Description

The International Neo-Humanist School in Ejura (affectionately called "Namaskar School" by the locals - the Indian greeting for "Hello" is "Namaskar") is a rural private school in the heart of the Ashanti Region.

Currently there are 450+ kids from kindergarten to Junior High School level and the children range from about 3 to 19 years old (some start school at an older age so it is common to have children of various ages in the same class). Recently, construction has been completed at the school and now there are 13 classrooms, toilets for the children and a kitchen for cooking lunch.

This project also includes a Children's Home called Namaskar House. It is home to 7 boys, ages 11 to 22 years old, a cook, Dada Shivesh and the volunteers. The house is also under construction, and includes now a computer lab mostly for Namaskar School students to use.

Your Role

At Namaskar School
Your role is mainly to provide support to local teachers and give remedial classes at Namaskar School. Teachers of the lower primary level (such as Kindergarten to Primary 3) usually have the least teaching experience and would benefit the most from your assistance. Your role would be to help with the planning of classes, teaching techniques and evaluations in coordination with the local teacher. The objective is sharing ideas to improve the teacher's skills in managing their own class.

Memorizing, chanting and copying are the main teaching methods. Not all students learn well this way, and therefore fall behind. As a result, the abilities of children within each class vary considerably; for example, in a grade 6 class, there may be students who still don`t know their alphabet. Remedial classes are important to ensure that these students achieve the same level as other pupils in the class.

In addition, each volunteer will have to lead one of the three following initiatives:

* The library: 3 times a week students come by after school to exchange books
* The computer lab: since April 2009 there is a computer lab in Namaskar House with 18 computers for the use of Namaksar students. Volunteers are needed to give classes
* Art and/or music and/or sports classes: the children are taught English, Math, Science, Environmental Studies, and Religious & Moral Education. Volunteers are expected to give more creative classes in coordination with the local teachers if needed. It can be anything that you are good at!

The volunteers are more than welcome to help each other, but only one volunteer will be in charge of each activity.

Volunteers are also expected to meet briefly as a group once a week to discuss issues and ideas with Dada Shivesh. In addition, you will attend weekly staff meetings after school with the local teachers and principal.

At the Children Home

The house is a boys' home: so far there are 7 boys, although two are grown-ups. They love to play football and table tennis. They work hard and will appreciate any extra help you can give them with keeping the house clean and writing letters with them for example. You can help the Namaskar boys with their homework and you can take out some books from the library for them to read. You can also teach them games, organize table tennis matches, dance or do some arts and crafts whatever you want!

Volunteers are encouraged to start their own initiatives and be involved in sustaining the project once they have finished volunteering. We welcome your participation and ideas!

Highlights

Ejura is located about 2 hours north of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, and has a population of around 30,000. It is a rural farming town known for its Monday market days and as Ghana's mango capital!

There are no proper roads in the town, except for the main road that passes from Kumasi and up further north. Dirt tracks link houses splotched randomly about the landscape. Goats and guinea fowl roam freely.

Being in the highlands, Ejura gets much cooler during the nights and is not as humid as many other areas in Ghana. You may even need a blanket or long-sleeved shirt from time to time!

Qualifications

* People who have completed high school and have some experience working with children.
* Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and patient people who love kids.
* Anyone who is broadminded and ready to live a simple lifestyle in simple surroundings.
* People that have a good sense of initiative.
* Qualified teachers are especially encouraged!!
* We have a computer lab so if you have any knowledge in computer science that would be great!
* People that have qualifications in administration and management could contribute in their own way in the well-being of the project.
* Both males and females are welcome, as well as couples.

We would like to have volunteers come for at least one semester, from start to finish, allowing the best quality of learning.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 430 for the first month and USD 100 the next months

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

Registration fee:
In order to show your commitment to the project and to reserve your place you are required to pay KIDS Worldwide a USD30 non-refundable application fee via 'Paypal'. It must be paid within one week of you being formally accepted onto a project by a volunteer coordinator. This gives you the time to conduct your own research and ask any questions, to make sure that the project is suitable for you at this point in your life.

This purpose of this fee is two-fold. Firstly, it's to make sure that people are genuine about volunteering with us. Secondly, it's to reimburse in a very small way those responsible for the administration of KIDS Worldwide, who help to get the volunteers to the projects. KIDS Worldwide and its director - Kate Ericksen - receive two-thirds of this payment. The remaining third goes to the Volunteer Coordinator of the project.

Price for the project itself:
The first month is more expensive because it includes a donation for the project of $300 that goes to the development of the project and the infrastructure. This way the students can pay lower school fees. The remaining USD 100 is for the food and the accomodation. It is USD 100 for the following months (but volunteers stop to pay after 6 months of volunteering) again for food and accomodation (room, electricty, water).

I will provide you with information prior to your departure and will support your preparation. I will be available for you once you are on the field and will ensure your efforts are continued once you are back home.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

19 and above

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 3

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

KIDS Worldwide's Mission Statement

Kids Worldwide seeks to improve the quality of life for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We provide nurturing care and educational programmes based upon the universal concepts of Neo-Humanism, which are tailored to the needs of the children in our projects.

Year Founded

2003