Enliven Mama Africa - www.enlivenmamaafrica.org

I spent a month in Ghana (July 2015) with Enliven Mama Africa this summer and I brought my 13 year old daughter with me too. We both had the time of our lives and have actively encouraged everyone we know to do it. If you're reading this wondering if you should volunteer or not then all I can say is 'stop worrying and do it!' I can remember being apprehensive when I first thought about it as there is a lot to think about but I can honestly say you will not regret it. Many people have asked me about my time in Ghana and I think I have answered everyone differently. There was just so much to see and do and experience, from the minute you leave the airport, the staff on the team are there for you from the minute you land until you go home again and every one of them go out their way to make sure you are ok. They are friendly, hard working, really lovely people. My daughter is desperate to return and due to family commitments I wont be able to return as soon as she would like, however, I know if she went out without me she would be well looked after.

An amazing charity, with staff who are some of the friendliest, most dedicated people I have ever met. The staff make you feel completely at ease and welcome from the outset, and are also happy to help with any problem or need you may have. This is particularly needed when entering a culture so different from our own in the UK, and therefore was something I particularly appreciated.

The month trip has the perfect balance of worthwhile projects and also relaxing, fun and adventurous excursions allowing you to contribute to the amazing work the charity provides but also experience the best of Ghanas attractions. You have the opportunity to visit the girls and it is great to see how the money you fundraise is being used to make such a big difference to their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I would 100% recommend the trip to others. It sounds generic but spending a month in Ghana has been a life changing experience in so many ways. I can never stop talking about my time there to my friends and family and I just wish I could go every year! I cannot recommend it enough.

When asked 'how was your time in Africa?', I genuinely find it hard to put into words! The whole experience was utterly amazing. I never got bored of looking out the window whilst on our bus journeys and absorbing the various walks of life that add to their amazing culture (selling goods on their heads/ carrying children on their backs and their laid back approach to life). There are so many aspects of Ghanaian life which I wish was part of our culture at home. It truly has such a positive impact on your outlook on life.

As part of my volunteering experience I was lucky enough to meet the girls who 'Enliven Mama' are helping to become seamstresses. These girls are of similar age to myself with children of their own so this is a fantastic way of providing them with work to help fend for their families. Their commitment and skills were great and it was fantastic to see the money which was fund raised going towards such a worthwhile cause.

As well as this, the friendships which are made and the people you meet along the way act as a massive contribution towards your adventure. The bonds that are made within the volunteering team add to the experience!

Personally, I had never done anything like this prior to volunteering with Enliven and I would certainly do it again. The four weeks pass too quickly and I often wish I was back in Ghana surrounded by the upbeat amazing people.

I hope this doesn't sound too 'cheesy' as I really do mean it and if you make the choice to volunteer with 'Enliven Mama Africa' you will experience the same wonders :)

I volunteered with Enliven Mama Africa for 4 weeks and I literally had the time of my life. The organisation is well organised and the workers are lovely. The project work was really interesting and rewarding. I particularly enjoyed meeting the ladies they support and I felt like I really made a difference. The excursions are also so much fun. Would highly recommend this to anyone thinking about going abroad to volunteer but also wanting to explore and embrace a new culture.