`Developing children & youth with arts`

™

JUNIOR ART CLUB

WELCOME PACK

JUNIOR ART CLUB®

P.O.BOX GP 1301

ACCRA,GHANA

Mobile +233 244237388, +233 276774743

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VOLUNTEERING ABROAD – THE JUNIOR ART CLUB EXPERIENCE

The Junior Art Club having experienced working with international volunteers from abroad for the past seventeen(17) years have found it prudent to agree with other volunteering organizations regarding guidelines to volunteering internationally because our experiences and expectations from volunteers have been the same despite the differences in community and programs. We have therefore couched the following guidelines from other sources but based on our practical experiences.

So why should you consider volunteering abroad? There are countless reasons why thousands of people volunteer abroad each year. You may start with a desire to travel, learn a new language, or meet new people. By volunteering, you'll also have the opportunity to lend a hand to people who are working to improve life in their communities. Through your daily work and interactions with members of a local community, you'll gain a better understanding of the culture, as well as the issues that affect that part of the world. You'll also learn a lot about yourself, as you take on the challenge of living and working in a completely new environment.

But can you really make a difference? According to the authors of "Alternatives to the Peace Corps" (Food First Books), "While a volunteer may wish to feed the hungry, heal the sick or house the homeless, these social and political problems are often more complex than they may seem? Thus the volunteer's most appropriate role is that of a student. Working abroad can better your understanding of the world and the forces that keep people impoverished, and enhance your appreciation of the richness of other cultures? For many, volunteer experiences mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment to ending poverty and hunger."

International volunteers who were interviewed for the forthcoming publication "How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas" had this to say about the things they learned and gained from volunteering abroad:

"I think it's given me a greater opportunity to define who I am, to expand the way I view things, to see the world through other people's eyes, to incorporate my experiences into the way I live, think, and feel." --Marlene Larocque, volunteer in Ecuador

"Volunteering gave me a new perspective on my own cultural values and assumptions. It made me more thoughtful about which ones I truly want to adopt." --Tracy Hessel, volunteer with Amigos de las Americas

"I spent the last year working for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as an International Program Analyst. I got this job because of my overseas experience, including working in a health setting with under-served populations, knowledge of a foreign language, as well as a demonstrated leadership ability and maturity." --Brenda Pierce, volunteer in Costa Rica

According to the book's authors, "Volunteering abroad can be one of the most educational, inspiring and exciting things you do in your life. Despite all the challenges, most volunteers we spoke with said that, given the opportunity, they would do it again. Living and working in another culture while donating your time and energy to a worthwhile cause has great rewards and may enrich your life long after you return home."

Overcoming Obstacles

There are many reasons people don't consider volunteering abroad as an option. Some of these include:

  • Money -- can't afford it
  • Language -- don't speak a foreign one
  • Skills -- don't have specific skills to offer abroad
  • Solo travel -- never done it
  • Homesickness -- sure to get it
  • Health -- can't risk it

Most of these 'obstacles' can be overcome if your desire is strong enough. There are so many different types of international volunteer opportunities that you'll be surprised to find there may be a program that seems tailor-made for you.

Why should I pay to volunteer abroad?

This is a commonly asked (but easily answered) question. Most of the programs that offer international volunteer opportunities charge volunteers a fee in order to cover their year-round coordinating and operational costs. Many of them also need to raise funds to contribute materials and other resources to the overseas project. A host community generally will not have extra resources to house and feed you, and if they had the money to pay you a stipend, they would probably hire a local person instead -- someone who speaks the language, understands the community and culture, and is more inclined to stick around.

That said we have also acknowledged the fact that most volunteers we have received have been graduates or final years and so we developed a scheme where you can apply to possible funding sources in your home country and we will back you up with all documentations with regards to the project for which you will be involved. Some have been able to raise funds to cover airfare, placement fees etc.

Other individuals just raise their own funds for the trip.

We can start with a look at projects scheduled for this year and beyond that tallies with your dates and also your expertise and skills in the activities during the period. We have:

Art Exhibition Theme: Recycling Communication for Global Wellness

An exhibition of art works by JAC members using recycling methodology to educate, innovate and inform the public’

  • Radio Drama series with Radio Ada and Hobge. January – December, all year round.

A JAC radio theatre initiative to have JAC members write and produce for radio starting with a series of radio drama with themes on socio-cultural and economic development. 10 episodes are ready.

