NorGhaVo: Northern Ghana Volunteers

Frequently Asked Questions, FAQs

1. General

Why can't I find a telephone number or address for your organization?

NorGhaVo does not have an office, telephone number or postal address, since all volunteers of NorGhaVo-Netherlands have a "regular" job and work for NorGhaVo at night and in the weekends from their own computers at different locations in the country. Thus, all contacts go via our email-address: norghavo@yahoo.com. If you want to meet us personally, you are welcome to attend one of our Info Meetings that are organize four times a year (see subpage Info Meeting).

NorGhaVo is a foundation, what does that mean?

NorGhaVo is an ideal organization, meaning that we do not make profit and that after covering costs, all money goes to the projects in Ghana that we sponsor.

2. Donations

I relate to the objectives of NorGhaVo and would like to make a donation. How can I do that and what will the money be used for?

Donations are very welcome. Money can be transferred to the bank account of NorGhaVo in Nijmegen (giro 9397346). We donate money yearly to three projects that we sponsor. Our staff will take care of the formal donation of the money, after which our Charity Co-coordinator in Ghana will ensure that the money is spent wisely. We do not donate cash money. In dialogue with the sponsored projects, the donated money is used to buy materials that are needed.

What is the maximum amount that I can donate tax-free?

Since we have been given the qualification "foundation of general use" by the Dutch tax authorities (ex. art. 24 lid 4 successiewet 1956), it is possible to donate tax-free an amount up to €3999,-. Above this amount, gift tax is applicable, which means that you have to pay taxes (11 %) over the entire amount. The threshold for legacies is €7601,-.

3. Volunteer work

I am not 21 years old yet, but I am very motivated and would like it very much to go to Ghana via NorGhaVo. Is it possible to make an exception for once?

No, the 21-threshold is a condition that we cannot and will not deviate from. You have to be 21 to be accepted into the NorGhaVo program.

Is there also a maximum age?

No, everyone who is 21 or older and has relevant experience, a sound motivation and good health can start working in Ghana . Most volunteers are between 25 and 30, but we also have people that are over 40 working for us.

Why are you much cheaper than other organizations?

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, we can keep the costs low since we do not aim to make a profit. Therefore, the enrolment fee is only used to cover our costs. Secondly, our Dutch staff does not receive a salary. This cuts down on the organization costs, leaving more money for our projects in Ghana . For that matter, €50 of your enrolment fee goes to the projects that we sponsor.

How and where do I prolongue my visa when I am in Ghana ?

The visa you obtained in The Hague is valid for 60 days upon arrival in Ghana . This means that you have to prolongue your visa after approximately 2 months. This can be done at the immigration office in Tamale and NorGhaVo will help you with this. You have to take care to notify NorGhaVo approximately 2 weeks before your visa expires, so that we can arrange everything for you on time. Getting an extension for your visa will costs a few Euros.

How much money will I spend in Ghana?

This question is hard to answer, since it depends on your own living pattern. Although Ghana is relatively cheap for our standards, you can spend a lot of money if you travel frequently, go out for dinner a lot and buy loads of souvenirs. We have provided a comprehensive budget on the subpage "volunteers work" under the heading "costs".

What form of money should I take to Ghana?

There are several ways in which you can take money to Ghana. Traveler Cheques (TC's) are the best and safest option. You can buy these Cheques at a Dutch bank and exchange them in all large banks in Ghana for Ghanese cedis. Moreover, TC's are insured against theft and loss! TC's in American Dollars are easiest to exchange, but TC's in Euros are also practical and a bit cheaper.

Additionally, it is wise to carry some cash Euros with you that can exchange in case of need at Forex Bureaus (money exchange offices) and in most of the larger hotels. This is handy for when you are in remote areas or in case you need money during holidays or the weekend.

It is not possible to get money out from a money machine (ATM) with your Dutch "pin" card! Although the larger cities (for example Tamale) have ATM's, these can only be operated with a Visa credit card and they are expensive to use and often out of order. Don't forget to find out the pin code of your credit card in case you are planning to use it in an ATM. Although a credit card can be handy in case of emergencies, it is not necessary to get one especially for your stay in Ghana. The banks where you can get money at the counter with your credit card also accept Euro TC's. Getting money at banks with your credit card is relatively cheap, but regularly the bank will have troubles getting connected to the server. Furthermore, credit cards are hardly ever accepted in shops.

