PEACE CORPS GHANA

2013 Site Development Information for Communities

 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 2
MILESTONES IN PC GHANA HISTORY ................................................. 3
ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................... 4
PROGRAM MISSION AND GOALS ......................................................... 5
CROSS-SECTOR PROGRAMMING PRIORITIES ..................................... 6
HEALTH PROJECT................................................................................ 7
EDUCATION PROJECT .......................................................................... 9
AGRICULTURE PROJECT .................................................................... 11
SITE SELECTION CRITERIA................................................................. 13
PCV HOUSING STANDARDS ................................................................14
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PC, PCV, & PERSONS AT SITE .....16
REQUESTING A VOLUNTEER ........………………………………………………..21

Page 1
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

PEACE CORPS GHANA

2012

INTRODUCTION
Mike Koffman, Country Director/ Ghana

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to

promote world peace and friendship. That year, the first volunteers
arrived in Ghana and started a legacy of partnership in development that has lasted uninterrupted for 5
years. Since then, 5,000 Americans have served in Ghana. In 2012, nearly 200 Peace Corps volunteers
worked in a variety of development programs throughout all regions of Ghana.
Ghana is a democratic nation of 24 million people with a strong track record of good governance.
Impressive growth and record poverty reduction over the past twenty years have made Ghana an African
success story. However, Ghana still suffers from hunger that limits the potential of millions; from
unacceptably high poverty rates (especially in the north) that are linked to the chronic malnutrition of
millions; from widespread health threats that incapacitate and kill on a daily basis; and Ghana still
experiences annual teacher shortages, most notably of math and science teachers. As Ghana enjoys an
unprecedented sustained period of peace, democracy and economic stability, Peace Corps is well-
positioned to make significant contributions in the areas of health, agriculture and education in support of
Ghana’s achievement of middle-income status.
We work at the invitation of the Ghanaian government in the sectors of Health, Education and Agriculture.
Peace Corps has three goals:

To help the people of Ghana in meeting their needs for trained manpower, particularly in meeting the
basic needs of those living in the poorest areas;
To help promote a better understanding of the American people on the part of Ghanaians; served and
To help promote a better understanding of Ghanaians on the part of the American people.
I’d like to say “Medaase” to all of the organizations, communities and government agencies who contribute
to the success of Peace Corps volunteers working for the development of their host communities.

Michael Koffman
Country Director, Ghana

Page 2

MILESTONES IN PC GHANA HISTORY
1960’s
Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, President of
Ghana, requests the assistance of Peace
Corps and directs his Minister of Foreign
Affairs to sign the Peace Corps Program
Agreement between Ghana and the
United States of America on 19 July
1961.
50 Volunteers (PCVs), the very first in the
world, arrive in Ghana on 30 August
1961.
Peace Corps partners with the Ghana
Ministry of Education and the first PCVs
work as teachers.
PCVs are assigned to the Geological
Department and conduct geologic
surveys starting in 1963.
PCVs assist the Ghana national Sports
Council in 1968.
PCVs start to teach in Special Education
programs. Ghana becomes the first
African Country to have Special
Olympics.
The first deaf PCV teaches at the
Mampong School for the Deaf and
paves the way for non-deaf PCVs to
teach at deaf schools.
1970’s
PCV projects extend into several rural
development sectors: agriculture; health
and nutrition; and small business.
In-Country Pre-Service Training (PST) is
held at the University of Ghana, Legon in
1970.
PCV numbers reach a high of 415.
The first blind PCV is assigned to the
Akropong School for the Blind.
1980’s
PCVs work in Women in Development
(WID) projects, fish farming and forest
conservation.
PEACE CORPS GHANA
1990’s
Gender and Youth in Development
(GYD) initiative begins.
PC Ghana starts a Forestry Project and
PCVs establish conservation tree
nurseries in rural communities.
PC Ghana starts Small Enterprise
Development (SED) in 1990 and PCVs
work with tourism organizations,
agribusiness groups, and artisans.
Health and Water Sanitation Project
(HWS) starts in 1992 and PCVs work to
address water-borne diseases.
PC Ghana celebrates 35 years of
service.
2000’s
PC Ghana phases out its Forestry Project
and starts the Environment Project in
2000.
Peace Corps takes a leading role in the
Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS
relief (PEPFAR).
U.S. Presidents visit Ghana: President
Bush in 2008 and President Obama in
2009.
16 languages are taught during PST
including sign language.
PCVs help eradicate Guinea Worm in
Ghana.
2010’s
PC Ghana celebrates its Golden Jubilee
in 2011.
The new Agriculture Project starts in
2012.
Peace Corps takes a leading role in
Feed the Future and Food Security
initiatives.
5,000 RPCVs have served in Ghana.
Page 3
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

