About The Placement

English is Ghana’s official language and the medium for all textbooks and exams. In rural areas, however, it is often not a child’s first language. This makes it extremely difficult for students to tackle complex subjects such as Science or Mathematics when they are already struggling to understand the language of instruction.

By giving children access to engaging storybooks and regular reading practice, you help bridge this gap. Early exposure to enjoyable reading materials improves vocabulary, comprehension and confidence, which in turn boosts their performance across all subjects. Children are eager to read storybooks and your guidance can turn that enthusiasm into lasting skills.

This placement also strengthens schools by providing structured reading programmes that teachers can replicate after you leave, building a sustainable culture of reading.

What's Included

• Shared volunteer accommodation in a modern house in semi-rural Kwahu with views of surrounding forests. Utilities such as electricity, running water, and kitchen facilities are provided.

• Airport pickup on arrival.

• Pre-departure support and access to our volunteer portal.

• 24/7 in-country support, with a local team member living on-site or nearby depending on volunteer numbers.

Your contribution directly sustains this support structure, enabling us to employ local staff and ensure volunteers have safe, comfortable living conditions.

Getting to Your Placement

During your induction, you’ll observe how English is currently taught and what materials are available. You will then visit various classrooms and schools on a regular basis, working alongside teachers to run reading sessions or book clubs. Depending on the class and current needs, activities may include:

• Helping children who are not yet comfortable with reading to learn phonics.

• Bringing a small collection of books to a class and supporting students during allocated reading time (a mobile library approach).

• Reading a book together with the whole class and guiding a comprehension discussion.

• Helping children produce their own storybooks to add to our collection.

Your enthusiasm and creativity make reading a positive experience. Even informal chats about books during breaks expose children to new vocabulary and ideas, boosting their confidence.

Going the Extra Mile

We are always looking to expand this scheme. If you are able to assist in fundraising before or during your trip to help us source extra books, it would make a huge difference. We partner with a UK charity that can arrange shipment of a wide selection of reading books if shipping costs are covered. If you have other ideas for sourcing or sharing books, we’d love to hear them.

Working Relationships

Building meaningful relationships is at the heart of this placement. We work hard to ensure volunteers are integrated into the life of the school rather than just “visiting” it. This approach benefits not only the children, but also the teachers and you as a volunteer, helping you gain a deeper understanding of Ghanaian education and culture.

• With Local Teachers – You will be paired with a class teacher or subject teacher who becomes your day-to-day point of contact. Together you will plan lessons, share ideas, and adapt activities for the class’s needs. This collaborative approach allows you to learn from their experience of teaching in Ghana while they benefit from your fresh perspectives and resources. Over time, you’ll build mutual respect and trust, making it easier to introduce new teaching methods or activities.

• With School Leadership – Headteachers and senior staff are actively involved in welcoming volunteers. They oversee your placement, answer questions about school policies, and ensure that your role complements the school’s goals. Regular check-ins give you a chance to discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and adjust your timetable if necessary.

• With Other Volunteers – When numbers permit, we place volunteers in small groups at the same school or nearby projects. Working alongside others fosters a sense of teamwork and shared learning. Volunteers often swap lesson plans, co-run after-school clubs, or partner up for small-group support. This camaraderie provides an extra layer of support and makes the experience more rewarding.

• With Our Local Team – A member of our staff visits each project regularly and is always available to mediate, advise, or help implement new ideas. They can assist with cultural nuances, suggest low-cost teaching resources, or simply act as a sounding board if you need reassurance. Because many of our team members live in the same communities, they also help you connect with local families and traditions beyond the school gates.

• With the Community – It’s common for volunteers to be invited to teachers’ homes or local events as a gesture of appreciation. Sharing meals, attending festivals, or taking part in community activities helps you gain a richer perspective on Ghanaian life and builds bonds that often last well beyond your placement.

This network of relationships means you’re never working in isolation. You become part of a team—teachers, headteachers, fellow volunteers, and our local staff—all united in the shared goal of improving educational opportunities for children.

