Description
Location: Accra, Ghana
Duration: Minimum 4 weeks, maximum 6 months commitment
Start Dates: Project is on-going, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability
Cost: $2,450 USD project fee for the first 4 weeks + $600 per each week thereafter – see ‘Costs’ tab for further details
Benefits:
- Mentor and help with the training of peer educators
- Serve as community field officers
- Provide assistance to the local community-based organizations to educate
communities and curb the spread of HIV-AIDS - Help in designing and implementing projects to deal with HIV in various ways that
range from the use of ICT, mobile health, training of health professionals to conducting surveys and research - Keywords: hiv awareness, training and education, community development
Introduction
Ghana is often held up as an example of African democracy and development, and in HIV/AIDS awareness the same holds true. The current adult HIV/AIDS prevalence is around 1.32 per cent and currently considered stable. Yet almost quarter of a million people continue to suffer from the disease. Fear and stigmatisation of HIV-positive people hinders prevention and treatment programmes. By taking part in this Public Health Internship, you can work towards spreading awareness concerning this plight.
Our Ghanaian NGO partner needs you to help with:
- Mentor and help with the training of peer educators,
- Serve as community field officers and
- Provide assistance to the local community-based organisations to educate communities and curb the spread of HIV-AIDS.
Help to design and implement projects to deal with HIV in various ways that range from use of ICT, mobile health, training of health professionals to conduct surveys and research.This placement is ideal for people interested in public health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness-raising and community empowerment. You will work on a variety of HIV/AIDS projects that aim to:
- Contribute to the reduction in HIV transmission amongst the general population via training and working with peer educators
- Educate and screen groups that indulge in risky behaviours, which drive the HIV epidemic.
- Implement behaviour change interventions in various regions/districts in Ghana
- Help reduce the stigma associated with AIDS through various interventions
- Assist in medical outreach programs
- Assist in the designing of field data collection tools and how to use such data tools
- Assist the organisation in preparing proposals
Communities which will be targeted include commercial sex workers, MSM long distance drivers, women of child bearing age, pregnant women, PLHIVs, in and out of school youth, etc.
Daily Life
You will be working hand in hand with various staff members as well as with various community members and smaller community based organisations. You will have the opportunity to work in various aspects of projects which allow for you to gain invaluable knowledge pertaining to HIV/AIDs in Ghana.
You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant Ghanaian culture. Learning the local language, enjoying the home-cooked food of villages and towns around Ghana, taking part in various African cultural performances like African dancing, drumming, pottery or weaving is possible which will all add up to a unique and memorable intern experience. Various activities, tours, and expeditions around Ghana can easily be arranged, either by us or by yourself, before or after your placement. These things will be discussed in more detail when you arrive.
Travel & Accom.
You will be met at Accra international airport by a project representative and taken to the Project HQ in central Accra. You will be provided a 1 day orientation. You will then be taken directly to your project location to begin your placement.
Accommodation is with a host family or in a guesthouse, where at both locations, you will have your own room. When placed with a host family your will eat your meals (prepared by host family) with the host family. If placed in a guesthouse, you will prepare your own meals. Guesthouses and host family residences have been carefully inspected and selected by our management staff to ensure your safety and comfort.
Requirements
- Min. age 18
- Min. 4 weeks commitment
- Reasonable physical fitness and able to work in a hot climate
- Motivation and enthusiasm to work on infectious disease projects focusing on HIV/AIDS related issues
- Adventurous, flexible, a good communicator, & culturally sensitive
- Good spoken English
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Necessary vaccinations, flights & visas.
Costs
$2,450 USD project fee for the initial 4 weeks + $600 per each week thereafter.
$2,850 USD for the first month if you choose the Homestay option.
* All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
** Placement is confirmed with a 1 month deposit
What’s Included:
Project Fee includes;
- Letter needed for visa
- Airport pickup & drop off
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- Worksite assignment
- Transportation to/from official projects and events
- Certificate of Completion
If you wish to stay with the host family, food is included but will cost an additional $300 per month.
What’s not included:
- Airfare to Ghana
- Transportation to and from your regular assigned worksite (public transportation is very affordable)
- Visa/Passport fees
- Immunizations fees (Yellow Fever is required prior to visa issuance)
- Malaria Prophylaxis (Not required but recommended)
- Health Insurance
- University courses
- Weekend Entertainment
Premium Support Upgrade
We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.
We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.
Note: Map coordinates are approximate
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