Project Wisdom
Terms and Conditions
Eligibility Requirements
Project Wisdom applicants and participants must be between the ages of 13-16. All applicants should be in top physical and mental health to endure the challenges of the program and most importantly, must have a positive attitude, open-mind and be ready to embrace the challenges of a team.
How to Apply
All application forms may be downloaded from the Ghana Wisdom Foundation website. The general application, $200 program deposit, Student Contract and two recommendations (teacher, coach, clergy, etc.), to be sent by the references, must be completely filled out and sent to the Ghana Wisdom Foundation at 906 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428, and received by March 1 st .
The remainder of the program fee ($1300) and the following forms and documents are due by April 1 st : Health Information Form and copy of health insurance card, Credit Card Release form with copies of the credit card and cardholder's driver's license, and copy of flight itinerary.
The remaining documents must be received before June 1 st : record of travel insurance (if available, though strongly recommended), copies of Ghanaian visa and yellow fever vaccination card, and proof of the required immunizations (Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Malarial prophylactic).
All documents and forms must be received before the deadlines in order to hold the participant's place with the group.
Due to the physically and mentally demanding activities and experiences that Project Wisdom will present, applicants must be able to accept and endure all challenges. During the screening and application process, the Ghana Wisdom Foundation reserves the right to deny or rescind acceptance of an applicant if we believe that student does not meet certain health, emotional, or behavioral standards necessary for the program.
Program Fee and Refund Information
The program deposit of $200 is due by March 1 st , and will be non-refundable after that date. This deposit will hold an applicant's space in the program until the remainder of the program fee ($1300) is due by April 1 st . GWF will not continue to reserve the space of any participant who has unpaid fees after April 1 st . If an application is denied, the program deposit will be returned. All applications received after April 1 st must be paid in full.
Program fees cover all food, accommodations, and activities while in Ghana , and do not include flight and transportation costs to and from the participant's city of departure, nor do they include personal spending money or costs for professional medical care or personal needs.
A refund of 50% of the total program fee ($750) may be given to participants who choose to withdraw from Project Wisdom by May 1 st . However, after that date, program fees are non-refundable under any circumstance. All program costs have been determined on a group basis, making refunds after May 1 st impossible.
Depending on the nature of the claim and reason behind the cancellation, travel insurance (highly recommended by GWF) may be able to recover some or all of your losses from program fees or other travel costs.
In the event that GWF must cancel the Project Wisdom trip, all program fees made to date, excluding the $200 program deposit, will be refunded. Any other expenses incurred by participants are not the responsibility of GWF. GWF reserves the right to make changes or modifications to our program fees as required. Any program changes or modifications will be updated on both the website and program forms.
Transportation
All flight arrangements and travel to and from Accra are the responsibility of the participants and their parents/guardians. Due to Project Wisdom's set itinerary, it is imperative that participants all arrive on the exact date given for the first day of the program. If a participant is delayed or cannot make the required arrival date and time, the participant bears the responsibility to get in contact with a Project Wisdom staff member and incur any expenses necessary to join the group.
A copy of the participant's flight itinerary is due by April 1 st . We are unable to reserve any participant's space if itineraries are not received by this date.
Participant Conditions
The Ghana Wisdom Foundation requires that participants maintain consideration and respect for the Project Wisdom staff, other Project Wisdom participants, and the people and places that they will encounter during their stay in Ghana . Participants must keep in mind that this is an educational journey and not a vacation. At times they will be asked to take part in various activities and discussions, and it is expected that all participants keep a positive attitude and open mind, as well as fully contribute during these activities.
Students may also engage in activities with inherent risks involved. While the Project Wisdom staff will do their best to minimize all risks, it must be understood that it is impossible to eliminate all hazards. Therefore, it is up to the participants to follow all safety standards and instructions. Any actions taken by the participants that members of the Project Wisdom staff deem to be unsafe are grounds for immediate dismissal.
The Project Wisdom Student Contract further defines and specifies the participant conditions for Project Wisdom.
Student Contract
The student contract must be received along with the general application, program deposit, and teacher references by April 1 st . This contract, to be signed by both the participant and parents/guardians, serves as acknowledgement and agreement of what is expected from the participants during the extent of the program. Any breach of this contract, or other rules established during the trip, as determined by the Project Wisdom staff, is grounds for dismissal.
The Ghana Wisdom Foundation reserves the right to dismiss participants who have violated the Project Wisdom Terms and Conditions or the Student Contract. Participants who are dismissed or withdraw will be sent home at their own expense, without refund of any fees, even in the instance of medical emergencies.
Risk Management
The safety and physical and emotional well-being of Project Wisdom participants and staff is our most fundamental priority. Potential risks have been thoroughly identified in program development and it is the responsibility of our staff to stay alert and vigilant to other risks that may materialize during the extent of the trip. It is also the responsibility of participants to abide by the rules and regulations of the Student Contract and comply with all other rules set forth during the trip, in order to minimize risks.
It must be understood that GWF and Project Wisdom staff are unable to remove all risks, and participants and parents/guardians must accept the inherent risks and dangers involved in a program of this nature.
