This past year, Youthlinc completed a site assessment in Ghana to explore the potential for opening a new service site in the village of Gomoa Dabayin, located in Ghana’s Central Region.
Through our evaluation process, Youthlinc was connected with Ghana Make A Difference (GMAD), a registered Ghanaian NGO that operates a children’s rescue shelter and various community health and education initiatives.
GMAD’s mission aligns exceptionally well with Youthlinc’s model, and during our site visit Youthlinc established solid partnership with GMAD and evaluated all of the elements required to start a new site, including project potential, safety, accommodation, meals, excursions, and entering into a sustainable & mutually beneficial partnership with local communities.
Ghana is located in West Africa and is known for its rich cultural heritage, welcoming communities, historic coastal forts, and diverse landscapes. It’s stable governance and vibrant traditions make it an exciting and meaningful new site for Youthlinc teams to engage in an ethical and impactful Friends & Family trip.
Trip and Program Details
What's Included?
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We are a Utah-based program, but families and friends, and solos are able to join from anywhere
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All meals and Clean water
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All Accommodations and transportation while abroad
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Excursions to Kakum National Park, Elmina Castle, Global Mamas Cultural Classes, and a stay at Coconut Beach in Cape Coast
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Medical professional that travels with the team
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Emergency medical insurance
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Note: Round-trip international airfare IS included in the price
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What's Not Included?
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Ghana Visa
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Yellow Fever vaccination
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Spending cash and snacks
Basic Itinerary
01
Depart SLC
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Arrive Ghana - Visit Ghanaian Art Market and travel to GMAD children's home
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Spend the day at GMAD children's home
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Opening Ceremonies in Gomoa Dabayin with GMAD and start projects
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Visit Cape Coast and Kakum National Park and lodge at Coconut Grove
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Beach and lodge at Coconut Grove, cultural classes and head back to GMAD
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Spend the day at GMAD Children's home
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
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Projects and Cultural Exchange
15
Closing Ceremonies and Depart Ghana
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Arrive in SLC
Meet the Team Leader
Team Leader (TL)
Allie Baxter
Email: allie@youthlinc.org
Allie's journey with Youthlinc started in 2014 when she joined as a student on the Nepal June team, where she fell in love with the program. Allie has since been to Kenya, Thailand, Peru, and Fiji with Youthlinc. She has continued her involvement in Youthlinc as an Alum Leader, Assistant Team Leader, Mentor, Assistant International Service Director, Real Life Intern, Real Life Assistant Director, Fiji Liaison, Co-Team Leader and now as the Office Manager.
Service has been a huge part of Allie’s life from a young age, and she is passionate about helping others cultivate a love of service no matter their age or background. Allie has served with many different organizations across the Salt Lake Valley and cherished the unifying power of service in bridging differences and that no matter where or who you are serving, service has the ability to connect people. Allie loves Youthlinc’s mission and believes in its formula to meet each individual where they are at while giving them the space, tools, and opportunity to grow. Allie loves the transformative power of service, locally and internationally. She finds joy in witnessing lives change through meaningful engagement.
In her free time, you’ll find Allie listening to Taylor Swift, cooking and baking for her friends & family, planning a party or trip, and advocating for her health. Allie is excited to explore this new partnership in Ghana with new partners and build on her love for service.