Interview: Emilie’s Experience with The Sunshine Volunteers Organization

Emilie Flükiger is a former volunteer with The Sunshine Volunteers Organization from Switzerland. We asked her to reflect on her volunteering journey in Ghana with us.

Emilie said: “At first, I was very excited and had no idea what to expect in Ghana with TSVO. It was a leap into the unknown. I was really glad that I did the program with a friend from university, as I always had someone familiar around me.”

“Two acquaintances from university recommended Ghana and TSVO to us. They knew Flo and told us about the founding of TSVO. We then contacted Flo directly, and everything clicked from the very beginning.”

Visiting new places can be a real challenge, so we asked Emilie how she found her initial impressions of Ghana.

“We had a fantastic start. Flo picked us up from the airport and traveled with us to Kumasi. From the beginning, I really liked Flo, and I immediately felt a great deal of trust. I settled in quickly and got used to the circumstances of the country. It was an incredible experience. I quickly got used to standing out as a white person. This, however, was in a positive way. The children, in particular, were very curious and would jump up to us.”

“I participated in the medical program for two months. It was an indescribably valuable and irreplaceable experience.”

With so much going on, we were curious, what Emilie’s favourite part of her program was.

“There were many different moments. What really touched me was that after some time in the village, I became well-known and was received with so much warmth. Even on my way to work using public transport, people would recognize me, greet me cheerfully, and ask how I was doing, etc.”

After a long day of volunteering, rest is important, right? Emilie told us what she thought of our volunteer accomodation and the meals on offer.

“The accommodation was very large and comfortable. It had many rooms with air conditioning, a very large living room, and a big terrace. The kitchen had enough space to cook and eat together. The bathroom and shower were also fine. In Ghana, you have to get used to the regular power outages.”

“The food was always fresh and very delicious. I got a fantastic insight into Ghanaian cuisine. The weekly meal plans were always very varied.”

Would you recommend volunteering in Ghana and why choose The Sunshine Volunteers Organization?

“From the very beginning, I was warmly welcomed by everyone and immediately felt part of the Sunshine family. I felt a sense of trust right away. Every single employee was courteous, open, and warm-hearted.”

“The country is very diverse. I always felt safe there. It offers a fantastic insight into African culture and life in a developing country.”

“TSVO provides everything you really need to feel safe and well taken care of. The commitment each employee shows to the volunteers is simply top-notch. I don't know of any other organization like this.”

Emilie took part in our Mole trip and Cape Coast trip. How were they?

“Every trip was unique. Between the internship sessions, there was a wonderful balance, and I always felt like I was on vacation or on an excursion. Every trip was very exciting and unforgettable.”

Emilie had the opportunity to visit some schools too, what were they like?

“The visit to the New Mingle Kids Academy was very special. The little children had an indescribable amount of joy. We laughed, sang, played, and learned together. Seeing the children’s laughing faces and feeling their happiness was deeply touching.”

“In the Garden City Special School, we were only there briefly, but I was impressed by how versatile the school is.”

Emilie also visited the Dreamz Ladies football team, how was that?

“At the Football Academy, we watched a football game one weekend. The atmosphere was fantastic.”

“The boundless warmth and love that every person in Ghana showed me and my colleague will stay in my heart forever. I would love to return one day.”

We would like to thank Emilie for her time in partaking in this interview. If you are interested in volunteering in Ghana, contact us here or take a look at our various programs on offer.