Eleven YFC members recently embarked on a life-changing volunteering visit to Ghana through the YFC Travel programme, delivered in partnership with Projects Abroad.
The trip gave members the opportunity to support rural communities, experience a completely different culture and gain valuable personal and practical skills, while representing YFC overseas.
For Isabel Chennells, from Collingham YFC in Nottinghamshire, who was taking part in her fourth travel trip with YFC, the experience combined a desire to help others with the chance to learn more about a rural community overseas.
"I felt I wanted to give something back to people less fortunate than me, and to experience a new culture," said Isabel. “I thought Ghana wasn’t somewhere I’d probably otherwise visit and I could take advantage of a fully planned and guided trip. I was also attracted by the opportunity to see what farming is like in Ghana.”
Throughout the visit, members worked on a variety of projects designed to benefit local communities. A key focus was education, with the group volunteering in two schools and a nursery, planning and delivering lessons as part of the Ghana summer school syllabus.
The group also supported community farming projects. Members cleared land by hand, erected bamboo fencing and planted crops including cassava, cocoyam, plantain and coconut near Tore Eikland School. Once established, the crops will provide a valuable resource for the school and wider community.
Alongside this, members visited a commercial farm where they gained an insight into Ghanaian agriculture while helping with day-to-day animal care, learning basic veterinary procedures, collecting eggs and feeding livestock.
One of the most memorable moments of the trip for Isabel was Donation Day at Tore Eikland School. The group donated exercise and writing books, stationery, roofing sheets and first aid kits to improve facilities.
"They were so grateful and we can actually make a difference to the lives of so many," said Isabel.
While the practical projects were rewarding, members also gained a deeper understanding of life in Ghana and the challenges faced by many communities.
Reflecting on the experience, Isabel described feeling “fulfilled.”
"I have positively contributed to the lives of people less fortunate than me and my eyes have been opened to what life is really like for millions of people in Ghana and Africa,” she said.
“I am humbled that I could be involved in a project like this and share my own knowledge and experience with others.”
She also highlighted how the experience encouraged members to appreciate things often taken for granted at home.
"I have learnt to be grateful for the luxuries in life because some people lack basic amenities such as running water, which we take for granted!"
The trip also strengthened members' confidence, resilience and teamwork skills.
Working together in unfamiliar environments helped the group build strong relationships while tackling challenges as a team.
"YFC brings out the best in us – teamwork gets things done and we are great motivators amongst ourselves when we have an objective in mind," said Isabel.
The group's enthusiasm and dedication left a lasting impression on project supervisors, who praised the members' work ethic and commitment throughout the programme.
“They told us we were the best group they’d had, which just shows the spirit of YFC,” said Isabel.
Outside of volunteering, members were able to immerse themselves in Ghanaian culture and history, visiting Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, Boti Falls and Umbrella Rock, as well as taking part in traditional drumming and dance activities in Elmina Castle.
The experience demonstrates the value of the YFC Travel programme in helping young people develop confidence, cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills while making a genuine difference to communities around the world.
Isabel said she would encourage other members to take advantage of future opportunities.
"It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a new country, culture and way of life and to share our experience, skills and knowledge with those who can really grow and benefit from it!"
YFC Travel is supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and Young Farmers Ambassadors.
Applications for YFC Travel trips in 2027 will open in September.
