VIS Ghana

Discovering Lake Volta: A Natural and Social Treasure of Ghana 🇬🇭

Lake Volta, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, plays a central role in the lives of thousands of communities in Ghana. Created in the 1960s, this vast body of water supports hydroelectric power production and provides job opportunities for local fishermen, farmers, and small traders.

Beyond its beauty, Lake Volta also presents challenges in balancing natural resources and development. Access to safe drinking water, environmental sustainability, and supporting the communities along its shores are key issues that involve the entire country and its international partners.

🌱 An extraordinary place, to be protected and supported, to ensure a better future for the generations living along its banks.

🌍 Discover the Treasures of Ghana's Fruits and Vegetables! 🍍

In Ghana, fruits and vegetables are not only fresh but also rich in history. From colorful markets to agricultural villages, the country offers exceptional products that delight palates around the world!

🌱 Local Products
Ghana's tropical climate fosters the growth of fruits like pineapple, sweet and juicy, and mango, with its soft flesh. Papaya and coconut are also highly appreciated: papaya is used for desserts and juices, while coconut offers refreshing water. Local bananas, small and sweet, are perfect for quick snacks. Among vegetables, tomatoes are essential in dishes, and peppers add a spicy touch to Ghanaian cuisine.

📦 Export and Import: Ghana in the Global Market
Ghana is one of the leading exporters of tropical fruit to Europe, with over 100,000 tons of pineapple and mango shipped each year. The pineapple sector alone generates millions of dollars, contributing to the local economy. Countries like Italy, France, and the Netherlands value the freshness of Ghanaian fruit.

Ghana also imports apples, grapes, and pears from South Africa and other countries, enriching the local diet. This exchange makes Ghana an active part of the global agricultural market! ❤️

Local ingredients highlight Ghana's agricultural diversity, bringing fresh and nutritious flavors to its citizens every day and supporting vibrant local markets.

🌱 Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Tainso!(Bono Region) 🇬🇭

Gabriele and Karelia recently monitored a project focused on organic agricultural training in Tainso, essential for the development of local communities. During the activities, the agronomist George and Addison, a mentor farmer who has been working with VIS Ghana for several years, taught plant care techniques to 20 participants, including 9 women, some of whom brought their children, demonstrating the importance of inclusion in the sector.

The team created certificates and evaluation forms for the course, prepared interviews, and discussed logistics for purchasing chickens. The week concluded with a certification ceremony for 20 participants, a moment of celebration and recognition for everyone's commitment.

This project not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also values the role of women, helping to develop local skills and strengthen community ties. 🌍💪

🌍 Today, we want to share Silvia's journal with you! 🌍

"I’ve been serving my Civil Service with VIS Ghana for over three months now, living an experience I’ve dreamed of for a long time. Every day brings new opportunities for my personal and professional growth as I immerse myself in the world of international cooperation.

Through my journal, you can join me on this journey filled with discoveries, challenges, and incredible growth. Between field missions and moments of exploration, I’m learning to understand Ghanaian culture with curiosity and respect, and I’ve found a new “home” here thanks to the amazing people I’ve met along the way. 💙

For me, Civil Service is not just a training experience; it’s a true inner journey that’s helping me discover more about myself and the world around me. And this is just the beginning!" 🇬🇭

🇬🎉🇬🇭
A VIS mission in Sanzule has just successfully concluded!

⚽ The first activity of the FIFA/GAME project featured an exciting inter-school football match, followed by two awareness activities on the importance of sports as a tool for social inclusion and for promoting physical and mental health. Both boys and girls participated, as gender inclusion in football is one of the core goals of the project.

🏅 In addition to the competition, we also provided the necessary sports equipment to ensure a full experience for all participants.

📍 A special thanks to Martin Braud from FIFA/La Guilde, who joined us along with local stakeholders for valuable discussions during the event.

(This project is supported by FIFA+and GIZ Ghana)

🇬🇭🌍
In Sanzule, a small village in the Western Region of Ghana, contrasts are evident. On one hand, the economic boom linked to the local resources and industrial investments brings new opportunities. On the other hand, local communities must contend with environmental impact, a lack of infrastructure and basic services, and the risk of social exclusion.