Volunteer Expectations

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, and no formal teaching qualification is required. What matters most is your willingness to contribute, your openness to learning, and your respect for the community you’re joining.

We ask volunteers to bring the following qualities:

• Enthusiasm & Energy – A positive attitude goes a long way in the classroom. Even small efforts—like smiling, greeting children warmly, or trying a local greeting—can transform your experience.

• Flexibility & Adaptability – Class schedules, lesson topics, or school events can change at short notice. Being open-minded and patient ensures you’ll get the most from your placement.

• Empathy & Cultural Sensitivity – Remember you’re a guest in the community. Being respectful of local customs, dress codes, and teaching methods helps build trust and makes your contribution more effective.

• Reliability & Commitment – Children thrive on consistency. We ask volunteers to attend their placements Monday to Friday (with occasional flexibility for travel or illness) so students can build a routine and benefit from your presence.

• Initiative & Creativity – You’ll often have the freedom to suggest or lead activities. Taking initiative—planning a game, preparing a simple experiment, or creating a visual aid—can make a huge difference.

In return, you’ll gain practical classroom experience, cross-cultural skills, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve contributed meaningfully to the education of Ghanaian children. By approaching your placement with professionalism and an open heart, you help create an environment where both you and the students can grow.

Our Commitment to You

We are available any time, day or night, to support you—whether you’d like help organising an after-school club, adjusting your placement, or planning weekend travel. Our local team at the volunteer house is also happy to share insights into the area and Ghanaian life.

From the moment you express interest in volunteering until the day you return home, our team is here to walk alongside you. We know that travelling to a new country to volunteer can be exciting but also a little daunting, and we see it as our responsibility to ensure you feel supported, informed, and welcomed at every stage.

• Before You Arrive – You’ll receive clear pre-departure information, access to our volunteer portal, and direct communication with our team. We’ll help you prepare for your placement, advise on what to pack, answer cultural questions, and assist with travel planning.

• Arrival & Orientation – A member of our team will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the volunteer house. We provide an in-country orientation to introduce you to Ghanaian culture, the local area, and your placement school. This includes practical information, safety guidance, and an overview of your role so you feel ready and confident from day one.

• During Your Placement – You’ll never be left on your own to figure things out. Our local support team lives on-site or nearby and is available 24/7 for questions, emergencies, or simply to chat. A staff member visits schools regularly to check on your progress, help you resolve challenges, and ensure you have everything you need to succeed. If you’d like to organise an after-school club, change your placement, or explore new teaching ideas, we’ll guide you step by step.

• Beyond the Classroom – We’re also here to help you get the most out of your time in Ghana outside school hours. Our team can advise on weekend trips, local events, and cultural experiences. We want you to feel at home and to see the richness of Ghanaian life, not just the inside of a classroom.

• Continuous Support & Feedback – We keep open channels of communication so you can give feedback on your experience and we can continually improve. Your input helps shape the way we run our programmes and ensures that future volunteers and partner schools benefit from your insights.

What to Bring

Please bring as many reading books as your luggage allows — fiction and non-fiction at a variety of age levels are all needed. We also recommend bringing:

• Teaching & Reading Aids – Flashcards, comprehension games, or phonics cards.

• Arts & Crafts Materials – Crayons, markers, glue, scissors, craft paper for creative activities linked to reading.

• Printable Resources – Download worksheets, activities or posters before arrival, as internet access can be intermittent.

Basic pens, pencils and paper are available locally, but specialty resources will make your sessions stand out and support the children’s learning long after you leave.

During School Holidays

If your placement coincides with school holidays, we organise holiday schools at one of our partner institutions. Volunteers work together to run informal sessions such as arts, reading, English, sports, and games. This provides continuity for students and valuable childcare support for parents working in farming or trading.

School holidays typically occur around Easter, August, and Christmas. Exact dates vary, and our team will advise you as they are announced. Leading up to vacation periods, you may also help with exams, invigilation, or support on our other community projects.