Description

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.

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..

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.

To apply for our Ghana volunteer program please visit our website

Highlights

Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Ghanaian communities, focusing primarily on orphaned children, school children, farming and community groups.

As a volunteer in Ghana you can provide love, affection, education and support to orphaned children. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. As a volunteer you can share your skills and experience with adult community groups. You will also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Ghanaian communities.

Qualifications

Volunteers for the Ghana Peace Village program must:
* be between 18 and 65 years of age
* be able to walk long distances and be able to tolerate heat
* be a self-starter and able to work under your own direction
* be experienced in either mediation, counseling, grassroots development or conflict resolution
* be able to speak English fluently

This role is suitable for a mature, caring, motivated and self-directed person who is interested in conflict resolution, relationship counselling and/or related work and life experience.

Teaching
This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person. A teaching qualification is not required but volunteers need to be confident in the above subjects and preferably have or are studying towards a university degree.

Please note, as most teaching materials will not be available volunteers are requested to bring or purchase in Ghana any items they wish to use in their work.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

see our website for details

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The in-country fee covers airport pickup, transport to placement, meals during placement, and our partner organization's administrative charge and supervision cost. Please note that your accommodation is provided free by the school.

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, visa, shots, travel insurance, departure tax, and your bus trip back to the airport. You will need to budget for your other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment. If you are willing to live on a tight budget you can get by on USD20 per week.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

+18

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded

2000