Health Information Packet
The Health Information Packet must be completely filled out and signed by both a parent/guardian and physician who has examined the participant within one year prior to the culmination of the program. Participants must be up to date on all shots and vaccinations, including all necessary vaccinations for entry into Ghana . See information packet for the details of these vaccinations.
Participants must be covered by health insurance, and proof of insurance must be received by April 1 st . Please check with your health insurance provider to find out about their policies and coverage on international travel.
Acceptance into Project Wisdom is contingent upon staff approval of the required health forms. Participants must fully inform GWF of any conditions of mental/physical health that might affect participation in Project Wisdom. Failure to answer all questions in a truthful manner will result in the dismissal of a participant, as determined by Project Wisdom staff, even after the program has commenced, with no refund of program fees.
Required Vaccinations
Along with a Yellow Fever vaccination, which is necessary for entry into Ghana , GWF requires all participants receive a Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccination, as well as obtain some type of malarial prophylactic.
Medical Assistance
In case of an illness or injury, Project Wisdom staff will administer first aid and/or accompany the participant to medical services. It is understood that participants should not expect the same type of health care as would be available in the USA . However, as our participants' health and safety is our utmost priority, we will strive to seek out the best available medical services. The cost of all services, including transportation for both the participant and accompanying staff member will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. It is also understood that GWF assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage which might arise out of or in connection with any medical services. Participants should arrange for adequate hospitalization and medical services insurance (i.e. emergency travel insurance) to meet any and all needs for payment of hospital costs during the program.
In the event that a participant must leave the program for medical reasons, participants are not eligible for program refunds, and all expenses will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian. GWF cannot and will not assume any legal responsibility for the payment of such costs.
Travel Insurance
Along with health insurance, it is strongly recommended that the student purchase travel insurance for the extent of the trip. GWF provides information for a travel insurance agent who we trust, however, it is up to the participant to inquire about and purchase the insurance. Record of travel insurance is encouraged to be turned in by the June 1 st deadline, but may be received any time before departure.
Travel insurance may cover costs of emergency medical treatment and services not covered by all health insurance plans, as well as recover costs due to lost or damaged luggage, travel delays or cancellations, and other unforeseen costs.
GWF assumes no liability for any loss, damage, destruction, theft or the like to the participant's luggage or personal belongings, and/or assumes any responsibility for loss or additional expenses due to cancellations, delays or other changes in transportation. Participant will hold GWF harmless in any of these or other circumstances.
Please contact GWF if you would like further assistance in obtaining travel insurance.
Credit Card Release
GWF requires that a parent/guardian fill out our credit card release form, for use by the Project Wisdom staff in the case of any unforeseen expenses incurred by the participant while in Ghana . The release form, along with an enlarged and lightened copy of the authorized card, and cardholder's driver's license, will be kept on file with GWF Project Wisdom staff members for the extent of the trip and then destroyed subsequent to the end of the program to ensure the security of the cardholder. It is encouraged that the participant be given the actual credit card for the extent of the trip, to be held by Project Wisdom staff, if the cardholder sees fit , to eliminate the chances of any unforeseen problems while in Ghana .
Program Changes/Cancellations
The Project Wisdom program undergoes continuous development throughout the year. As stated on our program itinerary, due to any unforeseen circumstances, all planned activities may change, even after arrival in Ghana . GWF reserves the right to alter or withdraw any part of the program and to make any alterations, deletions or modifications in the itinerary and activities as deemed necessary. If obtainable, participants will be notified in advance of any modifications to the program. However, we ask that due to the nature and flexibility of such a program, participants maintain an open mind and are flexible and accommodating to any changes that may occur before, during, and after the program. GWF also reserves the right to make any changes to program costs or other areas of Project Wisdom. GWF will notify our public of any changes as they are made.
GWF reserves the right to cancel the Project Wisdom program in case of too few participants, political instability, or other reasons. In this case, participants will be notified in a timely manner, and the program fee, excluding the program deposit, will be returned to participants. Those participants will also be given priority for the following year's program, if they choose.
Fundraising
At this time, GWF is unable to help participants with the expenses of Project Wisdom. We will, however, do our best to provide participants with fundraising ideas and techniques so that they may be able to raise the necessary funds for the program. GWF staff will be available to contact for further fundraising ideas and assistance. GWF will also assist participants by creating web-pages on the GWF website where donors may contribute online to funding a participant.
We also request that aside from the required program fee, students also raise an amount of at least $75 to put towards the community service project they will be taking part in during their village stay. Students will feel more connected to their project knowing that they were involved in the funding process. It should be noted that all donations that they raise to be used for their community service project is 100% tax-deductible, due to the Ghana Wisdom Foundation's 501 (c )( 3) status. All donations should be made out to the Ghana Wisdom Foundation.
Waiting List
In the event that Project Wisdom is unable to accept a participant due to all spots having been filled, participants will be put on a waiting list. If a participant drops out of the program or their acceptance is denied or rescinded, the next student on the waiting list will be notified. All participants from the waiting list invited to join the program, must pay in full and all necessary forms must be completed and received within three weeks of notification.