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Ghana - FAQCan you tell me more about Ghana?What kind of volunteer work is available? Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? When do I need to arrive in Ghana? What are the living arrangements when volunteering? Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? Are there more expenses once I arrive? How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana? How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? Can you tell me more about your partner in Ghana? What is the course content of the training? How are families accommodated while volunteering? Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? ------ Can you tell me more about Ghana? Ghana is a vibrant and alluring country, steeped in rich tradition and a frequently tragic history. Free from the trappings of mass tourism, this former British colony has much to offer the visitor. Tropical beaches abound but there's so much more: feed the sacred crocodiles at Paga, plunge into the waterfalls of the eastern highlands, marvel at the game-rich savannah of Mole National Park, or relive the chilling story of the coastal slave forts. For more information we suggest that you purchase the Bradt Travel Guide to Ghana. If you wish you can purchase a copy from our bookshop. What kind of volunteer work is available? The volunteer opportunities in Ghana cover all Teaching subjects. Eg. English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Fine Arts, Textiles and Printing, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Technical Drawing, Wood Work, Metal Work, Electronics, Motor Vehicle Studies, Construction Studies, Computer Studies and Secretarial Studies etc. Your placement will be tailored according to your individual needs and interests. Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer? Yes it would be helpful if you speak English. You may have English as your second language and that is also fine. While there are many local languages spoken in Ghana, the majority of people speak English. When do I need to arrive in Ghana? You can arrive at anytime as training is based at the school and does not run at set times of the year. You will be met at the airport if you are planning to begin volunteering straight away. If you are planning some tourist time in Ghana before beginning teaching then arrangements can be made for you to be picked up at a required destination. School holidays in Ghana run during the following periods of the year: (a) 16th April to 14th May (b) 16th August to 14th September (c) 16th December to 14th January What are the living arrangements when volunteering? When you are met at the airport you will be taken to a hotel for one night. The next day you are taken to the school where you will be volunteering. Most volunteers will be accomodated with a host family, but some volunteers may stay at individual rooms in the school. If you are with a host family, they will supply all your meals, while if you are staying at the school the local people will bring you meals throughout the day. You are free to choose your own accommodation if you prefer, but this is at your own expense. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in Ghana. There is no electricity in most of the villages, although many of our volunteers are placed in Accra where electricity is readily available. Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering? Yes. Any time that you are not expected to be at school you are free to do as you please. Teaching hours very from 2 - 5 hours per day. The locals are very friendly and would be more than happy to entertain you or show you some of the local attractions - particularly animals. You may want to spend some time in Ghana before or after volunteering to see more of the country. You can survive on as little as $7 (U.S) a day in Ghana. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury. Are there more expenses once I arrive? The program fee covers all meals during your placement. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Ghana for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off depending on what you intend doing. Other costs include buying bottled water, departure tax and any shopping you will do personally. How safe is it to volunteer in Ghana? Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. The people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. How many volunteers are there on site at the same time? This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually we have between 4 and 10 volunteers arriving in Ghana each month. You are usually placed with at least one other volunteer. This always depends on how many are volunteering at the same time and the area they are placed in. What resources are available for teaching when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own? Any teaching resources you have that would be of benefit to you in your teaching subject would ideally be taken with you. You can discuss ideas with our partner in Ghana via the email. You need to understand that all schools that volunteers are placed in are very under resourced and much of the teaching is rote learning with the teacher up the front talking to a whole class situation. Many students may not have books or pencils to even work with. Do not expect to have many resources provided at the school. Can you tell me more about your partner in Ghana? Our partner is a non-profit NGO whose main goal is to look for short or long term volunteer-teachers, books, tools and equipment from around the world for Ghanaian schools. They call it 'Educational Empowerment' and in doing so they believe Ghanaians can learn a lot from volunteers from other countries. They are also aware that volunteers can learn a lot from Ghanaians while they are there. What is the course content of the training? The training is based at the school in which you will be volunteering. It is a practical training course which means you may be teaching as well as training. How are families accommodated while volunteering? You would need to pay addition costs for accommodating your family. You would also need to let us know if this is required so you can be placed in a school with options for accommodation nearby. Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement? You will organize your Visa through your travel agent before you leave for Ghana. Also our 26 page program guide which includes links to Ghanaian Embassies through out the world. ------ Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours). Click here to apply for the Ghana teaching program. |
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