This placement would suit... anyone who wants to have a laugh, work hard, give back and go MAD! Venturing into the developing world with Madventurer will see you welcomed into a rural community where you'll live amongst, work alongside and teach the locals. An experience that simply can't be put into words (I get all the tough jobs!!!). In Ghana our past building endeavours have mainly involved erecting school buildings, provision of adequate drinking water and constructing toilet facilities. No project is ever considered unless it has been requested by the host community and has been judged, by our well experienced people on the ground, to be sustainable!! Thus you can be sure you'll be making a real difference to your hosts standard of living!A teaching scheme is the other major element in our projects. The curriculum often looks to improve the English language skills of the local people but is only limited by your imagination! As a Mad Medic you will join one of these projects but typically spend 2 to 3 days every week helping or observing (depending on your experience, knowledge and enthusiasm) in a local medical facility. The placements offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the realities of medical provision in a rural, third world setting. The chances are you'll encounter conditions and scenarios that simply do not occur in the developed world. Often cited as the friendliest people on the planet, Ghanaians certainly won't leave you feeling unwelcomed! The intensity and generosity on show will seem all the more incredible when you consider the troubled colonial history of the country. Having been exploited for it's gold it then became exploited for it's people as one of the principal ports of call for slave traders. Nowadays there still, on the surface, seems little to smile too much about with 45% of Ghanaians living on less than $1 per day and 79% on less than $2. However, the indefatigable Ghanaians smile on regardless and it won't be long before you'll be smiling along with them. Quite a wake up call. Like being slapped round the face by a wet Tilapia (Ghanaian fish)! There'll be no shortage of activities to cram into weekends and the customary Madventurer mid-project break. Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake attracts many visitors, or there's the forest habitats that Ghana boasts to explore. The further north you venture the more desertified the landscape becomes. Whatever sort of environment you want to find yourself in, there's a good chance you'll not be too far from it in this dazzling equatorial nation!The food’s also worth writing home about. Eat in a Chop bar for cheap, cheerful and tasty…well just about everything…except chops!!Otherwise enjoy a healthy combo of rice and grilled fish (the mainstay of the Ghanaian diet) and maybe even experiment with a little of the hot sauce so many are fond of…but go careful now!! Finally, you might be able to find out the difference between banana and plantain, or indeed if there is a difference. If you do, please let me know, I’m having trouble sleeping! Once you’ve got under Ghana’s skin why not take the chance to join an overland adventure to round off your experience in style?!
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