Volunteer teaching in Ghana -the experience of a lifetime!

Teaching was never to be my vocation. In fact, I had never considered doing voluntary work before, least of all as a teacher in the developing world. However, I was to find myself in Ghana, West Africa, working in the small fishing village of Elmina. It was here that I spent the most extraordinary month of my life, educating the few children fortunate enough to go to school there (a mere 40% receiving formal education). In the confines of a rather primitive 'pink and blue' school building, which was to become my home, I taught the subjects of English, Science and Environmental Studies and spoke enthusiastically about the culture I had always taken for granted. It was here that I discovered something that took me completely be surprise - an entirely different way of life.

'Opening my eyes'
It would be fair to say that Ghana is one of the friendliest and welcoming nations one could hope to visit. There was no limit to the friendship and generosity that was shown to me during my stay. Although I arrived a stranger into their country, the Ghanaians considered me their 'sister' and friend. This warmth extended not only to those I knew but also to those with whom I exchanged greetings on the street. In fact I felt completely at home.

Actually teaching in Ghana was a priceless experience. In an open-plan building, I taught children of varied age and ability alongside other villagers (also the occasional hen or goat) who wished to share in my knowledge of the English culture and learn about the English language, the workings of the body or even the environment. In return, they taught me the local dialect of Fante. They also emersed me in their culture, giving me the Ghanaian name of Ama (Saturday born) and exposing me to traditional foods and clothing - I looked pretty swish in a kaba. I quickly became the children's best friend and confidant, being welcomed into their homes, meeting their parents and sharing in their daily activities. I was learning about an entirely different culture.

Not just their teacher
As a voluntary teacher, my main role was to provoke conversation and aid in the pronunciation of the English language in school. However, my hours extended beyond this to include every evening when those keenest to learn, or even those with the greatest intrigue, came to my lodgings to discuss the most curious of topics. For me, the most alluring of these was the Ghanaian perception of the 'affluent white' and the fantasy world in which we lived. I did my best to convince them that a degree of poverty also existed in the developed world and the problems we faced were different but equally as pressing - yet to them it remained their paradise.

Rather to me, Ghana was the paradise. Away from the hassles of modern-day living and the deadlines I was expected to meet. Here, everything just happened, eventually. It was my escape. The children gave me a sense of achievement. They were eager to learn about my homeland and listened attentively in my lessons, always asking questions and actively participating in crazy role-plays. I believe they actually learnt a great deal, even if it was due to topics I covered rather than my fine teaching skills.

A bed of roses or thorns?
Now, it would be wrong of me to paint a completely idyllic picture of Ghana, as that is not entirely the case. After all, it is a developing country fraught with a multitude of problems that will not be solved overnight. As I saw it, the most important of these was the paucity in the education system.

Despite a surprisingly good standard of education, indeed comparable to our own in some of the private schools, I came face to face with a recurring theme: where were all the teachers and children? A mere 40% of children participated in any formal education, and those who came to school were often persuaded to leave and earn money for the upkeep of their families. Moreover, when they came to school there were rarely enough teachers to go round. Unfortunately this was a viscous circle. It was heartbreaking.

Inspired and enlightened
Voluntary teaching is the opportunity of a lifetime to provide some real benefit to those less fortunate than ourselves. At the same time I gained a real insight into an entirely new and wonderful culture. I have been left inspired and enlightened.

I am keeping in contact with many of my new found friends I left behind in Ghana and am looking forward to a return visit when time allows. My next destination is Nepal, to teach Health Care and Sanitation issues.

My advice - be a volunteer, you shall never regret it!

Emma Culver
University of Edinburgh (medicine student)