July- November

Excursions

Each year we plan a day workshop trip to a chosen destination to have an arts experience. Usually involves selected school community.

  • Theatre Spectacular competitions launched with prizes for competitions announced
  • Auditions & rehearsals for Theatre Spectacular begins

Theatre Spectacular is an event following up on several others. It’s an annual program to depict the performing arts aspect of the JAC project. Auditions will begin on a scheduled date. You can for example also train a bailey group to perform during the Art exhibition and during the Theatre Spectacular performance date.

For all these projects, we can work on a full project proposal with an introductory letter for funding. All you do is select one of these projects or initiate one based on your expertice, identify possible funding sources, you do a submission of request for funding and we follow up.

Accommodation & Food

The prices quoted are estimated for housing and food. JAC is currently working on having a centre with volunteer hostels. But for now, volunteers pay for own accommodation and we search for the best of your preference which of course varies in terms of cost.

Health

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia has a hotline for international travellers where you can obtain country-specific health advisories and advice: (888) 232-3228 There is a website (www.cdc.gov) and autofax service (888) 232-3299.

Also check with your doctor for recommended innoculations and medications that you'll need while travelling.

Travel

Discount airfares are available for students, teachers, groups, and those under 25 years of age through Council Travel and Student Travel Association (STA Travel). These agencies offer full service travel assistance for all ages, including information on in-country transportation and lodging options. STA

Council Travel

You can also search for discount fares online. Start at the meta-site which also has links to the websites of most of the major airlines.

  • But first, take the time to reflect upon your own motivations for volunteering abroad:
  • Why do you want to become an international volunteer?
  • What people, events, and experiences have led to your interest in volunteering abroad?
  • What do you hope to get out of the experience?
  • What do you hope to contribute?
  • How do you see international volunteering affecting your life?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?

While there is not just one 'right' reason to volunteer abroad, it is important to realize that different motivations can lead to different types of service. We caution against wanting to 'solve other people's problems' or 'fix things', as too often this attitude has had negative effects on communities and has disempowered local people.

Other factors to consider in choosing a program

Duration & Time of Year

How long do you hope to be abroad for? JAC projects run throughout the year. We allow the volunteer to determine his or her own start and end dates. Averagely, volunteers spend between 2 weeks to 3 months. Others have continued to volunteer long after they have gone. Some have come back often to do some specific project with JAC etc. In longer-term programs, volunteers live and work side by side with the local people, virtually becoming a part of the local community and its rhythms of daily life

Type of Volunteer Organization JAC is

Find out if the program you are considering volunteering abroad with JAC is NOT a government agency, a for-profit tourist agency, nor a religious organization, but a non-profit or non-governmental organization (NGO) that offers services and designed products to the public in order to generate funds for its activities in developing children and youth with the arts.

Skills

Whilst, JAC do not necessarily require volunteers to have special skills before coming to volunteer, JAC do encourage skilled volunteers in the arts for its programs and services. The key requirements remain commitment, creativity, dedication & enthusiasm.

JAC however provides skill-learning opportunities to its volunteers in the area of the arts that interests them. This usually involves workshops with local artists in any either painting, tapestry, batik/ tie & dye, photography, drumming, African dance & music, carving/sculpture, puppetry etc

Language

JAC teaching programs are all in English and Italian if you want to volunteer with JAC Italy. Three French-speaking countries border Ghana and so we encourage the learning of French as part of our teaching programs. It is also possible for long staying volunteers to learn some of the popular local languages to the point of basically conversing.

Other Considerations

Would you prefer working in a rural or urban environment?

Do you like the idea of travelling and volunteering independently or with a group?

right for you!

Role of the International Volunteer

"We are not primarily concerned about constructing schools or medical clinics, teaching English to children or adults, creating jobs or improving health care. We are concerned about empowering people, increasing their capacity to do that which they have determined is important for their future. It is in this context that volunteers become a valuable resource for the communities served."
Burnham J. Philbrook, Global Volunteers

Local people are the experts. Hopefully they have identified the needs within their own community and the appropriate roles that outsiders can play in addressing those needs. The most effective international volunteers learn to work in solidarity with the members of the host community, helping them carry out their objectives, offering advice when asked, and encouraging them in their work. The community can benefit from your skills, labor, education, financial and material contributions, and your continued support once you return home. But one of the most important roles you'll play is that of a motivator, just by having come from so far away to lend a hand.

