Volunteering Projects in Ghana (Teaching)

Ghana is a vibrant and alluring country, steeped in rich tradition and a frequently tragic history. Free from the trappings of mass tourism, this former British colony has much to offer the visitor. Tropical beaches abound but there's so much more: feed the sacred crocodiles at Paga, plunge into the waterfalls of the eastern highlands, marvel at the game-rich savannah of Mole National Park, or relive the chilling story of the coastal slave forts. For more information we suggest that you purchase the Bradt Travel Guide to Ghana.

Since Ghana is only a few degrees north of the equator, the only seasonal changes are distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during September and October when the weather is relatively cooler and it rains only occasionally. From December to February it is the dry season, when day temperatures are in the 80s-90s Farenheit (27-36 degree Celcius) and nights in the 70s Farenheit (18-26 Celcius). Another dry season occurs from July to August. A dry northeast wind known as the Harmattan blows for about 10 days in January. The eastern coastal belt is warm and comparatively dry; the southwest corner has the highest humidity and rainfall, while the north is frequently hot and dry. Don't forget to take along an umbrella during the rainy season.

The volunteer opportunities in Ghana cover all teaching subjects, including English, mathematics, French, life skills, social studies, environmental studies, religious and moral education, agricultural science, integrated science, fine art, pre-technical skills, basic computer skills, and pre-school subjects. The levels of students will vary from school to school.

Volunteers should not plan to begin placements in March, April, July, August, or December as teaching placements are not available during school holidays which are generally:

(a) 25th March to 9th May
(b) 25th July to 9th September
(c) 10th December to 9th January

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.

Specific placement location is typically confirmed about 4-6 weeks before the term begins, however all placements are in the Greater Accra, Central, Eastern, Volta and Ashanti regions of Ghana.

All volunteers fly into Kotoka International Airport in Accra (airport code ACC). Pickup days are Sunday through Thursday, and volunteers should provide their arrival details in advance so they can be met at the airport by our partner's representative.

You can arrive at any time, but it is best to arrive a few days before or after the school term begins. Orientation is based at the school and takes place whenever you begin your placement. You will be met at the airport if you are planning to begin volunteering straight away. If you are planning some tourist time in Ghana before starting your teaching placement, then arrangements can be made for you to be picked up at a required destination.

School terms in Ghana run approximately during the following periods of the year:
(a) 10th January to 24th March
(b) 10th May to 24th July
(c) 10th September to 9th December

When you are met at the airport you will be taken to a hotel for one night. The next day you are taken to the school where you will be volunteering. Most volunteers will be accommodated with a host family, usually the school-owner or head, but some volunteers may stay at individual rooms in the school. If you are with a host family, they will supply all your meals, while if you are staying at the school the local people will bring you meals throughout the day. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in Ghana. There is no electricity in most of the villages, although many of our volunteers are placed in Accra where electricity is readily available.

Vegetarians are fine if they are willing to settle for a limited selection of food. A typical breakfast consists of some combination of tea, coffee, cocoa, oats/porridge, bread with jam/butter, and egg omelet. A typical dinner includes fruit and either rice, yam, or Kenkey with stew or soup (which can often include meat). At lunchtime you can get fruits and/or snacks. You’ll need to supplement your food at your own expense if this is not acceptable to you.

There are many holidays and festivities in Ghana to enjoy throughout the year. Some of these will interrupt project schedules and some will not. One thing about Africa is that schedules are never written in stone. Volunteers should use the break from the regular work schedule to soak up the culture and get to know the people in their community.

You must be between 18 and 65 years of age to volunteer in the Ghana Teaching program.

• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever - a certificate proving you have had this should be shown at the airport on arrival.
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor)

Some of these can be taken in oral form so please do discuss all options with your doctor to see what is best for you. Some people can be affected quite differently to others by medication. Malaria is prevalent in Ghana so we strongly recommend medication for this. A yellow fever vaccination is legally required to enter Ghana and you will need to provide a certificate to prove you have had it to obtain a visa.

Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.

After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.

It would be helpful if you speak English; is also fine if English is your second language. While there are many local languages spoken in Ghana, the majority of people speak English.

You would need to pay addition costs for accommodating your family. You would also need to let us know if this is required so you can be placed in a school with options for accommodation nearby. You will need to consider how your children will be supervised while you are at the worksite.

This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually we have between four and ten volunteers arriving in Ghana each month. You will usually be placed with at least one other volunteer, depending on how many volunteers we have at the same time and location as you.

There is no training to prepare you as a teacher for this program. You are expected to bring your own ideas and resources to use. You will talk with the staff at the school on arrival to receive the curriculum and receive your class schedule.

You are expected to be able to take sole charge of the classes you will be teaching, however, you may also be working alongside a local teacher. Volunteers typically teach 2-5 hours per day, depending on the needs of the school, five days per week (Monday through Friday). After school hours it is up to you to plan the remainder of your day.

Yes. Any time that you are not expected to be at school you are free to do as you please. Teaching hours vary from 2 - 5 hours per day, Monday to Friday. The locals are very friendly. You may want to spend some time in Ghana, after volunteering, to see more of the country. You can survive on as little as $20 (U.S) a day in Ghana. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury.

Any teaching resources you have that would be of benefit to you in your teaching subject would ideally be taken with you. You can discuss ideas with our partner in Ghana via email. Most schools that volunteers are placed in are very under-resourced, and much of the teaching is rote learning with the teacher up the front talking to a whole class. Do not expect to have many resources provided at the school; many students may not even have books or pencils.

Our partner is a non-profit NGO, whose main goal is to look for short or long term volunteer-teachers, books, tools, and equipment from around the world for Ghanaian schools. They call this "Educational Empowerment" and they believe Ghanaians can learn a lot from volunteers from other countries. They also know that volunteers can learn a lot from Ghanaians.

You will organize your visa through your travel agent before you leave for Ghana. Also our detailed program guide, which you will receive after you pay your application fee, includes links to Ghanaian embassies throughout the world.

As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a "loss of deposits" cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.

Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.