Ghana

You can become involved in helping to develop communities in Ghana. With such a variety of projects this program has something to suit everyone.

You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of under-privileged children in orphanages, and to contribute to teaching, farming and community work.

The projects offer you a great way to experience the Ghanaian way of life, whilst making a lasting difference in local communities.

Farming

You have the opportunity to work alongside local Ghanaians to assist in the farming program.

The land belongs to the children's home and is used to grow food for the children and generate income to support the running of the children’s home; excess produce is to be sold locally. The long term goal is to teach the children how to care for and utilise the land so they have the skills to take over the work, making the farm self-sufficient and providing the children with invaluable skills. Duties will include weeding, planting, watering and harvesting.

This is not a full time project; you will have plenty of time to spend with the children in the orphanage. This role it suitable for volunteers with experience in growing crops or gardening, and for those with green fingers and a readiness to get involved.

Teaching

Many schools in Ghana are currently struggling with overcrowded classes and a lack of skilled teachers. As a volunteer you will help to empower girls and boys by giving them the skills they need for the future and to make their voice heard.

We have opportunities for volunteers to assist with teaching in the following:
- Pre-School (4-5 year olds)
- Primary School (6-11 year olds)
- Junior Secondary School (12-14 year olds)

Subjects range from language and literacy, maths, science, computer skills, environmental studies, physical development, and psychosocial skills to creative activities such as music, dance, and art.

This program does not include a training process, therefore the volunteer is expected to be able to conduct classes independently or assist teachers in the classroom.

A teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or be studying towards a university degree. Your level of experience will determine the age group that you work with.

Village

You have the opportunity to work within a community project based in the village of Aboansan. Volunteers are needed to take part in a flexible program incorporating some of the following activities:

Peace Education Cells

Peace education cells encourage non-violent conflict-resolution training, and facilitate dialogue and reconciliation between competing priorities within and between the family group, neighbourhoods and communities. Cell discussions are based on topics that villagers feel are affecting them, such as domestic violence, tolerance and intolerance, and women's empowerment. Training includes anger management strategies, cause of and solution to tribal prejudice and hatred, practical pathways to forgiveness and reconciliation. Volunteer opportunities include assisting in mobilising and organising villagers into cell groups, helping to facilitate community cell discussions, and helping to take notes and prepare reports from discussions to track the success of talks.

Community School

Volunteers will assist local teachers in preparing weekly lesson plans, teaching students and organizing sports activities. Teaching opportunities include providing literacy, numeracy, peace education, and creative activities such as drama, dance, and art. Teaching materials will not be available, volunteers are requested to bring or purchase materials in Ghana.

Grassroots Development
Volunteers may also assist in fundraising and planning for the construction of a new school, and in agricultural projects.

Please note the duties listed above may change depending on the current need of the community. This role is suitable for a flexible, mature, caring, motivated and self-directed person.

Childrens

You have the opportunity to work alongside local staff at an orphanage in Ghana. The home is basic, underdeveloped and in need of volunteers to assist.

These children need love and attention, and assistance with education and developing their life skills. Providing the children with the essential skills in life will help them on their way to successful futures free from poverty, filled with the same opportunities as others.

As a volunteer you will help care for and mentor the children. During the day the children will attend school, during this time you will assist with the general running duties of the home. You may also choose to spend time assisting at the local school. After school you will assist with homework and tutoring.

Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate activities such as dance, music, games, sports, arts, and crafts. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person who has a love for children and a willingness to get involved.

Program Cost

Application Fee US$97 *
Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on a Ghana program, (or any other program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you. *

* Your application fee provides you with access to any of our volunteer programs over the next 5 years, as many times as you like without having to pay another application fee!

Program Fee from US$43 a day *

Teaching Program
• 2 weeks - US $1597
• 3 weeks - US $1797
• 4 weeks - US $1997
• 6 weeks - US $2197
• 8 weeks - US $2397

Childrens & Farming Programs
• 3 weeks - US $1797
• 4 weeks - US $1997
• 6 weeks - US $2197
• 8 weeks - US $2447

Village Program
• 2 weeks - US $1597
• 3 weeks - US $1797
• 4 weeks - US $1997
• 6 weeks - US $2397
• 8 weeks - US $2797

* based on an 8 week placement.

Talk to us if you are interested in placements longer than 8 weeks.

What's included
- Home stay, volunteer dormitory or onsite at your project
- Breakfast and dinner
- Project donation
- Airport pick up upon arrival
- In-country orientation and training
- In-country staff supervision
- Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer co-ordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24 hr emergency line.

What's not included
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, departure from the program.

We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $30 for your other expenses such as bottled water, lunch, personal items, beverages and entertainment.

Program Schedule

Teaching
Start date: Any date during term time, ideally around the start of term.
Length: From 2 weeks - 6 months

Term Time in Ghana:
(a) 10th January to 25th March
(b) 10th May to 24th July
(c) 10th September to 9th December

Note: These dates vary slightly from year to year. They also vary from school to school and should be treated as approximate rather than confirmed dates.

Village
Start date: 1st or 15th of every month
Length: From 2 weeks - 6 months

Children's & Farming
Start date: 1st or 15th of every month
Length: From 3 weeks - 6 months

Please note: On arrival in Ghana, you will be met at the airport and the following day attend an orientation before being transferred to your project location.

Contact Us

If you would like more information on any of these projects, or if you have any questions, please email Lee-Anne or phone 03 6224 7444.


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