Description and Impact

So much of West Africa’s cultural roots and identification can be found in the traditional drumming and dancing.  It is more than just a form of expression; it tells stories and preserves their history. It is important to pass these traditions and cultural character on to generations to come so the distinctive quality of these tribes and people are not lost.  This cultural group of at-risk youth has found a healthy form of expression, while displaying their pride in the heritage and history of their community.

What is the overall goal of the project? The overall goal of this project is to empower youth and highlight the importance of preserving traditional customs.  They have also spent the last two years building a school in their free time in the impoverished village of Besease.  This school opened in 2010 and is visited quite frequently by members of the group; bring supplies for learning or teaching workshops for the children.  For the first time since this group was founded in 2008; they will be invited to the United States for two and a half months to perform.  This is an extremely exciting opportunity for the members of this group and their community.  Past volunteers have worked with group members teaching them English and explaining the cultural differences between the two countries. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Homestay with a carefully-screened Ghana family
• Daily meals (you will receive three meals a day)
• Project funding and support
• Onsite transportation, airport pickup and a stipend for return travel
• Health and travel insurance
• Cultural and adventure excursions
• 24-hour support from ProWorld Ghana staff
• Access to Casa ProWorld Ghana – unlimited bottled water, wireless internet, telephone access

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare, Visa, luggage fees and Airport Tax (if applicable).  
• Visa information:  A tourist visa needs to be pre-arranged with the Ghana embassy, good for three months. The Ghana onsite team can help facilitate visa extensions up to six months.  (Ghana embassy: http://www.ghanaembassy.org/index.php?page=visas)