ADMINISTRATION
The core values of the PC Ghana is one of 25 PC Posts in Africa, and 76 PC Posts in the world.
Peace Corps distinguish Peace Corps’ main office is located in Washington D.C., which provides
it from other actors in oversight and technical, financial and operational support to all PC Posts
the international globally where over 8,000 PCVs currently work.
development arena:
Peace Corps has four offices in Ghana. The head office is located in the
Separation from foreign
policy Labone neighborhood of the capital city, Accra. There are two sub-
offices, one located in Kumasi and a second in Tamale and a full-time
Separation from training center in Kukuruntumi in the Eastern Region.
intelligence and political
organizations Peace Corps Staff
Wide global presence The staff of PC Ghana consists of approximately 50 employees, only
three of whom are Americans. In addition, two third-year volunteers
People-to-People
currently serve as PCV Leaders, and are located at the PC Sub-Offices.
Non-career agency—
continuous infusion of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs)
ideas and energy
Currently, Peace Corps has 185 Volunteers working in Ghana. They are
Reliance on host country U.S. citizens, of different ages and from diverse backgrounds, who
staff commit to serve for two years. The aim of a PCV is to build the capacity
of others and to share different ways of life. They live and work as
members of a community at the same economic level as the people they
serve.

PRESIDENT KENNEDY’S PROMISE:

―We will only send abroad Americans who are
wanted by the host country – who have a real job
to do – and who are qualified to do that job.
Programs will be developed with care, and after
full negotiation, in order to make sure that the
Peace Corps is wanted and will contribute to the
welfare of other people. Our Peace Corps is not
designed as an instrument of diplomacy or
propaganda or ideological conflict. It is designed
to permit our people to exercise more fully their
responsibilities in the great common cause of world
development.‖
John F. Kennedy
March 1, 1961

Page 4
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

PROGRAM MISSION AND GOALS

PEACE CORPS Education
GHANA’S As a result of PCVs working in the Education Project, Ghanaian youth will
PROGRAM have greater opportunities for personal and academic success. The goals
APPROACH of the project are:

Strategically engage Students in Junior High Schools, Senior High Schools, and Schools for the
in select program Deaf will improve academic performance as a result of improved access
areas which have to educational resources and exposure to learner-centered teaching
been specifically techniques in Science, Math, and Art. In addition, Ghanaian youth will
requested by the increase their engagement in community and non-formal educational
Government of opportunities which promote gender equity.
Ghana. We also
develop and
maintain a strong
Agriculture
base of core
partnerships. PCV activities in the Agriculture Project are designed to help communities
and farmer groups to improve agricultural practices in order to
We are currently in sustainably increase household incomes and food security. The goals of
the process of the project are:
revising and
updating all of our Community members will improve resource management to improve
Project Plans in farming practices, increase yields, diversify food products and conserve
accordance with a resources.
global drive to
“Focus in and Train Participating community members will increase the profitability and
Up.” sustainability of farm and forest business activities at different stages of
the value chain.
Our 2012 Education
Project Plan has been
Rural communities will start official, active and functional agricultural
vetted and approved
by our host country organizations, and existing organizations will become officially
partners. The Health recognized and follow their established by-laws.
and Agriculture
Project plans will be Health
reviewed and
approved by the end PCVs assist communities to improve their health and well being through
of 2013. the promotion of family reproductive health and disease prevention. The
goals of the Health Project are:

Individuals and organizations will adopt life skills for promoting healthy
behaviors and improve overall family nutrition.
Ghanaian communities and households will become healthier by
improving hygiene and reducing malarial transmission vectors.
Community members and groups/organizations will implement HIV/AIDS
mitigation strategies.

Page 5
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

CROSS-SECTOR PROGRAMMING PRIORITIES

PCVs across all sectors are encouraged to integrate the following programs PCV
into their host community activities. Volunteers thereby address Government COMMITTEES
of Ghana development priorities, and more fully engage under-served
populations.
Volunteers can
Gender and Youth Development (GYD) choose to participate
PCVs promote sex equality and youth empowerment in their projects by in a committee to
engaging women and youth in development activities. support national
coordination of
HIV/AIDS activities related to
PCVs contribute to the Ghana national response to HIV and AIDS by helping programming
community members adopt healthy behaviors and promote care activities for priorities or which
people living with HIV and AIDS. support the PCV
experience in Ghana.
The committees are:
Food Security Task
Force
GYD – Gender and
Youth Development
GhAP- Ghana AIDS
Awareness Project
ICT Think Tank
PCAV-Peace Corps
Volunteer Audio-
Visual Committee

Food Security Diversity Committee

PCVs work with farmers, communities, and businesses to provide access at all VAC- Volunteer
times to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet dietary needs for an Advisory Committee
active and healthy life.
SWAT- Standing with
Malaria Africa to Terminate
Volunteers lead projects in all 10 regions to promote behavior change and Malaria
adoption of behaviors to reduce the incidence of malaria.

Page 6
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Health Project
Advisory Committee HEALTH PROJECT
(PAC) Members:
The Health sector started in 1978 as a critical component of
Ghana Health Peace Corps Ghana’s “Basic Human Needs” initiative. Initially
Service the project provided child health care, diet and nutrition
education at Salvation Army clinics in the Ashanti and Eastern
Ministry of Health Regions.

