Hidde in Ghana

Participant

Hidde

Programme

Volunteering

Country

🇬🇭 Ghana

Duration

10 weeks

Short bio

I’ve finished secondary school and I’m now taking a gap year. I played football for a long time until I tore my cruciate ligament. To give something back to this wonderful sport, I decided to go to Ghana to coach. Best decision of my life. I’m already saving up to go back hahaha.

How satisfied were you with the support from Holland?

Just satisfied. I didn’t need a lot of support because I was already getting support in Ghana, and I also like figuring things out for myself. But whenever I had questions I could always ask, so all good

My story

“Best decision of my life. I’m already saving up to go back hahaha.”

Hidde · volunteering in Ghana

Before I went to Ghana, I tore my cruciate ligament and had no choice but to stop playing football. Because I got so much out of this sport growing up, I thought it would be great to go to Ghana and stay involved this way. Ghana was the perfect place for that. I had the time of my life. It’s very safe, and the people are open and very grateful for the work you do.

What I liked is that the work took place at different levels. I coached at Rising Stars, one of the big academies in Ghana that sends talented players to Europe every week. I also coached in communities, where younger children are given the chance to play sport. And even at primary schools, where children are introduced to sport and games for the first time. I also really enjoyed daily life. The food was tasty and the vibe was very relaxed (Ghanaians never stress about anything, something we Westerners could learn a lot from). All in all, an amazing time.

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

I’d absolutely go to Ghana. Especially if you love adventure, Ghana is perfect. There are loads of opportunities for different kinds of people, and there’s really plenty to do in Ghana. I spent a lot of time with Ghanaian locals, but there are also plenty of other volunteers. The country is also very beautiful. Lots of beautiful beaches, and in the northern part lots of beautiful parks, waterfalls and animals to see