Northumberland Youth For Christ
NOTE - The application deadline has been extended - get it in now!
Applications CLOSE Nov. 20, 2008
Ghana 2009 FAQ's
How do I 'qualify' to go?: (FOR APPLICATION CLICK HERE)
If you are interested in this mission, feel called to go, and you are comfortable serving on a mission based on the person and values of Jesus Christ, please contact Daryl or Hope Stogryn and request an application form. All applications will be prayerfully reviewed, and those persons who qualify will be notified by October 1, 2008, and must be available on October 25th, 2008 for the formation meeting. Contact information is at the bottom.
Do I have to be a Christian to serve on this mission?
Not necessarily - however it is important that you understand and respect the fact that this mission is coming from a Christian context. Therefore, if you are in opposition to the principles of being dedicated to the person and values of Jesus, then this mission is not for you.
When will the trip be happening?:
Depending on flights, we will be leaving Canada approximately July 3, 2009 and returning approximately August 7, 2009. 30 days will be spent in Ghana, leaving about 4 days for travel, and 2 days for a layover on the return trip so that we can debrief.
How will we train?:
The training times are an essential component to the mission. We will learn about culture, food, personality types, life gifts and skills, spiritual development, team building, etc. We will also work on projects together, to prepare for the work we will be doing in Ghana. All team members are required to participate in all training events. The dates set aside for training are as follows: Oct. 25, 2008 - Nov. 23, 2008 - Dec. 13, 2008 - Jan 17, 2009 - Feb. 21, 2009 - Mar 21, 2009 - Apr. 18, 2009 - May 23, 2009. The June dates will be determined in early 2009. All of these dates are Saturdays, please expect to be engaged from 9:00am until 7:00pm, unless stated otherwise. The December date is a 1/2 day. Changes to this schedule will only be made with the entire team's input.
How much will it cost?:
The cost when we went in 2006 was approximately $3400 CAD per person. Although we will be able to stay at the YFC youth centre, fuel costs are constantly rising, (and depending on airfare), we anticipate that the cost may be as high as $3900 CDN.
Where will the money come from?:
All team members will be expected to participate in a variety of fund-raising measures (both personal and corporate) to raise the funds. All funds donated to this mission are receiptable for income-tax purposes, and are the property of Northumberland Youth For Christ. Each team member will be responsible help raise funds - and what they raise will be applied against their costs first. If there is a shortage, each team member will be responsible for the balance.
Is Ghana safe?:
Yes. Ghana is stable and gets even more so as time goes on. We will have security guards with us at the site, and we are always accompanied by local YFC staff or volunteer(s) when we are away from the site.
Will I have internet/e-mail access/phone?:
Technically - yes. Access to the internet and e-mail means an hour drive into the city, finding an open communication booth, waiting at least an hour in line, then hoping that the hydro and phone lines both work at the same time, so that you can pay to get 5-10 minutes of internet access. Realistically - no. Assume that you will not be able to communicate with home while we are in Africa. If possible we will send group updates out in a mass mail format (or post to our website), but this is only a possibility, not a certainty.
Where will we stay?:
We will be staying at the YFC youth training centre in Kokrobite. We will be sharing rooms. There is some running water, but it is not always available, and is expensive, however clean water for drinking, bathing, etc. will be provided. There will be security guards at the site, and a local caterer/chef to provide our meals.
What will we eat?:
The long answer - wonderful, authentic, local food that is carefully prepared for us by someone who knows how to accommodate the North American palate while still maintaining true Ghanaian flavour. The short answer - what we are served! We will cover this in more detail during the training. (Note: with the exception of recognized food allergies, all team members will be expected to eat whatever food is served to them, in respectable quantities - without exception).
Will we have any time off?:
Yes. Our experience has shown that taking regular time to rest and relax is very important to the health and well-being of everyone on the mission. There will be scheduled time where we do things as a group (like visiting the cultural market, the rain forest canopy walk, or the slave castle museum) and there will be 'free time', where we can simply hang out and rest. We will also have regular time for prayer, spiritual development, and debriefing.
What medical preparations are necessary?:
You will be required to have a medical check-up before you go, and a dental check-up is highly recommended. You will receive a list of required vaccinations/medications which can be arranged through your family doctor, or through a travel medicine clinic. If you take any prescription medications you will need to bring enough with you for the trip, plus extras in case they are lost or damaged. All medications must be in their original containers, and must be accompanied by an original prescription note from your doctor. You will be responsible to cover the costs of the travel meds. Each person is different and these meds can range from $350 - $800. If you need financial help with this, we can discuss it.
What if I get sick?:
The Tropical Disease Unit for West Africa is located in Accra, Ghana; thus providing us with safe and reliable access to health care should we require it. We also have contact with a Christian doctor in the Tema region who operates a mobile medical clinic. In addition, we bring with us a comprehensive package of first aid and medical supplies, including antibiotics etc. We will have adults trained in first aid and CPR, and we are competent to provide basic care for the team. We have never had a team member require more than this.
What if I have more questions?
Please feel free to contact Daryl or Hope Stogryn, YFC Office (905) 373 4707, home (613) 475 8834; or by e-mail <daryl.stogryn@yfccanada.org>.
One last important note:
It is crucial that anyone applying recognize that this is a mission, not a vacation. You will work hard, you will be asked to serve well and take directions, and you will be expected to represent your country and the person and values of Jesus in an exemplary manner.
Other questions will come....... Please note that there is no way that we can answer all the questions or concerns that people - team members or parents - in a single document. However, be assured that we do have the answers, we will deal with is all, much of it throughout the training events.