Living Conditions
A Life-Changing Experience
Volunteering in Ghana is a transformative journey—one that opens your eyes to new cultures, values, and ways of life. At Future Stars, our volunteers become part of the Buduburam community, supporting projects that empower children and youth through education, health, and personal development.
Whether you’re young or old, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while learning about the power of resilience, community, and resourcefulness.
The Rewards
- Immerse Yourself in Community Life: Live in a culture where family and community come first.
- Make a Real Difference: Even the smallest contribution can have a lasting impact.
- Learn Through Service: See how much can be achieved with creativity and limited resources.
- Personal Growth: Develop new routines, life skills, and a deeper sense of global awareness.
- Lasting Connections: Build friendships that may last a lifetime, both with fellow volunteers and locals.
The Challenges
While rewarding, volunteering in Ghana can also present challenges, especially for those unfamiliar with life in a developing country. As a Future Stars volunteer, you may need to:
- Adapt to a Slower Pace: Life in Ghana often moves at a different rhythm—patience is key.
- Navigate Unpredictable Transport: Public transport can be unreliable or unfamiliar at first.
- Communicate Across Cultures: Language or communication styles may differ, requiring openness and understanding.
- Adjust to Local Conditions: Daily living may be simpler than what you’re used to, with limited access to some conveniences.
The Outcome
Overcoming these challenges brings incredible rewards. You’ll not only contribute to impactful community work but also leave with:
- A deep appreciation for another culture
- A broader worldview
- A renewed sense of purpose and compassion
Volunteering with Future Stars is not just a trip—it’s a journey of growth, connection, and contribution.
Your Home in Ghana
During your time in Ghana, volunteers will be hosted by Shadrack, the founder and director of Future Stars. Accommodation is provided at the Future Stars Child Care Centre in Ahentia, where volunteers will live in a secure and supportive environment alongside Shadrack’s family and children.
The volunteer housing is designed to offer comfort, safety, and cultural immersion:
- Separate Rooms by Gender: Male and female volunteers are housed separately.
- Couples Welcome: Couples volunteering together will be accommodated in shared rooms.
- Group Accommodation: For groups of four or more working on the same or nearby projects, shared group rooms are available—each volunteer will have their own bed.
Our goal is to make you feel at home while giving you the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the local community and fellow volunteers.
Authentic, Home-Cooked Meals
Volunteers will be provided with two to three meals daily—typically breakfast and dinner, with lunch offered when volunteers are at home in the afternoons. Meals are prepared by host families and reflect traditional Ghanaian cuisine, with occasional continental options.
- Meals include local dishes, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
- Special dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.
- Drinking water will be provided or available for purchase locally.
Please note:
Volunteers are responsible for the cost of any additional food, snacks, personal items, in-country transportation, excursions, or hotel stays outside of their volunteer placement.
Sample Weekly Menu
DAY | BREAKFAST | LUNCH (IF AT HOME) | DINNER |
|---|---|---|---|
Monday | Bread & tea | Rice & beans | Jollof rice & chicken |
Tuesday | Porridge & fruit | Fried yam & eggs | Banku & tilapia |
Wednesday | Pancakes & mango | Vegetable stew & rice | Fufu with groundnut soup |
Thursday | Eggs & toast | Gari fortor | Waakye (rice & beans mix) |
Friday | Oats & banana | Fried rice & vegetables | Kenkey with pepper sauce |
Saturday | Local porridge & bread | Plantain & bean stew | Light soup & rice balls |
Sunday | Eggs, bread & cocoa drink | Yam with kontomire stew | Volunteer group cook night* |
*Sundays may include a volunteer-led meal or cultural cooking session.
* Please note your menu may change while you are here.
Electricity & Power Access
In many Western countries, electricity is reliable and often taken for granted. In Ghana, however, the experience can be quite different. While most areas—including our volunteer accommodation in Ahentia—have electricity, power outages (locally called “lights out”) are common and can last for several hours or, in some cases, an entire day.
Though this may seem inconvenient at first, many volunteers find it to be a humbling and even eye-opening part of their experience. You may be surprised to discover how well you can adapt without constant access to electricity.
Important Tips for Volunteers
To help you prepare, here are a few essential recommendations:
- Bring Plug Adaptors: Ghana uses Type G plugs (UK-style, 3 rectangular pins). Make sure your adaptors are compatible with this socket type.
- Use a Surge Protector: Power can return suddenly after an outage, which may cause power surges. A good surge protector is important to avoid damage to your phone, laptop, chargers, and other devices.
- Carry a Power Bank: A reliable power bank is a must-have. It can keep your devices charged during outages. These are widely available online or in electronics stores.
- Avoid Over-Reliance on Electronics: While you’ll likely have access to charging points most days, we encourage you to embrace the opportunity to unplug—connect with the local community, read, write, or rest.
Our Impact
Children
children currently receiving educational support in our school
Families
Families reached through child labour awareness campaigns
Students
Students benefited from hygiene & health workshops
Volunteers
volunteers from around the world engaged