Our roles

Football Coaching

Passion for football in Ghana is currently at an all-time high after successful campaigns in the World Cup of 2006 and the hosting of the 2008 African Cup of Nations. This is your chance to help African children from deprived backgrounds develop their football skills and love of the game. As a volunteer you’ll be organising and taking coaching sessions for 3 different squads: the Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 17s. Don’t be surprised if the children turn up for more then one training session though, such is their love of the game!

No formal coaching qualifications are required for this; the members of the squads just want you to be as enthusiastic as they are. You can be as involved as you wish, from just supporting Daniel during the sessions to taking all the coaching drills yourself.

Orphanage

Working in the orphanage can be one of the most fulfilling projects imaginable. You can really see the difference you are making to these children’s lives. The orphanage in Ho has both shelter and food but as with many orphanages in Ghana volunteers and workers are at a premium and there is only so much attention and love each child can receive.

You will be taking on a number of roles as a volunteer at the orphanage including: carer, teacher, friend and playmate amongst many others. This is a fantastic chance for a demanding, but ultimately, extremely rewarding placement.

Teaching

Although English is the official language of Ghana and is spoken and understood at a basic level all over the country, this is a chance for you as a volunteer to enter the classroom and take students on to the next level. Ghanaian children start school at the age of 6 and often stay for 6 years at primary school and a further 3 at junior secondary school.

In this role many volunteers teach English, but if you have a passion for History, Geography, Science or any other subjects then we should be able to arrange the teachings of these subjects. Typical class sizes in Ghana vary from 30-50 and often involve the teacher just lecturing to the students. This is a great opportunity to bring new ideas into the classroom. Don’t worry if taking a class of 50 children seems a bit intimidating at first, many start off just being teaching assistants and then, as your confidence grows, you can take on an increase in responsibility.

Please note that if Ghanaian schools are on holiday then Summer School will be arranged for volunteers.

Kindergarten

One of the happiest experiences in any volunteer project must be the sight of 50 beaming children running over wanting to hold your hand as you walk into the kindergarten. This role will involve being with young children, from about the ages of 3-5 who speak limited English. They love mimicking your movements, asking your name and generally just being around you! Activities will have to be explained via both interpretation through the teachers and showing them exactly what you want them to do. This can be a slow process but having patience with these children is easy.

In this role you’ll be playing educational games focusing on hand eye coordination and building confidence. With just a whistle and some cones many hours of fun can be had entertaining the children. You’ll be free to introduce any activities you wish and any new ideas will be greatly welcomed!