Many families still struggle to access clean drinking water, quality education, and adequate healthcare. As an NGO, we work side by side with the communities in Sanzule to promote development that is inclusive, environmentally respectful, and people-centered. We believe that the future of the region must guarantee rights and opportunities for all, leaving no one behind. 💚🤝🌿

Together, we can build a fairer and more sustainable future! 🌱

🇬🇭🇮🇹 Grandi notizie! 🎉 Ecco i primi 15 giovani ghanesi finalmente arrivati in Italia grazie al progetto Ghana. Un grande ringraziamento a tutti coloro che hanno reso possibile questa importante iniziativa.

Questo progetto, frutto della collaborazione tra Confindustria Alto Adriatico, Salesiani Don Bosco, VIS Ghana e UMANA Spa, offre a questi giovani una formazione mirata e opportunità di lavoro in Italia. Oggi celebriamo un traguardo significativo, con i primi partecipanti pronti a mettere in pratica le competenze acquisite in Italia! 💪✈️

Si chiude con successo la prima fase del progetto Ghana! 🇬🇭🇮🇹
Con grande entusiasmo, annunciamo la conclusione di questa fase iniziale del progetto, dedicata ai primi 30 giovani ghanesi, ora pronti a intraprendere un nuovo capitolo della loro vita in Italia. Dopo aver completato un intenso percorso di formazione professionale e linguistica, i partecipanti hanno acquisito le competenze necessarie per affrontare al meglio questa nuova avventura e hanno superato con successo l’esame di italiano A1, fondamentale per la partenza.

Il progetto, supportato da Confindustria Alto Adriatico, Umana, Salesiani Don Bosco e VIS, offre una straordinaria opportunità per questi giovani, che presto partiranno per l’Italia. Le basi di conoscenza della lingua italiana acquisite risulteranno fondamentali per la loro integrazione, sia sul piano professionale che personale, una volta arrivati nel contesto italiano. Questa fase rappresenta un passo cruciale verso la loro piena partecipazione alla vita sociale e lavorativa in Italia.

Un sentito ringraziamento a tutti coloro che hanno fornito un supporto fondamentale e a chi continuerà a sostenerci nelle prossime fasi di questo incredibile viaggio!

The VIS Ghana team traveled to Sanzule to kickstart the activities of the GAME project. The project aims to reduce gender inequalities by using football as an educational tool. It will support the District in addressing stigma and barriers related to menstrual hygiene through sports training and awareness initiatives. Addressing taboos and promoting positive norms around menstruation is crucial to ensure safe and dignified menstrual management. VIS Ghana and its partners consider football essential for the development and well-being of students and for actively engaging the community. In line with the project's objectives, the GAME project has been introduced to local stakeholders, identifying ideal locations for sanitary pad dispensers, organizing a radio campaign, planning activities, and starting the procurement process. These foundational steps are crucial for building strong partnerships and ensuring the success of the project!
(This project is supported by FIFA and GIZ)
The mission also included monitoring the progress of past initiatives, such as the two greenhouses established through the "Education is the Passport for the Future" project.

During the VIS Summer Camp, participants visited the Mentor Farm in Tainso, managed by Addison Donyinah. This farm exemplifies how sustainable agriculture can transform communities. Despite challenges like fuel costs and transport issues, Addison has trained over 40 individuals, including youth with hearing impairments, creating opportunities and fostering resilience.

Since 2016, VIS has promoted rural development and prevented irregular migration in Bono and Bono East through initiatives like:
- Training in Organic Farming: Over 700 individuals trained in sustainable farming at more than 12 teaching farms.
- Youth and Women’s Empowerment: Supporting development funds and promoting value chains like honey production in communities prone to migration.
- Stop Tratta Campaign: Raising awareness on migration risks through art events, workshops, and radio programs.

VIS proudly supports projects like Addison’s, showcasing the impact of sustainability and community empowerment.