Microfinance - Business Development

YearOut Africa runs a small grassroots microfinance program in the Teshie Municipality area of Ghana. YearOut Africa’s project complements the work of other initiatives run by the government and other organizations which aim to reduce both urban and rural poverty. Volunteers / Interns will work in YearOut Africa’s Microfinance partnered organization office alongside local staff for implementation of the program.

The idea behind microfinance is quite simple. We provide loans or particular financial products to individuals who may not be able to access these from a traditional bank. These loans are repaid in full over an agreed time period. This simple process has several additional aspects in which self-motivated volunteers with the right skill set can be a great help. 

Volunteers can assist the programmed by reviewing loan application forms, completing the daily ledger, conducting exit interviews with those who have completed their repayments, updating the beneficiary profiles and visiting the beneficiaries to monitor their growth and receive repayments.

During a longer placement a volunteer is likely to be involved in more in-depth analysis, for example conducting long-term financial projections, reviewing the program’s policies and procedures, and helping to develop new microfinance products.

·       Conduct research and analyze the growth patterns of beneficiary businesses

·       Provide business advice to beneficiaries through translation by the program’s Ghanaian staff

·       Discuss program ideas and implementation with YearOut Africa Coordinator.

·       Write about the project and research case studies for publication in the media

·       Research different funding and grant opportunities that the organization could apply to in order to help the beneficiaries in different forms and not only in giving them loans

 Work Schedule,

Monday to Thursday 7 hours per day, 35 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.