Keen to make a real difference and truly connect with Ghanaian culture? Here’s your chance. By sharing your knowledge and practical skills, you can support local women in northern Ghana to strengthen their financial confidence and logical thinking. The Microcredit Project, set up by the Kidz Active Foundation, focuses on helping women around Tamale gain economic independence.
These women have received small loans to start their own businesses, earning extra income by selling things like eggs door to door, cooking and serving traditional meals such as fufu or rice, or sewing clothes with simple sewing machines.
Think logical thinking comes naturally to everyone?
Some of these women are great at it, but many haven’t had access to education and they’re incredibly grateful for your help. Even the smallest bit of advice can make a huge difference.
You’ll work alongside a local staff member to decide which women to visit. Together, you’ll head into the community to learn about their home or work environment. Through short interviews, you’ll gather details about their family, business, and where there’s room to improve. You might suggest they include transport costs in their pricing or show them how to display a dress on a mannequin to attract more customers. It’s often these little tips that go a long way.
After each visit, you’ll write up a short report on a laptop and send regular updates to the team back in the Netherlands. On the 15th of each month, it’s payment day. All the women come dressed in their best to the chief’s palace, where you’ll help collect loan repayments and interest. With a fingerprint as confirmation, you’ll take care of the admin and deposit the money into their account at the bank.
Spending a day with one of the women is an experience in itself. Whether you’re shopping for stock or helping cook street food, they’ll love the company and you’ll gain real insight into daily life in Ghana.
As a volunteer, you’ll take an active role in supporting the women in the microcredit program. You’ll visit current participants, offer tailored advice, and help identify ways to improve their small businesses. You’ll also meet new applicants and assist them through the sign up process.
On certain days, you’ll help collect loan repayments and work closely with the local team to keep the admin on track.
Your support directly impacts the growth of these women’s businesses and in return, you’ll gain a deep understanding of local needs, entrepreneurial challenges, and everyday life in Ghana.
Your day might start with a visit to a woman’s business to learn how she works and where you can support. You might tag along to buy stock or help her plan improvements to grow her income. It’s incredibly rewarding to see your advice turn into real progress and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in Ghana’s business culture and way of thinking.
Mirte vrijwilliger in Ghana
Het land van de mooie bomen, lachende mensen, dansende mensen, van de waterzakjes. Je moet het meemaken om de echte cultuur te voelen, het is geweldig!
Caroline vrijwilliger Ghana
Door in Afrika gewerkt te hebben, besef ik nu eens zo hard hoe druk wij ons in Europa soms maken om pietluttigheden. Wij mogen oprecht dankbaar zijn voor alles wat we zomaar in onze schoot geworpen krijgen.
Sofie vrijwilliger Ghana
De begeleiding en ondersteuning die zij je bieden in Ghana én in Nederland, geeft je een gevoel van veiligheid, zekerheid, vertrouwen en warmte!
Jenice
Het is goed om te zien hoe goed wij het hier hebben, als je terug komt waardeer je veel meer. Ook voor je persoonlijk vlak is het goed om een keer een zelfstandige reis te maken en daar te werken.
Approximately 4 to 5 half-days per week. The schedule is flexible and depends on the availability of loan recipients. If you'd like to do more, this project can be easily combined with the KidzActive school or Creche.
You will work alongside a local woman named Mariam, who is familiar with the participants and also serves as an interpreter, translating from Dagbanli to English. This is important as not all women speak English.
English is the primary language used in the project. Given that the people here generally have more education, they tend to speak English reasonably well.
This project runs throughout the entire year.
In Ghana, you will stay with a host family or in your own hut in a traditional village. This is the perfect way to learn about Ghanaian life and culture. In the host family, you will have your own room, while other facilities like the bathroom and toilet are shared with the rest of the family. You will receive three meals a day, and the family will do everything to give you an unforgettable time. The accommodation is much more basic than what you're used to in the Netherlands.