District Health Partners in Health

Management Teams The primary partners for the Health Program are the
Ghana Education Government of Ghana and the Ghana Health Service. Peace
Service Corps also works with several other organizations to ensure
that volunteer efforts are collaborative and reflect the needs
Community Water and development priorities of Ghana. (Refer to the box for the
and Sanitation members of the Health PAC committee.)
Agency
Project Purpose and Goals
I-WASH District
Environment Health PCVs in the health sector assist communities by promoting
Offices family/reproductive health and disease prevention. Health
Volunteers and their Contact Persons focus on four major health
USAID/Ghana
issues:
Integrated Tamale PCV activities to improve water management and promote
Fruit Company
hygiene and sanitation center on the development of rural
Johns Hopkins water and sanitation committees. This is followed by the
University/Behavior construction of sanitation facilities and introducing house-hold
Change Support level technologies, and promoting behavior change through the
Project Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.

Ghana Water and To prevent Malaria and other infectious diseases, PCVs
Sanitation (WASH) encourage the use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs), and
Project collaborate with other partners on the distribution of ITNs.
They have also assisted with CDC (Center for Disease Control)
Coastal Resources sleep studies.
Center/University of
Rhode Island

Relief International
GWASH Program

Catholic Relief
Services

Page 7
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Volunteers promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention through Voluntary Counseling and
Testing (VCT) campaigns. These events are also opportunities to advocate the prevention of
Mother to Child Transmission (MCTP). PCVS also develop and implement anti-stigma programs.
They encourage care and support for people living with HIV (PLWH).
To improve nutrition, PCVs work with CHiP (Community Health Improvement Program) Zones and
local health promoters to encourage baby-weighing campaigns. They also implement PD-HEARTH
programs which depend on the identification of a woman who already practices preferred
behaviors, and organize a series of training events to transfer these behaviors to other women.

2012 Results

In 2012, PCVs effectively implemented activities related to the first goal, of helping individuals
and service providers initiate, develop and implement health education activities in order to
improve family health. PCVs worked with male and female service providers. They also worked
successfully with youth leaders for many of these activities.

PCVs engage
Individuals Service Providers in
18000 700 organizational
16000 600
development
14000 activities to
500 improve
12000
10000 400 management
8000 300
of community
6000 health, water
200 and sanitation
4000
2000 100 committees.
0 0 PC will
over 24 15 – under TOTALS over 24 15 – 24 under TOTALS
24 15 15
continue to
explore
Males Females Males Females creative ways
to reorganize
and strengthen the WATSAN Committees and develop strong relationships with the District Water
and Sanitation Teams so as to help improve in this vital area.

PCVs in the Health Project and other sectors as well, are effective in implementing HIV/AIDS
education, awareness (including anti-stigma) and prevention activities to reduce the transmission of
HIV and sensitizing community members. In the coming year, they will aim to conduct more
activities/programs on VCT and PMTCT, and with at-risk populations.

Page 8
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

EDUCATION PROJECT
The very first Peace Corps Volunteers were
teachers in Ghana. For 50 years, the
Education Program has been fielding
Americans in Ghanaian schools through the
longest running, uninterrupted Peace Corps
program in the world.
Since the inception of the program, more than
600 public schools have benefited from the
services of Education PCVs. Currently, 60
PCVs work in rural schools so that students will
realize their optimum potential by
participating in innovative and gender-
sensitive educational opportunities in the
classroom and community.

Education Project Over the years, Volunteers have made a significant impact in
Advisory Committee satisfying the manpower needs of the country. PCVs have
(PAC) Members: developed teaching and learning materials including resource
manuals and guides for both students and teachers. They have
Ministry of Education been involved in setting up and managing science and computer
laboratories as well as art studios to facilitate practical hands-on
Ghana Education activities for students. They are able to use locally available
Service materials where resources are scarce and through innovative
teaching methodologies, they motivate their students to acquire
West African life skills and realize their optimum potentials.
Examinations Council
(WAEC) The Peace Corps Education Program has been, and continues to
be, very effective. Many high ranking civil and public servants,
Kwame Nkrumah including the current President John Mahama, have been taught
University of Science by Peace Corps Volunteer. Additionally many have stated: “the
and Technology fact that I was taught by a Peace Corps volunteer during my
(KNUST) school days has helped me to get to where I am today.”

Youth Education
Foundation (YEF)
Partners in Education
4-H of Ghana Peace Corps’ major partner for the Education Program is the
Government of Ghana. On the national level, Peace Corps
Parent-Teacher collaborates with the Ghana Education Service to implement the
Associations Ghana educational policy. (See side bar for the members of the
Education PAC committee.)

Page 9
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Project Purpose and Goals

To address the shortage of trained and skilled teachers in Ghana, PCVs are assigned to teach
Mathematics, Science, and Visual Art in approximately 30 public schools every year. They teach
approximately 28 periods a week to a class size averaging 40 students (70 for the core subjects).
Some PCVs teach Visual Art in Schools for the Deaf. PCVs teach in Junior High School (JHS), and
Senior High School (SHS) and Schools for the Deaf. PCVs also work with their colleagues to
encourage the adoption of learner-centered teaching methods.
PCVs in the Education sector work with youth to increase their engagement in community and non-
formal educational opportunities which promote gender equity. Volunteers organize “GLOW”
Camps (Girls Leading our World) and an annual “STARS” (Students Taking Action Reaching for
Success) Camp to build up the leadership potential and future aspirations of youth leaders.

