7 Reasons You Should Become a Volunteer Teacher in Ghana

Volunteering abroad is always a great decision! Sharing your time and talents with those who need it most on the other side of the world is one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever take part in. We’re sure you’ve heard this before, but there is more to it than that. 

Volunteering abroad can be very fulfilling regardless of the cause you decide to support or where in the world you are travelling to do it. BUT, if you want to make the most out of this experience, it is always best to:

• choose a project that you are passionate about
• select a country that you are interested in exploring
• go somewhere that is truly in need of your help

A group of students showing their work with their volunteer teachers

Why you should choose volunteer teaching in Ghana

Volunteer teaching abroad is an incredible opportunity to make a long lasting impact on future generations by helping them to improve their futures. 

Although volunteer teachers are needed everywhere, it is still important that you take some time to review your options and choose the perfect country for you. The world is a big place, and you want to make sure you volunteer as a teacher in the right place for you. But, if you are having some trouble deciding, you cannot go wrong with teaching in Ghana. Trust me!

Here’s why you should become a volunteer teacher in Ghana:

1. Ghana is the gateway to Africa.

As one of the most stable and economically advanced countries in Africa, Ghana is the perfect choice for those exploring Africa for the first time. From the moment you step out of your plane you will be welcomed by the friendliness and warmth of Ghanaian people, who are always going out of their way to be helpful. African traditions have combined with British influences to produce an exciting modern Ghanaian culture that is open, musical, and diverse. 

Inspire students by working closely with each of them

2. All you need is energy and enthusiasm!

You don’t need any previous teaching experience or certifications to join most volunteer teaching programs in Ghana. You just need to be enthusiastic and resourceful to use the materials at your disposal to create fun, interactive lessons that encourage students to speak English.

Volunteer teaching in Ghana is also a great opportunity for anyone looking to develop a career in education or childcare, because the experience will be a great boost for your resume!

CHECK THIS OUT: Teach Computer Skills in Ghana

3. You can truly make a positive difference.

By teaching a local class and getting to know every student, you will soon become an important part of their day-to-day lives. This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a long lasting contribution to their lives. Your encouragement, praise, and interactive lessons are often all that is needed to spark their interest and desire to learn more.

4. Creativity is welcome!

The teaching methods used in Ghana are outdated, so the local teachers are happy to learn and incorporate a more modern approach to their teaching. Your ideas of how to make learning more fun for the children will always be welcome, and the kids will love to try new things. You’ll be surprised how far a couple of games and songs can go in the classroom in Ghana!

INSIDER TIP: If you have certain activities or games that you think the kids will enjoy, you are welcome to bring any materials you might need with you! This can also help the teachers and future volunteers to use it on other classes and have a greater impact.

KEEP READING: 3 ESL Lesson Plans for Any English Teacher

Making learning fun makes all the difference!

5. English is key to their success.

Ghanaian children grow up mainly exposed to their local tribal languages, such as Ga, Twi, and Ewe, but English remains the country’s official uniting language. English is essential to communicate with fellow Ghanaians in education and business. Developing an interest to learn and practice English is crucial for children, as it will open future professional opportunities.

This also means that it will be significantly easier for you to teach the language to the children, as they already have some kind of exposure to it. This is not the case for most countries in Africa, or elsewhere around the world!

6. Make friends from around the world!

Ghana is becoming a very popular destination amongst volunteer teachers, which means you will be part of a multicultural community where you can exchange stories and learn from each others’ experiences and background. This can also help you get more ideas of what works best in the classroom.

CHECK THIS OUT: Interview with Alumni Teaching Volunteer in Ghana

7. Travel and explore.

Living in vibrant, colorful Ghana will feel like an explosion – an enchanting sensory overload with different adventures to embark on every weekend. In Ghana, you can find a perfect combination between rich history and fascinating ecotourism spots. If you love travelling, it is also the best stepping-off point for exploring West Africa.

You can explore the Kakum Rainforest Reserve, feed wild monkeys at The Boebeng Monkey Village, watch elephants at Mole National Park, or visit the haunting slave castles in Cape Coast. Travelling across Ghana is cheap an easy and you can visit lots of neighboring West-African countries while you are there.

Learning how to read at young age improves the childrens future prospects

Bottom line: Why you need to become a volunteer teacher in Ghana

If you’re planning on volunteering abroad as a teacher in Africa, Ghana is the ultimate destination, even if you are volunteering abroad as a teacher for the first time, because:

• You can work alongside local teachers in a primary or secondary school assisting with English lessons, giving you the right amount of independence and support.
• You do not need any previous teaching experience or foreign language ability, just energy and enthusiasm. However, volunteers with experience or TEFL qualifications are always welcomed!
• Although children learn their local tribal languages at home, English remains the country’s official uniting language, so it will be easier to teach them English.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and make a tangible difference in the lives of your future students. You can be a part of a positive change in disadvantaged communities, and reap the rewards of your work too; all you have to do is take action and choose a program! 

Find a Volunteer Teaching Program in Ghana Now

This article was contributed by Projects Abroad. With 25 years of experience, Projects Abroad is the industry leader in organizing volunteer projects and internships around the world. Their unparalleled support system provides 24 hour professional assistance and care. Volunteers can choose between hundreds of worthwhile projects in 30 destinations, including Ghana, and use their skills to effect meaningful change where it is needed the most.