Thank you for visiting our Coffee Beans English page!

This page provides information for people who would like to learn more about our work, make a donation or apply for a volunteering placement.

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“Coffee Beans” – Chicchi di Caffè – is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide healthcare, safety, education and lots of love to children who experience disability, domestic abuse, neglect and extreme poverty in Ghana.

Through international support we work with staff from the local community to provide each of our children the opportunity to reach their potential.

Our Story

Established in 2010 by Italian Physiotherapist Simona Branca with a small group of committed sponsors and volunteers, we work with the Social Welfare Department and local community to support children who are at risk of the greatest harms of inequality and discrimination.

Meet our magic little Beans (Chicchi)

Wherever possible, we try to support children and their parents to remain together through providing home resources, school fees and ongoing parenting support.

When family-based interventions are not possible, we provide a residential setting for children, boys and girls, from newborns to young adults. We also offer emergency accommodation, medical care, and support attendance in schools, based on each child’s individual needs.

Donate

We can currently receive bank transfers or PayPal donations.

Our work is funded through a small number of sponsors and fundraising events in Italy and the UK. You can choose to donate any amount – even a small amount makes a huge difference! We annually publish a full record of our expenses on this website.

Associazione Chicchi di Caffè Onlus
Legal registered address: via Invernizio 15 – 20157 – Milan – Italy

Bank Transfer
NAME: Associazione Chicchi di Caffè Onlus
TAX CODE: 97586410157
IBAN: IT10U0329601601000067034461
BIC/SWIFT: FIBKITMMXXX
ADDRESS: FIDEURAM Spa, Milan Ag.1, Corso di Porta Romana 16, 20122 Milan, Italy

PayPal
by entering the email: chicchidicaffeonlus7@gmail.com

Volunteer with us!

If you are interested in a volunteering placement please contact Andac, describing why you would like a placement with us, what you think you can offer and the timescales you are proposing: andac.chicchidicaffeonlus@gmail.com

Things to do
The volunteers will take care of the children in order to promote wellbeing, safety, family cohesion and happiness. Many of our children have disabilities and therefore you may be asked to help with their therapy, depending on your skills. You will be drafted a placement plan to make sure we both get the most out of your placement.

For example:

• • Help them with homework or education tasks

• • Help them prepare for bed, with washing, stories and cuddles

• • Assist them in the difficult tasks such as dressing/changing
  • Organise games which get all of them involved in all activities such as music, crafts and sports

• • Prepare and supervise snacks (coffee beans will love you for it!)

What we look for
Whatever your skills, all volunteers need to have maturity, flexibility and a collaborative approach to work. You should be comfortable working independently and show initiative, but do not need professional qualifications related to health or child care – although these are warmly welcomed attributes. Above all we need hard workers with enthusiasm and passion for making all of our children feel happy and loved.

Specific skills
Professional physiotherapists; speech therapists or play therapists.
Nursery and primary school teachers.
People with knowledge of electrical or water systems to help us with maintenance and development.
People to help us create develop vegetable garden and maintain our outdoor space.

Things to know
Minimum stay: 3 weeks.

Location: We are based in a rural area that operates 2-3 hours drive from the capital, Accra. Transport is available by tro-tro (local bus) and taxi. The main services (hospital, police and local businesses are 10 minutes far by car).

Police certificate  (certificate of good conduct) and criminal record certificate are required.

Fees
A minimum fee of 500 euros is required into the charity bank account prior to your arrival.

The price includes:

• Transfer from/to the airport
• Accommodation in a ensuite room, with outdoor porch
• Breakfast of tea/coffee and biscuits is served each morning
• Lunch and dinner on-site will be provided daily, with a single menu of local food
• Electricity, gas (kitchen) fridge/freezer and local water

The price doesn’t include:

• Round trip flight
• Entry Visa
• Vaccinations. You will receive a letter of participation to be delivered to your healthcare system for the exemption or reduction of international fees for vaccinations
• Insurance, medical and accident insurance (compulsory)
• Police certificates (compulsory)
• Lunch, dinner and meals outside the center or other than those proposed by the host
• All transfers in addition to airport transfers.

Expectations
Every volunteer must clean their own room and the kitchen, if used.
We will go to the city weekly for supplies and volunteer may be invited to join us.
We have two large but wonderful Boerboel dogs who are an active part of the family.
You should be prepared to cope with a tropical climate.