peace corps 2013 site development information for communities community meeting

8/9/2019 Peace Corps 2013 Site Development Information for Communities Community Meeting

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PEACE CORPS GHANA

2013Site Development Information for Communities


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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


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PEACE CORPS GHANA

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INTRODUCTION

Mike Koffman, Country Director/Ghana

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps topromote 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 KoffmanCountry Director, Ghana


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MILESTONES IN PC GHANA HISTORY

1960’s

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, President ofGhana, requests the assistance of PeaceCorps and directs his Minister of ForeignAffairs to sign the Peace Corps ProgramAgreement between Ghana and theUnited States of America on 19 July1961.

50 Volunteers (PCVs), the very first in theworld, arrive in Ghana on 30 August1961.

Peace Corps partners with the Ghana

Ministry of Education and the first PCVswork as teachers.

PCVs are assigned to the GeologicalDepartment and conduct geologicsurveys starting in 1963.

PCVs assist the Ghana national SportsCouncil in 1968.

PCVs start to teach in Special Educationprograms. Ghana becomes the firstAfrican Country to have SpecialOlympics.

The first deaf PCV teaches at the

Mampong School for the Deaf andpaves the way for non-deaf PCVs toteach at deaf schools.

1970’s

PCV projects extend into several ruraldevelopment sectors: agriculture; healthand nutrition; and small business.

In-Country Pre-Service Training (PST) isheld at the University of Ghana, Legon in

1970.PCV numbers reach a high of 415.

The first blind PCV is assigned to theAkropong School for the Blind.

1980’s

PCVs work in Women in Development(WID) projects, fish farming and forestconservation.

1990’s

Gender and Youth in Development

(GYD) initiative begins.PC Ghana starts a Forestry Project andPCVs establish conservation treenurseries in rural communities.

PC Ghana starts Small EnterpriseDevelopment (SED) in 1990 and PCVswork with tourism organizations,agribusiness groups, and artisans.

Health and Water Sanitation Project(HWS) starts in 1992 and PCVs work toaddress water-borne diseases.

PC Ghana celebrates 35 years ofservice.

2000’s

PC Ghana phases out its Forestry Projectand starts the Environment Project in2000.

Peace Corps takes a leading role in thePresidents Emergency Plan for AIDSrelief (PEPFAR).

U.S. Presidents visit Ghana: PresidentBush in 2008 and President Obama in2009.

16 languages are taught during PSTincluding sign language.

PCVs help eradicate Guinea Worm inGhana.

2010’s

PC Ghana celebrates its Golden Jubileein 2011.

The new Agriculture Project starts in2012.

Peace Corps takes a leading role inFeed the Future and Food Securityinitiatives.

5,000 RPCVs have served in Ghana.


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The core values of the

Peace Corps distinguish

it from other actors in

the international

development arena:

Separation from foreign

policy

Separation from

intelligence and politicalorganizations

Wide global presence

People-to-People

Non-career agency — continuous infusion of

ideas and energy

Reliance on host country

staff

ADMINISTRATIONPC Ghana is one of 25 PC Posts in Africa, and 76 PC Posts in the world.

Peace Corps’ main office is located in Washington D.C., which provides

oversight and technical, financial and operational support to all PC Posts

globally where over 8,000 PCVs currently work.

Peace Corps has four offices in Ghana. The head office is located in theLabone neighborhood of the capital city, Accra. There are two sub-

offices, one located in Kumasi and a second in Tamale and a full-time

training center in Kukuruntumi in the Eastern Region.

Peace Corps Staff

The staff of PC Ghana consists of approximately 50 employees, only

three of whom are Americans. In addition, two third-year volunteers

currently serve as PCV Leaders, and are located at the PC Sub-Offices.

Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs)

Currently, Peace Corps has 185 Volunteers working in Ghana. They are

U.S. citizens, of different ages and from diverse backgrounds, who

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 afterfull 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 theirresponsibilities in the great common cause of world

development.‖

John F. Kennedy

March 1, 1961


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PEACE CORPSGHANA’S

PROGRAMAPPROACH

Strategically engagein select programareas which havebeen specificallyrequested by theGovernment ofGhana. We alsodevelop andmaintain a strong

base of corepartnerships.

