Review: Public Health and Football Coaching in Ghana by Ali F

Choosing to volunteer in Ghana

There were several things that made me want to volunteer in Ghana. Firstly, I really wanted to contribute towards positive change for communities in need. I also wanted to experience something bigger than myself and my city; a new culture with new ideas was perfect for that. 

I decided to do a six week trip to Ghana working in public health and football coaching. This would help me leap out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and gain a greater understanding of world issues first-hand. I knew that this experience would help me develop skills in a global world and help me learn from and empathise with others. 

Ultimately, it was this combination of personal growth, making a real difference, and a desire for cultural exchange that made me volunteer abroad. 

Adapting to life in Ghana 

I spent some time researching Ghana and the Akuapem Hills before I travelled so that I had an idea of what to expect when I arrived. I thought it was important to leave the US with an open mind, ready to adapt and understand the new culture and ideas I would experience. 

And I’m glad I did, because what I experienced was vastly different to life back home. I had to adjust to different living conditions and having access to limited resources. I also needed to prepare myself mentally for the work I was going to be doing, especially when working in public health. 

I had to learn quickly that it’s ok to feel uncomfortable, surprised, or awkward when adapting to a new culture. In fact, these emotions can be good learning experiences. Communicating with the Projects Abroad team, my host family, and my roommates helped a lot, as I knew I always had people and resources I could rely on. 

The impact of my work in public health

While at the clinic in Ghana, I helped raise $2,700 for a new generator and other necessities to help keep the clinic running during power outages. These blackouts would cause fans to stop working, labs to be inoperable, and vaccines to spoil in refrigerators. This often meant people who had travelled long distances to visit the clinic had to be turned away and could not get the treatment they needed.

To help raise funds for this generator, my colleagues and I produced a video detailing the need for the generator on GoFundMe. Our fundraiser exceeded our target, meaning that the clinic was able to buy a larger generator than planned. They were also able to make renovations to the clinic to help protect it from intense rain storms. 

This was all done alongside the day-to-day work I performed at the clinic, including providing free health screenings and shadowing. 

I am very proud to have contributed towards the positive impact of the local clinic. Facing complex social issues and witnessing hardship directly was a new experience which made me understand and embrace my privilege.

Coaching football for children

I was lucky enough to be the first volunteer on this project, and was able to help supply local children with football kits and equipment. I practised with them before and after school and also taught at the school during the day. 

Because of my coaching, they decided to name their team after my surname and even had it printed on the back of all their shirts. They called me “coach Alex” when we were training together, and the nickname for their team became the “Alex Stars.” 

Seeing local children get more involved with the game and use the equipment they need to continue playing was heartwarming. On my last day, they gave me an engraved plaque and several parting gifts from local families, including garri, a traditional shirt, and an embroidered sash. 

Leaving Ghana and personal growth

Volunteering in Ghana was an incredible experience. By the time I left, I felt attached to and part of the local community. The parting gifts were beautiful and I will cherish the memories I made for the rest of my life. In fact, I am still in close contact with the football team I worked with and we have scheduled video calls to catch up! I hope to remain involved in their community and would love to go back soon. 

This volunteering project has helped me better understand different countries and cultures. It has given me a deeper appreciation for diverse ways of life and a more nuanced perspective on global issues and human experiences. I’d love to do it again, travelling to a new destination and having a positive impact on people’s lives. 

If anyone is thinking of doing a volunteering trip like I did, the best advice I can give is ‘just do it’. You will learn so many new things, gain a new perspective on life, and have the support of Projects Abroad and the people you’ll be living with. It’s normal to be nervous, miss home, or feel intimidated — don’t let your emotions restrict you from a life changing experience!