2012 Results
Teachers A total 67 PCVs reported under the education goals
, 2,535 and objectives in 2012. They impacted a total of
34,520 people, the majority of whom are students
benefitting directly from classroom teaching. Every
Visual education PCV is engaged in teaching, whether in a
Aids
JHS, SHS, Deaf School or Teacher Training College. All
7,500
together, they worked with 2,535 teachers to improve
Students teaching skills. Specific activities inducted by PCVs
12,365 include:
Clubs &
Camps 32PCVs formed and ran various clubs which empowered
12,120 about 12,000 students in many different ways.
27 PCVs were involved in the organization of youth
camps to develop the potential of 120 students and to
build their capacity to be good leaders, peer educators
and development agents.

14 PCVs helped to provide needed resources like books, other teaching and learning aids,
furniture and infrastructure to their schools and communities.
12 PCVs created teaching and learning materials like periodic tables, world maps and murals,
impacting about 7,500 students

Page 10
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Agriculture Project AGRICULTURE PROJECT

Advisory Committee
(PAC) Members: In response to severe land
degradation and deforestation in
Ministry of Food and Ghana, Peace Corps started an
Agriculture (MOFA) environmental rehabilitation program
Forest Research in 1989. Since then, the program has
Institute of Ghana evolved to meet emerging issues
(FORIG) facing farmers and agricultural
producers. In 2012, the environment
African Cashew project transitioned into a project
Alliance focused on agriculture and food
security.
African Cashew
Initiative Partners in Agriculture
West Africa Trade PC Ghana Agricultural Volunteers
Hub work with Agricultural Extension
Agents from the Ministry of Food and
Community Based Agriculture as well as Forestry Agents
Organizations from FORIG. In addition, they partner
with organizations supporting specific agribusiness commodities
Coastal Resources
such as the Africa Cashew Initiative, the African Cashew Alliance
Centre
and the Global Shea Alliance. Peace Corps also works with
Trees for the Future USAID/Feed the Future implementing partners to promote food
security in rural communities in Ghana. (See side bar for the
Ministry of Local members of the Agriculture PAC committee.)
Government (MDAs)
Project Purpose and Goals
Crops Research
Institute Currently, more than 60 Agriculture volunteers work in rural
Soils Research communities throughout Ghana so that their host communities and
Institute groups will improve agribusiness practices in order to
sustainably increase their household incomes and improve
ACDI/VOCA household food security.
ADVANCE Project
PCVs work with farmers to improve adoption of improved
USAID/Ghana agricultural production practices and technologies. Currently,
many volunteers are working on cashew, shea, mango, corn, rice
Masara N’Arziki and other agricultural commodities. They also introduce
Krobodan techniques to conserve soil and water, such as using vetiver grass
as a land stabilizer. Agroforestry is key to many PCV activities
4-H of Ghana to improve soil fertility, reduce soil erosion and improve water
retention in soils. PCVs are also helping farmers use GPS tools to
map their farms and enable them to make better decisions
about land management.
Using the value chain approach, PCVs work with farmers to help
them think of their activities within the context of a business, transferring improved business
practices and financial management skills. They help farmers connect with resource providers so

Page 11
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

they can access technical assistance and information on agricultural inputs. Farmers analyze their
commodities in terms of the value chain, identifying opportunities to add value before the product
moves up the chain. They help diversify their income sources by adopting new income generating
activities such as making soap; growing mushrooms; raising small animals; or keeping bees.
Organizational development is a key to sustainability, therefore PCVs assist Farm-Based
Organizations (FBOs) by reinforcing the basic organizational skills needed for an organization to
succeed and effectively serve its membership. This might involve helping the organization network
with resource providers, or transferring skills, such as: planning meetings; developing strategic
long-term plans; and managing the daily mechanics of the organization.

2012 Results

Peace Corps Volunteers and their Contact Persons have successfully implemented a variety of
agricultural activities in Ghana in 2012 and have helped 8,308 farmers in 168 rural communities.
Following are examples:

Facilitated agroforestry and alternative livelihood

workshops for farmers and communities;
Established rain water catchments and drip irrigation
systems for dry season gardening;
Planted tens of thousands of nutritional Moringa trees
and nitrogen fixing trees throughout Ghana;
Trained 150 women’s groups in fuel efficient stove
Women
construction and charcoal production;
5467 Men
Protected hillsides from soil erosion using vetiver grass 7741
and contour planting;
Conducted workshops about organic farming;
Established small animal rearing projects (rabbits,
grasscutters, and chickens); and
Provided technical assistance to support beekeepers
in adopting sustainable beekeeping practices.