We are currently inthe process ofrevising andupdating all of ourProject Plans inaccordance with aglobal drive to“Focus in and TrainUp.”

Our 2012 EducationProject Plan has beenvetted and approvedby our host countrypartners. The Healthand AgricultureProject plans will bereviewed andapproved by the endof 2013.

PROGRAM MISSION AND GOALS

Education

As a result of PCVs working in the Education Project, Ghanaian youth will

have greater opportunities for personal and academic success. The goalsof the project are:

Students in Junior High Schools, Senior High Schools, and Schools for the

Deaf will improve academic performance as a result of improved access

to educational resources and exposure to learner-centered teaching

techniques in Science, Math, and Art. In addition, Ghanaian youth willincrease their engagement in community and non-formal educational

opportunities which promote gender equity.

Agriculture

PCV activities in the Agriculture Project are designed to help communities

and farmer groups to improve agricultural practices in order to

sustainably increase household incomes and food security. The goals of

the project are:

Community members will improve resource management to improve

farming practices, increase yields, diversify food products and conserveresources.

Participating community members will increase the profitability and

sustainability of farm and forest business activities at different stages ofthe value chain.

Rural communities will start official, active and functional agricultural

organizations, and existing organizations will become officially

recognized and follow their established by-laws.

Health

PCVs assist communities to improve their health and well being through

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.


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PCVCOMMITTEES

Volunteers can

choose to participate

in a committee to

support national

coordination of

activities related to

programming

priorities or which

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 CorpsVolunteer Audio-

Visual Committee

Diversity Committee

VAC- Volunteer

Advisory Committee

SWAT- Standing with

Africa to TerminateMalaria

CROSS-SECTOR PROGRAMMING PRIORITIES

PCVs across all sectors are encouraged to integrate the following programs

into their host community activities. Volunteers thereby address Governmentof Ghana development priorities, and more fully engage under-served

populations.

Gender and Youth Development (GYD)

PCVs promote sex equality and youth empowerment in their projects by

engaging women and youth in development activities.

HIV/AIDS

PCVs contribute to the Ghana national response to HIV and AIDS by helping

community members adopt healthy behaviors and promote care activities for

people living with HIV and AIDS.

Food Security

PCVs work with farmers, communities, and businesses to provide access at all

times to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet dietary needs for an

active and healthy life.

MalariaVolunteers lead projects in all 10 regions to promote behavior change and

adoption of behaviors to reduce the incidence of malaria.


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Health ProjectAdvisory Committee(PAC) Members:

Ghana Health

Service

Ministry of Health

District HealthManagement Teams

Ghana EducationService

Community Waterand Sanitation

Agency

I-WASH DistrictEnvironment HealthOffices

USAID/Ghana

Integrated TamaleFruit Company

Johns Hopkins

University/BehaviorChange SupportProject

Ghana Water andSanitation (WASH)Project

Coastal ResourcesCenter/University ofRhode Island

Relief InternationalGWASH Program

Catholic Relief

Services

HEALTH PROJECT

The Health sector started in 1978 as a critical component of

Peace Corps Ghana’s “Basic Human Needs” initiative. Initially

the project provided child health care, diet and nutritioneducation at Salvation Army clinics in the Ashanti and Eastern

Regions.

Partners in Health

The primary partners for the Health Program are the

Government of Ghana and the Ghana Health Service. Peace

Corps also works with several other organizations to ensure

that volunteer efforts are collaborative and reflect the needs

and development priorities of Ghana. (Refer to the box for themembers of the Health PAC committee.)

Project Purpose and Goals

PCVs in the health sector assist communities by promoting

family/reproductive health and disease prevention. Health

Volunteers and their Contact Persons focus on four major health

issues:

PCV activities to improve water management and promote

hygiene and sanitation center on the development of rural

water and sanitation committees. This is followed by the

construction of sanitation facilities and introducing house-holdlevel technologies, and promoting behavior change through the

Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.

