If you have any questions, you can reach your mentor at:
Phone +44 7758 484544 (09:00 to 17:00 UK time)
WhatsApp +44 7758 484544
mike@thepowerofsports.org
The Power of Sports team
Fill in your personal details
On this page you fill in your personal details. You can only do this after you have booked your flight. Click the green button to open the form. This Google Form lets you easily fill in all your details.
The information is automatically forwarded to our colleagues in Ghana. That way they are well prepared for your arrival and have important information such as your arrival time and date, medication, dietary requirements and emergency contact(s).
Make sure you fill in and send the form at least two months before departure. To be safe, also let your mentor know you have done so.
Fill in your personal details hereMy name is Emmanuel Nkrumah and I am the project coordinator for volunteers, the day care centre and the vocational training centre at the Live Now Foundation in Tinkong, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. In this role, I coordinate the activities of volunteers, oversee the day-to-day running of our day centre and support vocational training programmes that provide children, young people and adults with the practical skills they need to live independently.
I am passionate about community development, cooperation and creating opportunities that promote inclusion and personal growth. I believe sport, education and vocational skills can change lives and build stronger communities. My goal is to make sure our programmes are well organised, effective and tailored to the needs of the people we support. I also aim to create a positive and stimulating environment for both volunteers and programme participants.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the mission of the Live Now Foundation and The Power of Sports. I look forward to working with partners, volunteers and members of the community to build something that will last.
+44 7758 484544 UK
+506 8459 69 81 GH
WhatsApp +44 7758 484544
– Volunteer housing in ‘Teshie’, a small suburb of Accra. The Teshie accommodation is only 10 minutes’ drive from the beach. It is centrally located in relation to all the projects, so getting to them is fairly easy.
– The volunteer house in Tinkong, a village close to Koforidua. A nice house for eating, sleeping, free time and spending time together. There is a large kitchen diner and a living room with a big TV for watching football or films. The Live Now cook prepares the food here.
Overview
| Tinkong | ||
| All meals | Yes | |
| Free drinks | Yes (water) | |
| People per room | 2 to 4 | |
| Wifi | data on SIM | |
| Washing machine | Yes | |
| Bed linen | Yes (but bring your own sleeping bag liner and pillowcase) | |
| Door lock | Yes | |
| Shower | Yes | |
| Private room | No | |
| Cleaner | Yes | |
| Towels | No | |
| Mosquito net* | No | |
| Fan | Yes | |
| Air conditioning | No |
*Mosquito nets are not needed. Windows are covered with nets and rooms are sprayed periodically.
Airport pick-up & introduction in Ghana
Volunteers and interns of The Power of Sports can choose between two options after arriving in Accra:
- Pick-up by someone from our organisation to go straight to Tinkong.
- Pick-up by Victoria – our own airport pick-up & introduction service
If it’s your first time in Africa, it can be nice to acclimatise first. That’s why The Power of Sports offers a warm, safe and relaxed start with Victoria’s introduction day.
Who is Victoria?
Victoria Amoro lives with her family in Kaneshie, a lively district west of Accra.
She welcomes participants in a lockable guest room in her house and runs her own little shop, the Bongo Bar, on the street.
Victoria works with her regular taxi driver Christian and makes sure you feel welcome straight away. She arranges:
- breakfast, lunch and dinner
- a comfortable overnight stay
- support on your first day
What does your introduction day look like?
Most participants arrive in the evening. You then stay 2 nights and 1 full day with Victoria.
Day 1 – Practical matters & getting to know Accra
Victoria helps you with:
- buying a SIM card (MTN or Vodafone, depending on your project location)
- arranging your bus ticket to your final destination
- any banking matters
- a visit to the crafts market
- lunch at a nice spot, often on the beach (at your own expense)
In the evening Victoria cooks for you, and the next morning she takes you to the bus.
Cost
- 2 nights + all meals + pick-up + introduction day: €60
- You pay for lunch out and entrance fees yourself.
