ELI Abroad - HIV Volunteer Program in Ghana

Ghana, as is the case in much of Africa, has been hard hit by the HIV pandemic. UNICEF estimated in 2009 that approximately 260,000 people were living with the disease throughout the country. And while the disease seems to be advancing more slowly than in other sub-Saharan countries, and education about transmission is fairly widespread, there is still a debilitating stigma that goes with infection and a lack of funding for treatment. ELI volunteers work with community organizations that help to alleviate these and other difficulties related to HIV throughout Ghana. These organizations help through education, health services, counseling, and work with children orphaned by the disease.

All placements are directed by local Ghanaians and the people in the community are continually consulted to assure that assistance is relevant, necessary, and culturally appropriate. We work hard to make sure the HIV programs are directed at the needs of those receiving services and not a result of directive or prescriptive ideas given by foreigners or those who are unfamiliar with the region. Because of the structure of these organizations and the scale of the tasks, volunteers are needed from nearly every field, background, and experience. ELI programs in Ghana are a wonderful opportunity to use your unique circumstances to assist a community in need, while experiencing one of the most friendly and accessible countries in the world.

Ghana is a great first step into Africa and ELI programs allow you the chance to fully immerse yourself in another culture, while providing tangible assistance to those who need it.