Teaching - GHANA Project Information for Teaching in Ghana

Education in Ghana

With a population made up of over 100 linguistic and ethnic groups, the adoption of English as an official language in Ghana was definitely an administrative necessity. Although local languages and dialects are still taught in schools and spoken everywhere, a good command of the English language is indispensable to a young Ghanaian who wants to get a good job and have a successful career. Unfortunately, for some Ghanaians this is very difficult to achieve. The process of making education free up until primary 6 has only recently been put into motion by the government, and therefore as yet no schooling is free. Alongside school fees, parents must also pay for uniforms, textbooks and stationary. To add to this, the schools that cater for this poorer segment of the population, either private or governmental, are not financially secure either. Few can afford to hire qualified teachers, or offer adequate salaries.

In this context, Projects Abroad set out to provide some much needed help in the Ghanaian educational sector. Our volunteers not only provide relief to the overworked and underpaid teachers, but also bring fresh ideas to the classroom and of course a good, if not fluent level of English.

Voluntary Teaching in Ghana

Projects Abroad are in partnership with over 40 schools, where volunteers work closely with local teachers to improve the prospects of students in underprivileged areas. Volunteers join us for periods of 2 weeks to 12 months. They are placed either in a nursery, primary or secondary school where they are expected to teach for up to 4 hours per day. The average class has about 30 students, but if the class is any bigger it is often shared between 2 people.

A solid grasp of the English language is essential in Ghana and the assistance the volunteers give to their students is greatly needed and appreciated. These teaching placements prove beneficial to both the schools and students as well as to the volunteer. In return for your help you receive not only the gratitude of the staff and children, but also a great boost to your confidence and your knowledge of the world and its people.