Volunteer Teaching English & Other Subjects in Ghana

Teach in Ghana and help young children develop the skills that will help improve their future job prospects. You can teach a variety of subjects such as Mathematics, English – Language, and Creative Art.
Please not that the schools are closed during the following dates:

– 13th December to 6th January
– 18th April to 12th May
– 25th July to 8th September

The carrying out of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE), as between 1996-2005 in Ghana has allowed many poorer families to send their children to school. Education is a priority for the Ghanaian government. Nevertheless, severe classroom overcrowding, lack of educational materials and an overall weak infrastructure are common problems that the Ghanaian educational system faces.

Volunteers can work with children of all ages, from the age of 2 rights up to the age of 16. You will work as a teaching assistant, however if you feel confident enough to take the lead then you can take your own classes. If you have a preference of age group then please outline this in your online application form. OGVO volunteers are placed at a local school. Our team will introduce you to the school curriculum and teaching techniques, so you can effectively plan for lessons.

Volunteers play an important part in supporting local teachers and providing a new lease of life in the classroom through creative thinking and innovative teaching techniques. You’ll find the children extremely excited to see you and eager to learn. To be greeted everyday by the children running over and hugging you makes every day at the school a special day. Whilst resources are limited, if you are creative and determined then you can really make a difference.

It is important to understand that discipline and teaching styles are quite different to those in the Western World. The common teaching practices in Ghana are largely repetitive and often result in the children memorizing the information without really understanding it. Moreover, conditions are poor and classes are extremely overcrowded. As a volunteer, this may be a culture shock to you! It is important to have an open mind and recognize that change is slow but your efforts to promote best practice will lead to improvements in the long run. Your role is to create a more student-orientated approach to teaching, which is more interactive and engaging.

Volunteers provide a valuable cultural resource for the children where they can learn about different people, places and traditions. The majority of your time will be spent teaching the core subjects; English, Math and IT etc. Though, there is always the opportunity to initiate extra-curricular activities such as sports.

During the school vacation, we will be running our own community education sessions for the local children. Otherwise, additional help is also needed at the orphanage, where volunteers can help with teaching English and organizing games and activities for the children during the school vacation.

Highlights

• Teaching children English and other subjects in Ghana
• Gain valuable work experience
• Meet new friends and learn about the lives of these amazing children
• Enrich your life with a new culture

Qualification

No qualifications are required for this position. It would be helpful if you are fluent or nearly fluent in English.

Location of OGVO Volunteer/Intern Programs
We have volunteer and intern work placements in both urban and rural areas in Ghana including Accra, Koforidua, Kumasi, Cape Coast, Kwamoso, Salt Pond,Swedru,Tepa, Boaben-Fiema, Bibiani, Boako, Wassa Akropong, Wale Wale, Mampong, Asafo, Buduburam, and many more.

Start Dates and Durations
We pride ourselves for our flexibility. Volunteers or interns can arrive any day of the year with advanced notice. You can volunteer or intern for periods of 1 week to 6 months. Extension can be arranged with advanced notice as well.

OGVO Program Prices
Our fees are extremely affordable as compare to other organisations. Our program fee starts as small as US $250. Program fees mainly help us cover the variable costs, such as food, accommodation, airport pick-up, placement, program orientation, etc. Program fees vary according to the length of your program. To see program fees and what it covers, please click here

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS ARE INCLUDED

Volunteers on this program will be accommodated with a local host family, and will gain the opportunity to become immersed in the local culture and custom, improving their knowledge of the people, culture and language. Ghanaian families are renowned for their kindness and hospitality and they love to learn about different cultures. Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will often become lifelong friends!

All families have been fully vetted by our team and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Bedrooms are private but generally shared with volunteers of the same gender. Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom. Generally, your host brother, sister or mother assist you with your laundry but it is not an obligation, learn to wash your clothing’s with your hands in several buckets, enjoy the sun drying your clothes and odor the African fragrance in your clothes.

Host families will provide volunteers with breakfast, lunch and dinner during the working week.

Breakfast is usually ready by around 7am; however you can eat later if you prefer to get up late. Lunch is usually packed by your host family in a lunch box so that you can eat at your project if you wish. Dinner is usually served around 6pm.

If you have special eating needs, you can indicate that while applying. Even though special eating needs are not something we can guarantee, we will do our best to meet your needs.

It is important to remember that the living conditions in Ghana are different from home. Most families have running water, but hot water is still uncommon in some areas. Although the accommodation is basic, this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings.

Working days and hours

You will work 5 days a week, leaving you two free days (Saturday & Sunday) to explore the area. You’ll work around 4 – 9 hours per day.

FREE TIME

During weekends Volunteers/Interns have the opportunity to visit all that Ghana has to offer. Weekend trips available include visits to Mole National Park in the Northern Region of Ghana. This National Park offers a great Safari-like experience and is one of the biggest Elephant Sanctuaries in Africa with the chance to spot Lions, Leopards & Antelopes in their natural habitat.
Volunteers can also take a trip to Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana to relax in the beautiful beaches and see the famous Cape Coast castle, the Kakum Canopy walkway and Elmina castle, where slave trade begun.

What Our Volunteers and Interns Are Saying