Featured Articles Style 2
Featured Articles Style 2
Featured Articles Style 2
Ghana
The Glory of Ghana
Your Globe Aware program is based in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region and ancestral home of the Ewe people. Known as the Oxygen City for its peaceful environment, Ho blends small-town warmth with modern conveniences. Nearby, you’ll find the Wli Waterfalls, Adaklu and Gemi Mountains, Tafi Monkey Sanctuary, and vibrant traditional villages.
Ghana thrives on its rich culture, natural beauty, and resources like gold, cocoa, and oil. Despite economic challenges, it continues to grow through innovation and tourism. The Volta Region captures Ghana’s essence, lush landscapes, welcoming communities, and enduring cultural traditions of storytelling, weaving, drumming, and dance.
Globe Aware works directly with a grassroots NGO dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable Ghanaians, which also collaborates with local schools and communities. Their programs focus on education, women’s health, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and community-driven development, all strengthened through cultural exchange.
Most of your time will be spent in smaller rural communities around Ho, where a variety of projects are implemented. While the Volta Region’s natural beauty and cultural richness are captivating, local communities still face challenges such as limited access to clean water, inadequate educational infrastructure, unpaved roads, and low digital literacy. Despite these challenges, Ghanaians are known for their hospitality and optimism.
As a common saying in West Africa goes, “If an award were given for the friendliest people in West Africa, Ghana would be a strong contender.” This region offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute while immersing yourself in authentic Ghanaian culture and warmth.
Work Project
Volunteers collaborate with community-designed initiatives, gaining hands-on experience while supporting local development. Projects may include:
Traditional Crafts with Children
Work alongside children to create art from recycled glass, cane, calabash, clay, and fabric. Learn bead-making, Kente weaving, basket weaving, and pottery, while supporting young artisans in developing skills that sustain their livelihoods.
Cultural and Musical Immersion
Join local children and youth for drumming, dancing, and drum-making sessions that celebrate Ghana’s Ewe heritage. This cultural exchange fosters connection, laughter, and a deeper appreciation for traditional performing arts.
Culinary Adventures
Cook and share meals with local families, learning to prepare Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice, fufu, and groundnut soup. These sessions offer a warm and interactive way to experience community life and cultural storytelling.
Menstrual Hygiene Education
Help educate girls in rural schools about menstrual health, breaking stigmas, and promoting dignity. Volunteers create safe spaces for open conversations, empowering girls to stay in school and build confidence.
Fishing, Fish Smoking, and Sustainable Livelihoods in Tsatoe
Assist local fisherfolk with traditional fishing methods, net mending, and discussions on sustainable practices. This hands-on experience provides insight into rural livelihoods and environmental conservation.
Projects vary depending on volunteer numbers, local priorities, weather, and available materials. Final assignments are confirmed one week before arrival and may be adjusted upon arrival. Volunteers’ contributions provide meaningful support while offering an authentic, immersive experience of Ghanaian culture.
Food and Lodging
Volunteers stay together in comfortable community-based homestays. Accommodations typically include running water, showers, flushing toilets, and access to electricity. Hot water is not guaranteed, though occasionally available.
In more rural communities, scoop showers may be used. If this poses a challenge, please inform the coordinators before your arrival.
Meals feature traditional and delicious Ghanaian dishes, such as Jollof rice, grilled fish, stews, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. For adventurous eaters, Banku and Fufu offer a truly local culinary experience. Bottled drinking water is always provided.
Leisure and Activities
Ghana offers a stunning mix of natural beauty, history, and culture.
In your free time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the region’s beauty and culture. Activities include:
- Visiting the largest waterfall in West Africa.
- Climbing the Adaklu Mountain
- Feeding the Mona Monkeys in their natural habitat.
- Exploring a Kente weaving village to learn about Ghana’s famous “cloth of kings.”
- Taking African drumming and dance lessons.
- Playing football with community members and local children.
- Enjoying the stunning view from Mountain Gemi.
