Terms and Conditions of Service

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization

Your access and use of www.thesunshinevolunteersorganization.com is subject to the following terms and conditions. It is an agreement between you (the individual volunteer) and The Sunshine Volunteers Organization, National Non-profit Organization(NPO). The use of the following terms “The Sunshine Volunteers Organization”, “TSVO”, “us”, “we”, “our”, “its” is always in reference to The Sunshine Volunteers Organization. The use of “you”, “your”, or “the volunteer” “volunteer’s” refers to the individual who will be coming to Ghana to Volunteer. All prices referenced are in US dollars. When you apply online you are agreeing to our terms and conditions of service and acknowledge that you have read all the information for the appropriate programs.

Travel – Arrival and Departure

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not arrange flights to or from Kotoka International Airport in Accra. It is your responsibility to book your own flights. If you choose to fly domestically to Kumasi, please arrange with the Program Director before booking any domestic flights. The Sunshine Volunteers Organization will arrange your airport pickup, initial accommodation in Accra and transport to the volunteer accommodation on arrival. The designated start dates are the first and third Sunday of each month. If you do not arrive on the designated date, you are responsible for your travel and accommodation in Accra until the designated date. Alternatively, you can arrange an off-day pickup at a cost of $70USD to be paid in country. At the end of your stay, it is your responsibility to arrange travel back to the airport. We provide instructions for your predeparture, but it is your responsibility to obtain all necessary travel documents, such as visa, vaccinations, etc.

You are responsible for ensuring your travel documents are complete and up to date for your travel. The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not accept any responsibility if entry into Ghana is denied due to incorrect or incomplete visa, vaccination or travel documents.

Travel/Medical Insurance

Travel/Medical insurance is strongly advised for all volunteers registering with The Sunshine Volunteers Organization. TSVO cannot recommend or advise on any travel insurance. It is the sole responsibility of the volunteer to ensure the insurance policy purchased is comprehensive, covers your entire length of travel and all activities in Ghana.

Refund Policy

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization provides high quality volunteering experience at a very affordable rate. Because our registration fee is one of the lowest in the industry, we do not provide any refund of the registration fee. The details for refunding Program Fees can be seen below.

 Registration Fee

The registration fee of $199USD is non-refundable, it is due within 10days of registration being approved. If the volunteer must postpone the trip due to unforeseen complications, the registration fee can be held for a period of 24 months so the volunteer can rebook at a different date. If you cancel and choose not to rebook, you will not receive any refund of the registration fee. If you fail to pay the program fee before the due date of 45 days from the start of your program, TSVO reserves the right to cancel your program and you will not be refunded the Registration fee.

Under the rare case that The Sunshine Volunteers Organization is not able to accept you after paying your registration fee. We will refund you the registration fee minus $49USD administrative charges.

All Registration Fees are subjected to a 3.5% non refundable transaction/currency exchange fee.  

Program Fee

The list of Program Fees is available on our website. The Sunshine Volunteers reserves the right to change the program fee at anytime without any prior notification. All program fees are due 45 days from your program start date. Failure to pay before this timeline may result in the cancellation of your program. In this case your registration fee will not be refunded.

All Program Fees are subjected to a 3.5% non refundable transaction/currency exchange fee.

Cancelation of program by the volunteer

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization incurs a lot of administrative costs in your predeparture phase. We also have a limited number of spots available, so in the case of cancellations we can incur the great loss of not being able to fill that spot due to short notice. Because of this, we have a strict policy that cancellation requests must be submitted to The Sunshine Volunteers Organization at least 30 days prior to your program start date. Our refund policy for all programs is as follows:

If you cancel 60 days or more before your program start date you will be awarded a 75% refund of program fee minus the $49USD administrative charges. Please note the Registration Fee is not refundable.

If you cancel between 60 - 30 days before your program start date you will be awarded a 50% refund of program fee. Again, this will be minus the $49USD administrative charges. Registration Fee is not refundable.  

If you cancel within 30 days of your program start date you are not eligible for any refund.

 Cancellation of program by The Sunshine Volunteers Organization

In the case your program is cancelled prior to your start date by The Sunshine Volunteers Organization due to any major event such as but not limited to; natural disaster, war, fire, terrorist activity or epidemic/pandemic you will be awarded a refund of your program fee. TSVO can also offer to change the dates of your program with no added costs to you. The registration fee is non refundable.

If The Sunshine Volunteers Organization needs to cancel your program while in country due to natural disaster or epidemic/pandemic, war, fire, terrorist attack etc. you will be awarded a pro-rated refund of the program fee. The amount will be based on the time you arrived calculated in a daily amount. This will differ based on your placement and your original payment amount. If you stayed for two weeks at the program fee of $450USD that will be divided by 14days rounded to $32 per day. If we cancel your program 3 days before your end date you will be awarded $32 x3=$96.

Payment of refunds

Refunds will be paid through our payment processing service DPO Think Payments within 30 days of the cancellation being confirmed. TSVO does not provide any compensation whatsoever for any of its programs. 