To prevent Malaria and other infectious diseases, PCVs

encourage the use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs), andcollaborate with other partners on the distribution of ITNs.

They have also assisted with CDC (Center for Disease Control)

sleep studies.


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Volunteers promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention through Voluntary Counseling and

Testing (VCT) campaigns. These events are also opportunities to advocate the prevention ofMother 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 toimprove family health. PCVs worked with male and female service providers. They also worked

successfully with youth leaders for many of these activities.

PCVs engage

in

organizational

development

activities toimprove

managementof community

health, water

and sanitationcommittees.

PC will

continue to

explore

creative waysto reorganize

and strengthen the WATSAN Committees and develop strong relationships with the District Waterand 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.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

over 24 15 – 24

under15

TOTALS

Individuals

Males Females

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

over 24 15 – 24 under15

TOTALS

Service Providers

Males Females


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Education Project

Advisory Committee

(PAC) Members:

Ministry of Education

Ghana Education

Service

West African

Examinations Council

(WAEC)

Kwame Nkrumah

University of Science

and Technology

(KNUST)

Youth Education

Foundation (YEF)

4-H of Ghana

Parent-Teacher

Associations

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 byparticipating in innovative and gender-

sensitive educational opportunities in the

classroom and community.

Over the years, Volunteers have made a significant impact in

satisfying the manpower needs of the country. PCVs have

developed teaching and learning materials including resource

manuals and guides for both students and teachers. They have

been involved in setting up and managing science and computer

laboratories as well as art studios to facilitate practical hands-onactivities for students. They are able to use locally available

materials where resources are scarce and through innovativeteaching methodologies, they motivate their students to acquire

life skills and realize their optimum potentials.

The Peace Corps Education Program has been, and continues to

be, very effective. Many high ranking civil and public servants,

including the current President John Mahama, have been taught

by Peace Corps Volunteer. Additionally many have stated: “the

fact that I was taught by a Peace Corps volunteer during my

school days has helped me to get to where I am today.”

Partners in Education

Peace Corps’ major partner for the Education Program is the

Government of Ghana. On the national level, Peace Corps

collaborates with the Ghana Education Service to implement the

Ghana educational policy. (See side bar for the members of the

Education PAC committee.)


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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

A total 67 PCVs reported under the education goals

and objectives in 2012. They impacted a total of

34,520 people, the majority of whom are students

benefitting directly from classroom teaching. Every

education PCV is engaged in teaching, whether in a

JHS, SHS, Deaf School or Teacher Training College. All

together, they worked with 2,535 teachers to improveteaching skills. Specific activities inducted by PCVs

include:

32PCVs formed and ran various clubs which empowered

about 12,000 students in many different ways.

27 PCVs were involved in the organization of youthcamps 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

Teachers, 2,535

Students12,365

Clubs &Camps12,120

VisualAids

7,500


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Agriculture Project

Advisory Committee

(PAC) Members:

Ministry of Food and

Agriculture (MOFA)Forest Research

Institute of Ghana

(FORIG)

African Cashew

Alliance

African Cashew

Initiative

West Africa Trade

Hub

Community Based

Organizations

Coastal Resources

Centre

Trees for the Future

Ministry of Local

Government (MDAs)

Crops Research

Institute

Soils Research

Institute

ACDI/VOCA

ADVANCE Project

USAID/Ghana

Masara N’Arziki

Krobodan

4-H of Ghana

AGRICULTURE PROJECT

In response to severe land

degradation and deforestation in

Ghana, Peace Corps started an

environmental rehabilitation programin 1989. Since then, the program has

evolved to meet emerging issues

facing farmers and agricultural

producers. In 2012, the environment

project transitioned into a project

focused on agriculture and food

security.

Partners in Agriculture

PC Ghana Agricultural Volunteers

work with Agricultural ExtensionAgents from the Ministry of Food and

Agriculture as well as Forestry Agents

from FORIG. In addition, they partner

with organizations supporting specific agribusiness commoditiessuch as the Africa Cashew Initiative, the African Cashew Alliance

and the Global Shea Alliance. Peace Corps also works with

USAID/Feed the Future implementing partners to promote food

security in rural communities in Ghana. (See side bar for the

members of the Agriculture PAC committee.)