- Going fishing or joining in local street celebrations.
History comes alive at sites such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, both powerful reminders of Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. In the capital, Accra, visitors can explore the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to Ghana’s first president, and Black Star Square, a national symbol of independence and pride. On the eastern coast, the Keta Lagoon and Fort Prinzenstein reveal the country’s ecological richness and colonial past, completing a journey through Ghana’s diverse and deeply moving heritage.
Arranging Your Airfare
Your adventure begins in Accra, Ghana’s capital. A Globe Aware coordinator will meet you at the Kotoka International Airport, Ghana’s main international gateway. The drive from Accra to Ho takes approximately three hours.
At the end of your volunteer week, you’ll be dropped off at the same airport. Please avoid booking return flights before 11:00 AM.
Safety and Security
Ghana is one of West Africa’s safest and most stable countries, having never experienced a war. Crime rates are very low outside major cities like Accra and Kumasi, and Ghanaians take pride in their peaceful legacy and welcoming spirit. Visitors from large or midsize cities may feel as safe or safer than at home while enjoying their time and volunteering, though standard safety precautions should always be observed. Ghana also has a proud history of supporting other African nations’ independence, reflecting its people's generosity and community spirit.
VERY IMPORTANT. A yellow fever vaccination and the accompanying yellow vaccination card signed by the office that provided the vaccine are required to enter almost all African nations.
This Is Raw Impact
This Is Raw Impact!
Why The Game Count Is SPECIAL!
"I can tell you that my daughter was blown away by the full-tour this year. The difference between visiting Victoria Falls and lounging at a resort for a week, then working at the school and being at the pan for the Game Count, is night and day. She expressed how she had seen "The Real Africa" on this version of the trip. The opportunity to spend two (very full) days at the school, to make friends with the children, and to do something to improve their lives, was extraordinary.
So, yes. This year was special. It was special because, again, I got to experience the "real" Africa. Up close. Personal, and sometimes in-your-face or behind the Land Rover. We had two very large male elephants sneak up behind us to see who and what we were. Have you been sniffed by a 6-ton male elephant? I can't believe how quiet they can be. We were merrily counting away, look over there, see that one coming from the west - when 'sniff, sniff WHAT?!' How did he get behind us? OMG! Once we noticed them, they ran away in terror, but what a rush to have them that close.
The trip was special. Thanks for the great adventure." - Jeff Burtner, Game-Count, 2026
Why The Game Count Is SPECIAL! Cont.
This was Jeff's third time returning for the Game-Count in Zimbabwe, and having his daughter Morgan by his side made it extra meaningful as they experienced the week together.
Before the official Hwange National Park Game Count kicked off, Jeff and Morgan rolled up their sleeves for some hands-on community development:
* School Upgrades: They helped assemble brand-new desks and chairs for local students and spent meaningful time connecting with the kids in their classrooms. They also took the time to help repair a faulty ceiling in the school.
* Sustainable Farming: They helped build a chicken farmhouse to support local livelihoods. The project, which even supplied the initial chickens and feed, is designed as a long-term initiative to help sustain the local school.
We are immensely grateful to Jeff for returning to share his dedication with both the wildlife of Hwange National Park and the vibrant communities nearby.
The Game-Count happens only once a year! And we already have info available on the 2027 program.
Moving Forward & Nepal Update
"We need beds."
After speaking with residents, that was the most urgent request our team received upon reaching the Uttargaya Betrawati relief camp, situated on high ground above the flooded Trishuli River in Nepal's Rasuwa District, where the August 26 floods destroyed everything in sight.
Our team listened. Despite destroyed roads, broken bridges, and severe weather during their journey, they purchased 80 new beds, providing two beds for each of the 38 displaced families, plus additional beds for camp staff.
Getting them to the camp was no small feat. Working hand-in-hand with locals and staff, our team carried every piece up by hand, navigating piles of mud and rock over 30 feet high. Before these beds arrived, families were sleeping on the cold, wet ground inside temporary tents.
