney-Australia
Catherine Grifnee
Liege -Belgium
I have successfully completed a 2-weeks orphanage program at the Westphalia children’s village. It was a wonderful and memorable experience for me. I discovered a friendly country, everybody wants to talk with you to help you or assist you in anyway. Its was great. I volunteered for 2-weeks at the Westphalia children’s village (a paradise). It was really great experience with the children at the orphanage. I played longtime with the children; I help them to wash their clothes, teach them and to take care of the Library. It was paradise when the children said directly welcome to me. All the adults in the village are kind. I saw the happiness on all faces of children and adults.
During the weekend l made a trip to the historical town of cape coast with the help of R.V.O staff ( Bernard) as l tell you it was also a good experience not to be told but to discover it yourself. I discovered like a real tourist as Ghana is a tourist country. I recommended for all of you the castle in cape coast ……..very interesting place to be) I will say thank you to the staff of R.V.O who were really kind, helpful when l arrived. They organize everything in the village / orphanage before my arrival .they also visited me during my stay in the orphanage to see if everything is alright. My host family were very kind, and the house /. Room was really good. I had my personal room, there was a bathroom and toilet in the house and they cooked all the time special dishes for me (European food), but l asked to taste the local food (fufu, banku, yam, plantain)……delicious. All l am saying is thank you very much for everything , and to volunteers from Europe and elsewhere , if you want to go ,its really something that get you rich. .
Catherine Grifnee
Liege -Belgium
ABBEY TOWNSEND-AUSTRALIA
I had the most extraordinary time in Ghana. It was everything I could have hoped for and also so much more than that. My host family were amazing and Esaase Chrisitian School and Orphanage is an extremely special place. There were so many opportunities for me to make a contribution and everybody was friendly, flexible and helpful. It makes for the perfect placement in my opinion!!
You and the staff at Robbooker were also friendly and very helpful. I felt supported by the organisation. Although no problems arose with my placement, I am sure the organisation would have been of great assistance if it had have been required.
I was a little concerned that while staying in Accra when I arrived in Ghana, that everything seemed to be a lot more expensive than at any other time during my stay in Ghana.
The briefing material that I received from Robbooker about Ghana was excellent.
I had the most wonderful time in Ghana and I am very grateful to Robbooker, my host family and Esaase Christian School and Orphanage for the opportunities that they made possible for me.
I will definitely keep Ghana very close to my heart and maintain close contact with the people I met.
Best wishes,
Abbey Townsend
Sept-Nov.2007
I have had the most amazing time in Ghana mostly because of the welcoming nature of the people in general and the staff and children of the offinso children home particular.
I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering in Ghana with the Robbooker Voluntary Organisation to anyone interested in a year out or spending time in Africa. Volunteering and staying with local family enabled me to come to a far greater understanding of the country and its people than I would have had if I had just been traveling and staying in hotels, and enables you to give something to the people you meet. My hosts, Eric and Millie Quaicoo and children made me feel like I was a part of the family and introduced me to the neighborhood - before I knew it I was a member of their community. You will also receive a lot back in friendship and warmth.
The two weeks just wasn't enough. I have not settled and Achromatized but very sad to go home soon.