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Chloe joined us in Ghana on a Criminology and Law programme – learning all about the criminal justice system and advocating for reform!
Read her story to learn all about what she got up to.
Settling Into Ghana
I did not know what to expect, but I was very excited to see how the country differs from England. I was quite apprehensive the first night to be in a new country without knowing what to expect but we had a very comfortable accommodation that I shared with two amazing people.
I felt very accepted and enjoyed meeting the people I encountered, everyone had a great sense of humour and they all taught me so much about the country but while also being curious about legal systems and general things about England; some they thought were quite unbelievable!
I believe the information I received for my placement was very sufficient and followed quite extensively the whole process and placement while I would be in Ghana. I felt peace knowing any concerns I had would be addressed within the information I received.
Volunteering Abroad on the Criminology and Law Programme
I was very impressed with the work that the foundation were advocating for, not only did I meet amazing people that were working for the foundation but I felt very comfortable and accepted as I learned about the work that they were doing. We came to know some very personal cases that people were involved with that significantly affected their lives. Most were classed as petty offences, however in Ghana, all offences are criminalised with fines or prison sentences so those living in poverty have difficulty getting out of the system.
One thing that stands out about my experience is meeting the legal aid team and understanding how they help those going through the judicial systems across Ghana.
Another is meeting ex-convicts that have been to prison that the foundation is continually helping. It is very difficult to be an ex-convict in Ghana and still be given some if any opportunities after returning to society.
And lastly, we were invited to a prison in the Central region of Ghana, where the founder of the foundation was releasing prisoners and paying their bail to give them another chance in society. They did not know they were being released until the founder told them in an exclusive interview which we were very fortunate to witness.
We had extensive and significant support from Ibrahim (the founder of the foundation); as well as Abigail, who was our mentor through the experience; as well as Jamila, who came along with us on many of our expeditions. Esther was also always there to help us feel included!
For the community outreach section, we visited a school to advocate for breast cancer. I was very surprised at the interest that the children took with myself and the other volunteers. They were continually fascinated with my tattoos, and someone commented that my hair “glows when the sun shines” (aw!)
How The Programme Relates To Studies
I learnt very extensively the ins and outs of the Ghanaian legal system and their ongoing battle to advocate for legal help and judicial fairness. The most educational aspect was the understanding I now have of how another legal system differs from England and how it works. The most life changing thing I encountered is how Ghana as a country struggles. It is very apparent through the strenuous things people do to be able to survive.
I study criminology with law, therefore, my whole experience of looking at the judicial system, looking at prisons, meeting ex-convicts, visiting legal aid, meeting prisoners in jail cells and meeting private lawyers all help my overall studies.
I do believe that having this whole experience with Vocational Impact will give me experience that not many people entering my field of work will have had the opportunity to undertake, which makes this very valuable to my future.
Experiencing Ghana!
We visited the beach and a local resort next to the sea, we also visited some malls there and supermarkets. We passed through a lot of markets and local traders that me and the others found interesting to see. There were so many things we loved to witness as it differs so much from home.
Where we were staying there was a very comfortable roof terrace that we sat on, discussed random things and listened to music, on the weekends we mainly visited the mall and restaurants that we wanted to try.
Words of Wisdom
I would say go for it and embrace everything that is offered to you, as this is a once in a lifetime experience, it is not very often that something like this is presented to you. The insight that you learn is nothing that can remotely be described with words, it has to be experienced in person.
Ask questions and do not be scared to learn new things! The staff were very helpful and understanding with any queries and requests I had. As I observed the foundation I understood the extensive work that they are doing and the overall effect that they have on helping the country, their developmental goals are outlined clearly and are advocated for in a healthy way.
Go in with an open mind and understand that not many people do things like this so be grateful that you have been allowed the opportunity.
I would encourage my peers to do this – I think the placement provides valuable insight to global issues.
