Ghana
We are pleased to announce a new project base in Ghana, on the glorious Cape Coast in the charming fishing village of Apernima. We have been given use of a solid building, built by one of the village founders with three stone bedrooms and a big hall. Over the summer, the community will be building a further four bedrooms, a large quiet courtyard space, kitchens and bathroom facilities. The whole is situated on the most fantastic beach, lined with palm trees and with two low impact eco-tourism facilities just down the beach, 200mts, it is quite amazing. There is mains electricity and water and a developed road infrastructure with good local hospital and universities, an ideal project base. Photos available http://www.flickr.com/photos/atlanticwhalefoundation/sets/72157626619219867/
Ghana is recognised as one of the safest, most stable countries in Africa, and has cheap flights from (UK) Pounds 280 return. It is going to be a fantastic Africa experience.
Within an easy one hours drive are two fantastic rainforest reserves, at Kakum- 380 acres of primary rainforest and Akassi. These habitats are home to forest elephants, a number of cat species, ten species of primate and literally hundreds of bird and butterfly species. Additionally there are key wetland, ocean and river sites nearby.
Additionally, we will be collaborating with a Dutch run animal sanctuary set within 47 acres of prime jungle adjacent to the Kakun reserve itself. They take injured animals and release them into the nearby reserve, currently they have Genet and Civit kittens as well as a host of primates. We will be supporting them in their work, from helping to build volunteer accommodation to providing medical facilities etc.
We will be taking volunteers from the start of September 2011 to help paint and decorate the project base and set up AWF programmes. Work this autumn will include-
1.visits to each of the main reserves throughout the country to assess potential for project work
2.Design and start construction of a community based eco-lodges on land on the beach next to the village as well as a beach bar facility
3.Tree planting on land being donated behind the village
4.Market gardening throughout the village lands
5.Working in the local school
6.Fair trade development
7.Film making- ritual (including use of ancient drums to attract humpbacks to the coast in October- they bring fish with them) and festivals.
8.Developing sporting facilities Surfing, Olympic beach sports, Football,
9.Micro financing
10.Courses run: African drumming, African dancing, African cooking, Herbalism
