“Volunteering in a rural environment in Ghana made me more appreciative of the simple things in life, and reminded me that happiness doesn’t come from material wealth but from connection and community.” So says 25-year-old Capetonian, Aaron Sherman, who recently spent two months in Ghana as part of a gap year.
Following his school career at Herzlia (which included participating in Diller Teens and serving as a Habonim madrich), Aaron studied finance at the University of Cape Town, and then worked for two years. “I was a few years younger than my colleagues, so I realised that, if I still want to do something outside my career, this would be the time to do it,” he explains. While many would see this as an opportunity to travel internationally, for Aaron it was more about “experiencing something truly significant and worthwhile”, which is why he searched for an experiential activity that would impact his life significantly.
“During my research, I came across an Israeli man who has visited every country in Africa,” Aaron explains. “I communicated with him, and realised that I could find the right thing if I researched opportunities on our continent. And so began my journey to having the most wonderful time in a rural village called Kwahu-Tafo in the eastern region of Ghana.”
With a passion for soccer, Aaron soon found the perfect fit on the workaway.com site, an online portal where one can find volunteer work opportunities all over the world. “I was keen on something in West Africa, but wanted to be in an English-speaking country, and so Ghana seemed like a good option.” Volunteering at the Ultimate Football Academy, which provides free accommodation, food, schooling and football training for children from very underprivileged backgrounds, meant that Aaron had jam-packed days. “My mornings were spent as a teacher in a Junior High School environment at a Presbyterian school – teaching a range of subjects – while afternoons were for coaching soccer. And I also got involved in extra lessons with some of the boys at night,” he says.
According to Aaron, “Even though many of the boys come from really disadvantaged backgrounds, each one was always smiling, reflecting the Ghanaian welcoming culture. They made me feel welcome and comfortable from the get go.”
Some of these boys are already aged 17 but still cannot read or count. “Initially they were scared to learn but, by the time I had left, they were begging me to teach them these skills and were keen to do their homework,” he says. “So I taught them basic skills and also life lessons such as the importance of education to help improve their lives.”
Aaron encourages other young Jewish Capetonians to consider similar opportunities in Africa. “If you’re planning a gap year, don’t spend all the time travelling in Europe or Asia; you can make a huge difference to the lives of other people – and grow so much as a person yourself – if you get involved in something like I did,” he explains, adding that it’s a good idea to travel for part of the time you have available, and also to make a real contribution to other people through a volunteering experience.
He also believes it’s important to counter the negative attitudes we see about countries on the African continent. Ghana, for instance, is extremely safe, and he found no negativity regarding him being Jewish. (Quite unlike the current scenario in Europe!)
In addition to giving so much to others during this period, Aaron gained, too, growing as a person. “This experience deeply impacted me,” he comments. “I quickly adapted to the local culture, where I learned how much value is placed on community and living simply. Working with 30 boys at the soccer hostel, I helped them with soccer and also mentored them, learning about leadership, patience, and the importance of guiding others. At the local school, I witnessed the power of education, even in areas with limited resources, and it pushed me to think creatively to engage students.
“What stood out most was the incredible resilience of the people. Despite having so little, they maintain joy and warmth. The local friendliness and sense of togetherness were beyond inspiring, and it taught me the true meaning of compassion and support. Overall, my time in Ghana expanded my perspective on life and helped me grow as a person, both personally and professionally.”
Did you know?
• Ghana is very affordable for South Africans, especially once one moves outside the capital city.
• The largest artificial (i.e. man-made) water reservoir is in Ghana. Lake Volta is located close to the village where Aaron volunteered.
• Ghanaians speak numerous different languages. The most common one is Twi.
• Since a baby is named for the day of the week it was born on, there are only seven names that people carry. (But people also have an English name.) Aaron’s name in the Twi language is Kwame (i.e. Saturday).
• Accra has a Jewish community, consisting mainly of Israelis who are involved in businesses, mining, and other commercial enterprises.
Some tips from Aaron
• You don’t have to pay a service-provider to find a volunteering experience – do your own research and look at a website like workaway.com
• Your attitude as a volunteer is crucial: avoid being too selective about what activities you’re prepared to become involved in; rather become fully involved in as much as possible. Also, respect the way of life and cultural practices of the community you are living with – don’t be dismissive of things you may find quite alien
• If you want to keep contact with Jewish people in whatever country you find yourself in, investigate whether there is a Chabad community. Ghana has one in the capital city, Accra, and Aaron had a great time with this community for Simchat Torah. “I bet I’m one of very few people who can say, ‘I ate gefilte fish in Ghana!’” Aaron says, laughing.



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