We need you! International Volunteers

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Volunteer opportunities

We offer opportunities for volunteers through various community projects, giving you a chance to experience authentic Ghana culture, the people and much more.

We are currently looking for volunteers with skills in the following areas. Please contact us for more information.

Classroom teachers in local schools

Schools in Ghana are often understaffed and poorly supplied, but you can help to improve this situation by volunteering. You can gain work experience teaching at primary or secondary schools overseas and no formal teaching qualification is required. Whether you want to volunteer abroad by teaching during your gap year, career break, or vacation you will have a role to play and your efforts will be greatly appreciated.

The impact you have on the lives of your students will be obvious and long lasting, but you will also be part of a much wider international volunteer network, which is making a really positive contribution to the communities in Ghana.

The purpose of this project is to promote quality education in the rural schools so as to achieve quality education output.

Subjects to be taught will include; Mathematics, Writing, Drawing, English, French and German, Literature, Science, Music, Art and Craft etc. Your encouragement, praise, and some creative lessons are often all that are needed to spark an interest in the language and a desire to learn more. Our friendly teaching colleagues in Ghana act as supervisors and ensure that you feel happy with your classes. They will generally have a good command of the English language themselves which will make your life that much easier! In fact, many other extra-curricular subjects are always welcome additions to the curriculum in most of our placements. Provided you can offer the basic provision of conversational English lessons, our partner schools are eager to let you develop the children’s interests in other areas as well.

Note: You are only required to possess knowledge of at least one subject.

Role description
* Develop schemes of work and prepare lesson plans (this will be done with the help of a local classroom teacher).
* Facilitate learning by establishing relationship with pupils or students.
* Develop and foster appropriate skills and social abilities to enable the optimum development of children.
* Assess and record progress and prepare pupils or students exams.
* Link pupils’ or student’s knowledge to earlier learning and develop ways to encourage It further.
* Challenge and inspire pupils or students to help them deepen their knowledge and understanding.

Work activities
* Teaching all areas of the primary or secondary school curriculum.
* Taking responsibility for the progress of a class of primary and secondary school age pupils and students.
* Organizing the classroom and learning resources to create a positive learning environment.
* Planning, preparing and presenting lessons that cater for the needs of the whole ability range within their class.
* Motivating pupils or students with enthusiastic, imaginative presentation.
* Maintaining discipline.
* Preparing and marking to facilitate positive pupil development.
* Meeting requirements for the assessment and recording of pupils' development.
* Providing feedback to parents on a pupil's progress at parents' evenings and other meetings.
* Coordinating activities and resources within a specific area of the curriculum.

Skills or Qualification
* Enjoy working with children and the youth.
* An intermediate or advanced level of English is required for this project.

Orientation and training
You will be taken through a one day orientation and training session. During this period you will be.
* Introduced to the teaching and none teaching staff and the pupils or students.
* Trained on how to make lesson plans.

Project start date
Study terms for schools vary from year to year but are approximately as follows:

First Session

Start Date: 10th January to 12th April Mid-January to Mid-April
School Holiday: 13th April to 1st May

Second Session

Start Date: 2nd May to 4th August
School Holiday: 5th August to 12th September

Third Session

Start Date : 13th September to 15th December
School Holiday: 16th December to January

*The school holidays are subject to change.

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Placement into this program requires that you apply one month before the commencement of every term.

Materials to bring with
You will be requested to bring some picture books, mathematical sets, art works, text books, pens, markers, colored pencils, notebooks, games and any other teaching materials.

Games and sport coaches

The purpose of this project is to promote unity, peace and development among schools and the communities in Asikuma, Odoben Brakwa district.

Sports coaches will help children and the youth to participating in sports so as to help them achieve their full potential. They will support community teams or school groups, working with them closely to improve performance. They may also have a role in encouraging underrepresented groups or young people to participate in sporting activities.

Sports coaches will also bring out ability by identifying needs and planning and implementing suitable training programs. Whatever the context, coaching involves developing the participants' physical and psychological fitness and providing the best possible practical conditions in order to maximize their chances of performing to the best of their ability.

Responsibilities - Performance management
* Conducting training drills for different games and sports activities.
* Evaluating performance and providing suitable feedback, balancing criticism with positive and motivating comments.
* Assessing strengths and weaknesses in a participant's performance and identifying areas for further development.
* Adapting to the needs and interests of the group or individual participant.
* Communicating instructions and commands using clear, simple language.
* Demonstrating an activity by breaking the task down into a sequence.
* Encouraging participants to gain and develop skills, knowledge and techniques.
* Ensuring that participants train and perform to a high standard of health and safety at all times.
* Inspiring confidence.
* Developing knowledge and understanding of fitness, injury, sports psychology, nutrition and sports science.
* Acting as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the people you work with.

