Volunteer Talk
Cleo Bowen
Cleo joined J-Ann in 2016 as a Business Volunteer. From this early experience she has remained a constant volunteer, supporting the Centre in-country and from the UK. She was appointed to the Board as a Strategic Advisor in 2024.
“Back in 2016 Joseph invited me down to the Centre which at that time was based closer to Pokuase. I also had the opportunity to visit the Medie site under construction. Joseph and the team deliver huge impacts to the most disadvantaged children. At that first visit they were trying to raise funds for a critical water system, to save the children having to carry water to the place on a daily basis. The classrooms were simple divided spaces, with huge noise distraction and of course humid conditions with no aircon.
Helping Joseph and the team with a strategic business plan has prioritised key challenges. Recently we started project streams in funding, policies & procedures and website development for example. All this contributes to the professionalisation of J-Ann. From the very start I was engaged and motivated to be part of their journey. The Centre can provide fantastic opportunities for volunteers from all backgrounds and stages in life as there is much to do. The staff and children welcome you enthusiastically in their shy Ghanian way sometimes, but you always know how valued you are.
I would recommend J-Ann as a placement for volunteers although you would need to expect the experience to be a bit raw at times. Some of the challenges and issues that the Centre tackle can be quite upsetting. What you will enjoy is an extraordinary sense of a group of people ‘doing the right thing’ for disadvantaged children. It is powerful. Any volunteer needs to work with Joseph and Mils (Volunteer lead) to ensure they are placed in a role that best suits their abilities and interests – there is plenty to do.
Access to the Centre can on occasion be tough as the roads are very poor. Washroom facilities are not great – one of the funding priorities. Working in some of the rooms can on occasion be very hot due to lack of aircon. Small things really. In 2016 I lived in a shared volunteer house in Pokuase without aircon and with frequent power and water outages. A test of resilience. In subsequent years I have opted for a comfortable Airbnb at Ofankor Barrier, around 1 hour drive from Medie”.