The international volunteer can be a positive presence in a community, a source of inspiration and empowerment. But the outsider's role can also be disruptive and burdensome. There have been countless examples of outsiders who impose their cultural norms, force their own agenda, and initiate projects without the participation of the local community. The results can range from inappropriate to disruptive or destructive, and the local people are left to put the pieces back together long after the well-intentioned visitor has left.

Before signing up for a project abroad, research how the volunteer project was initiated, and find out from returned volunteers how they interacted with the host community. Once you're there working in the community, take stock of your actions and contributions. Is the help and advice you're offering appropriate and respectful of the local people and culture? Is it inclusive and empowering? Who will continue the work when you're gone?

It is important for the volunteer to work side-by-side with and learn from the local people, to exchange ideas, and to build bridges of mutual respect and understanding.

Preparing to Go

(Adapted from "The Peace Corps and More" by Medea Benjamin and Miya Rodolfo-Sioson, Global Exchange)

Passports & Visas

You must have a passport for travelling abroad. If you already have one, be sure it is not expired! In addition to a passport, you may need a visa. Visa requirements vary from country to country. First find out from the volunteer-sending organization whether you'll need a travel visa, a tourist visa, or both. Then contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to volunteer in to find out about visa requirements and special travel restrictions. Photocopy all-important documents and keep them in a hidden place separate from the originals! Leave another copy at home with someone you can easily get in contact with while you're abroad.

Physicals, Prescriptions & Vaccinations

Most programs will advise you on the types of vaccinations you’ll need (if any) while abroad. Be sure to ask your doctor as well.

Insurance

It's important to have health and accident insurance while you are abroad, as well as coverage for emergency evacuation. Find out if your current insurance plan will apply while you're abroad, or whether the program that you are volunteering through offers insurance coverage.

Air Fare

Air fares vary greatly depending on when you're flying and where you buy your ticket. You can find bargain fares listed in the travel sections of major newspapers, as well as on the internet. is a good place to start. Before buying a bargain fare, find out how flexible it is -- what would it cost you to change the return date if you decide to stay longer overseas?

Money

Traveller’s checks are the safest way to carry your money, and are accepted in most places. They are a 'protected' form of cash, which you can obtain from your local bank. Some poorer countries will not accept traveller’s checks, so check with the country's embassy or consulate before you go. (Ghana accepts traveller’s check though the rates vary). The same is true for credit cards. Keep your money and documents safe, by carrying them in a money belt around your waist, inside your shirt.

Packing

Two words: Pack Light! Most airlines permit each traveller two bags, weighing less than 70 pounds each, but unless you're carrying supplies for your overseas project, you won't want to carry this much luggage around! Don't bring clothes or other items of great sentimental or material value. Bring clothes (light) that you might be willing to leave behind or give to a needy person. Be prepared to wear the same thing often throughout your trip, and to wash your clothes by hand. You will also be able buy loads of locally made clothes and textiles, which are really easy and inexpensive to have tailored. A traveller’s backpack is much more comfortable and convenient than a suitcase -- unless your suitcase is compact and has wheels. Example of a parking list: don’t forget to bring photos, recipes, and other mementos from home as the people you meet will be curious about your home life. Bring along a journal or notebook so that you'll be able to reflect upon and write about your experiences. Camera, mobile phone-just the handset because you can buy a local chip from a service provider here, CDs, MP3, DVDs –music and movies whatever you like travelling with.

Preparing Yourself Mentally

Expect the Unexpected! Prepare yourself to be tolerant of uncomfortable bus trips and food you cannot recognize. You might encounter people with different concepts about time and personal space. Be ready to learn about and observe differences without being judgmental. The differences you observe while abroad will undoubtedly enrich your understanding of your own culture. Before you go abroad, try to learn as much as possible about local customs, beliefs, and language. Talk to others who have been to your destination and seek opportunities to see movies and read up on the country and culture. People you meet while abroad will often be very curious about life in your home country. Some may ask you about your country's foreign policies. Get in the habit of reading newspapers and news magazines long before you travel abroad, so you'll be informed on current affairs in your home country as well as abroad. You may also find it helpful to educate your friends and family about where you'll be going and what it is you'll be doing, so that they can be advocates for your work abroad. Having a strong support system will also help you get through the challenges of living in an unfamiliar environment far from home.