Devastating flooding continues, and an approaching winter in the Nepali mountains is brutal. But our work doesn't stop here. Thanks to your donations, our next priority is gathering and distributing warm winter clothing to protect these families as the cold season approaches, and some additional games for the children.
We are deeply grateful to the residents who guided our team and welcomed us with open hearts along the way, including the relief camp caretaker, Astamal, and the artist who shared his story and home and assisted with the beds, Dhobhal.
Your generous donations made all of this possible. What better way to celebrate the season of giving than by ensuring these families are safe, warm, and feel at home? Best of all, when these families rebuild, they can take these beds with them to their new homes.
We'll continue to share moments our team experienced during their week of volunteering.
“The Nepal Flood Relief Expedition was an experience that touched me deeply and pushed me beyond my comfort zone. The journey was dangerous, emotional, and full of uncertainty. We witnessed devastating floods, landslides, roads washed away, and scenes that are difficult to forget. Our car even broke down, and there were moments when I felt the real risks of the journey. But something inside me kept saying that we had to reach the people who needed help. Finally, when we reached Betrawati Market, I felt that every challenge we had faced on the way had brought us closer to our purpose.
Meeting families living in temporary camps and seeing what they had been through made me reflect on life in a completely different way. I felt sadness, helplessness, gratitude, and a strong desire to do more. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget how much we already have. This journey reminded me that I may not be able to solve everyone's problems, but I can always make an effort to stand beside someone in their difficult moments. I went to Nepal with the spirit of helping others, but I returned with a stronger sense of humanity, a deeper appreciation for life, and the realisation that sometimes, we must step into uncertainty to do something that truly matters.” - Team Leader Rahul Gupta, Nepal Relief Camp Oct.-Sept. 2026
Learn About Our Kathmandu, Nepal Program
More Than Just A Treat: Cuba
Thanks to your support, Globe Aware Coordinator Jorge successfully distributed 47 full food bags to 40 families. Confirmed packages, plus extra standalone provisions to families in need. He identified those with particularly challenging circumstances; he supplemented the packages or provided two complete kits. All aid focused primarily on two areas: Old Havana and Central Havana.
What Was Inside Each Kit:
* 1 kg Rice
* 1 kg Black Beans
* 500 ml Vegetable Oil
* 500 g Spaghetti
* 1.7 lb Powdered Milk
* 3.7 lb Chicken Pieces
* Treats & Snacks (allocated based on the number of children in the household)
Extra Impact: To provide maximum support, almost every single kit had at least one item doubled up!
Your generosity ensures no family has to face these hard times alone. Together, we will continue showing up where the need is greatest.
Globe Aware Gives Local & Podcasts
You thought we only volunteer overseas!?
This past month at Globe Aware Gives Local, we gave truckloads of essentials to families in need in Terrell, Texas! We want to spread joy not just abroad, but in our backyards too!
Want to get involved locally too? Just email us at office@globeaware.com to learn more!
Podcast Selections For The Month
Don’t Let These Airport Scams Happen To You!
Travel is back in full swing, but so are the clever tactics used by scammers targeting unsuspecting tourists in airports around the world. In a recent episode of the Globe Aware Adventures in Service podcast, host and intern Pei dives into the hidden risks travelers face before even leaving the terminal.
Making Travel a Force for Good
Travel has an incredible power to shift our perspective. But when we transition from traditional tourism to intentional, community-led service, our journeys become much more than a vacation. They become catalysts for global connection.
In this inspiring episode of Speaking of Travel, host Marilyn Ball sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to explore how purposeful travel can change lives—both abroad and at home.
This Brings Us To Tears
This Brings Us To Tears
Update From Our Nepal Fundraiser
To all our wonderful donors: we knocked our $3,000 goal out of the park!
Thanks to your generosity, we raised nearly double our funding goal in just two weeks!