Jordan Wein, Agriculture PCV: Community

Rabbit-Raising Project
I initially started with 12 interested persons,
and taught them how to build rabbit hutches
in the northern Ghana style and help with the
initial cost of cement and pots. We continued
with training on feeding, nursing, breeding,
slaughtering, selling and managing rabbits. It
is my hope that once the 12 initial persons
are able to understand the basics of rabbit
rearing, they will teach other interested
farmers in village and my role will be
minimized to simple observer.

Page 12
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

PC Staff, APCDs, Program Assistants and PCV Leaders will visit the site to evaluate whether it
meets the following criteria:

Accommodation must be accessible by a 4- wheel drive vehicle throughout the year in case of an
emergency.

Have the traditional and/or local authorities in the area been informed of the PCV placement?

There is access to potable water throughout the year (pump, covered well, spigot). Water source is
no more than 2 km from PCV lodging.

Adequate nutritious food supply in local store or convenient weekly market.

The volunteer can access transportation at least one time per week within 15 kilometers of their
lodging throughout the year, which will take them to and from their banking town.
The work zone designated for the PCV does not exceed distances over 20 kilometers (round trip).
All daily transportation needs can be accomplished by bike.
The PCV should be able to travel by public transport to their bank town and return by public
transport in three days.
The area to which the Volunteer is assigned is stable (politically, economically). There are no major
rifts between different groups in the area that could create safety concerns for the volunteer
(violence between ethnic, religious, political or regional groups, and high crime rates).
The Contact Person and supervisor agree to work regularly with the PCV and to give adequate
support so that the Volunteer can live and work productively. Representatives of the host community
are also involved in the volunteer’s work plan.
Throughout the year, there is sufficient work for the Volunteer that meets the needs of the community
and the abilities of the Volunteer. The needs identified by the community include ample
opportunities for technical exchange with the PCV.
Analysis of the development history of the site presents no factors that would have a negative
impact on the ability of the volunteer to work effectively. These factors could include number of PCVs
in the past, other organizations that have worked in the site, etc.

PCV is accessible by Peace Corps in an emergency situation in a minimum of 24 hours.

Throughout the year, there is sufficient work for the Volunteer that meets the needs of the community
and the abilities of the Volunteer. The needs identified by the community include ample
opportunities for technical exchange with the PCV.
PCV site is no more than 15 kilometers from an e-mail facility, cell phone service area, or fixed
telephone.

Review documentation concerning development history, safety and security, and political stability

Page 13
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER HOUSING STANDARDS

When an American applies to join Peace Corps, they are expecting to live in the same type of
housing used by other people in their host community. The typical expectation, often quoted
by new volunteers, is that “I expected to be living in a mud hut with a thatched roof.” If
cement houses with zinc roofs are not typical for most people in the community, then they are
not required for the Peace Corps Volunteer either. They do need to be located within the
community, not on the edge, to ensure their safety and integration into the community. If they
are located in housing shared by teachers, they will often be left alone and isolated when
teachers travel home for weekends and vacations. Ideally, there is a family in the community
willing to share a couple rooms with the PCV.

PRELIMINARY HOUSING STANDARDS (verified during the second visit)

Volunteer accommodations must be located within a community and must be within

sight and shouting distance of at least one neighbor.
Private sleeping space and a separate space for cooking/ eating, in addition to
an area to receive visitors in a traditional house, bungalow, apartment, or family
compound (these may occur in the same room).
A minimum of at least one window per room (preferably 24”x 24” but not
required) to provide adequate cross-ventilation and light.

Sealed roof made of wood/straw mat/zinc that protects the volunteer and
his/her possessions from the effects of heat, rain and vermin. Houses with bat
infested ceiling spaces are not acceptable for PCVs due to health risks.
Bathing area and toilet facility within 20 meters of the house. If shared, should
not be shared by more than 6 people. Latrine may be KVIP, VIP or pit latrine.
Toilets and bathing areas must provide privacy.

FINAL HOUSING STANDARDS (verified during the third visit)

Mosquito screening on all the windows.

Mosquito screening on the entrance trap door.

Sealed roof made of wood/straw mat/zinc that protects the volunteer and
his/her possessions from the effects of heat, rain and vermin.
Burglar proofing (metal bars or mesh of at least 4mm) on all outside windows.
All doors and windows must be lockable from the inside. Additionally,
entrance doors must be lockable from the outside.
Minimum furnishings: One simple bed frame, one table, and one chair.

All other criteria certified after 2nd meeting are still in the same condition

Page 14
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

PICTURES OF PCV HOMES IN GHANA:

Page 15
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PC, PCV, & PERSONS AT SITE

Program & Volunteer Support
Support is an important concept for the successful completion of a volunteer’s assignment. The most immediate
and tangible link with Peace Corps is through the Associate Peace Corps Director (APCD).
Volunteer support does not mean the APCD supervises the Volunteer’s activities on a daily basis or even solving
every little problem they have. The Volunteer has to depend on the job supervisor at his/her site for that.
Volunteer support implies an ongoing interaction between the Volunteer and his/her APCD on such matters as
their overall service and adjustment in Peace Corps/Ghana, the PCV’s assignment and community. The APCD
will interpret and ensure a PCV’s compliance with Peace Corps' policy.
Listed below are the general guidelines of the role of the APCD towards the volunteer and the host agency,
role of the Supervisors towards PCVs and Peace Corps, role of the Contact Person towards PCVs and Peace
Corps and lastly the role of the Peace Corps Volunteer.

