Description

Projects Abroad offers placements teaching basic IT and computer skills to children in Ghana. On Africa's West coast, Ghana is a country rich in natural resources such as cocoa, timber, gold and diamonds. A former British colony, one of Ghana's official languages is English, which has facilitated the rapid increase in tourism.

As the tourist market expands, the number of jobs increase, and with this the need for computer literacy. In the 21st century, computer literacy is a skill which is valued almost as highly as standard literacy! It is therefore a huge advantage to learn the basics of computer use, and this is something which our volunteers can help with. By sharing their knowledge of IT with students and teachers alike, volunteers increase the future prospects of each individual they help.

Just like children throughout the world, Ghanaian children are fascinated by computers and eager to learn how to use them. Teaching such a useful skill is invaluable, both to individuals and the communities they live in. From developing a better understanding of computers, job opportunities which would not previously have been available present themselves. With IT skills, children also find themselves in a position where they can benefit from all that the worldwide web has to offer.

Volunteers are needed to help teach very basic computer programs like Word and Excel although - if you are also able to develop databases and assist with any maintenance work - this is always appreciated.

Highlights

Our IT project in Ghana is based in the Akuapem Hills and offers the opportunity for Projects Abroad volunteers to help the local community in a very practical way. The IT Center was set up in April 2005 at Abiriw Primary School by a former Projects Abroad volunteer. Our volunteers are essential for the running of the center, as the school does not currently have its own IT teachers.

Volunteers taking part in our IT project spend some of their time making sure that the local teachers know how to use computers. If not they share their own knowledge with them and in this way the project can sustain itself when there are no volunteers around.

Volunteers teach a variety of practical computer skills ranging from how to turn a computer on and off, to explaining software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and demonstrating how to use the Internet for research and communication. Other practical work includes helping students during activities, as well as creating learning materials, worksheets and a student database system.

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The price of each placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, full travel and medical insurance plus support and 24 hour back-up from our staff based around the world.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Academic Reinforcement
• Adult Education
• Community Development
• Computer Training
• Culture

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992