Responsibilities - Planning and administration
* Producing personalized training program.
* Maintaining records of participant performance.
* Coordinating participants' attendance at meetings and other sports events.
* Planning and running program of activities for groups and/or individuals.
* Finding appropriate competitions for participants i.e. organizing inter class/inter school, inter sports groups competitions.
* Ensuring safe custody of all training kits.
* Ensuring that all equipment used is correct and kept in good working order
* Working with others to plan and coordinate work.
* Staying up to date with changes and developments in the structure of the curriculum.
* Abiding by and promoting sound ethics and club policy, child protection, fair play and equal opportunities to all members.

Materials to bring with (optional)
Volunteers are asked to bring with them any materials or resources that may easily facilitate them when conducting training sessions. Such materials may include but not limited to old or new jerseys, balls, gloves, boots, whistles, first aid kits and other sporting apparels.

IT and computer trainers

The cardinal purpose of this project is to increase access to computer and information technology skills among children and the youth in the rural areas of Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa district.

In the 21st century, computer literacy is a skill which is valued almost as highly as standard literacy! It is a huge advantage to learn the basics of computer use, and this is something which our volunteers can help with. By sharing their knowledge of IT with students and teachers alike, volunteers increase the future prospects of each individual they help.

Just like children throughout the world, children are fascinated by computers and eager to learn how to use them. Teaching such a useful skill is invaluable, both to individuals and the communities they live in. From developing a better understanding of computers, job opportunities which would not previously have been available present themselves. With IT skills, children also find themselves in a position where they can benefit from all that the worldwide web has to offer.

Responsibilities
* Provide training in any of the following areas: Introduction to computers, Windows, Internet Orientation, Ms. Word, Ms. Excel (spread sheet), Ms. Access, Ms. Power Point and many more. Volunteers taking part in our IT project also spend some of their time making sure that the local teachers and youth know how to use computers. This ensures that the project can sustain itself when there are no volunteers around.
* Prepare computer handouts.
* Set, invigilate and mark computer exams.
* Repair and maintain computer software and hardware.
* Develop passion for computer and information technology in general.
* Ensure safe custody of all computers and their accessories.

Materials to bring with
Volunteers are requested to bring some relevant computer accessories, software, teaching handouts, laptops, flash disks and small computer hardware like memory chips, hard disks, for upgrading of the computers as this will help to make their work easier.

Web designers

Volunteers for this project will be engaged in:
* Liaising closely with school and club heads at the design stage and finding the answers to questions about why the site is needed, who the target audience will be, who the leading competitors are, etc.
* Producing a design that will be attractive to the target user, with a logical navigation system and all the features required.
* Writing web pages in a HTML and XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, Action script, ColdFusion, .Net, Flash, or using code-generating programs, such as Dreamweaver and Visual Studio.
* Deciding on how images and other material will be digitally optimized and presented for the web.
* Ensuring that material on the web site is accessible to all groups including those with disabilities.
* Testing the site for functionality in different browsers and at different resolutions;
* Fixing errors.

Skills or qualification required
* Graphic design.
* Server side technologies, such as PHP and .Net, and internet security.
* Multimedia and interactivity.
* Good communication skills.

Materials to bring with
In case you are to come to Ghana, you will be required to come with a laptop, web designing software, digital camera for taking necessary photos, and note books to help you record information for the websites.

Child care

http://www.efslivelihoodghana.org By getting involved in the day-to-day running of an orphanage
* Making sure children are fed, washed and dressed, and paying them personal attention.
* You will be making a really positive impact on their lives.

There is always scope for any talents or interests you may have to be utilized. Art & crafts or music are always popular activities and some child care placements have outside areas where sports and games can be played. Many volunteers also help to educate the children in personal hygiene and social skills.

Opportunities exist in some orphanages for our volunteers to be more involved in the 'teaching’ or 'medical’ side of care work. You may spend your afternoon helping the older children with their homework on their return from school, or if you have the relevant skills you can administer first aid to any children in need. The work volunteers do can be challenging at times but the strength and resilience of the children will inspire you to persevere.

