We are very sad to say that due to the ongoing Covid 19 crisis, we will not be able to do a service trip this year. We are hoping for a spring 2021 trip to Ghana and will keep this page updated. Anyone who is interested in participating in a future service trip should fill out a volunteer application and we will be sure to notify you when we set dates! The safety of our volunteers must be the first priority.
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Who can Volunteer?
The A.S.A.P. team believes that anyone with a desire to help those less fortunate should have the opportunity to do so. There is a special need for doctors, NP's, PA's, nurses, dentists/dental hygienists, and other healthcare professionals to provide the needed skills and care required for the operation of mobile healthcare clinic. However, the Community Development (school/community program) does not require any special skills or training. There are many varied tasks performed with both projects that require only the willingness to work hard and the desire to help others. It is also a wonderful learning and experiential opportunity for students. We have had students who were able to earn college credits for their work with us. Volunteers under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a parent.
Volunteer applicants need to be aware that there are inherent risks whenever traveling to a developing country. Participants will be exposed to extreme heat, dusty conditions, tropical diseases, unreliable or non-existent electricity, lack of running water, etc. Consult your physician before applying for the trip. All volunteers are required to obtain the needed vaccinations before departure and are encouraged to consult with a travel clinic regarding specific risks and precautions that are recommended.
Volunteer applicants need to be aware that there are inherent risks whenever traveling to a developing country. Participants will be exposed to extreme heat, dusty conditions, tropical diseases, unreliable or non-existent electricity, lack of running water, etc. Consult your physician before applying for the trip. All volunteers are required to obtain the needed vaccinations before departure and are encouraged to consult with a travel clinic regarding specific risks and precautions that are recommended.
Cultural Immersion Activities
ASAP believes that meaningful change comes from positive human interactions that encourage a greater understanding and acceptance of human differences. In addition to our project work, trips include a variety of cultural activities intended to teach volunteers about the Ghanaian culture as well as sight-seeing activities. There will be many opportunities to interact with local people to allow for positive cultural exchanges. Activities may include attending a traditional wedding, a funeral or church services, touring a former slave trade castle and/or participating in a safari excursion.
Costs
Volunteers are responsible for all costs associated with their trip, including flight fees, project fees, accommodations, food, etc. Detailed information on costs will be given to each volunteer when they are accepted for the trip. Though flight fees can fluctuate greatly, we attempt to keep volunteer costs as low as possible. In general, you can expect the cost to range between $2300 and $3000.
These fees include: r/t flight, accommodations, food (except when on outings), hygienic drinking water, in-country transportation, use of cell phone while in country, project arrangements and money towards a portion of supplies, team t-shirts, pre and post departure briefings with the accompanying group leader, guidance of accompanying local people from our partner organization throughout the trip, interpreters, cultural/sightseeing activities, and travel insurance including emergency evacuation.
Items NOT included in price: Any needed immunizations and prophylactic medications, beverages other than water, any crafts or souvenirs to bring home, anything not listed above.
A $250 non-refundable deposit is due as soon as possible to hold a spot on the team.
Volunteers are able to fundraise for money to cover some or all costs for their trip if they choose and ASAP can make recommendations for fundraising ideas if you are accepted. When doing fundraising for your personal expenses you must make that clear to people donating so that they do not think they are contributing to ASAP programs. We will also participate in team fundraisers for project supplies and donations to our organization. Some or all costs of your trip may be tax deductible and you should check with your tax advisor regarding this. ASAP is a non-profit charity #47-1101284