Volunteer and gap year placements in Ghana
Situated on the coast of West Africa, Ghana is a country full of beautiful beaches, lush vegetation and the world’s largest artificial lake – Lake Volta! Although a stable country, many Ghanaians live in poverty, giving volunteers the chance to really make a difference. English is learned at school and widely spoken, but a little effort to learn a few phrases in one of the local languages will go a long way.
Placement locations
The majority of placements are located in the south, around Accra and Takoradi with a few slightly further inland.
Is it for me?
Teaching in Ghana will be rewarding, challenging and full of surprises. Volunteers must be aware that the Ghanaian way of life is very different to life in the UK and they must therefore be sensible, mature and respectful. If you are up to the challenge of teaching in a completely different environment and becoming immersed in a new culture then an exciting time awaits.
Roles explained
Teaching
All our placements in Ghana are based in schools. Many of our host schools are run as private charities to help the local community. The majority of schools have a kindergarten (2-5 years), a primary department (6-12 years) and several have a junior secondary department (13-15 years). We also have placements in a senior secondary school (16-19 years) which is suitable for graduates. Volunteers will be teaching English and many will also teach Maths, Science and other subjects depending on their skills and the school’s needs. Volunteers working with pre-school children will also do some care work and help with any extra-curricular activities. Schools are very under-resourced – talk and chalk if you are lucky – but you will find that the students are eager and willing to learn and the more effort you put in the more you will be rewarded.
Accommodation and food
Most volunteers live with a host family giving you a unique opportunity to share the lives of local people. Ghanaian society is far more traditional than western and your hosts will like you to live as a family member and to spend time with them. They will welcome you with open arms.
Some volunteers choose to live in staff accommodation or have a room in a boarding school. This gives you more independence, but you will still be living close to teachers and students.
You are free to travel away at weekends and school holidays, provided that you let your host know that you will be away.
Need to know
Pre departure briefing – all volunteers are invited to a group briefing prior to departure
On arrival – all volunteers have a 3 day orientation in Accra
Travel
Volunteers have the opportunity to travel around Ghana at weekends and during holidays. Many spend time at the Coast, visiting the castles and forts left behind by colonial powers engaged in gold, ivory and slave trading. Heading inland, volunteers take safaris in places such as Mole National Park where elephants, hippos and buffalo abound and elusive lions may be spotted. Ghanaians love festivals and wherever you go you are sure to find something exciting and unusual happening.
Costs
- Lattitude Global Volunteering fee: £1,990
That works out at just £100 a week!
What’s included?
- In depth matching process to align your skills and interests with a placement that really suits you
- Assigned Volunteer Coordinator to help with all pre-departure support and offer guidance
- Pre-departure briefing
- Airport pickup
- Accommodation & food
- In-country orientation
- In-country support
- 24/7 support
Please note this fee does not include the cost of getting to Ghana or extras such as insurance or any inoculations you may need. For an estimated break down of all costs you may have to budget for please click here
Fundraising
As a charity we always recommend our volunteers fundraise to help meet the costs involved in volunteering overseas. In many ways it is part of the whole experience. For more information and fundraising ideas please click here
Planning your trip
| Placement type | Departure | Application deadline | status |
| Teaching (5 months) |
Feb 2012 | 31 Oct 2011 | Full / Closed |
| Teaching (5 months) |
Sept 2012 | 15 June 2012 | Spaces available |
| Teaching (5 months) |
Feb 2013 | 31 Oct 2012 | Spaces available |
Please note that the deadline is the last possible time allowed to get an application form in that allows us enough time to match volunteers and begin sorting out visas.We always recommend applying as early as possible in order to secure your place.
We are currently accepting applications for departures up until 2014.