Your day may start early to help get the children up and give them breakfast, however, you will probably finish early too or have several hours off at lunchtime before returning to play with the children in the afternoon. Many volunteers like to take some of the children out on a trip from time to time. An afternoon at the beach or walking around the market can be a revelation for some of the children, who rarely get the chance to travel more than a few miles away from their homes.

Knowledge and Skill required
* Proper home care techniques including house cleaning, feeding and personal hygiene.
* Appropriate Home Care interventions.
* Team building skills.
* Supervisory skills.
* Analytical and problem solving skills.
* Decision making skills
* Effective verbal and listening.
* Communications skills.
* Stress management skills.
* Time management skills.
* Strong interpersonal skills.
* Conflict resolution skills.
* Well developed organizational.
* Demonstrate good decision making in dealing with safety and other medical issues.

Personal Attributes
The volunteers should maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of child care giving.
* Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.
* Demonstrate sound work ethics.
* Be consistent and fair.
* Be compassionate and understanding.
* Be flexible, adaptable and able to work effectively in a variety of settings.
* Respect cultural differences.
* Work effectively as a member of a team.

Materials to bring with
You will be requested to come with some kids toys, books, used clothing/shoes, and any other materials that you may deem fit in helping you to carry out your assignment.

Performing arts

http://www.efslivelihoodghana.org If you have a passion for music, dancing and choreography, then our MDD project in Ghana might be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Volunteers can create and coordinate dance groups, lead workshops on different styles of dance, and work in schools around Asikuma, Odoben and Brakwa district.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with local dance, music and drama clubs. This may involve workshops, discussions, collaborative performances, presentations or even assisting with a current production. There is also potential to see performances by these groups.

If you have a passion for the arts then you can really make a difference by volunteering in kindergartens, primary or secondary schools. By spending time on a performing arts project, you get to impart your knowledge about the art form you specialize in while learning about local traditions in Ghana.

For volunteers looking to do performing arts, we recommend that you have some background in the area of the project you want to do in order to take on more independent work, though it’s not required to join the placements. As long as you have a general interest and are willing to fully invest yourself in your students, then you’ll have a fabulous time here.

Some of the performing arts projects include
a. Drama - Our drama project involves performing for students, coaching drama groups, and helping students before performances. You can work with students who are in either secondary or primary school and sometimes provide Basic English lessons as another component of the project. There are also opportunities to do intercultural exchanges by teaching students about your drama culture and traditions as you gain a better understanding of theater in Ghana.

b. Dance our dance project in, you get the opportunity to choreograph, coordinate dance groups, lead workshops, and assist in schools around Odoben. Normally you will be working with school groups or after school clubs, but there are also chances for you to work at day kindergartens to assist with dance therapy sessions. Depending on your length of stay, you may also get to partake in performances for children at orphanages or care centers.

c. Music Have fun and help with the development of children by teaching music in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in Odoben. Our music project in Odoben uses a blend of traditional and western music to provide a positive outlet for children with difficult backgrounds. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm for music on our music project in Odoben. The project focuses on teaching children and teenager’s music appreciation and how to play musical instruments including the keyboard, guitar, violin, flute, and drums.

Building

http://www.efslivelihoodghana.org This project targets grandmothers who lack the bare minimum of life and woefully equipped primary schools found in Odoben. Volunteers get real dirty as they struggle to build a hut or fix a school wall. You will help in renovating or building huts for grandmothers but may also be involved in scrapping old school walls and re-painting them, fixing broken roofs, walls, windows and doors.

Helping to fix a grandmother’s hut or school wall allows locals to continue with your efforts even after your assignment has ended. You will carry out some building, electrical, plumbing and carpentry work.

You don’t need any previous building experience in construction, electrical, plumbing or even carpentry. What is required of you to be physically fit and willing to work hard in order to partake on these projects since building work involves carrying heavy materials and working for long hours?

This project will immerse you in the host community. Volunteers work with locals to make sure these projects get completed and match the needs of the people they’re benefiting. You may find that the way you’re used to working on building projects back home can be very different from this experience; the materials used are often a bit more simple and there can be limited tools for construction.

Responsibilities
* Perform minor plumbing and electrical repairs.
* Framing and fixing doors, windows, furniture and other items.
* Laying building foundations.
* Mixing and pouring cement or mud.
* Making and fixing walls.
* Carrying out roofing and flooring.
* Operating and maintaining building tools and equipment.
* Scrapping either new or old walls and painting them.

Knowledge and required skills
Construction, painting, plumbing, carpentry or electric installation.

