Human Rights & Law Advocacy

YearOut Africa is founded on the belief that securing basic human rights in Ghana requires an effective frontline organisation equipped with essential advocacy and research skills, and legal expertise in dealing with individuals, systems and institutions whose activities result in human rights violations in the country.

The primary aim of YearOut Africa is to assist individuals, groups and communities whose fundamental human rights have been infringed upon to seek redress within the ambit of domestic and international legal framework.

We also undertake human rights advocacy and training through conferences, workshops and community-based campaigns, and conduct fact finding missions to address human rights violations. We monitor and evaluate compliance with human rights standards through transfer of skills and build the capacity of communities to protect their human rights.

Our work over the years has placed us among the most sought after human rights organisations for the provision and dissemination of information to policy makers and key stakeholders whilst enhancing and inculcating a human rights culture in public officers, state actors and communities. We envisage our work will continue to enhance good governance, accountability and transparency. 

Expect to deal with lots of different tasks. You could find yourself working on cases, working on research projects or writing articles about current topics and human rights issues.  If you have a case of your own (or two or more) you will interview clients, write letters and notifications concerning the cases or have appointments, for example at court.  Staff in the office will help you see where your skills will best fit the tasks that are available. 

Don’t feel overwhelmed, everyone is always willing to help and give advice. If you have certain preferences on the tasks you want to do, feel free to share, as YearOut Africa is always willing to accommodate people’s special passions and interests.

Work Schedule,

Monday to Thursday 7 hours per day, 45 hours in a week. 

First Day: On the first day of volunteering, volunteers will be escorted to their placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff they will be working with. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:

7.30AM Breakfast at the volunteer house.

8.00AM Volunteers can expect to leave home and walk to your placement, where you’ll join the placement staff. Volunteers will be given a duty roster and plan for your work. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.

2.00PM - 5.00PM Work at the project usually ends. Volunteers are free from this point to go sightseeing or do some shopping.

6.30PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Please note, this schedule can vary depending on the project you’re participating on.

YearOut Africa volunteers are in luck as their host country is unique and has a lot to offer. You can get your wildlife fix at Mole National Park, where you’ll glimpse the iconic animals which have made Africa famous. You’ll see 90 species of mammals that make their home there, including elephants, hippos, cheetahs, baboons, and antelope. Kakum National Park boasts a suspension bridge canopy walk, and Wli Waterfall offers great hiking with spectacular views. For water lovers, you will find a number of unspoiled beaches and world-class surfing.

Ghana is steeped in history, its impressive buildings a testament to a sad and tragic heritage tied to the brutal slave trade and architecture buffs will have their fill of a variety of structures. Be sure to visit Cape Coast Castle, an impressive white-washed seaside fort where you can learn about the poor slaves who were held there and then carried away from their homes on great ships.

Volunteers in Ghana will also have the chance to explore a vibrant colorful culture. Bustling markets like Kajetia with its 11,000 stalls, are a great place to meet locals and pick up a variety of goods such as the renowned and beautiful wax print Kente cloth fabrics. Ghana also offers delicious cuisine, and a wealth of restaurants, bars and grills to taste the local fare and experience a little nightlife while you are out and about.