Responsibilities of the Peace Corps

To provide all financial, medical, and administrative support directly related to a Volunteer’s ability to
live modestly in a community.
To monitor the activities of the Volunteer through regular visits to the Volunteer and the organization and
by maintaining open lines of communication with the Volunteer’s Contact Person and Supervisor.
To notify the Volunteer’s sponsoring agency of the Peace Corps organized events at which the Volunteer’s
presence is required, thus necessitating an absence from work.
To visit the Volunteer on-site in order to observe the Volunteer’s activities and provide appropriate
feedback and support.
To provide prospective Volunteers with language, cross-cultural, personal health and safety, and technical
training during the first three months in-country to prepare them for their jobs.

Responsibilities of the Host Agency

Through the Main office or agency and the Director of the office/agencies, to support the Volunteer in the
areas of developing and administrating the project and providing technical assistance.
To give permission to Contact Persons to participate in activities and seminars organized by the Peace
Corps.
Together with the local community, to provide adequate lodging for the Volunteer (based on the Peace
Corps’ criteria), including paying rent or building a small house. This lodging should be similar to the
lodging of the Volunteer’s colleagues in the same district.
To identify and assign a Supervisor to work with the Volunteer.
To provide reimbursement for the Volunteer’s travel and per diem costs that are for official business on
behalf of host agency.
To provide technical support and resources for the project and the volunteer’s work.

Page 16
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Roles and Responsibilities of the

APCD:
That the PCV and the sponsoring agency remain
clear as to what the PCVs objectives and
responsibilities are.
That PCVs are making every reasonable effort to
carry out their responsibilities.
To either give or identify necessary/appropriate
technical material and advice for the PCV
To ensure that evaluations are carried out on the PCVs project.
That the host agency, when necessary, is made aware of difficulties that are hindering a PCVs’ progress.
That PCVs are made aware of problems that the host agency sees in their performance
Guarantee the safety and security of the volunteer with the assistance of the Host agency, the supervisor,
and Contact Person.
To mediate any disputes/challenges between the volunteer and agency, community, etc…
To recommend disciplinary actions to the volunteer for any infraction of Peace Corps regulations and
policies and/or the policies and regulations of the sponsoring agency.

Roles and Responsibilities of Peace Corps Volunteers

The PCV will:

Make a commitment to serve the communities to the best of his/her ability for two years.
Use local language and adapt to expected cultural norms.
Collaborate with the Supervisor and Contact Person in planning and implementing activities in accordance
with the goals of the project and local community development plans.
Stay in communication with their APCD about the progress of their work.
Submit regular reports to the host agency and the APCD. The Peace Corps quarterly report should be
completed with the assistance of the Contact Person and/or supervisor.
Abide by Peace Corps regulations and local laws as they pertain to the Volunteer’s activities in Ghana
organization.
Work together with the contact person, to share and improve their technical abilities and to develop a
climate of mutual understanding. In this regard, the Volunteer should be available and prepared to
participate in community activities.
Focus on the transfer of skills so that the community will become empowered and take responsibility and
initiative for their own development. The Volunteer is more of a facilitator than a doer
Assist the community to identify solutions to their problems, not to provide the answers.
Establish working relations or informal activities with any person or association in the community (that is, the
Volunteer may have more than one Contact Person).
Inform his/her Contact Person in case of emergencies.
Keep his/her Contact Person informed about his/her activities and whereabou

Page 17
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Roles and Responsibilities of

Supervisors
Supervisors for Volunteers are determined in various
ways. They might be the Head Master of the School
for an Education Volunteer, or a Field Agent or
Regional Manager for an NGO a Volunteer is
working with, or for Health Volunteers, it might be the
head nurse of a CHPs Zone. They are usually the
person who supervises the Volunteer’s contact person
in the community.

Supervises the Peace Corps Volunteer including the responsibility of providing feedback to the Volunteer
on his/her performance.
Design a work plan with the Volunteer.
Provide a job framework and work activities for the Volunteer.
Provides counseling and guidance to Volunteers in the planning, execution and evaluation of project
activities.
Provides timely and locally appropriate technical assistance to Volunteer to ensure project success. Directs
Volunteer to where he/she can obtain resources.
Provides support in emergencies
Collaborates with program managers and other program and training staff on project and training needs
Assesses job performance with the volunteer
Visits Volunteer's site and provides technical advice and direction in project activities
Approves Volunteer's vacation leave requests prior to the approval by the APCD and Peace Corps
Country Director.
Ensures Volunteer safety and security in the community hosting the Volunteer.
Assists the Volunteer in resolving issues and conflicts.
Informs Peace Corps (APCD) on any problems the volunteer encounters.
Assists in the provision of housing and repairs of housing of volunteers.

