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Guidelines for Volunteers

Our organization is a relatively small one so we are only able to accommodate two or three volunteers at a time. Volunteers contribute a great deal to our organization, not only practical help but, more importantly, they often forge deep friendships with Ghanaian friends, making it a mutually enriching experience.

However, all this does not just happen. Every person we place requires a great deal of time to work out the logistics of the placement: arranging travel plans and documents; picking up at the airport; securing accommodation and providing a placement that is beneficial for both the volunteer and the host library.

Requirements of the Volunteer

First and foremost, our volunteers must love children. Over the years, we have found that experience with young children is of paramount importance for working in our libraries. Teaching experience, specially at the lower grades, is very helpful. Work or volunteer experience with community centres or summer camps is also useful.

Our volunteers require considerable initiative. They are on their own, with the help of the librarian, to develop ideas to challenge and engage the children. Educational games and songs are very popular. A knowledge of crafts comes in handy..

We expect our volunteers to work full days – from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. plus travel time, five days a week. Our libraries can be very busy places so the job often requires considerable stamina and patience to handle large numbers of energetic children. Not all our children speak English so this can require extra patience and understanding.

Responsibilities of the Volunteer

Volunteers must cover the cost of their transport to Ghana, vaccinations, malaria tablets and health and evacuation insurance and all their in-country living expenses ($100 per week minimum).

Prior to their placement, we are asking volunteers to raise or donate to the Fund the amount of $2,000 CDN, for which you can receive a tax receipt.

Placements vary from library to library. In addition to the daily help with library activities, volunteers are expected to help arrange workshops for staff and library members. Some placements are in the capital, Accra, while others are in rural settings.

The timing of placements can vary. Since it takes several weeks to adjust to the climate and the pace of life, we suggest a minimum stay of one month. Most volunteers find a term of three to six months works well.

Accommodation is varied. Some volunteers choose to stay with a family. The Fund has a modest guesthouse, which can accommodate two volunteers.

There are risks to traveling and working in a tropical, developing country and we expect volunteers to research the necessary health precautions. It is important to travel during daylight hours. We highly recommend the use of State Transport Company (STC) buses for out-of-town travel. Crime is a fact of life and Accra, like other major cities, has sections which are dangerous, especially at night. Volunteers are required to sign a waiver absolving the OCLF of all responsibility relating to accidents, illness and crime.

All volunteers are expected to be ambassadors of their own country as well as good representatives of our organization. This means being punctual, cordial and well groomed. Women should dress conservatively and wear skirts/blouses or dresses and men should wear pants (no jeans) and collared or button-down shirts (no T-shirts) during their working hours.

We do not allow dating, driving or drinking. Drugs are illegal and harsh penalties are enforced.

We have found that it is too disruptive to have family or friends visit during your volunteer placement. We suggest that they visit at the end of your placement.

There will be no vacation breaks during the placement period, except for Christmas and Easter, which allows for a few days' break. Any traveling should be done at the end of the placement or on weekends.

If you are still interested in volunteering with our organization, please compete the application and mail or e-mail it to us, together with a copy of your resume. We will reply as soon as possible.

On returning home

We ask that returning volunteers send a letter of appreciation to their hosts and include copies of pictures taken during their stay.

Volunteers who have traveled to Ghana have helped us in various ways upon their return. Many have given continued financial support and have shared stories with others, who in turn become donors.

Kathy Knowles
Program Director

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