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Take action against social injustice with a JEDI volunteer program or internship

Petrina Darrah

Posted: November 16, 2022

4 min read

If you’ve ever wanted to right all the injustices in the world, you might make a great JEDI warrior.

GVI’s JEDI interns and volunteers might not have lightsabers but they do help support social justice. Our diversity and inclusion volunteer internships are an opportunity to address inequalities and support marginalised communities in a coastal community in Ghana.

Here’s how you can help build a more inclusive future for all through an equal justice volunteer program.

What is a JEDI program?

JEDI stands for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Each of these is a pillar for a world where social justice is the norm. GVI’s diversity internship programs will immerse you in learning and teaching these important concepts.

On an equal justice volunteer program, justice refers to breaking down systemic barriers that marginalise certain groups in society. This can include girls, people with different abilities, or people from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.

Equity helps to correct social injustices by making sure everyone can access the resources they need, such as education and healthcare.

Diversity refers to the myriad identities and characteristics of people, and how these differences intersect.

Inclusion is about welcoming, affirming, and respecting all individuals and groups.

Why are diversity and inclusion volunteer internships important?

Our JEDI programs cut to the core of fundamental injustices which contribute to pressing issues such as poverty and climate change. In order to achieve a better future for all, we need to ensure all individuals and groups have access to essential resources. This is where diversity and inclusion comes in.

For children in Ghana, access to quality education isn’t a given. Learning opportunities vary based on the socio-economic background of students’ families, the language they speak, and their gender.

While Ghana’s government does have an inclusive education policy, girls and children from disadvantaged backgrounds still get left behind. Low school enrolment and completion rates tell a clear story of how a lack of inclusion can impact marginalised people.

Diversity and inclusion volunteer internships can give interns the chance to address these challenges by assisting educators in the classroom.

An equal justice volunteer program will give you the chance to promote inclusive education that encompasses the needs of all students.

The JEDI focus means GVI’s diversity internship program contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of quality education, reduced inequality, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.

What does the equal justice volunteer program involve?

GVI’s JEDI programs operate in partnership with local schools and women’s groups in Ghana. The intention of the volunteer program is to empower educators to promote diversity in the classroom and across the community. You’ll have a hands-on role working with teachers and their students.

As a volunteer, you’ll give training sessions to local teachers, with the support of GVI staff. In these sessions, you can talk about different approaches to inclusion and diversity in the classroom, including discipline and classroom management techniques. The teachers can use these training sessions to explore different ways of supporting the wide-ranging needs of children in their classes.

You’ll also be working with children, as understanding and respecting diversity at an early age is important. You might talk about how to manage peer pressure, or help to facilitate mutual understanding between children from different backgrounds.

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By fostering an empathetic atmosphere you’ll be empowering students to create inclusive and diverse environments.

Learn more

These programs are a way to learn more about how injustice and exclusion impact a wide range of development goals, and gain skills in communicating these important issues. The nature of the topics covered in these programs means you will grow your leadership skills as you engage in important conversations and guide people toward more inclusive behaviours.

What about the diversity internship program?

The diversity internship program is designed to give you work experience in international development while advancing social justice. By taking on a JEDI internship, you could launch your career in justice and equality.

Similarly to the volunteer program, your efforts will focus on helping to integrate inclusive learning methods into the classroom, and raising awareness about inequities within the community.

Internships take on more responsibility than the volunteer program, and you will participate in team meetings, plus deliver an intern project. You’ll develop transferable project management skills, foster valuable multicultural perspectives, and develop a skill set that is highly desirable as addressing structural iniquities becomes more of a priority.

Life in Ghana

Joining an equal justice volunteer program might sound serious, but you’ll find that it’s a lot of fun.

A welcoming culture, fantastic beaches, lively cities, and incredible wildlife – Ghana has it all. The warmth and rhythm of this West African nation make it an exciting destination.

Join us

GVI’s base in Ghana is located in Kokrobite, a town on the Atlantic Coast. A combination of traditional fishing communities, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife make Kokrobite a lively destination.

Spend your free time exploring local street food or try a Ghanaian fish barbecue on the beach. Take a surf lesson before enjoying spectacular sunsets from the beach. Or, just relax in the large tropical garden at the volunteer house, getting to know like-minded people from all around the world.

Take action against social injustice and explore GVI’s diversity and inclusion volunteer, internships, apprenticeships and fellowships today.

Some images by: Jeffrey Ofori, Ransford Quaye, Moses Janga, Seyiram Kweku, Samson Maxwell

By Petrina Darrah

Petrina Darrah is a freelance writer from New Zealand with a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainable travel. She has been writing about travel for more than five years and her work has appeared in print and digital publications including National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Travel, Business Insider, Atlas Obscura and more. You can see more of her work at petrinadarrah.com.