Be a volunteer Special Needs teacher in Ghana

Special education in Ghana

On this voluntary teaching project you will work at a school in the Volta Region of Ghana. You will help deaf children and those with learning difficulties

We work with the GBI Special School which has been running since 1986. It provides education for children who would otherwise be ignored by the school system. Children with Special Educational Needs require expert help and this is something that you can get involved in.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer Special Needs teachers help in Ghana?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer Special Needs teachers help in Ghana?

You can use your knowledge and training to help local staff as a volunteer teacher. You can work on tasks such as:

• Teaching abroad in Ghana including tasks such as:
  • Planning, preparing and delivering lessons to a variety of pupils.
  • Marking work, giving appropriate feedback and maintaining records of pupils' progress and development.
  • Supervising and supporting the work of teaching assistants, trainee teachers and newly qualified teachers.
  • Communicating in sign language.
• Working with existing staff to look at ways of improving teaching methods and subject content.
• Observing classes to assess existing teaching staff, offer advice and set goals for development.
• Helping pupils and carers outside of the classroom with tasks such as getting the children washed and dressed, cooking and cleaning and working on their social interaction skills.
• Helping with training clinics for Projects Abroad volunteers working with local schools (optional).

The GBI Special school operates in two buildings – one for deaf pupils and one for those with learning difficulties. In total they care for around 80 pupils, both children and adults, aged between 6 and 30.

You will be expected to work around 7 hours each day, from Monday to Friday. Class sizes are normally around 30 pupils and you will be able to work alongside Ghanaian staff.

This project runs all year round so you can join at any time. Alternative classes are arranged for volunteers to teach during school holidays. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

Special education in Ghana

You will gain experience of teaching people of a variety of ages with different learning and physical disabilities. You will also gain an insight into the methods used to teach these pupils in the developing world. You will be able to learn from local staff as well as helping them develop their skills. You may also be able to get involved in some vocational training to help pupils prepare for life away from the school.

Through working with the pupils at the school, you will learn about Ghanaian culture and way of life. Staff and pupils will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Ghana is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a Ghanaian family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekly quiz nights.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have attained Qualified Teacher Status (or the equivalent qualification in your home country) then you are perfectly suited to this project. The project deals with deaf pupils and those with learning disabilities so it would help if you have experience in at least one of these areas. Anyone fluent in sign language will also fit in well on this project.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.