Volunteering in Ghana:
An unforgettable experience with BWO
Seize your opportunity to learn, grow, and become part of a community in West Africa
VOLUNTEER IN GHANA, WEST AFRICA
You want to spend some time helping a project abroad. A chance to step away from your daily routine, do something meaningful for others in a pleasant climate, and discover a new country while giving something back. Perhaps you haven’t had the chance to make this dream a reality—maybe because it was difficult to find the time.
Do you want to put your skills to use somewhere they can truly make a difference? At Banko Women Organization (BWO) in Ghana, we’re looking for passionate and talented volunteers who want to contribute to our mission: empowering women and developing the local community. Your knowledge and experience can help us create an even bigger impact!
We understand that choosing the right volunteer abroad project isn’t easy, especially with so many options available. You want to make a positive contribution, and you might also feel a little nervous about traveling to a country in Africa. At Banko Women Organization, you’ll receive a warm welcome into our community from the very beginning. Beyond your work, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy everything that Ghana has to offer.
Our volunteer locations
At BWO Learning Center, we offer a safe and inspiring space for education, meetings, and dialogue. We currently provide two hands-on vocational training programs: dressmaking and hairdressing & styling. Both are taught by local professional women, specifically for members of the community. In addition, our students receive valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, health, household management, and social resilience.
At BWO Hostel, we not only create employment opportunities for some of our students but also offer a training ground for hospitality. It’s also the place where we showcase and sell products expertly made at the Learning Center. The proceeds from our guests’ stays and booked excursions go directly to the initiatives of the Banko Women Organization.
To read all about the organization, please click here.
Pat: your volunteer coordinator in Ghana
Hello, I’m Pat, the founder of this inspiring project, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to our team! I am originally from the Netherlands. My journey through Ghana began in 2001 and has only deepened since then.
I started this project with so much energy, and I’m sometimes surprised at how incredibly fun it is to work here. The energy among the team is great, and the work is super varied. Of course, there are less exciting parts, like the administration…
But it’s amazing to develop products, sell them in the guesthouse, raise funds, see our students make progress, and collaborate across our two locations. I’m also super happy that we’ve found a way for everyone to use their qualities in a sustainable manner. With this project, you as a foreigner can truly do your part without having a negative impact.
We are thrilled to share that the Banko Women Organization has been recognized as a remarkable initiative. In November 2022, we received recognition from Columbus Travel magazine, receiving the following message:
‘You have been nominated in the ‘travel hero of the year’ category! Congratulations! Your work as a Ghana coach and the women’s center in your village showcases in an inspiring way how tourism at a local level can be of invaluable economic and social value.’
This nomination is truly a testament to the passion-driven work we have embarked upon.
Living and thriving in Ghana as a BWO volunteer
Ghana is a beautifully diverse country with a rich variety of nature and culture throughout. From the stunning coastline and the green, water-rich Volta region to safaris in the savannah-like north, there’s so much to see. We definitely encourage you to explore more of Ghana while you’re here! We’re happy to help you map out your travel routes.
The village of Banko is located in a beautiful, hilly area in the Ashanti region. The capital of the Ashanti region is Kumasi, a bustling city also known as the Garden City, which is about 1.5 hours away from Banko.
As a volunteer, you’ll stay in your own room with a private bathroom at our hostel. The property has many beautiful spots to relax, including gardens, a terrace, and a peaceful wooded area.
The BWO team will prepare delicious meals for you, with a mix of local and European cuisine, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences. Cooking vegetarian or gluten-free meals is no problem at all!
You won’t work a full 40-hour week, and in your free time, you can go hiking in the surrounding area, relax with a book or a movie, help out in the kitchen, or just chat with a team member. There’s also a swimming pool within walking distance.
WHAT WILL I DO AS A VOLUNTEER FOR THIS PROJECT IN GHANA?
As a volunteer, you’ll collaborate closely with me, Pat. Your energy and assistance will be invaluable in various areas, including fundraising, website and social media content creation, and product development. You might also contribute to setting up our upcoming training courses. Fundraising tasks may involve applying for subsidies and initiating sponsorship campaigns.
