Teaching & Daycare Center

Taking time off to participate in our teaching project in Ghana will be of great reward because of the genuine need for volunteers. Our partner local schools have benefited from the services of volunteers’ with professional and technical background in education who shared their skills and experience with the local teachers and the children. Some volunteers in the past organized educational forums for the local teachers to share with them different methods of teaching.

This project helps the pre-school, primary and junior secondary class children to learn English and also get education on math, creative arts and science etc. It’s the government of Ghana’s policy for English to be used from the start of primary education up to the tertiary level. Children in rural communities are very keen to learn and improve their conversational English. Most of the schools also put extra emphasis on English education as well as mathematics. The role of the volunteer goes far beyond assisting teaching. Children are attracted to school by the presence of volunteers and your presence also is a proven morale booster for parents and the limited teachers as well as a great inspiration for students.

Research has shown that most children or students in rural villages or towns learn English at school only because parents do not communicate with them in the English Language at home. Volunteers will be provided teaching resources to aid their work at the school. It’s the policy of the organization that Volunteers do not take up the jobs of local teachers.

You are assigned to support or assist the local teacher in the classroom. Arrangement can be made for volunteers to teach in a pre-school if that is your preference. Please find below the school’s main curriculum:

Pre-School (4 and 5 year olds)
Language and Literacy, Environmental studies, Creative activities (Music, dance and art)
Physical development, Psychosocial skills

Primary (6-11 years)
English, Math, Integrated Science, Environmental Studies, Basic computer skills

Junior Secondary (12-14 years)
English, Math, Integrated Science

Ghana has 3 academic semesters a year:

1st School Break
Start Date: January to April / School Holiday: April to May

2nd School Break:
Start Date: May to August  / School Holiday: August to September
3rd School Break:
Start Date: September  to December / School Holiday: December  to January 

Please 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.

EXPECTATION/ ROLES OF VOLUNTEERS

You will need to improve the low comprehension level and poor pronunciation of students, provide theoretical and practical assistance and aide the teachers interact with the students. Volunteers will receive assistance from us and the local school regarding the lesson plans and teaching curriculum. There will be a Teaching Guide book to assist you in your daily work with the children.

Volunteers can bring along teaching materials such as picture books, instruments, flash cards, art supplies, learning aide, story books and songs. Classes are generally in session five days a week. The total number of teaching hours is about 25-30 per week. Experienced and Inexperience volunteers can teach vocabulary, assist with pronunciation and support students as they practice speaking English. You will be expected to prepare lesson notes, teach classes through lecturing and assess students through work assignments.

Volunteers will be provided teaching resources to aid their work at the school. You will also need to take time to prepare your lessons, and correct your student’s work. Many volunteers choose to help out in other areas too, helping students with extra-curricular activities like sports, drama or music lessons for example. Arrangement can be made for you to teach in a pre-school if that is your preference.

Typical Day Schedule (Monday to Friday)

Breakfast is usually ready for volunteers at exactly 7am and volunteers will have enough time to start the day’s work by 8:30am. Volunteers are expected to be present at the school to undertake the daily roles to be assigned by the local teacher or principal of the school. You will have some hours of free time for lunch at the school (12pm) or at the volunteer hostel/Host family after school. The school session usually closes at 2pm and you will have time to engage in any other business such as going out for drink, shopping or visiting the internet café etc in the evening.

WEEKENDS

Free weekend for Volunteers to travel/Personal Time

(Project Coordinator Can Help in Planning Weekend Trip)

Volunteers can bring their Personal Plans