FAQ

Why choose to volunteer with United Playground?
We don’t believe volunteers should have to pay a fortune when they are giving their free time to a charity. Therefore we have affiliated ourselves with schools that do not charge the earth. Please see the comparison chart on the home page for details.

What are the costs for Volunteering?
United Playground work with a number of charities and schools, as such, program fees can vary. When signing up for a volunteer program a mandatory administration fee of £130 is required to secure your place. All costs shown on this site INCLUDE the administration fee. The remainder of the program fee is required at-least 3 weeks before departure.
           
Do I have to give a deposit?
Yes, we require a £130 deposit , (the administrative fee), to save your place at your chosen school.

Cancellations
A non refundable fee is payable unless cancelled by United Playground, whereupon your fee will be refunded.

Is there someone I can call in case of an emergency in Ghana?
Yes we will provide you with all the emergency contacts. United Playground is affiliated with NGO’s who have offices all over Ghana who are on call 24/7.

What is a CRB check? 
Criminal Records Check. We require all UK volunteer to have this before they travel. However, it can take up to one month to receive the all clear from CRB, so the volunteer may leave for their program beforehand and if the check comes back proving their criminal background, United Playground and all of its affiliations in Africa have the right to ask the volunteer to leave their program. For more details on the CRB check please see their website http://www.crb.gov.uk.

What age do I have to be to be able to volunteer?
Minimum age to volunteer is 16 years of age. However, if you are under 18 we will require parent’s permission. As long as you are fit and healthy, there is no maximum age. We may ask for a doctor’s letter if you are over 60.

If I am travelling with a friend, can we be placed at the same school?
Yes of course. When you apply, add in the note section your friends name or drop us an email and we can make the arrangements.

What skills do I need to be a volunteer?
All we ask is that you speak English. We are looking for people who are articulate, adventurous, love children, passionate about meeting new people and new places. You do not need to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate) although it would be to your advantage.

Where can I get a TEFL?
A reliable and low cost company we can recommend is http://www.uk-tefl.com. Mention our name and you will receive a 10% discount.

What type of projects do you have available?
United Playground mostly associate themselves with teaching projects; however we will be getting involved with water projects, animal sanctuaries, helping out in the community, etc.

Do the volunteers need to speak English?
Yes, all volunteers need English to be their first language

Do I need to have a British Passport to Volunteer?
No, as long as English is your mother tongue, most passports are welcome. Feel free to contact us with any queries. 

How long can I go out for? 
Two weeks is the minimum stay, as we need to make you beneficial to the school and children you are working with. However you can stay up to a couple of years, depending upon the visa.           

How far in advance do I have to book my placement? 
Around a month, due to needing time to book your flight, get injections, travel insurance and CRB check.

Do you have any fundraising ideas to help me fund this trip?                                          
Yes, please refer to the left panel on the home page.            

What injections and medications do I require for travelling? 
Please consult your local Dr with regards to this. Medication changes constantly and they will have the most up to date information.      
                                                       
Where can I get my visa from for Ghana? 
Passports and Immigration. 104 Highgate Hill. London N6 5HE. Tel: 020 8342 7580.
Please find the link to the Ghanaian Embassy Homepage where you will find the visa forms.
http://ghana.embassyhomepage.com      
A three month tourist visa costs £30.         

How do I apply to be a Volunteer? 
Once you have chosen a school, following the link at the top of the page and click on ’APPLY’.                                       

Who arranges my food and accommodation when I am a volunteer? 
This will depend upon which school you have chosen to work with.  If you are staying with a host family, they will take care of everything. If you are staying in a guesthouse, ,you will cook your own food.

I am a vegetarian. Is this a problem? 
Not at all. When you fill in the form to apply, simply mention this in a note at the bottom on the form.                                    

Can I contact the school directly that I wish to volunteer at? 
Once you have paid the admin fee, we will put you in touch with the school you wish to visit.                                            

Will there be internet access at my chosen destination? 
You will find this information on the school pages. However, the internet will almost always be in the towns but not always in the villages

Will I have time to sight see? 
Yes. All schools work differently, however it is likely you will have the weekends to explore.                                         

Is there an orientation? 
United Playground does not provide an orientation. However most of our colleagues in Ghana will provide you with an orientation to gently introduce you to their culture.

Do I need to speak the local language? 
No. You need to be fluent in English, although French would useful in some parts of Ghana.