Traditional Host Family
Modern Host Family
You will travel to the project by a Yellow (a type of tuk-tuk).
If you have some extra space in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, they would greatly appreciate it. Please consult with us about what useful and practical items to bring.
In Ghana, you will be picked up by our pickup service in Accra. Jennifer will be waiting at the airport with a sign bearing your name and will warmly welcome you. You will stay one night in Accra, and she will arrange a bus or plane ticket for you to Tamale. In Tamale, our contact person Sylvester will pick you up.
We will also arrange your return journey. You will have another overnight stay with Jennifer so that you can head home the next day with plenty of energy. These costs are not included in the price.
Take a look at additional trips to see what you can do in your free time. We have some truly beautiful excursions for your leisure. Since you're at such a wonderful destination, it's a great opportunity to explore more of the country.
Sylvester is the contact person in Ghana.
We are seeking motivated volunteers with a passion for economic development and supporting local communities. We believe that access to microcredit is a powerful tool to combat poverty and promote economic self-reliance. Your commitment can have a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families.
Our projects in Ghana are suitable for young volunteers aged 17 and above, as well as for individuals aged 50 and over.
Passion for Economic Development: We are looking for volunteers interested in microfinance and promoting economic opportunities. Experience in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field is a plus, but a genuine desire to help and learn is essential.
Initiative and Proactivity: The ability to work independently and take initiative is crucial. In a dynamic environment where you work with small entrepreneurs, you must be able to proactively solve problems and identify opportunities. A proactive attitude helps in effectively supporting entrepreneurs and improving their business skills.
Patience and Empathy: Patience and empathy are important qualities when working with people who want to start or expand their own businesses. It's important to be patient, especially since some entrepreneurs may need more time to understand how to manage their businesses effectively. Your empathy can encourage them and help them confidently pursue their goals.
Cultural Sensitivity: Working in a different cultural context requires respect and understanding of local customs and traditions. Openness and a willingness to learn from the culture in which you work are crucial for successful collaboration and a positive experience for both you and the community.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Conditions in Ghana can differ significantly from what you're used to. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new situations are therefore important. This applies to both the physical living conditions and the business environment.
Communication Skills: Good communication skills are essential, both in interactions with entrepreneurs and with your colleagues and the local community. The ability to communicate clearly and respectfully contributes to a positive and productive working environment.
Team Spirit: The microcredit project is a collaborative effort, and teamwork is key to success. A positive team spirit and a willingness to work with others, including local partners and volunteers from diverse backgrounds, are important for achieving our goals.
As a volunteer in this microcredit project, you will be involved in various activities, such as providing financial education, assisting entrepreneurs in developing business plans, and monitoring the progress of their businesses. You will collaborate with local microfinance institutions to ensure that loans are used effectively and that entrepreneurs receive the necessary support.
Your stay in Ghana offers you not only the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of small entrepreneurs but also to develop yourself personally and professionally. You will discover new cultures, build friendships, and gain unforgettable experiences.
In summary, if you have a passion for economic development and supporting local communities, and are willing to commit to a challenging yet rewarding environment, then this microcredit project in Ghana is the perfect opportunity for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the economic self-reliance and prosperity of the local population.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 Week of Volunteering: $675
2 Weeks of Volunteering: $1099
3 Weeks of Volunteering: $1499
Each Additional Week: $279
Online introductory meeting
Information package covering Ghanaian culture and customs, preparation checklist, insurance, finances, and travel tips
Pre-departure training
Assistance with obtaining a Certificate of Conduct (VOG)
Access to the online community
Support with your visa application
Help with booking your flight (upon request)
Airport transfer to the project location, including one night in a hotel
On-site orientation
Assistance with visa extension (if needed)
Ongoing guidance throughout your stay
Accommodation with a host family, including a private room
Three meals per day (when present)
Evaluation session
Certificate of participation (upon request)
Opportunity to remain active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Airfare
Vaccinations
Visa
Certificate of Conduct (VOG)
Travel insurance
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