Currently, more than 60 Agriculture volunteers work in rural

communities throughout Ghana so that their host communities and

groups will improve agribusiness practices in order tosustainably increase their household incomes and improve

household food security.

PCVs work with farmers to improve adoption of improved

agricultural production practices and technologies. Currently,

many volunteers are working on cashew, shea, mango, corn, rice

and other agricultural commodities. They also introducetechniques to conserve soil and water, such as using vetiver grass

as a land stabilizer. Agroforestry is key to many PCV activities

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


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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 livelihoodworkshops for farmers and communities;

Established rain water catchments and drip irrigationsystems 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

construction and charcoal production;

Protected hillsides from soil erosion using vetiver grass

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.

Men7741

Women5467

Jordan Wein, Agriculture PCV: Community

Rabbit-Raising Project

I initially started with 12 interested persons,

and taught them how to build rabbit hutchesin 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 personsare 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.


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SITE SELECTION CRITERIAPC 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 anemergency.

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 isno 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 communityare 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 negativeimpact 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 communityand 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


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PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER HOUSING STANDARDSWhen 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 arenot 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 withinsight and shouting distance of at least one neighbor.

Private sleeping space and a separate space for cooking/ eating, in addition toan area to receive visitors in a traditional house, bungalow, apartment, or familycompound (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, shouldnot 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 andhis/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


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PICTURES OF PCV HOMES IN GHANA:


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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 immediateand 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 solvingevery 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 astheir overall service and adjustment in Peace Corps/Ghana, the PCV’s assignment and community. The APCDwill 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 PeaceCorps 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 tolive modestly in a community.

To monitor the activities of the Volunteer through regular visits to the Volunteer and the organization andby 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’spresence is required, thus necessitating an absence from work.

To visit the Volunteer on-site in order to observe the Volunteer’s activities and provide appropriatefeedback 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 theareas 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 PeaceCorps.

Together with the local community, to provide adequate lodging for the Volunteer (based on the PeaceCorps’ 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 onbehalf of host agency.

To provide technical support and resources for the project and the volunteer’s work.


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Roles and Responsibilities of the

APCD:

That the PCV and the sponsoring agency remainclear as to what the PCVs objectives and

responsibilities are.That PCVs are making every reasonable effort tocarry out their responsibilities.

To either give or identify necessary/appropriatetechnical 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 andpolicies 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 accordancewith 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 becompleted 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 Ghanaorganization.

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 toparticipate in community activities.

Focus on the transfer of skills so that the community will become empowered and take responsibility andinitiative 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, theVolunteer 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


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Roles and Responsibilities ofSupervisors

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 orRegional 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 Volunteeron 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 projectactivities.

Provides timely and locally appropriate technical assistance to Volunteer to ensure project success. DirectsVolunteer 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 volunteerVisits 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 CorpsCountry 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. WhenAPCDs 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.


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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-culturalguide 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 thecommunity.

Work together with the PCV to share and improve their technical abilities and to develop a climate ofmutual 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 informalactivities with any person or association in the community.

Maintain professional and amicable relations with the PCV. Any incident or situation which interferes withthis 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 tofacilitate 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 whiletraveling for official PC work will be reimbursed (transportation costs and daily perdiem minus mealsprovided during training events.) Lodging during training events will be provided by Peace Corps.


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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 ofworking 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 memberselected 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 inKumasi approximately six weeks before the Volunteer comes to live in the community. At the endof the workshop, the Volunteer will travel to the host community for a visit of 3-4 days. The ContactPerson 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/interpreteffectively 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 andResponsibilities of Contact Person).

Understands the role of a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV), and is interested in continuing to work onthe 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 theproject.

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 ContactPerson when it is possible and appropriate to do so.


