Volunteer in Africa skills
There is a common misconception that the skills needed to volunteer in Africa are purely conflict and aid-worker focused. Fortunately, for those artists and creative types who wish to volunteer abroad, this is wrong. Just as there are a diversity of businesses in the developed world, so are there in the developing world, including artistic and creatively oriented businesses and non-profits. G-lish Foundation is one such non-profit that seeks artistic volunteers who have a passion for creative work or are professional creatives who wish to undertake volunteer work in Africa.
Volunteer Artists and Graphic Designers in Africa
Ghana has a rich artistic and crafts heritage and many organisations like ours now leverage this to create products to sell locally and by export. As part of this effort, designers and artists are very welcome in rural villages to help develop new products to meet overseas market demand.
Aside from helping with product development, designers might help craft promotional materials, such as a brochure to showcase the products, or packaging design or even a street sign to help direct visitors to the store.
Perhaps illustrations of potential products are also required. Excellent illustration, whether by hand or on computer, will always be welcomed in artistically oriented organizations like G-lish.
Whether a student, a hobbyist, or a professional artist or designer, there is a home for all skill levels and abilities as a volunteer in Africa.
Volunteer Photography in Africa
Skilled or budding photographers who can take a great photo and develop it to finished stage for online or print are in demand in volunteer projects in Africa as well. There is a good chance that many of the images you see on volunteer websites are taken by a volunteer photographer. (Many of ours were taking by our co-founder, Godwin, who is a budding amateur photographer).
We have an extensive range of photos on Flickr if you would like to see what Ghana looks like and our work on the ground in rural Ghana.
In short, artists, photographers and designers should not give up when searching for an opportunity to use their skills and talent volunteering abroad, even in Africa—a continent that has many opportunities for creatives to express themselves, to immerse themselves in genuine African village life, and to make a difference.
