May 2013
jake Roble
Position
Overall Rating:
This was by far the most meaningful and life changing experience I have had in my life.
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
Very much so!
Organization and communication:
Accommodation:
Clean, safe, and comfortable (for the developing world).
Safety:
Safety was always the first priority
I can't explain how incredible my trip with Compassionate Journeys was...the trip was organized, the staff were respectful and always there to help when we needed it. I actually originally come to Ghana with a separate volunteer organization, and ended up leaving my project to join Compassionate Journeys because I was dissatisfied with what I was originally doing. I had an incredible experience with Compassionate Journey's partner projects however. One thing i loved about this organizations approach to volunteering is that it is very much a partnership, the main focus is to help local villages and projects improve through collaboration with volunteers. Amanda makes it a point to listen to the people she works with, and that made me very confident and comfortable while in Ghana. She is also hilarious, completely down to earth, and very easy going. I Couldn't have enough nice things to say about this Organization, and it director...If you are considering volunteering in West Africa, THIS is the organization to go with! The cost is a fraction of other program's costs, and Amanda really cares that volunteers get a meaningful experience. She doesn't even take a salary, Amanda is far more interested in providing affordable, quality experiences to everyone than making money. I came to Ghana through IFRE Volunteers, and the communication with the organization was poor, and I felt like after I payed my fee, there was little concern with how I was doing. This is why I ended up leaving IFRE halfway through my stay in Ghana to join Compassionate Journeys. This was the best decision of my life, I will definitely be returning. Please contact me if you want any more information! 224-456-6630
May 2013
Rebecca Edwards
Position
Overall Rating:
Above and beyond:) I am already trying to plan my next trip with Compassionate Journeys.
Did you feel like you made a difference?:
Yes, and more than anything, it was incredible to be apart of a program that is making a huge difference in a number of ways; developing Tafi Atome through empowering the village with self reliance and education, raising awareness of human trafficking and child slavery, rescuing these precious children who are victims of child slavery and building them the Melor Vinyewo home and so much more. It is awesome to be apart of their team and help in any way that's needed:) The program helps you make a difference with your own passions, whether that is education, specials needs, medical, agriculture, women empowerment.... I had the opportunity to participate in a couple of these things, but you can apply any skills you have, for example, my sister and I love art, and we got to paint helpful murals in the primary school, that we were teaching in, for the children. Everyone has something to offer! That's what makes the world so beautiful and how we can all work together to make the difference! Amanda took the time to get to know us and see where we could contribute. For me however, I feel like I got more out of it than anyone, having my life touched by such incredible people and experiences
Organization and communication:
Accommodation:
I love the host family we were lucky to stay with. Our room was quite comfortable and clean. It had electricity and a close well of water for buckets showers. Yes there are bugs! But hello, its Africa! ;P The village has the most loving and kind people you may ever meet in your life. Mary and Mary, our cooks, and dear friends, took such good care of us. So many did. We were always taken care of. They taught us how to wash our laundry, cook, etc. we also always had clean water to drink. You feel so welcome, Tafi Atome is like a second home to me now, and the village is my Ghanaian family!
Safety:
Safety was such a huge priority. Emmanuel, the grounds coordinator in Ghana, who by the way is amazing! Made sure we were always safe and comfortable as possible. He, and Amanda are very reliable. From arriving, he was right there to greet us at the airport, to very moment following, no worries:)
Honestly, I feel indebted to Compassionate Journeys for providing my sister and I with this life changing opportunity. My experience in Ghana for five weeks was above and beyond what I hoped for. It was awesome! And I would, and do recommend anyone who is looking to go to west Africa to consider Compassionate Journeys! They covered all my concerns. First, safety- ten out of ten:) They are very inexpensive, and are nonprofit. Amanda, the founder and director, answered all our questions, concerns, and more. Communication was also great. It made a huge difference to have a coordinator in both the US and Ghana. From the very first call we had with her, she took time to get to know us, tell us about the program, who they are, her trips to Ghana, what we could do, and down to helping us figure out what to pack! Amanda is the most compassionate, loving, funny, driven, passionate and hardworking woman I have ever met. Im so grateful I could be apart this program, and I can't wait for my next service trip back to Ghana with them! From one volunteer to another, feel free to contact me, my email is rebeccajumoke2012@gmail.com
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