Accra School for the Deaf (Accra Deaf) aims to give formal education to hearing-impaired children in Ghana. The school seeks to equip its students with basic literacy, numeracy and problem solving skills. Furthermore it teaches its students important skills such as carpentry, farming, and dressmaking, enabling the students to be participants in the socio-economic life of this developing nation. Accra Deaf is amazing, such a happy, vibrant and positive school.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 80% of the world's 278 million deaf people live in developing countries and 25% became deaf as children. Only 10% of deaf children living in developing countries receive any education at all. Hearing impairment and deafness are serious disabilities that can impose a heavy social and economic burden on individuals, families, communities and countries. Children with hearing impairment often experience delayed development of speech, language and cognitive skills, which may result in slow learning and difficulty progressing in school. Both children and adults may suffer from social stigmatization and isolation as a result of hearing impairment.
The school uses Ghanaian Sign Language which is similar to American Sign Language. Volunteers with other sign languages are also welcome and in our experience adapt well to the different sign language.
Accra Deaf requires the following volunteers:
* Grounds Men (or women!)
Grounds men are required to help with the upkeep of the grounds, farmland and animals. No formal experience is required, but would be appreciated.
* Classroom Assistant
The volunteer will help supervise the children and check their work. Ideally the volunteer would have working knowledge of sign-language and an interest in teaching.
* Playtime & Sports Assistant
The assistant needs to be outgoing & proactive, should organize games for the kids, create lesson plans & generally encourage the students to pursue sport.
Please be aware that you do not need to be able to sign to apply for these volunteer opportunities.
If you have skills that are not listed above but you think would make a valuable contribution to Accra Deaf please email us at
info@ikando.org. We would be happy to try and accommodate you.
For more information please email us at
info@ikando.org or visit
http://www.ikando.org