Arrival date or Program Changes made by the volunteer

Any changes to arrival dates made 30 days prior to your start date will not incur any extra fees. Changes in programs may required addition charges if you are changing to a more expensive program. Changes to arrival dates made after the 30-day deadline will incur a cost of $49USD. Off day pickups will also incur a cost of $70USD that can be paid in country.

Use of Photos and Reviews

By agreeing to the terms and conditions you agree that The Sunshine Volunteers Organization can use any photos or reviews submitted to us on our website www.thesunshinevolunteersorganization.com as well as our relevant social media platforms, flyers, brochures etc.  

Volunteer Risks

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not accept any responsibility for loss or harm suffered by the volunteer whilst attending our program. The volunteer acknowledges and accepts all potential risks associated with travelling, living and volunteering in Ghana. Travel and volunteering in a developing country involves risks and hazards that are solely assumed by the volunteer. The Sunshine Volunteers Organization including its employees, directors and CEO are not liable for any loss or harm the volunteer may suffer from, including but not limited to, personal injury, emotional injury, illness or disease, death, war, terrorism, kidnapping, pandemic, damage to or loss of personal property. You are advised to obtained travel/medical insurance that covers these unforeseen circumstances.

By applying to our program, you acknowledge and confirm that any loss or harm suffered either because of negligence or other reasons is the sole responsibility of the volunteer. By agreeing to these terms and conditions of service you wave any liability that forever releases our employees, directors, and CEO from any legal recourse.

Vaccinations and Medications

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization cannot offer any medical advice in terms of vaccinations and medications. We advise all volunteers to visit their local family doctor or a qualified travel nurse and discuss with them a medical plan. The government of Ghana does require non-citizens to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and Yellow Fever. These will be checked on arrival and without proof of vaccination you may be denied entry to Ghana. The volunteer takes sole responsibility to acquire any required immunizations and medication such as anti malarial drugs. In addition, the volunteer accepts and acknowledges that we have no responsibility for the quality of medical care available in country.

Volunteers can refer to the CDC’s recommendations for travel to Ghana

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ghana

Volunteers under the age of 18

Volunteers who decide to participate in our programs who are between the ages of 16-17 will need to submit the Parental/Guardian consent form. The volunteer and their parent/guardian both acknowledge it is the volunteer’s responsibility to follow the laws in Ghana and not engage in illegal activities, such as underage consumption of alcohol, or any other activities that may be detrimental to their health or wellbeing.

Please reach out to The Sunshine Volunteers Organization for a copy of the Parental/Guardian consent form.

Non-discrimination Policy

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization adheres to a non-discrimination policy of not denying any person access to, or participation in or the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any service, program, or facility based on race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital or parental status, physical condition, or developmental disability. Volunteers will be advised against participating in a volunteer program if it poses great risk to their safety because of local cultural attitudes or if the physical environment and/or program activities are not suitable for the volunteer based on any physical or mental disabilities. Volunteers agree to provide all relevant medical information predeparture so the local team can adequately advise on suitability. Unfortunately, in Ghana wheelchair accessibility is nonexistent and would therefore make participation unfeasible to individuals who are wheelchair bound. We hope in future this will not be the case.

The volunteer must agree to abide by this non-discrimination policy and if any evidence of discrimination by the volunteer comes to light the volunteer’s program will be terminated without refund.

Code of Conduct

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization is committed to being a valued member of our community and practices good tourism etiquette. You agree to abide by our Code of Conduct and any breaches of this code of conduct may result in immediate termination of your program with no refund. This Code of Conduct ensures our staff and the programs we work with are treated with respect and volunteers are considerate of local cultural values.  

-  I agree that I will not hold The Sunshine Volunteers Organization (including all employees, Directors, CEO and partner organizations) liable for any loss or harm I may suffer including loss caused directly or indirectly by personal injury, emotional injury, death, illness or disease, damage to or loss of property.

-  I agree that I have declared any medical/mental health conditions or physical limitations which may affect my ability to fully participate in the programs and overall experience.

-  I agree that I have been advised to obtain a comprehensive travel/medical insurance policy for the entire duration of my travels.

-  I agree that I do not have a criminal background and have never engaged in any illegal activities. This will be outlined in an official document provided by myself at least 30 days before I travel. Criminal background check must be valid according to the expiry of the country who issued it.

-  I acknowledge, apart from illness or injury, program attendance is mandatory Monday to Friday. Any additional absences must be approved by the Program Director.

-  I acknowledge that I am responsible for communicating any dietary requirements to The Sunshine Volunteers Organization prior to arrival in country. I recognize I may need to bring/purchase individual ingredients at my own expense to ensure my own requirements are met.

-  I agree that outside of The Sunshine Volunteers Organizations prearranged tours, I am responsible for my own safety with regards to any independent travel I do on the weekends. I agree to sign out of the program, acknowledge sole responsibility for my transport, food, well being and safety during this time until return to the program.