Practical tips
- The airport exit can be overwhelming: lots of people, lots of taxis. Stay calm, stand still and look around.
- Victoria will be holding a sign saying “The Power of Sports”.
- Can’t find each other straight away? Call or WhatsApp her (if necessary using your UK number). Trust us: it always works out.
- Download the offline map of Ghana in Maps.me beforehand (works without internet).
Contact details Victoria
Victoria Amoro
Dantu Street 10
Kaneshie, Accra
Tel / WhatsApp:
+233 24 426 6244
+233 55 967 0285
(Daughter Zeena: +233 50 200 3209)
– Copy of your passport
– Yellow fever vaccination certificate
– Passport photo
Insurance
Taking part in activities of The Power of Sports is at your own responsibility. Before and during the activity, everyone must have valid health and travel insurance covering medical costs, repatriation, accidents and liability. For activities abroad, an EHIC or GHIC is also required where applicable. Insurance details must be provided on registration; without them, participation may be refused or ended without a right to a refund, insofar as permitted by law.
The Power of Sports and its carefully selected partners are insured for their business operations, but medical costs and loss of or damage to personal belongings are always at your own expense, unless directly caused by a mistake by The Power of Sports or its partners. For full details see our terms and conditions.
To make sure you are properly insured, we recommend European Insurances. They know our programmes and can give you professional advice, including for trips outside Europe. Through their website you can easily request a call back and get tailored advice within 24 hours. Please check that the policy is available to UK residents; if not, choose a UK travel insurer that covers volunteering and sports activities abroad.
European InsurancesVoluntourism
There are a number of general vaccinations that are often recommended for travel to Ghana. It is always best to contact a healthcare professional, such as your GP or the GGD, for personalised advice based on your personal medical history and travel plans. Here are some commonly recommended vaccinations for Ghana:
Yellow fever: Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory.
Routine vaccinations: Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, such as those against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.
Click the link for our current Terms and conditions and code of conduct
The Power of Sports – Code of conduct
As a volunteer or intern with The Power of Sports, you help create a safe, respectful and positive environment for everyone involved in the project. This short code of conduct describes what is expected of you.
1. Respect and behaviour
- Treat all participants, colleagues, volunteers and interns with dignity and respect.
- Discrimination, intimidation, bullying, abuse or any form of inappropriate or transgressive behaviour will not be tolerated.
- Always contribute to a safe, inclusive and supportive environment, and outside project activities too, show respect for local culture, norms and customs by avoiding behaviour or expressions that could be experienced as offensive, disrespectful or inappropriate in the local context.
2. Professionalism and integrity
- Act honestly, responsibly and professionally.
- Do not misuse your position, information or project resources for personal gain.
- Follow the instructions and guidelines of project coordinators where necessary, when they relate to safety, cooperation or the reputation of the project.
- Offering or accepting inappropriate gifts or other unlawful benefits is prohibited.
3. Laws, rules and safeguarding
- Comply with all applicable local laws and project rules.
- Respect all safety, health and safeguarding regulations, including child protection policies where applicable.
- Respect the house rules of accommodation and partner organisations, follow coordinators’ instructions regarding safety, wellbeing and regulations, and be aware of your role as a representative of the project during your stay and activities.
4. Use of property and resources
- Handle project and partner property, facilities and materials with care.
- Use these resources only for legitimate project related purposes.
5. Communication and cooperation
- Work constructively and respectfully with fellow volunteers, interns, staff and partners.
- Communicate openly, honestly and professionally in all project related situations, both during and outside working hours when it concerns the project.
- Respect agreed schedules, working arrangements and responsibilities.
- Report concerns, incidents or suspected misconduct to your supervisor or project coordinator as soon as possible.
- Inform your supervisor in good time in case of illness, delay or absence, and always agree changes in planning or attendance in advance with the coordinator responsible.
- Take responsibility for your own wellbeing and consider the safety and wellbeing of others in the project environment.
6. Drugs / alcohol
- The possession, use, purchase or distribution of illegal drugs or narcotics is strictly prohibited for the entire period you stay with us.