Skills
* Team building.
* Effective verbal and listening.
* Communications
* Time management.
* Ability to read building specifications and blueprints.
* Safe lifting and handling procedures.
* Knowledge of First Aid.
* Knowledge of safe operation of basic hand tools.
* Knowledge of workplace safety.

Personal Attributes
* Be honest and trustworthy.
* Be respectful.
* Possess cultural awareness and Sensitivity.
* Be flexible.
* Demonstrate sound work ethics.

Materials to bring
Volunteers are requested to come with construction, plumbing, carpentry or electric installation tools, depending on where their interests lie. Some general tools such as hoes, pangas, hammers, wheel barrows can be purchased while in Ghana.

Culture and community

We would like to promote unity, peace and development through cultural exchange. If you have the willingness to teach your culture to the children, youth and women or do you want to learn authentic African cultures, then you are the right person. Cultural exchange will include teaching the local about your food, language, dancing, songs, dressing, norms and values among others.

Responsibilities
* Prepare reading handouts for trainees.
* Secure materials to be used during the dance, drumming and drama classes and also ensure their safe custody.
* Conduct cultural training classes.
* Assess the progress of participants in this project.
* Organize cultural galas, dance and drama competitions.

On the other hand if you choose to volunteer as a trainee, you will have the duty to
* Attend classes to the heart of attraction about Uganda’s culture.
* Fully participate in activities of the club.

Skills required
* Have good communication and interpersonal skills.
* Have a positive attitude and ability to listen and learn.
* Be in position to make things a FUN.
* Motivate performers and communicate with them effectively.

Project benefits
You will learn
* Some of Ghana’s languages such as Fante, Twi and Dagaare.
* Authentic African drumming and dancing, and dancing at its finest.
* How villages use "talking drums" to communicate within the village and between different villages a technique that is still in use today.
* To tap your foot to make a rhythm and move your feet and waist to form a wave of dances.
* To move your body to the vibrations and the sounds of the drums.
* Intercultural skills.

Materials to bring with
Volunteers will be required to bring some musical instruments such as guitars, drums, pianos, concertinas and any other resourceful materials that will enable them to carry out their tasks.

Skilled traders

http://www.efslivelihood.org Main activities
* Design the syllabi to be followed.
* Instructs trainees in art and craft as per the syllabi designed.
* Demonstrates method and procedure to trainees.
* Encourage trainees to unlock their creativity while expressing their thoughts, feelings, and opinions at the same time.
* Spot and cultivate talent and helps all trainees to discover their creativity.
* Observes and evaluates trainees’ work to determine their pr ogress or to make suggestions for improvement.
* Procure materials to be used during training.
* Liaise with local artisans.
* Ensure safe custody of all materials used during the training.

Skills required
* Team work and team building skills.
* Posses knowledge in any of the above skills mentioned.
* Stress management skills.
* Good English communication skills.
* An intermediate or advanced level of English.

Materials to bring with
You will be requested to bring some design books, samples of items so far made, and any other materials which may help you to accomplish your tasks.

Furniture family

Volunteering with Joint & Bolt Ghana as a family offers one the most incredible rewarding experiences for all involved.

Why furniture family volunteering? Schools in rural communities in Ghana have inadequate or lack furniture and this makes children to either sit on bear floor or have to carry stools and tables from their homes trekking long distances to their schools just to have education which we all know is a right to every individual not excluding the rural child.

Rural communities can't afford furniture to community school because they are unable even to provide a day’s meal to feed their families, let alone think of providing furniture for their children to use in school.

All these make children in the rural areas vulnerable to poor performance. More so due to unavailability of furniture in rural schools it de-motivates the child to go to school let alone think of educating him/her self. This makes it imperative for a family to volunteer in rural areas to provide furniture and at the same time teach the children some basic English and Math.

Volunteering on a furniture family program also adds to a responsible travel since it provides another opportunity for the family to learn new skills and work as a member of a team.

Therefore by experiencing the classroom situation without furniture in the rural communities, which exists in our schools, it gives the family the energy to provide a paradigm shift for a school by providing furniture to help these children in the rural areas succeed in having effective and an enabling learning environment to successfully shape them for the future and at the same time sit and write their national exam with ease.

What to bring
Families intending to take on this assignment will have to come along with some carpentry tools and some other tools you may think fit for this assignment. However, most of these can be bought in Ghana.

Note: Each family member (including children) is required to either financially or materially contribute towards the success of this project.