There should be regular communication between Ghana Supervisors and the APCDs . Too often, communication
starts when there is a problem, especially if the role of the PCV and the roles of everyone involved in the life
of the PCV are not clear.

Peace Corps sees the role of the APCD and the Host Agency as working in closely with each other. When
APCDs make treks to visit the volunteers they should also meet with the supervisors and review the volunteers
progress and challenges. Working with Americans can be a rewarding and a challenging opportunity. Peace
Corps wants this to be a good experience for our partners, that is why we have an open door policy for
supervisors and Contact Persons to discuss any concerns they have.

Page 18
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Roles and Responsibilities of Contact Persons

The Contact Person(s) in addition to being a colleague and helping
orient the Volunteer in the workplace, also serves as a socio-cultural
guide who can help increase the long-term positive impact of the
Volunteer’s activities by making sure that they are culturally, politically,
and economically appropriate and sustainable. Contact Persons often
carry on after a volunteer has left his/her assignment. They may have
one or many of the following roles as they work with Volunteers.

The Contact Person will:

Educate the PCV on how things work in the community, and on important community events
Be available to help the PCV in a variety of situations: technical work, cultural integration, moral support,
protocol, and lodging, and especially in emergencies
Provide advice to the PCV on cultural/technical issues
Introduce the PCV to the community and encourage the PCV to solve his/her own problems by him/herself,
and/or seek advice from other community members
Ensure that local needs are recognized and met
Act as a resource for people and things
Provide feedback on safety issues
Be involved, to the extent possible, in the same types of activities as those undertaken by the PCV in the
community.
Work together with the PCV to share and improve their technical abilities and to develop a climate of
mutual understanding.
Continue to build local capacity after the volunteer has left.
Inform Peace Corps of Safety and Security issues in the community.
In his/her role as a community development agent, the PCV may establish working relations or informal
activities with any person or association in the community.
Maintain professional and amicable relations with the PCV. Any incident or situation which interferes with
this collaboration will be communicated to the appropriate authority (host agency, Peace Corps).
However, Volunteers and Contact Persons should work together to solve their problems themselves first.
Serve as a catalyst in the promotion of community development. The Contact Person should help to
facilitate the involvement of all sectors of the community (for example, women, youth, different clans, etc.).
Contact Persons should direct or link the PCV to other people or sectors in the community.
Be prepared to share/talk about problems associated with the project.
Inform Peace Corps (APCD) about any problems the volunteer encounters
Assist in the provision of housing and repairs housing of volunteers
Not receive any monetary compensation for their activities as a contact person. Expenses incurred while
traveling for official PC work will be reimbursed (transportation costs and daily perdiem minus meals
provided during training events.) Lodging during training events will be provided by Peace Corps.

Page 19
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

Contact Persons hopefully become the friends of the volunteers and help them navigate the cultural waters in
both work and in the community. At the very least the Contact Persons should let volunteers know what they
should and should not do when they meet people. A Contact Person should remember that in the context of
working here in Ghana and dealing with people, as PCVs will do things in the beginning like they do in the
United States.

Contact Person Selection/Orientation

A community is better able to keep a PCV safe, occupied in meaningful work and engaged in cross-
cultural exchange when it is well informed about expectations, roles and responsibilities. The Contact
Person workshop during PST provides essential information and training for the community member
selected to serve in this role. The training explains the role of the Contact Person in the Peace Corps
approach to development, and th expectations and roles and responsibilities of all key players. The
community chooses who the Contact Person will be depending on who they feel will properly represent
them at the workshop and who will be able to assist the Volunteer effectively based on the criteria
below.

Contact Person Selection Criteria

(For use by communities in selecting the Peace Corps Volunteer’s Contact Person)

The person selected to be the Peace Corps Volunteer’s official Contact Person should have the
following attributes:

Respected “member” of the community

Willing and able to attend the Contact Persons’ Workshop, a 3-day orientation which occurs in
Kumasi approximately six weeks before the Volunteer comes to live in the community. At the end
of the workshop, the Volunteer will travel to the host community for a visit of 3-4 days. The Contact
Person will prepare in advance to ensure that the volunteer has everything they need (food,
bedding, bathing facilities) during the visit.
Able to communicate in English, and is proficient/fluent in the local dialect. Can translate/interpret
effectively from English into the local dialect and vice versa.
Active in the community and involved in a community organization and/or projects.
Willing and be able to devote time to fulfill the responsibilities of a Contact Person. (see Roles and
Responsibilities of Contact Person).
Understands the role of a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV), and is interested in continuing to work on
the project in the absence and/or departure of the PCV.
Able to assist the PCV communicate project issues and concerns to the community
Primary motivation for being a Contact Person is to acquire new knowledge, skills and attitudes.
Views him/her as a “Volunteer”, but must have a source of income/economic support outside the
project.
Not involved in political activities
Will encourage the PCV to have multiple work partners (for example, women, youth, etc)
Peace Corps would like to encourage communities to appoint a woman as the PCV’s official Contact
Person when it is possible and appropriate to do so.

