Description

Having a strong background in Maths or English is one of the keys to success in today's economy. You can help a primary/elementary pupil or a Junior High school child struggling to understand English, Math, Science, Arts/Craft, Environmental studies and make a direct impact on his or her future success.

The Education & Child Development program is in collaboration with schools in rural areas. Children are attracted to school by the presence of volunteers, and your presence also is a proven moral booster for parents and the limited teachers as well as a great inspiration for students. Inexperienced and experienced volunteers can teach vocabulary, assist with pronunciation and support students as they practice speaking English.

Other subjects certified by the Ghana Education Service are also taught. Depending on your field of interest and skill; Citizenship Education, Information Computer Technology, Religious & Moral Education, Ewe, French, Social Studies are included.

The teaching activity includes the following levels of kids;

1. Grades (1-6)/primary: The primary education starts from level 1-6 and their ages mostly are between 6 and 11 years. This program is run in such a way that the English language is paramount to boost their English accents when speaking and comprehension writing. Patience is the key on the part of the volunteers as he or she will be working with little children. Other curriculum includes Math, Integrated Science, Environmental Studies, and Basic computer skills.

2. Grades (7-9)/Junior High School: The Junior high level focuses mainly on intensive teaching. Students spend three years of intensive learning before graduating into the Senior high level. Subjects taught at this level mainly include Math, Integrated Science, English, Social Studies, Environmental Studies, Basic computer skills, Life skills, Technical and vocational skills. You would be dealing with the adolescents and teenagers.

Orientation will be provided prior to starts of work. Volunteers work with experienced and non-experienced teachers. Study programs tailored for each students will be created to track progress and success. Your role as a volunteer will either be leading your own class or assisting another teacher in his or her lessons. Your placement is completely dependent upon your level of comfort within the classroom. Your application should also state the category of children you prefer teaching and the intended subject (e.g. English, Maths, Science, Arts etc).

Teaching hours are weekdays (Monday-Fridays), from 8am to 2:30pm. Volunteers are asked to commit to 30 hours a week.

Length of Commitment: There is a minimum of 2 weeks due to the development and effectiveness one would bring in such a short amount of time. The maximum amount of time would be 1 year.

Additional Information:
Accommodation:
GCS mostly provide both on-site and host family accommodation for volunteers. Accommodation will sometimes be in shared rooms with typically no more than 4 to a room. Volunteers will have access to electricity, bathroom with shower and flushing toilet. Most projects are walking distance from the accommodation which will help minimize transport cost. Volunteers are placed with screened Host Families; this is to make sure the family is healthy and do not have any communicable kind of disease dangerous to volunteers' health. Placements are very flexible with your individuals/groups preferences and requests.

Know before you go:
Visitors to Ghana are expected to acquire a valid Passport and a Visa. All passports must be valid for at least six months on arrival in Ghana. GCS provide support for volunteer visa applications including references being required by Ghana Embassies abroad. Contacts and addresses of Ghana High Commissions will be provided including a Letter of Support. It is recommended and required of a volunteer to visit a health center in their home country for yellow fever and other health related vaccination, and also request malaria prevention drugs.

Highlights

Typical day:
Breakfast is offered between 7am-7:30am. School sessions start at 8am and end at 3pm daily (Monday-Friday). Morning sessions has a 15 minutes break at 10:30am-10:45am. The afternoon sessions also has a 30 minutes rest from 12:30pm-1pm to enjoy lunch. All school sessions closes at about 3pm. Games are mostly organized on Fridays after 11am weekly. Games are from soccer/football, handclapping (ampe) to whatever activities you can think of. Trips are allowed during the weekends.

Qualifications

There is no specific qualification for teaching except fluency in English. But most importantly, one must have a High School qualification to teach at primary level and a college degree to teach at secondary level.

Volunteers participating in teaching programs should enjoy working with children. They should also be creative and self-motivated as even the most basic resources can be limited and require you to use your imagination to compensate for the lack of materials.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

550 USD (4 weeks)

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

Airport pick-up, Orientation prior to beginning of work, Transportation to project site, Accommodation (Host / Home stay / Volunteer room placement), Daily meals, Certificate of recognition and an opportunity to serve as GCS Ambassador in your city, college or community, A brochure, In-country support (24/7 support lines), Volunteer tag/card, A possible trip tour arranged by GCS, Basic local language orientation and Placement.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Education
• English Teaching

Typical Volunteer

Despite our name, any person may volunteer with GCS as long as they are over 18 years old. The majority of our participants are 18-30 years old, but we welcome anyone who wishes to join us and make a difference. You do not need any special skills to volunteer with GCS. We just ask that you are willing to give back to your host country; you are willing to learn as much as you can about the people, environment and issues facing your host country, and are ready to make the best friends along your adventure of a lifetime.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Global-Cultural Solution's Mission Statement

To help bridge the wide gap between the privileged and the under-privileged with the provision of general support to deprived and needy communities through sustainable human resource services.

Year Founded

2007