Travel with Daysack is pleased to propose an enriching and comprehensive two-week summer school programme
to the esteemed International Programmes Office (IPO) at the University of Ghana. This initiative has
been meticulously designed to provide international students with an immersive, multi-faceted experience
that combines academic learning and service learning, cultural exploration, and hands-on practical engagement.
The programme includes a three-day volunteering component which emphasises ethical engagement,
cultural exchange, and sustainability, aligning with local needs and fostering collaboration rather than
dependency. Participants will work alongside community leaders on education, healthcare, environmental
conservation, and community development projects, ensuring their efforts are meaningful and culturally
respectful. Reflection sessions will encourage participants to process their experiences, generate ideas for
sustainable solutions, and explore pathways for continued collaboration. This approach ensures the impact is
empowering, sustainable, and consumerist-free; promoting growth and global citizenship.
This programme is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically addressing
Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Global
Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SDG 17).
The overarching goal of the programme aims to showcase Ghana’s rich history, culture, and natural resources while promoting
cross-cultural interactions. Through this initiative, we aim to deepen participants’ understanding of Ghana’s past,
present, and future, as well as their appreciation for the country’s unique socio-economic and environmental dynamics.
The primary objectives of the proposed Summer School Programme are multi-faceted and carefully aligned with the needs and expectations of international students. These objectives include:
• Providing a well-rounded educational experience that encompasses Ghana’s history, culture, and economy, thus giving participants a holistic understanding of the country.
• Facilitating academic engagement through thought-provoking lectures, stimulating workshops, and interactive discussions with some of the most distinguished Ghanaian scholars and experts.
• Encouraging cultural immersion by exposing participants to the vibrant and diverse traditions of Ghana, including music, dance, art, and craftsmanship.
• Offering participants, the opportunity to give back to local communities through dedicated volunteering opportunities, where they can contribute meaningfully to impact local projects.
• Creating unforgettable memories by organising visits to Ghana’s most iconic historical landmarks and breathtaking natural wonders.
• Empowering students with global citizenship skills by fostering cross-cultural competence, empathy, and a deeper understanding of global interconnectedness.
• Supporting the achievement of SDGs such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development (SDG 17).
This carefully crafted programme is intended to attract international students from universities and academic institutions across the globe. These students, ranging from undergraduates to postgraduates, are expected to have a keen interest in learning about Ghana. Faculty members seeking collaborative opportunities or wishing to expand their knowledge of African studies are also welcome to participate. The programme will be an excellent fit for anyone with a passion for cultural exploration, academic enrichment, and personal growth.
o Upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport, participants will be warmly received and transported to their accommodations.
o The day will culminate in an orientation, which includes an introduction by the Programme Facilitator to the students giving an overview of the programme’s objectives, activities, and expectations; also offering students an opportunity for questions.
o Each day will feature engaging lectures delivered by faculty of University of Ghana covering a wide array of topics such as Ghanaian and African diasporan history, socio-economic development, and cultural dynamics. Participants will also be immersed in the Ghanaian language of Twi and gain functional competency to navigate social situations in Ghana.
o A full day guided tour of Accra will include visits to Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the W.E.B. Du Bois Center, the Arts Centre, James Town and the bustling Makola Market. These activities will provide participants a vivid snapshot of Ghana’s capital city, blending historical insights with contemporary urban experiences.
o The exploration continues with a visit to the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles. These castles are not only UNESCO World Heritage Sites but also profound reminders of Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. The visit to Cape Coast Castle, in particular, offers a deeply impactful experience as participants walk through the “Door of No Return” and learn about the harrowing conditions endured by enslaved Africans. Guided tours will detail the historical context of the castles, including their roles as a holding station for captured Africans before their forced departure to the Americas.
o The emotional weight of this visit cannot be overstated. Participants will gain an understanding of the brutal realities of slavery, and an appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit. By connecting with this history on a personal level, students will leave with a heightened awareness of the importance of social justice and the need to address historical injustices in our modern world.
o This experience often serves as a pivotal moment for participants, challenging their pre-conceptions and deepening their commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive global society, thereby addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
o Morning Session: A reflection session following the Cape Coast visit will allow participants to process their emotions and discuss the broader implications of this dark chapter in history, including its enduring impact on the African diaspora and global race relations.
o Afternoon: Participants will have the flexibility to explore Accra at their own pace, with optional guided activities available for those seeking additional structured experiences.
o Evening: Experience Accra’s night life.
o The three-day volunteering component is rooted in principles of ethical voluntourism, cultural exchange, and sustainable impact. Designed to address local needs, this initiative fosters collaboration, mutual learning, and meaningful contributions while respecting and empowering the host communities. Participants will work alongside community members, ensuring the experience is a shared journey of growth rather than one of charity.
o Participants will join locally-led initiatives to address pressing community challenges in a sustainable and culturally respectful manner. Activities will include:
Supporting teachers in local schools through collaborative classroom activities, skill-sharing workshops, or infrastructure projects driven by school needs.