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REQUESTING A PEACE CORPSVOLUNTEER

Step 1: Identifying the NeedA community, school, or organization shouldrequest a PCV only after identifying a cleardevelopment need for the volunteer. A needsassessment is a process that involves the wholecommunity and should include observations,surveys, interviews and public meetings

After a community has prioritized their goals, theyshould decide whether requesting a volunteer is agood option to achieving those goals. PCVscurrently work in three major sectors in Ghana:

Education

Improve student and teacher performanceBuild a quality learning environment

Extend education to the communityAgriculture

Increase agricultural production

Transfer improved business skills

Build organizational capacityHealth

Promote family health education

Improve water quality

Prevent HIV/AIDS and stigmatization

Reduce prevalence of malaria

Across each sectors, all PCVs strive to promotegender and youth in development (GYD), the useof information communication technology (ICT);and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Step 2: Making the RequestA community, school, or organization can requesta PCV by submitting a completed VolunteerRequest or Site Survey Form to the Peace Corpsoffice in Accra. These forms can be requested orobtained:Through download from the website:

http://ghana.peacecorps.govBy phone: PH: 0302744600By mail or pick upPeace Corps Office – Accra14 Dade Link, LaboneP.O. Box 5796, Accra-North 775984FAX: 0302774383

Step 3: Developing the SiteAfter receiving a written request for a PCV, aPeace Corps staff member will contact thecommunity and begin the site developmentprocess. This involves visiting the site and looking

at several factors to decide if providing avolunteer is appropriate:

Community Support: A PCV in Ghana is acommunity member. Before placing a volunteer,Peace Corps will conduct public meetings to

discuss the cross cultural issues involved withhaving a volunteer from America live in a Ghanacommunity for two years and determine if theentire community supports the idea.

Housing: PCVs live at the same level as thepeople in the community. The requestingorganization is responsible for providingadequate PCV housing that includes two rooms, alatrine, and a bathing area. The PCV’s home mustbe adequately ventilated and have a good roof,a solid floor and walls, and secure doors andwindows. The PCV must have access to year-round

water supply within the community but pipedwater or electricity is NOT required.

Viable Project: PCVs desire to make a differenceduring their service. Before placing a volunteer,Peace Corps will look to see if the organization orcommunity has defined development needs andgoals so that the PCV can work toward theircommon interest and feel productive duringservice.

Step 4: Matching the PCV to the CommunityPCVs officially start their service after an

orientation period known as Pre-Service Training(PST). PST is a time when Peace Corps trainsvolunteers in cultural and technical areas for theirservice in Ghana. Through observations anddiscussions, Peace Corps determines the best “fit”by matching a volunteer’s skills and interests to thedevelopment needs of a particular community.

Step 5: Receiving the VolunteerDuring PST, a Contact Person workshop bringstogether the volunteer and a representative fromthe community and project where that volunteerwill be living and working for the next two years.

Participants of this workshop begin to learn aboutthe challenges and opportunities involved whenGhanaians and Americans live and work together.

After Contact Person workshop, PCVs depart for ashort visit to their sites and Contact Personsintroduce the PCVs to the people and landscapeof the community for the first time. PCVs thenreturn to finish PST. After they swear-in as full-fledged Volunteers and travel back to their sitesto begin their service in Ghana.

http://e/Site%20Visit%20Manual/PCV_Request%20Form.pdfhttp://e/Site%20Visit%20Manual/PCV_Request%20Form.pdfhttp://e/Site%20Visit%20Manual/PCV_Request%20Form.pdfhttp://e/Site%20Visit%20Manual/PCV_Request%20Form.pdfhttp://.ghana.peacecorps.gov/http://.ghana.peacecorps.gov/http://e/Site%20Visit%20Manual/PCV_Request%20Form.pdfhttp://e/Site%20Visit%20Manual/PCV_Request%20Form.pdf


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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


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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

are expected work?

Yes No

19. Is the community contact person available to attend an orientationworkshop organized by Peace Corps?

Yes No

20. Is the requesting community or organization prepared to meet

specific housing requirements (see criteria) for a Volunteer?

Yes No

Signature of Requester: _______________________________ Date: _______________

Signature of Proposed Supervisor: _______________________ Date: ________________

Signature of Community Contact Person: __________________ Date: ________________


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peace corps 2013 site development information for communities community meeting

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