- Breaking this rule leads to immediate termination of participation and may lead to removal from the project and/or accommodation.
- You are responsible for complying with local laws on drugs and alcohol, which in some countries may be stricter than in your own country.
7. Sexual contact and transgressive behaviour
- Sexual harassment and transgressive behaviour are not permitted.
- Sexual contact with minors is strictly prohibited and leads to immediate termination of participation and possible reporting to the authorities.
- Sexual contact between volunteers, interns, staff or others involved is discouraged in order to maintain professional boundaries.
8. Conflicts of interest
- Avoid situations in which personal interests could conflict with your role as a volunteer or intern.
- Report any actual or potential conflicts of interest to the project coordinator immediately.
9. Compliance
- Compliance with this code of conduct is a condition of participation as a volunteer or intern.
- In serious cases, non compliance may lead to immediate termination of participation without a right to a refund.
10. Use of photos and video
- Photos and videos taken during project activities are the property of The Power of Sports.
- Volunteers and interns may only use this footage for project related purposes and with the prior permission of the organisation.
- Sharing photos or videos on social media or other external platforms is only allowed with permission, always respecting the privacy and safety of participants and third parties.
What to bring
The list below is meant to help you choose and prepare your personal clothing and essentials for your trip abroad. The weather in Ghana is generally quite warm, but if you arrive in the winter months, the nights can feel cold. Life in Ghana is usually very relaxed, so you can leave your suit or ball gown at home; it’s an informal setting.
Recommended clothing
- Hat – to protect your head from the sun and prevent sunstroke. We recommend a wide brimmed hat rather than a cap, because a cap doesn’t protect the back of your neck.
- Shirts – always handy to bring a few. We strongly recommend bringing your own sports shirts and training tops for the programme.
- Shorts – it will be warm for most of your stay, so bring plenty of shorts.
- Socks – you’ll be doing lots of sport, so bring plenty of socks. Football socks are handy too if you join a local team.
- Swimwear – there are plenty of chances to swim, both in pools and in the sea, so swimwear is essential. You might even want to try surfing.
- Long trousers – lightweight cotton trousers are recommended, as it is hot, and they also protect you against insects in the evening. Bring a couple of pairs to wear in the evenings.
- T-shirts – bring plenty of T-shirts for everyday use.
- Underwear – cotton underwear is more hygienic than synthetic. Bring enough for a week.
- Special items – whistle / hockey stick (for hockey coaches), trainers / football boots.
Shoes
- Casual shoes – one pair is enough.
- Sandals/flip flops – a good quality pair with ankle straps is recommended for ventilation and comfort in warm climates.
- Trainers – bring a pair that can get dirty, as you’ll often be playing sport or working outside. There’s a good chance you’ll experience an African downpour that turns pitches into mud baths!
Rainwear
-
Waterproof jacket – lightweight, waterproof and breathable, always handy to have with you.
Other essentials
- Camera/phone – for capturing those essential Instagram moments.
- Personal first aid kit – often underestimated, but very important for minor injuries or ailments.
- Mosquito/insect repellent – a strong repellent is essential. We recommend a product with a high DEET content (50%).
- Sleeping bag – optional for travelling after the programme. Not needed during your stay with us.
- Sleeping bag liner and pillowcase – for Tinkong
- Sun cream and after sun – sun cream with a high protection factor (30+) is essential because of the strong sun and long periods outdoors.
- Sunglasses – very handy, as you’ll often be in bright sunlight.
- Torch – these days there’s often one on your phone, but always bring one, especially as the power sometimes goes off.
- Towels – bring at least two towels, and don’t forget a beach towel.
- Wash bag – with all the usual toiletries you need every day.
- Water bottles – make sure you always have at least two litres of water with you. Bottled water is available, but not always.
- Day backpack – a simple, easy to carry bag is strongly recommended.
- Power bank – for the times you’re without electricity.
