This special school was founded by Patricia, the creator of Volunteer Worldwide, in collaboration with the Kidz Active Foundation. It’s our very own school in Ghana.
This is a truly meaningful education project based in northern Ghana. This region is the poorest part of the country, with Tamale as its capital. Education levels are low, leading to relatively high rates of illiteracy and limited knowledge of English, usually only at a basic level. Many children in the surrounding villages don’t attend school due to financial hardship.
Another reason children don’t attend school is because they’re often responsible for looking after younger siblings or working on the land. Many parents simply aren’t aware of the importance of education. That’s why Kidz Active, with the support of donors, volunteers and local teachers, built and launched this school. A crèche was also established so that older children are no longer burdened with childcare responsibilities and can attend school themselves.
The school is aimed at underprivileged children from villages around Tamale and currently accommodates around 550 students. Classes are smaller than usual for Ghana, allowing more individual attention.
Support local teachers in the classroom or provide additional lessons to children who are struggling. You won’t be teaching entirely on your own, as a teacher is always present. You can also get involved with arts and crafts, sports and games, or music. Personal ideas and creativity are always very welcome.
When working with students in grades 1 to 6, your main focus will be helping those who have fallen behind. You’ll take them aside individually or in small groups to assess their level and help them understand the material at their own pace. This approach often helps students catch up to the rest of the class.
The kids in this age group are between four and six or seven years old. They need support with their daily routines and development, including hygiene practices like washing their hands after going to the toilet. They also start learning the basics of English, such as counting and the alphabet. Their native language, Dagbanli, is still spoken in the classroom alongside English. The teachers speak English, but volunteers need to be patient and attentive as the children may not always understand you at first. They love games and playing with things like LEGO.
The children here are between two and four years old and need guidance in their early development, play and hygiene. Dagbanli is the main language spoken in the crèche, although the teachers speak English. As with kindergarten, volunteers need patience and care. The little ones enjoy playing games and love activities like building with LEGO or Duplo.
If you're working with grades 1 to 6, you’ll mainly focus on tutoring children who are struggling in regular class. You’ll take them out of class for one-on-one or small group sessions, figure out where they’re at, and help them improve from there. This method is often very successful in bringing them up to the same level as their peers.
You’re also welcome to help with creative activities, sports, games or music. Your personal input is always appreciated.
If you choose to work in the crèche, your tasks will be a bit different due to the age of the children and the language barrier. These little ones are still learning how to play, interact and follow routines.
You’ll work Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 2:45 pm. Depending on the age group you’re working with, your day might look slightly different. But one thing’s for sure, the children are always full of energy and incredibly grateful for your help.
Jenice
Het is goed om te zien hoe goed wij het hier hebben, als je terug komt waardeer je veel meer. Ook voor je persoonlijk vlak is het goed om een keer een zelfstandige reis te maken en daar te werken.
Sofie vrijwilliger Ghana
De begeleiding en ondersteuning die zij je bieden in Ghana én in Nederland, geeft je een gevoel van veiligheid, zekerheid, vertrouwen en warmte!
Caroline vrijwilliger Ghana
Door in Afrika gewerkt te hebben, besef ik nu eens zo hard hoe druk wij ons in Europa soms maken om pietluttigheden. Wij mogen oprecht dankbaar zijn voor alles wat we zomaar in onze schoot geworpen krijgen.
Agnetha vrijwilliger in Ghana
Voor mij was het vrijwilligerswerk en het rondreizen in Ghana een prachtige ervaring en ik zou het zeker aanraden aan anderen om te gaan doen.
Mirte vrijwilliger in Ghana
Het land van de mooie bomen, lachende mensen, dansende mensen, van de waterzakjes. Je moet het meemaken om de echte cultuur te voelen, het is geweldig!
Boudewijn
Ik wilde reizen, een andere cultuur meemaken, meer van de wereld zien maar wel iets te doen hebben en mogelijk nog iets toevoegen. Ook voor mijn cv moest het een toevoeging zijn en natuurlijk is vrijwilligerswerk dat.
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