Workcamps | Workcamps |
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ARA Volunteers may plan and supervise playschemes for children, distribute meals and read to hospital patients, work around the house of garden of an elderly person, or accompany disable individuals on excursions.
The focus of ARA in promoting sustainable ways of farming has been in the setting of educational and training workshops for farmers, school children, teachers and other NGOs at local, regional and district levels. The workshops aim to educate and train the participants in sustainable agricultural methods by covering a wide range of topics including soil fertility, composting, intercropping, agroforestry, natural pest and disease control, weed control and organic livestock management.
ARA even intents to strengthen its efforts in the field of sustainable agriculture. Since the year 2000 ARA tries to establish an Experimental sustainable farm in the district of Agona Swedru with the aim of raising the publics awareness for methods of farming that contribute tot the protection of the environment and at the same time help to improve the income situation of the rural population. On the one hand the farm will serve as an education platform for some Ghanaian youths who will live at the farm site and get theoretically and practically trained in methods of organic farming. On the other hand the farm will be used as a setting for frequent seminars on issues of sustainable agriculture for regional farmers. Additionally the farm shall serve as a source of high quality products for ARAs international youths work camps.
Group leaders of ARA workcamps are in most cases former participants on workcamps and more or less of the same age then the other participants. They are prepared through ARA training seminars. Usually four leaders are in each camp, the principle of self-organisation, which characterises ARA workcamps, means that all volunteers are invited and expected to take initiative in the process of planning the day-to-day life (e.g. activities, finances, cooking, leisure-time, group conflicts, excursions etc.).
Checklist 1. You are entering a group situation that depends on your willingness to contribute. Arrive with a readiness to learn, listen, and help out. Keep an open mind as you will probably be exposed to cultural differences that are hard to understand. Ask questions, initiate discussions, break the ice. This is your chance to learn, share and grow in an international environment. 2. Prepare yourself for the local culture. - The more you know, the richer your experience will be! Before you leave read as much information as possible about your destination 3. Familiarize yourself with the topic or focus of the workcamp. You may be expected to participate in local discussions. If possible, bring materials relevant to the project from your own region (articles or pamphlets on alternative solutions to environmental and social problems, political movements, international peace & justice issues, etc.). Be sure you can do the work and have the appropriate clothes & boots with you. 4. You will picked by ARA executive or members. Please provide your date of arrival and flight document some weeks before. If you can not arrive on time, you must contact the local host ARA
5. Be prepared to cook!!! In ARA workcamps volunteers cook for the group (25+ people) on a rotating basis. Bring some recipes from home that are simple and you know how to prepare. Be creative and open to eating new and different foods. 6. Free Time Activities: Any ideas you have will be appreciated by all. Bring games, cards, and musical instruments. There are many books on cooperative games
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Group Leaders
