Apam Catholic Hospital

First And Foremost

Voluntary Placements in Apam Catholic Hospital offer an amazing opportunity for individuals to live, work and have fun in a new and exciting country. However there is a lot to consider before you leave. The most important quality one needs for this experience is flexibility. It is essential to be open to change and be willing to adapt. This will go a long way towards ensuring an enjoyable and beneficial placement. It is important before you depart to think carefully about the things you wish to achieve as a volunteer as this can go a long way to ensuring your time in Ghana is as beneficial as possible to both you and your placement .

To begin with, it can often feel restrictive and unsettling living in a new and unfamiliar environment.  For example, it can sometimes be a little intimidating if you are the only white person in a 10-20 mile radius. During the first few weeks you are certain to feel the effects of culture shock to one degree or another.  However if an award was given for the country with the friendliest and welcoming people in West Africa, Ghana would most certainly be a strong contender! This is a huge help in settling in as you learn to accept the differences in the new environment.

Students who volunteer here are taken in as part of the family and encouraged to get involved in all aspects of life in Ghana. People here really enjoy meeting foreign visitors and everyone is interested in getting to know you and learning about your country. It is also noteworthy that religion is of the utmost importance to the Ghanaian people and it is essential for volunteers to respect this.

Work

It has to be said that even though the work is completed on a fully voluntary basis, you have work obligations to fulfil  as it is a full time job. There are three types of work available medical, administrative and caring. In order to meet your full potential in your volunteering experience, innovation goes a long way. For instance, an after school summer programme was set up for the local kids by Irish volunteers. In addition, this website has been set-up and maintained by volunteers Sarah Tyther and Bernard Lillis.

The working style in Ghana is very different to that in Europe or the US, as it moves at a much slower pace. It can be frustrating at the beginning when you are still in European work mode and things generally take more time to be achieved in Ghana.  Once you get used to the Ghanaian rhythm and pace of life you will really begin to enjoy your placement.

Accommodation

The accommodation provided is very comfortable and spacious.  The living room and bedrooms are big and are equipped with fans.  There is always electricity and plenty of water even though it may not always be running. Each house is served by a water tank that simulates running water during the perennial shortages The main meal of the day will also be provided. 

Health

The dangers and risks associated with Africa are frequently exaggerated. In Ghana specifically there is virtually no situation where you will be likely to encounter any potentially dangerous wild animal. The only real threat here is malaria through mosquitoes and they are more of an irritation than a danger once adequate medication is taken, whether prophylaxis or otherwise. For more information on health risks and requirements for Ghana, please see

http://www.travelvax.net/countries/ghan.html

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/africa/ghana/

If you are interested in volunteering at Apam and would like further