At a glance
- Work with qualified social workers and gain a deeper understanding of social issues prevalent in a developing country like Ghana.
- You’ll work in a rehabilitation center, local schools, and selected outreaches.
- Observe how these centers are run, focusing on assisting the local staff in giving the children the support they need.
Start Dates:
Anytime
See DatesMinimum Duration:
Two Weeks
Ages:
18 or over
You should be studying social work or a related subject.
Is a Social Work internship in Ghana right for me?
Are you a student looking to gain practical experience and learn from qualified professionals? Are you eager to help those in need and travel to Africa? If so, this internship is ideal for you! It will help you fulfill practical degree components, adding value to your resume.
You will gain hands-on work experience by working alongside local staff at different placements. In addition, the experience will give you a deeper understanding of the social challenges people struggle with in West Africa.
To join this Internship, you should be studying social work or a related subject. This project is available all year round and you can join at any time for a minimum of two weeks. We do recommend that you stay as long as you can, to learn more and have a bigger impact.
What will I do on a Social Work placement in Ghana?
You will work alongside trained social workers at a rehabilitation center and in local schools. During your internship you will:
1
Observe and help your supervisor and local staff
2
Provide children with the support and care that they need
3
Share your skills and knowledge with local staff
4
Help brainstorm culturally relevant solutions to social problems
5
Assist with the development of long-term care plans for support centers
Your work will focus on the following areas:
Gain social work experience working alongside professionals
You will spend most of your time shadowing and assisting your supervisor and qualified local staff. This will provide you with the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned through your studies to real-world situations and cases. The experience will give you a deeper insight into the particular social issues that affect people in a developing country in West Africa.
Provide children with the support that they need
As an intern, you’ll support the work that local social workers do with children. This may include interacting with young children to assess their conditions and needs. If you choose to stay longer than two weeks, you’ll have access to more opportunities, such as providing one-on-one counseling and facilitating group sessions under supervision.
Share your knowledge and skills
Knowledge and skill sharing form a big part of this internship. While you’ll be learning from supervisors, you will also be able to share your own knowledge. You’ll work on improving counseling and therapy methods by providing seminars and workshops for local staff. This means that you will need to spend time planning and preparing these presentations. You will also need to review the routines present in your placements and suggest any alternative improvements.
Research social issues alongside a local social worker
Under the guidance of your supervisor, you’ll need to use your knowledge of social work to research social issues and common abuses in Ghana. Then you’ll work together to try and come up with culturally relevant solutions that could help solve these problems. Throughout your time in Ghana, you’ll also need to focus on raising awareness of the prevalent social issues in local communities.
Assess the needs of local centers
As many of the placements in Ghana are under-resourced, you’ll also assess the needs of the rehabilitation centers where you’ll be working. This will help with the development of long-term childcare plans and healthy practices for these institutions.
Where in Ghana will I be working?
Accra
With a population of 2.7 million people, Accra is the largest city in Ghana and also the country’s capital. If you would like to experience the humid buzz of this burgeoning West African city, then Accra is ideal. You’ll observe social problems in the capital while also working with some of the best centers in the country offering solutions to those who need them.
What will a typical day as a Social Work intern in Ghana look like?
Most days will begin with breakfast with your host family. Once you are ready for the day, you will head to your placement using public transport. On your first day, a Projects Abroad staff member will be there to show you the way and introduce you to everyone.
Typically, you will work from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8 am to 12 pm on Fridays. You will also have a lunch break each day where you can enjoy a packed lunch or return home to your host family.
Each day will differ depending on where you are based and what the needs of the children are. In general, you will work with your supervisor and local staff to counsel children and give them the support they need. You will also spend time researching social issues in Ghana, coming up with solutions. You’ll also work on assessing the centers where you are placed, identifying their needs and suggesting improvements.
You will have evenings and weekends free to explore Accra, get to know your host family, and spend time with your fellow interns and other volunteers. Enjoy Ghanaian food at local restaurants, visit local sights and attractions, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax at your host home.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
The aim of this project is to help local children who are victims of social circumstances. It is also aimed at providing you with practical work experience.
Social issues such as domestic violence and child abuse are widespread in Ghana. A lack of resources and education means that there isn’t much social support or rehabilitative programs available for children affected by it. The centers we work with are also under-resourced, so it is very difficult for local staff to give all of the children enough support.
We aim to provide these centers with extra support. In addition, we also work to raise awareness of the social issues in communities. We also aim to provide our interns with practical experience that will help fulfill your university requirements and add relevant work experience to your resume.
Join us in Ghana and gain practical social work experience while helping children who need extra care and support.
Volunteering for professionals
This project is also perfect for qualified professionals. With your skills backing up our ongoing efforts, we can make an even bigger difference together. We'll match you to the placement where your skills are needed most.
This means you can share your training and and knowledge with others. You can work hand-in-hand with our partner organisations and local communities to support sustainable development.
If you have relevant skills or qualifications, read more about how you can make use of them with Projects Abroad.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Ghana. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ghana and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your program fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Volunteering in Ghana is an ideal way to explore this colourful West African country. There’s a huge variety of different activities to do while you’re there, giving you plenty of exciting ways to spend your free time.
Music is a central part of Ghanaian culture. In the bigger towns, especially Accra, you will hear some great live bands and have some memorable nights out. Evenings spent at buzzing restaurants will also give you a taste of some of the delicious local cuisine.
For a look into Ghana’s history, you can tour the slave forts of Cape Coast and visit museums. Nature lovers will relish trekking through the rainforests of Kakum National Park or Mole National Park.
We run a wide range of projects in Ghana so there’s sure to be other volunteers there during your trip. This means you can explore the country solo or connect with other volunteers and travel as a group.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team in Ghana
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