Daan in Ghana

My story

For my studies I did a 10-week internship with the organisation Rising Star of Africa in Ghana. The first week took a lot of getting used to, everything was new and different. I arrived late in the evening, so I couldn’t see what the area looked like yet. I could only feel the bumps and potholes in the road during the drive to the house. Once I arrived I was well looked after by the people in the house. I went into my room and there were already 2 volunteers asleep. So I quietly put everything away and then went to sleep. The next day I saw Ghana in daylight for the first time, how special. Everything is different, but at the same time really beautiful to see. On the first day I did all the practical things, like getting money out and sorting a SIM card. In the first week I spent a lot of time with the RSA team, because they were staying in my house as they were playing matches in Accra. I also met the team and the coach I would be supporting and training during my internship. The first few training sessions felt a bit strange, but as time went on I built a better and better bond with the children. It’s so special what energy those children have during training, partly because I also knew how those kids lived. For me it was great to see the children come to training with a smile every day, and to see them being together. They could think about something other than their living situation for a while. Alongside coaching and working on my internship assignment, I met lots of new volunteers, went on fun trips and ate well.

As well as my amazing experience, I was also able to leave something lovely behind. I started a crowdfunding campaign and through it I was able to buy loads of new equipment for my team. I was also able to give them new kits. The appreciation you get back for that is super special and really remarkable. I’ll never forget it. After 10 weeks it was hard to leave. I’ll never forget the bond I had with them, and I’m still in touch every day with the coach and the Ghanaian people I met there.

In those 10 weeks I learnt and experienced a lot. It will always stay with me, and the plan is to go back again soon to see the people there once more.

What advice would you like to give future interns and volunteers?

If you’re going to Ghana as an intern, I’d advise you to make clear agreements about how you’ll carry out your school assignment, and so to get in touch properly with the supervisor there beforehand. I’d also advise you to apply for your visa in good time, because that can take a while.