-  I agree that I will not drink excessive levels of alcohol overseas that will obstruct my overall decision making and safety. The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not allow volunteers to possess or consume any alcohol within the accommodation and has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards the possession and use of illegal substances. Possession of alcohol by a volunteer in the accommodation or possession/use of illegal substances will result in instant termination with no refund.

-  I acknowledge any breach of the Code of Conduct can result in potential disciplinary action and ultimately termination of the program with no refund or onward support. Should I choose to leave the program early for whatever reason then The Sunshine Volunteers Organization is not liable for any refunds for forfeited time or departure expenses.

General Code of Conduct

I agree to:

-  Respect the Ghanaian culture and traditions. 

-  Respect local cultural taboos and follow the appropriate dress code.

-  Maintain a positive outlook and proactive approach to programs throughout my experience.

- Follow the project schedule provided by the Program Director. I acknowledge attendance at programs is mandatory.

-  Ask permission from the program staff before taking any photos/videos of children/adults at the program.

-  Assess the risks of all activities I participate in.

-  Inform the local team of all injury or medical issues that arise during my time in country, no matter how minimal.

-  Speak to the Program Director immediately in the event of any issues or complaints while in-country.

-  Not engage in any sexual relationships with any program staff, employees, or local members of the public.

-  Not invite any outside visitors back to the accommodation.

-  I am aware that HIV exposure risks can exist in Ghana and at the various programs.

-  Ensure I have sought professional medical advice regarding all potential vaccinations/anti-malarial medication required.

-  I will follow the protocol of the in-country team, look to ensure my own safety and wellbeing, and take responsibility for establishing which children/adults are at risk. 

-  Be aware that there are no refunds if I decide to travel independently or leave the program early.  

-  Maintain high levels of hygiene and cleanliness whilst participating in this program.

-  To use the lockers provided to hold all my valuables and will not hold The Sunshine Volunteers Organization liable for any losses incurred.

-  Respect local policies on the consumption or possession of alcohol and any other controlled substance.

-  Abide by the curfews within the volunteer accommodation. Sunday to Thursday 10pm, Friday and Saturday curfew is 2am.

-  Not consume alcohol in the event I am under 18 years of age

-  Abide by the laws of Ghana.

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization has the right to immediately terminate the program of any volunteer, without refund, if the above code of conduct is violated.

 Disclaimer

-  The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not take any responsibility for third party links listed on our website or their content and service.  

-  The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not provide any warranties of any kind. The volunteer acknowledges their experience may not be error free and with ever changing political, economical, and environmental status some programs, weekend tours or other excursions can be changed or cancelled at any time.

-  In the event of a suspected or potential outbreak of any infectious disease within volunteers in the accommodation or volunteer programs. The Volunteer must agree to any required testing at their own expense. If the volunteer refuses, The Sunshine Volunteers Organization is entitled to terminate their program without refund.

-  The Sunshine Volunteers Organization reserves the right to notify the volunteers emergency contact in the event of program termination or any other circumstance the Program Director or Program coordinator deems necessary.

-  The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not take any direct responsibility for the use of third-party online payment facilities. DPO Think Payments will be responsible for any malfunction in their software for online payment.

-  The Sunshine Volunteers Organization nor its affiliates guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or completeness of any program information. Additionally, there are no warranties as to the results obtained from the use of the information. 

-  These terms and conditions of service may change at any time without prior notice.

Complaints Procedure

If you have any complaints or concerns about the employees, the accommodation, or the services we provide please speak directly to the Program Director. The Program Director can be reached at info@thesunshinevolunteersorganization.com Complaints should be submitted within 30 days of finishing your program. In severe cases the complaint may be escalated to the Organization’s CEO.

The Sunshine Volunteers Organization is not liable in respect of any complaint if the volunteer violated the code of conduct or terms and conditions.  

Data Protection

When you register you authorize The Sunshine Volunteers Organization to collect information such as name, contact details, address details, medical history, and criminal background etc. and use it within the limitations of the Data Protection Act 2012 (ACT 843) and these would be shared with our local programs. ACT 834 requires the data controllers to follow the 8 data principles under section 17 as follows: accountability, lawfulness of processing, specification of purpose, compatibility of further processing with purpose, quality of information, openness, data security safeguards, data subject participation. The Data Protection Commission is an independent statutory body established under the data protection act, 2012 to protect the privacy of an individual and personal data by regulating the processing of personal information. For more information on this please visit www.dataprotection.org.gh The Sunshine Volunteers Organization does not sell, lease, or share this information to any third party outside of our local programs and does not use cookies on our website.

Legal Binding

These terms set out by The Sunshine Volunteers Organization be legally binding upon you, your heirs, administrators, executors, and legal representatives. By accepting this by applying for our program you are not relying on any additional oral or written agreement other than what is outlined in these terms.

These terms are governed by the laws of Ghana.