Page 20

REQUESTING A PEACE CORPS
VOLUNTEER
Step 1: Identifying the Need
A community, school, or organization should
request a PCV only after identifying a clear
development need for the volunteer. A needs
assessment is a process that involves the whole
community and should include observations,
surveys, interviews and public meetings
After a community has prioritized their goals, they
should decide whether requesting a volunteer is a
good option to achieving those goals. PCVs
currently work in three major sectors in Ghana:
Education
Improve student and teacher performance
Build a quality learning environment
Extend education to the community
Agriculture
Increase agricultural production
Transfer improved business skills
Build organizational capacity
Health
Promote family health education
Improve water quality
Prevent HIV/AIDS and stigmatization
Reduce prevalence of malaria
Across each sectors, all PCVs strive to promote
gender and youth in development (GYD), the use
of information communication technology (ICT);
and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Step 2: Making the Request
A community, school, or organization can request
a PCV by submitting a completed Volunteer
Request or Site Survey Form to the Peace Corps
office in Accra. These forms can be requested or
obtained:
Through download from the website:
http://ghana.peacecorps.gov
By phone: PH: 0302744600
By mail or pick up
Peace Corps Office – Accra
14 Dade Link, Labone
P.O. Box 5796, Accra-North 775984
FAX: 0302774383
Step 3: Developing the Site
After receiving a written request for a PCV, a
Peace Corps staff member will contact the
community and begin the site development
process. This involves visiting the site and looking
PEACE CORPS GHANA
at several factors to decide if providing a
volunteer is appropriate:
Community Support: A PCV in Ghana is a
community member. Before placing a volunteer,
Peace Corps will conduct public meetings to
discuss the cross cultural issues involved with
having a volunteer from America live in a Ghana
community for two years and determine if the
entire community supports the idea.
Housing: PCVs live at the same level as the
people in the community. The requesting
organization is responsible for providing
adequate PCV housing that includes two rooms, a
latrine, and a bathing area. The PCV’s home must
be adequately ventilated and have a good roof,
a solid floor and walls, and secure doors and
windows. The PCV must have access to year-round
water supply within the community but piped
water or electricity is NOT required.
Viable Project: PCVs desire to make a difference
during their service. Before placing a volunteer,
Peace Corps will look to see if the organization or
community has defined development needs and
goals so that the PCV can work toward their
common interest and feel productive during
service.
Step 4: Matching the PCV to the Community
PCVs officially start their service after an
orientation period known as Pre-Service Training
(PST). PST is a time when Peace Corps trains
volunteers in cultural and technical areas for their
service in Ghana. Through observations and
discussions, Peace Corps determines the best “fit”
by matching a volunteer’s skills and interests to the
development needs of a particular community.
Step 5: Receiving the Volunteer
During PST, a Contact Person workshop brings
together the volunteer and a representative from
the community and project where that volunteer
will be living and working for the next two years.
Participants of this workshop begin to learn about
the challenges and opportunities involved when
Ghanaians and Americans live and work together.
After Contact Person workshop, PCVs depart for a
short visit to their sites and Contact Persons
introduce the PCVs to the people and landscape
of the community for the first time. PCVs then
return to finish PST. After they swear-in as full-
fledged Volunteers and travel back to their sites
to begin their service in Ghana.
Page 21
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

PEACE CORPS GHANA

Volunteer Request Form
Please Deliver To:
Peace Corps Ghana
PO Box 5796
Accra-North, Cantonments
Tel: (0302) 744-600

1. Name of Requester:

2. Service/Organization:

3. Address:

4. Telephone:

5. E-Mail:___________________________________________________

6. Sector requested (Number in order of interest 1= most needed, 2= somewhat needed, 3= least needed):

Education
Agriculture
Health/Water and Sanitation

7. Community/District/Region:_________________________________________________

8. Name of Proposed Work Partner (NGO, CBO, GES etc.) __________________________

9. Name of Proposed Supervisor: _______________________________________________

10. Contact of Proposed Supervisor (mobile/e-mail): ________________________________

11. Name of community contact person: __________________________________________

12. Telephone and email of community contact person: ______________________________

13. Additional partner agencies working in the area (NGOs, CBOs, District Initiatives, etc.):

14. Proposed activities and projects for the volunteer

Page 22
 PEACE CORPS GHANA

15. Potential work activities in addition to those in the project area (such as youth clubs, women’s
groups, etc.):

16. Proposed communities where the PCV would be working and distance from the PCVs home:

17. Languages spoken in this community?

• Primary Language: _____________________________________

• Secondary Language (if any):______________________________

Circle “Yes” or “No” for each question below:

18. Can the Volunteer go on a bicycle to all communities where they Yes No
are expected work?

19. Is the community contact person available to attend an orientation Yes No

workshop organized by Peace Corps?

20. Is the requesting community or organization prepared to meet Yes No

specific housing requirements (see criteria) for a Volunteer?

Signature of Requester: _______________________________ Date: _______________

Signature of Proposed Supervisor: _______________________ Date: ________________

Signature of Community Contact Person: __________________ Date: ________________

Page 23
PEACE CORPS GHANA

Page 24