The Power of Sports clothing
By taking part you receive this great The Power of Sports shirt from us. After you have filled in your personal details, we send you an email with your unique code. With that code you can order the ‘casual shirt’ for free.
To do this, go to our web shop, click on the casual shirt and enter your unique code. The shirt will be sent to you before you leave.
It’s also ideal to wear the shirt on your arrival day, so our colleagues abroad can easily spot you when you are picked up from the airport
Would you like to order extra shirts or other clothing? Of course you can! Feel free to have a look at the rest of our range. All clothing is high quality and delivered to your home before departure.
Worth knowing:
The full profit from the shirt goes straight to The Power of Sports Foundation. So you not only wear a great shirt, you also do your bit for our foundation!
For even less money you can also buy a small call bundle. You’ll have your own Ghanaian phone number, which you can use to call other Ghanaian numbers. In practice, though, you’ll do almost everything via WhatsApp, and so over the internet with your data bundle.
Some locations also have wifi. But as you can already do so much so easily with your own data, you probably won’t use it much.
Ghana, and especially the capital Accra, offers a wide range of activities and sights to enjoy in your free time. Here are some popular options:
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Visit historic sights: Ghana has a rich history and there are several historic sights to explore, such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle. These places give an insight into the country’s history of slavery and the struggle for independence.
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Explore local markets: visit markets such as Makola Market in Accra to experience a lively and colourful atmosphere. You’ll find local products, crafts, fabrics, jewellery and much more. Haggling is common, so be prepared for a fun and interactive shopping experience.
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Enjoy the beaches: Ghana has beautiful beaches along the coast, and Accra has some of the best. Labadi Beach is a popular choice, where you can relax on the sand, swim in the sea and enjoy local food and drinks in the nearby restaurants and bars.
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Get to know Ghanaian cuisine: taste delicious Ghanaian dishes during your stay. Try local specialities such as jollof rice, banku, fufu, grilled fish and kelewele (fried plantain). There are lots of restaurants and food stalls where you can taste authentic Ghanaian dishes.
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Explore art and culture: visit art galleries and cultural centres in Accra, such as the National Museum of Ghana, the Artists Alliance Gallery and the Nubuke Foundation. You can discover traditional and contemporary art, music and dance that reflect the diversity of Ghanaian culture.
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Take a trip to Kakum National Park: about three hours’ drive from Accra lies Kakum National Park. Here you can enjoy an adventurous walk across the rope bridges in the rainforest and observe wild animals and exotic plants.
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Experience the lively nightlife: Accra has vibrant nightlife with countless bars, clubs and music venues where you can enjoy live music, traditional dance and modern dance music such as hiplife and afrobeats.
These are just some of the many activities you can do in Ghana and Accra. The country offers a rich cultural experience and many ways to enjoy your free time. Don’t forget to enjoy the hospitality and friendliness of the local people during your stay too.
Ask James Dzandza for advice as well; he knows all the best spots, including places tourists rarely get to!
Confidential adviser
If something happens during your stay abroad that you would like to talk about with someone outside our organisation, you can contact one of our two confidential advisers. They are trained for this and offer an independent and confidential listening ear. Together you can discuss what happened and what support you might need.
Catherine (confidential adviser)
Tel: +31 6 27117466
Juliette (Confidential Advisor)
Tel: +31 6 37350327
Hi, I’m Juliette. I’m originally from Leiden and completed my bachelor’s in Psychology and master’s in Forensic Psychology in England. I now live in Holland again, although I’m often abroad.
My passion lies in contact with people: I love to listen and talk, and I think it’s important that everyone feels heard, understood and at ease. I believe an open and safe atmosphere is the basis for personal growth and development. That’s why I try to meet the person in front of me without judgement and explore together what they need to move forward.
Besides my interest in psychology, I get a lot of energy from travelling, discovering new cultures and meeting different people. These experiences have broadened my view and help me look at others with an open, curious and empathetic attitude. The combination of travel and psychology is why I’m keen to be a confidential adviser for The Power of Sports.