In my role, I primarily facilitate and organize, and having a sparring partner like you would be fantastic!Additionally, you can lend a hand in training the team at the guesthouse, leveraging your insights as a traveler to enhance our services.
We welcome multiple volunteers, so if you wish to come with a companion, that’s absolutely feasible!
During your free time, you’ll have ample opportunities to explore the wonders of beautiful Ghana, including a swimming pool within walking distance of BWO Hostel.
Volunteering abroad is not just about making a difference; it’s an opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange, and exploration. Let go of the notion of ‘saving the world,’ and you’ll discover a whole new world of experiences waiting for you! Join us here in Ghana!
By traveling and living with the local people, you become more open to different customs and ways of life in another world, both there and at home.
Working at Banko Women Organization has helped me a lot to develop this. Ghana is also a wonderful country, and I would recommend everyone to visit it!
I got to stay at the BWO Hostel for 2.5 months. I felt completely at ease there. Pat is a super sweet woman who is always there for you! She’s not just there for you, she also cooks delicious food, and together with her staff, they are a fantastic team! It’s also very clean! I felt completely at home! I came to Banko alone, but I never felt lonely. I look back on 2.5 wonderful months, so I definitely recommend visiting the BWO hostel if you’re in Ghana. Or, in my case, doing volunteer work! Banko is a nice little village with lovely people who are all interested in what you’re doing there!
Make a difference in Ghana: Our current volunteer positions
When you choose to do volunteer work in Africa, you naturally want to make an impact. We want that too. The more women we can help, the better. We are currently looking for specialists in the following areas. Whether you’d like to stay for a few weeks, months, or longer, we are happy to discuss the possibilities.
There’s room for multiple volunteers, so if you’d like to come with someone else, that’s no problem at all!
In your free time, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to discover beautiful Ghana. And did you know there’s a swimming pool within walking distance of our hostel?
PR & Marketing Expert
Are you an expert in strategic communication and generating publicity? Help us spread the story of BWO and our impact locally in Ghana, nationally, and internationally! As our PR & Marketing Expert, you’ll give Pat’s work an extra boost and ensure BWO gets the attention it deserves.
Your tasks could include:
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Generate Brand Awareness: Develop and execute strategies to boost BWO’s visibility in local, national, and international media. You’ll build relationships with relevant stakeholders and influencers to help us spread our message.
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Develop & Promote Campaigns: Help us brainstorm creative fundraising campaigns and manage their promotion online and offline. You’ll also create compelling content for these initiatives.
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Strategic Content Contribution: You’ll work closely with Pat to contribute to our broader content strategy for our website, TikTok, and Instagram, with a focus on impact and reach.
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Storytelling & Impact Communication: Discover and share the powerful stories of the women and community to make our mission tangible for a wider audience.
Google Ads Specialist
Are you an experienced Google Ads specialist who can take our online visibility to the next level? We are looking for someone to optimize our campaigns, capitalize on new opportunities, and train Pat in effective Google Ads management. Your expertise is essential to help us reach more volunteers and donors.
Your tasks could include:
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Campaign Optimization and Management: Analyze our existing Google Ads Search and Display campaigns. Identify bottlenecks and implement strategies for maximum effectiveness, conversion, and ROI.
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Technical Implementation: Help us with the correct implementation of Google Tags (like Google Analytics 4) and Google Tag Manager on our website, which is built with Divi. This ensures accurate tracking and measurement.
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Keyword and Audience Research: Conduct in-depth research on relevant keywords and target audiences to set up new, effective campaigns and increase our reach.
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Training and Knowledge Transfer: You will train Pat in the nuances of Google Ads and Google Tag Manager so that she can effectively monitor and optimize campaigns in the future. The goal is for the knowledge to be embedded locally.
Permaculture Specialist
Do you have a passion for sustainable agriculture and the expertise to make a garden flourish, even with changing teams? We are looking for a permaculture specialist to help us transform our gardens into productive, resilient ecosystems. Your contribution is crucial to increasing our food security and embedding this knowledge locally.
Your tasks could include:
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System Design & Implementation: Help us design and establish sustainable, low-maintenance vegetable gardens and food forests, including efficient compost systems and natural pest control methods.
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Training & Knowledge Transfer: You will train our local team and volunteers in the principles of permaculture, ensuring the knowledge is retained and the garden is consistently maintained.