On August 26th, a sudden flash flood struck Nepal, triggered when tons of bedrock and glacial ice collapsed high in the mountains. A terrifying surge of fast-moving mud, ice, and boulders rushed down the Trishuli River corridor, rising to 9 meters in just 30 minutes.
The widespread destruction swept away or damaged thousands of homes, affecting over 84,000 people across six districts. More than 1,300 lives were tragically lost, thousands remain missing, and countless families were left without shelter, clean water, or livelihoods.
In response, our on-the-ground coordinator, Sahil, surveyed the hardest-hit areas along the river to assess the damage directly, speaking with residents.
Recognizing there were immediate needs, Globe Aware began working closely with Country Coordinator Rahul on how we could aid impacted communities. And now, thanks to your donations, he was able to mobilize a team with the mission of collecting and distributing those supplies through a temporary relief camp.
This past week, the crew set out to support flood-affected families with emergency ration distributions. However, due to heavy ongoing rains, they had to spend a few days in Kathmandu, gathering supplies and waiting for clear skies. After a few days' delay, they reached the flood zone in Trishuli; they were able to collaborate with other relief organizations to assess community needs.
Flood Relief Camp (Nepal Update Cont.)
We look forward to sharing full photos and videos from the site! However, to allow our team time to navigate limited internet connectivity, dangerous roads, and be able to rest, we are waiting on the final reports and media!
In the meantime, you may have caught some real-time updates and photos already posted across our social media platforms!
The team put together by Rahul:
- Rahul Gupta – Globe Aware Team Leader
- Dr. Deepanshu Dewani – MBBS, Doctor & General Practitioner
- Gaurav Verma – Event Director & Social Activist
- Naresh Asim – Social Activist & Nepal Team Member
- Yuba Raj – Globe Aware Program Coordinator
The goals of this relief camp initiative center on identifying and supporting vulnerable families and delivering the essentials they need. Additionally, the initiative aims to supply basic clothing and footwear to those in need.
Your contributions made this immediate, emergency outreach possible!
If you would also like to help bolster Nepal's economy and tourism industry, a vital source of jobs and support for local businesses, explore our volunteer program!
A Surprise in Thailand!
New Uniforms for Chiang Mai!
Longtime Globe Aware volunteer Don Germaise has been supporting our Chiang Mai project for years, giving his time and raising funds for the more than 200 children living at the home, many of whom are survivors of human trafficking or fleeing conflict in neighboring Myanmar.
During his visit this year, Don accompanied the children to a local soccer tournament and noticed something heartbreaking: they were the only team without matching uniforms, and they had no spectator section to cheer them on.
While Don typically funds essential infrastructure, like a water filtration system and a clothes dryer, his family decided to offer a more personal gift this year. The family sponsored brand-new soccer uniforms for all the young players, which were officially presented during a celebration!
It Takes Two To Kenya!
This past month, volunteers Kevin and Andrea were pouring their hearts into hands-on service in Kenya. Their days were filled with baking fresh bread for locals, teaching and encouraging young students in the classroom, and even introducing them to Spanish!
Their primary project was constructing a home for a local family. They had been forced to vacate their residence and were staying at a church. This new structure will serve a vital purpose: providing a safe, transitional shelter as families secure permanent housing. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers like Kevin and Andrea, families now have a secure, warm roof over their heads as they rebuild.
At the end of the incredible week, Kevin and Andrea had one more unforgettable moment: they officially announced they were expecting a baby!
That’s a first for us at Globe Aware, volunteers announcing a life change at a program location! We wish both Kevin and Andrea a big congratulations!
Fall Travel Listens
We’ve got three podcast episodes for you to check out!
Podcast 1: What NOT to Pack (And Surprising Must-Haves) for Your Volunteer Vacation
Are you preparing for an upcoming international trip or a volunteer service vacation? Packing for a journey abroad can feel overwhelming-it’s easy to load up on “just in case” items or forget the essential tools that make travel smoother. This Globe Aware episode dives into practical tips to help you pack smarter.
Podcast 2: Airport tips that WILL surprise you!