What’s the local currency and how much is it worth?

The currency in Ghana is the cedi (¢). One Ghanese cedi is worth approximately € 0,0001. Thus, € 1 is ¢ 10.000. To put that in the light of how much things cost in Ghana : a bread or a Coca Cola costs approximately ¢ 2500 (€ 0,25), and you pay twice that amount (¢ 5.000 of € 0,50) for a decent meal from a street-stall, or a beer. A bus ticket Accra-Tamale costs ¢ 72.000 (€ 7,20), and a teacher will earn on average ¢ 450.000 a month (€ 45).

What kind of insurance should I take out?

The insurance market for these situations is not very transparent. Some companies offer good travel insurances that are also valid for longer stays, but often there is a 60-day limit. So pay attention! There are, however, also insurance companies that are specialized in travelers, for example ISIS , ELVIA of JOHO. It’s a good idea to check out their website. It is also worthwhile to call your current insurance company and ask about the possibilities.

Is it likely that I will fall ill?

It is likely that you will get a minor disease like diarrhea, fever, a headache or homesickness. These things usually go away within a few days and are part of visiting Africa . The chances of getting one or more serious spells of diarrhea are almost a 100% and are usually nothing to worry about.

Altogether, it is important to take proper precautions before you leave and you have to be very careful when you are in Ghana . Take care especially with water. Ghana is still a developing country with all the associated hygienic problems and illnesses. Be prepared for that and contact a doctor if your symptoms last longer than three days! Serious illnesses, like malaria, TBC, typhoid fever and Aids are abundant in Ghana . It is important to go to your local Health Service Department (in The Netherlands: GGD) for information before you leave. Follow their advice! For general information about diseases have a look at: www.travmed.com.

Can I receive mail, and what will be my postal address?

Mail for you should be sent to the following address:

NorGhaVo

name volunteer (important!)

PO Box 447 Tamale N/R

Ghana

Do not enclose valuables, since the customs in Ghana often open letters and packages. Mail to Ghana can take up to 4 weeks, whereas the other way around sometimes only a week.

What will my host family be like?

NorGhaVo will inform you about the project, type of work and host family approximately 4 weeks before departure.

I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?

Yes, the Ghanese people are not used to that. Meat is a luxury, expensive and a delicacy that nobody will forsake. Most dishes contain meat, although often small amounts. Your host family will probably accept that you don’t eat meat, but they won’t understand it. Try to explain very carefully that you also do not eat meat in your home country and for example that you really don’t like it. Food plays an important role in the Ghanese culture and it can be seen as a grave offence to reject an offer of food or to say you don’t like it. So treat the subject very delicately. It will cost you some time to explain to people in Ghana why you are a convinced vegetarian. Furthermore you have to keep in mind that you will probably be eating food that has at least been in contact with meat, like soups, sauces and stews.

What can I expect from teaching at a school in Ghana ?

It’s not easy to explain that in a few sentences. Therefore, all volunteers that are going to work at a school in Ghana will receive the brochure: "Teaching in Ghana ” which contains background information about the Ghanese teaching system, the circumstances and contains some useful advice.

I'm not from The Netherlands, can I also register?

Of course! Norghavo welcomes everyone, also people that are not from The Netherlands. We have already sent Belgian and German volunteers to Ghana and are open to anyone from any country who is enthousiastic to help as a volunteer.

4. Miscellaneous

Is it safe to travel alone in Ghana ?

Ghana is a relatively safe country and “backpacking” is very well possible. Of course you have to behave sensibly, watch your possessions and refrain from walking in dark alleys in the big cities at night, but Ghana is a safe country according to African and international standards. This includes women traveling alone.

Does NorGhaVo offer work-experience projects?

In principal not, but the possibilities do depend on what your school demands from a work-experience location. NorGhaVo will not offer formal work-experience projects, supervision or assessment. You will be considered a "normal" volunteer. If you are interested, first talk to your supervisor at school about the possibilities.

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