Experience Challenge

“The Experience Challenge was a real eye opener. I learnt that I can live for a week without any real possessions, that if you’re tired enough you can sleep anywhere and that some of the things we hold most dear are really not all that important.”

Ann Pepper 2010 participant

“Thank you for arranging this. The experience has changed my perspective on things in ways that I couldn’t have imagined before we set off.

It was expertly managed and delivered from beginning to end.”

Rudi Sellers 2011 participant

THE EXPERIENCE CHALLENGE

“It's remarkable what AfriKids has done for thousands of young lives in partnership with local communities and local government. It's a wonderful example of partnership between this country and Ghana.”

Colin Grassie CEO, Deutsche Bank UK(2010 participant)

“Thanks again for such an amazing trip! It really was incredible, a trip of a lifetime, and I can’t stop thinking about it even now!”

Sheryl Alexander 2011 participant

“It was tough but probably the most rewarding, memorable experience of my life and I would recommend it to anyone…”

Sheryl Alexander 2011 participant

WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE CHALLENGE?

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to: live in a traditional mud hut compound in rural northern Ghana, alongside a remarkably resourceful and innovative family; become truly immersed in a new culture and learn what life is like in a region where 70% of the population live in poverty; witness the innovative and inspiring ways local individuals work to overcome the everyday challenges they face as individuals, as families and as communities; experience genuine development on the ground and raise the funds needed to help turn young lives around, forever.

FINALIST FOR THE 2011 THIRD SECTOR EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR BEST FUNDRAISING EVENT

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

THE ITINERARY

What are the dates?

What do I need to do?

The challenge takes place each October however, if a group of 20 or more are keen to take part we can consider another time of the year to accommodate you.

Once you have completed and returned your registration form we will send you a participant pack with all the information you need. All you’ll need to do is organise your visa, travel insurance and vaccinations / antimalarial treatment. Leave the rest to us!

The Experience Challenge lasts for one week. Within eight days of leaving the UK you’ll be back at work fighting with the printer, but your smile will be bigger, your life richer and your perspective on life changed forever.

You will spend three days and three nights living and working alongside some of Africa’s most isolated communities. For the remainder of the trip, you will be able to visit AfriKids Ghana’s ground-breaking child rights and community development projects, learning about the organisation’s work and the incredible impact it is having on the very communities you’ll live in.

What are the costs?

The cost per person, based on 20 taking part, is around £1,000. This includes your international flights, all domestic travel, meals, accommodation and a small fund for your host family to cover any additional expenses they may incur whilst you live with them.

We are continuously seeking ways to keep costs to a minimum; to see a detailed cost breakdown please get in touch.

If you register early the trip costs can be paid to AfriKids in three instalments, with the final payment due 28 days prior to the departure date.

How much do I need to fundraise?

We ask that all participants raise a minimum of £1,000 which will go towards the AfriKids projects you visit and benefit the communities you live in.

Fundraising is part of the challenge and AfriKids will support you throughout. In 2010 and 2011, all participants successfully met this target, with many even doubling it.

If you manage to raise in excess of £1,000, you can use a maximum of £500 of your additional fundraising to contribute to the trip costs.

To receive a registration form or for further information please contact: katiearnold@afrikids.org / 020 7443 5170

Day 1 Depart UK / arrive Accra in the evening Attend welcome drinks at a local hotel where you’ll spend the first night

Day 2 Fly to Tamale and travel to the AfriKids Head Office in Bolgatanga Attend a welcome meeting at the Next Generation Home Visit a number of AfriKids’ ground-breaking child rights projects Travel to Mama Laadi’s Foster Home, unpack and do a fun activity with Mama Laadi’s children (all 35 of them!)

Attend a final briefing session with AfriKids Ghana staff Spend the night on the grounds of the home

Days 3, 4 & 5 Wake early to travel to your host family compounds. Spend three days and nights living their lives

Please note this itinerary may be subject to some alterations

Day 6 Attend an experience share session with your host families and AfriKids Ghana staff

Day 7 Take part in a team activity in the community you’ve stayed in to thank them for welcoming you Visit more AfriKids projects or visit the local craft market

Day 8 Travel to Accra Experience the sites and sounds of Accra or relax by the pool with a well earned beer Your flight to London leaves at 22:30, arriving in London at 06:30 the following day

“While they thought they were changing the world, the world was changing them.