Who Are We Looking For?
Over the years we have enlisted student interns fulfilling field work term/internship requirements mandated by their home institutions, scholars and professionals in related fields, as well as ordinary concerned global citizens. Our volunteers range widely in age, occupation, and nationality and we encourage anyone capable of offering his or her unique skills towards our mission to apply.
“Volunteering with Sankofa Center has been one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life. I mean how many other ways could you learn 
that you really can carry 3 gallons of water on your head? Or teach hundreds of students and villagers how to protect themselves, effecting change in an entire country?”
-Laura Schier
“Volunteering with the Sankofa Center has been a very rewarding, life-changing experience. Every aspect of the program, including the homestay, school programs and village performances, was enjoyable and impacted me deeply. The friends and memories I made will definitely stay with me always.”
–Uyen-Minh Dinh
How to Apply
- Read the rules and regulations below before applying.
- Download our Internship application form and read all instructions carefully before filling out and submitting.
- E-mail completed applications to: apply@thesankofacenter.org
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Due dates for each program cycle (spring, summer, fall, winter) are posted on our Volunteer/Intern page. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Potential volunteers may be contacted for a phone interview as well.
Rules and Regulations
Please read the following before applying:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on their program start date.
- Applicants will be selected based on their compatibility provided by their application and/or interview.
- All selection decisions will be made by The Sankofa Center, whose decision is final and not open to appeal.
- No Applicant will be discriminated against on the basis of sex, religion, race, sexual orientation, national origin or economic background.
- Previously demonstrated interest in international health, volunteer work, the arts, or the ability to work well with a team under challenging conditions is necessary to be successful with the program.
- Previous HIV/AIDS prevention experience is desired.
- Artistic skills compatible with our HIV/AIDS education methods is a plus.
- A wait-list will be created and used in cases of volunteers removing themselves from consideration between the selection process and departure to Ghana.
- Applicants MUST possess a valid passport at least two months before the program start date.
- A $300 non-refundable deposit will be due within two weeks of acceptance.
- Half of the program fee balance (Fee based on a 2- 8 week program) is due 60 days prior to the program start date with the final remaining balance due 30 days prior to the program start date (See “Program” page for more information regarding program dates & fees).
- Failure to meet these deadlines may result in the loss of placement in the program.
- Special arrangements must be made in advance.
- Accepted applicants will be required to sign a liability release form. Failure to do so will result in the loss of placement in the program.
- Withdrawals: if applicants withdraw from the program 30 days or more prior to the program start date a full refund of any personal fees paid, minus the $300 deposit, will be returned. If applicants withdraw extra late from the program start, 29 days or less prior to the program start date, a $200 late withdrawal fee will be assigned in addition to the non-refundable $300 deposit.
