Ghana

Ghana has the distinction of being the first country in the world to welcome the Peace Corps. The first group of 52 Volunteers arrived in Ghana on August 30, 1961. Since that time, more than 3,700 Volunteers have served here successfully. Ghana's stable government, commitment to democracy, and extensive efforts to reform its economy are the key factors that contribute to the Peace Corps' impact. Ghana's government promotes a number of education reforms and community development initiatives that the Peace Corps supports through programs in education, small enterprise development, environment, and health.

Education

Volunteers teach secondary school-level science, mathematics, information and computer technologies, and visual arts to more than 7,600 students and work closely with Ghanaian counterparts in the development of subject resource manuals. Many Volunteers are involved in secondary projects that include rehabilitating school libraries and establishing science and computer labs and classes. Some also help strengthen parent-school and school-community relationships of support.

Small Enterprise Development

Volunteers provide training in ecotourism, small business development, financial management, marketing, product quality, client servicing, standards, and credit availability for small entrepreneurs. They work with international and local nongovernmental agencies, local governments, and private sector associations in both urban and rural areas. Some Volunteers organize income-generating projects for people living with HIV/AIDS. Other Volunteers develop tourism destinations and products focused on the cultural and historical value of such activities as kente weaving and bead making.

Environment

Volunteers reduce environmental degradation through partnerships with governmental and nongovernmental agencies. Ghana faces persistent environmental issues such as deforestation, diminished soil fertility, erosion, and disappearance of naturally occurring bodies of water. They facilitate the planting and sale of seedlings, develop community environmental groups, and transfer management skills for natural resource-based income-generating projects.

Health

Volunteers promote behavior change to reduce water- and sanitation-related diseases and to create HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Through participatory community assessment, delivery of health talks, and training, Volunteers collaborate with community water and sanitation committees. Health projects focus on improving hygiene and nutrition, protecting water supplies, extending clinical services, working to eradicate Guinea worm disease, and educating communities about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Last updated Sep 28 2008