Partnering with local healthcare providers to assist with educational campaigns about hygiene, nutrition, or preventive care.
Engaging in grassroots projects such as building community gardens, supporting local artisans, or enhancing community spaces for shared use.
Working alongside community members in activities like tree planting, riverbank restoration, or awareness campaigns about waste management.
o Each activity will be co-designed with local leaders to ensure it aligns with the community’s goals, creating a foundation for trust, reciprocity, and sustainability.
o The volunteering component directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing:
Supporting teachers in local schools through collaborative classroom activities, skill-sharing workshops, or infrastructure projects driven by school needs.
By fostering equal opportunities for underprivileged communities, promoting inclusivity and respect..
Engaging in grassroots projects such as building community gardens, supporting local artisans, or enhancing community spaces for shared use.
By building partnerships that emphasise shared ownership, cultural exchange, and global solidarity.
o Participants are partners in progress, learning as much from the community as they contribute.
o Central to the programme is the principle of cultural exchange, where participants engage deeply with the community’s culture, traditions, and values. Activities are designed to foster dialogue, understanding, and respect, rather than imposing external solutions. Volunteers will:
- Attend briefing sessions to understand the cultural and socio-economic context of the communities they will work with.
- Approach their work with humility and openness, recognising the skills, expertise, and agency of community members.
- Learn from community members through shared activities, storytelling, and direct collaboration, ensuring the exchange of knowledge flows in both directions.
o Participants will embark on a journey to the Volta Region, where they will explore natural wonders such as the Wli Waterfalls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, and Mount. Afadjato, the highest peak in Ghana. Additional community engagement activities will be undertaken; an experience which will further deepen their connection to the local culture and way of life. The activities align to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), as they promote sustainable tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage.
o The programme will conclude with a farewell dinner and an awards celebration, recognising participants’ engagement and achievements during the programme.
o Students are free to pack their luggage, go shopping and pick up any last-minute souvenirs as a reminder of their time in Ghana.
o Participants will be transported to the airport for their return journeys, bringing an end to this transformative experience.
o Students have the opportunity to stay longer after the programme if they wish to explore further, and this can be arranged for them. However, this will be at their own cost.
Participants will stay in comfortable and secure accommodations, strategically located to facilitate easy access to programme activities, mainly on the University of Ghana campus.
Reliable and safe transportation will be provided for all scheduled activities and excursions.
Expert guides with in-depth knowledge will accompany participants during site visits, ensuring a rich and informative experience.
Three-day volunteering opportunity will allow participants to engage directly with local communities, fostering a spirit of global responsibility and cultural exchange.
Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate, serving as a testament to their engagement and learning.
The proposed Summer School Programme is composed to have a profound and lasting impact on participating international students. Through academic sessions, cultural explorations, and community engagements, students will gain:
• A nuanced first-hand understanding of African history, culture, and contemporary issues, enriching their academic knowledge and global perspective.
• Valuable skills in cross-cultural communication and collaboration, essential for thriving in an increasingly interconnected world.
• Hands-on experience in volunteering, which will not only provide personal fulfilment but also inspire future acts of global citizenship and social responsibility.
• The ability to build enduring connections with peers and local communities, fostering a network of friendships and professional relationships that span continents.
• A transformative personal journey that broadens horizons, challenges pre-conceived notions, and cultivates a deep appreciation for diversity and humanity.
• A deeper understanding of global challenges and their local manifestations, fostering alignment with SDGs and inspiring future initiatives that promote sustainable development.
• Enhancing their problem-solving skills as they work together to find solutions to some of the societal challenges they identify through the volunteering activities.
The University of Ghana stands to gain significant benefits from this initiative, including:
• An enhanced reputation as a premier destination for cultural and academic exchange programmes, attracting greater international attention.
• Strengthened ties with international universities and academic institutions, paving the way for future collaborations and exchanges.
• Opportunities for Ghanaian faculty members to engage with a global audience, showcasing their expertise and fostering academic dialogue.
• A platform to promote Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to an international audience, contributing to tourism and cultural diplomacy.
• Support for the achievement of SDG 17 (Global Partnerships for Sustainable Development) by fostering meaningful international collaborations that promote sustainable development.
This meticulously crafted two-week Summer School Programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in the vibrant and multi-faceted world of Ghana. Travel with Daysack is committed to delivering an exceptional programme that not only educates but also inspires and transforms its participants. By showcasing Ghana’s best and fostering meaningful connections, this programme promises to leave an indelible mark on all who partake.