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Maintenance Optimization: Advise on and implement strategies that simplify garden upkeep and make it less dependent on the constant presence of the same people.
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Water Management: Implement efficient water collection and irrigation systems that fit the local conditions and needs.
Business & Operational Development Specialist
Are you an expert in streamlining processes, developing talent, and transferring business knowledge? We are looking for a specialist to help us optimize our internal operations, prepare our students for entrepreneurship, and coach our team leaders. Your expertise will directly contribute to BWO’s efficiency and our students’ future success.
Your tasks could include:
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Process Analysis and Optimization: Map out existing work processes. Identify bottlenecks and help us develop and implement more efficient workflows and procedures to make daily operations run smoothly.
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Hospitality Training: Provide practical training to our team, with a focus on hospitality, communication, and customer service to optimize the experience for visitors and volunteers at our hostel.
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Business Training for Students: Develop and provide training to students on essential business skills. This could include topics such as basic bookkeeping, marketing for small businesses, and product development, to prepare them for an independent future.
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Coaching for Team Leaders: Offer coaching and guidance to our local team leaders. This could focus on strengthening their leadership skills, team management, and decision-making.
And there’s more! We’re also looking for other talents!
In addition to our specific needs in PR & Marketing, Permaculture, Google Ads, and Operational Development, we at Banko Women Organization are always looking for people with diverse skills who can strengthen our work.
Are you a:
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Handy Person: Help us with small repairs, building maintenance, or improving facilities at the hostel and in the community.
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Experienced Gardener: Besides permaculture specialists, we can always use help from general gardeners who are eager to get their hands dirty in our vegetable gardens or keep the hostel grounds tidy.
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Fundraiser / Fundraising Specialist: Do you think strategically about fundraising campaigns and can you help us tap into new income sources, for example by writing grant proposals or setting up donation drives? Your expertise is more than welcome!
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Social Media Specialist: Do you have a passion for social media and want to help Pat create engaging content for TikTok, Instagram, or other platforms to share our story?
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Flexible Go-Getter with a Broad Range of Skills: Do you have a wide range of talents that don’t fit directly into the roles above, but you believe you can be invaluable to BWO? Or are you just practical and can help wherever needed?
Let us know! We are always open to a good conversation about how your unique skills and passion can have a positive impact on the women and children in Ghana.
Volunteering in Ghana: An unforgettable experience with BWO
Volunteer with Banko Women Organization!Have you always dreamed of an adventure in Africa? Then come volunteer with BWO in Ghana! Whether you’re looking for volunteering abroad or specifically volunteer work in Africa, a unique experience awaits you in the authentic village of Banko, far away from mass tourism.
In your free time, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Discover the beautiful nature, experience the local culture, and make unforgettable trips. After a day full of new impressions, relax in our hostel, where you can enjoy Ghanaian hospitality alongside other travelers.
Volunteering at BWO is more than just helping; it’s a chance to learn and grow, gain intercultural skills, and make new friends from all over the world.
Are you ready to follow your heart and embark on an unforgettable adventure? As a volunteer in Ghana, you’ll get the chance to:
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Get to know Ghanaian customs and traditions up close.
- Improve your English, the local language.
- Enjoy the beautiful nature and culture.
- Make new friends from all over the world.
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Do something truly good and help us increase our impact.
We look forward to meeting you soon in Ghana!
Cost of Volunteering and Minimum Stay
The minimum duration for your stay as a volunteer is 4 weeks.
Your contribution covers your accommodation and three meals a day, with all proceeds directly supporting the Banko Women Organization. The cost is $599 per month.
You are welcome to stay longer. For stays beyond one month, the cost is $150 per week.
Pat also allowed for time to go on a few of her tours she sets up for guests and so I was able to be a tourist every now and again – work hard, play hard. I highly recommend volunteering with this organization to anyone looking to make a meaningful difference and contribute to positive change.
After you apply to volunteer in Ghana, we will contact you to schedule a Zoom meeting. See you soon!
If you don’t hear from us within 48 hours of submitting the form, something has gone wrong. We kindly invite you to contact us directly by email or WhatsApp:
info@travelghanawithbwo.com
+233 547478353