Navigating airports can make or break your travel experience! In this exciting episode of the Globe Aware Adventures in Service podcast, host Pei Zhong shares unexpected airport hacks designed to save you time and hassle, whether you are flying solo or embarking on a volunteer vacation.
Podcast 3:
Looking to make a real difference in the world without quitting your day job?
In this episode of the “crazywheelz” podcast, host Ben sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman. If you’re hesitant to leap, Kimberly’s primary advice is simple: “Do not be led by fear.” Learn more about Globe Aware’s program structures, volunteer vacations, destinations, and cultural guides!
Q: What is the cancelation/refund policy?
A: In order to reserve a spot on a Globe Aware adventure, you will need to send a 50% deposit with your completed application. Your entire balance is due 70 days prior to the start date of the adventure of your choice. We accept most major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard), money order and personal check.
Refund/Cancellation/Transfer Policy
Take care in choosing your program location and dates. If your plans change, you can cancel. You will get a 100% refund, less a non refundable $500 of the deposit, if you cancel at least 70 days prior to the program's start date. After 70 days, it costs us to replace you because we have sent advances from your contributions to the community. You may elect to apply 100% of the deposit to another program if you transfer to another program within twelve months of the original program start date (no handling penalty or fee will be assessed), if we have not yet sent funds for field costs. If you would like to transfer a second time, there is an additional $150 change fee in addition to any difference in the minimum contribution fee. Other than this, the deposit is never refundable, unless Globe Aware has to cancel a program. In the rare and unlikely event that Globe Aware has to cancel a program, you will receive a 100% refund, including your deposit.
If you cancel 31 to 69 days prior to the program start date, you will receive a 60% refund of the balance of the minimum contribution fee. If you reschedule you receive no refund however, you will have one year from the original program date to apply the funds to another program. Again the deposit is not refundable.
If you cancel less than 30-7 days from the program start date, you will receive a 25% refund of the balance of the minimum contribution fee. Again the deposit is not refundable.
If you cancel less than 7 days from the program start date, you will receive no refund of the minimum contribution fee. By this time the money has been implemented into specific project for the program. Again the deposit is not refundable.
Q: How do I pay?
A: In order to reserve a spot on a Globe Aware adventure, you will need to send a 50% deposit with your completed application. Your entire balance is due 70 days prior to the start date of the adventure of your choice. We accept most major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard), money order and personal check.
Refund/Cancellation/Transfer Policy
Take care in choosing your program location and dates. If your plans change, you can cancel. You will get a 100% refund, less a non refundable $500 of the deposit, if you cancel at least 70 days prior to the program's start date. After 70 days, it costs us to replace you because we have sent advances from your contributions to the community. You may elect to apply 100% of the deposit to another program if you transfer to another program within twelve months of the original program start date (no handling penalty or fee will be assessed), if we have not yet sent funds for field costs. If you would like to transfer a second time, there is an additional $150 change fee in addition to any difference in the minimum contribution fee. Other than this, the deposit is never refundable, unless Globe Aware has to cancel a program. In the rare and unlikely event that Globe Aware has to cancel a program, you will receive a 100% refund, including your deposit.
If you cancel 31 to 69 days prior to the program start date, you will receive a 60% refund of the balance of the minimum contribution fee. If you reschedule you receive no refund however, you will have one year from the original program date to apply the funds to another program. Again the deposit is not refundable.
If you cancel less than 30-7 days from the program start date, you will receive a 25% refund of the balance of the minimum contribution fee. Again the deposit is not refundable.
If you cancel less than 7 days from the program start date, you will receive no refund of the minimum contribution fee. By this time the money has been implemented into specific project for the program. Again the deposit is not refundable.
Q: What is provided?
A: The minimum contribution fee for your program covers the cost of your meals, accommodation, on-site travel (but not airfare), emergency medical evacuation, medical insurance, donations to the various community projects, your orientation package, volunteer coordination, program development, country manager expenses, community team recruitment, logistical support and project consultants.
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