Although English is Ghana’s national language, there are dozens of other regional dialects spoken across the country. In rural, under-resourced areas like Koforidua, where broken or ‘pidgin’ English is spoken along with various tribal languages, volunteers work with children at local schools and orphanages to improve students’ English abilities.
Planning and delivering lessons under the supervision of a qualified teacher, you will help children learn English in a fun, engaging way and may also teach other subjects including math, science and geography.
Volunteers are not required to have any particular qualifications – as long as you have a high school education and a desire to work with children, you’re welcome to join the project. Find out more about teaching English in Ghana by downloading the program brochure.
Working with a qualified teacher, teaching English volunteers in Ghana plan and deliver lessons in schools and orphanages with the goal of improving children’s conversational English skills. In addition to teaching English and encouraging interaction and language practice, volunteers also teach other subjects, including math, science and geography.
Teaching English volunteers in Ghana work four days per week, Monday to Thursday, from 8 am until 2 pm.
Volunteers may work across different schools and education centers depending on the length of the placement.
You will be working at schools that are either a 30-minute bus ride or a short walk from the volunteer dormitory. The project location varies depending on the time of year and which schools are most in need of volunteer support.
The teaching English project is closed from the second week of December for three weeks and for three weeks at Easter. The project is also closed during July and August for summer, reopening in the second week of September.
Even like de many cute kids that I had around me, at the Wat Luang School. They wanted to know everything about me, wanted to touch me and they always waived and greeted me.
Broniya Rogoz, Read Broniya's Testimonial
We were also taken to the orphanage to see our work place for the next two weeks and it was there and then that I realized I would shed many tears before I left. The children were some of the poorest I have ever seen but so friendly and pleasant that even on that first day
Bronagh Faherty, Read Bronagh's Testimonial
The little expectations I did have were definitely exceeded when I arrived and met the staff and settled in. Everyone was extremely warm and friendly from the moment I was picked up at the airport. The weekend was busy exploring Koforidua and getting familiar with the Ghanaian food and culture.
Caitlin Dougherty, Read Caitlin's Testimonial
It was one of those dreams that seemed so near and so far at the same time that, when I put my feet on Ghanaian soil I could not believe it had actually come true.
Fiona Martinez Faherty, Read Fiona's Testimonial
I have wanted to travel to Africa pretty much my whole life, and figured what better way to do it than to do whatever I can to help out a country in need so I decided that a volunteer trip was best for me.
Heather Wirachowsky, Read Heather's Testimonial
The Kids were awesome, they were so kind and respectful, and although teaching was a challenge, it was well worth it to see their faces as they received their certificate at the end of the camp.
Sophie R., Read Sophie's Testimonial
Their culture was something that made me think as it was very different from mine but nonetheless important.I think volunteering with all such generous and non-prejudice people has made me open my mind and reaffirm the saying "Money can help towards happiness but does not guarantee it 100%".
Katelyn Kennedy, Read Katelyn's Testimonial
The uVolunteer organization is great, especially the local volunteer coordinators and staff. I am so grateful to them for their support and would go on another volunteer vacation with this organization again
Nikki Gemmell, Read Nikki's Testimonial
If you are interested in joining the program in Ghana, you should download and read our destination guide.