Teach English and Maths at a primary/junior high school

Think you have what it takes to teach English or Maths abroad in a developing country? Of course you do. This is a great way to build up teaching experience and immerse yourself within a local culture. The ability to speak English opens up so many doors for children in developing countries. Our projects work with under-resourced schools across Ghana where you can really make an impact on the lives of deprived children. Teaching experience isn't necessary, although it's great if you have any. All you need is heaps of energy and a passion for working with children. There is always the opportunity to teach the children any other subjects you are enthusiastic about.

The project is in collaboration with schools in rural and deprived communities. Children are attracted to school by the presence of volunteers, and your presence also is a proven moral booster for parents and the limited teachers as well as a great inspiration for students. Inexperienced and experienced volunteers can teach vocabulary, assist with pronunciation and support students as they practice speaking English.

This project applies to the following categories of children;

1. Grades (1-6)/primary: The primary education starts from level 1-6 and their ages mostly are between 6 and 11 years. This program is run in such a way that the English language is paramount to boost the speaking of English and comprehension writing. Patience is the key on the part of the volunteer as he or she will be working with little children. Other curriculum includes Math, Integrated Science, Environmental Studies, and Basic computer skills.

2. Grades (7-9)/Junior High School: The Junior high level focuses mainly on intensive teaching. Students spend three years of intensive learning before graduating into the Senior high level. Subjects taught at this level mainly include Math, Integrated Science, English, Social Studies, Environmental Studies, Basic computer skills, Life skills, Technical and vocational skills. You would be dealing with the adolescents and teenagers.

Orientation will be provided prior to starts of work. Volunteers work with experienced and non-experienced teachers. Study programs tailored for each students will be created to track progress and success. Your role as a volunteer will either be leading your own class or assisting another teacher in his or her lessons. Your placement is completely dependent upon your level of comfort within the classroom. Your application should also state the category of children you prefer teaching and the intended subject (e.g. English, Maths, Science, Arts etc).

Teaching hours are weekdays (Monday-Fridays), from 8am to 2:30pm. Volunteers are asked to commit to 30 hours a week.

Length of Commitment: There is a minimum of 2 weeks due to the development and effectiveness one would bring in such a short amount of time. The maximum amount of time would be 1 year.

Additional Information:

In addition to each program comes an attractive package which includes the following;

• Flexible and a negotiable program fees
• A compact programs and a low program cost
• A program fee of 300 USD for 2 weeks, 400 USD (4 weeks), 750 USD (8 weeks), and lesser as the month progresses etc.

Typical day:

Breakfast is offered between 7am-7:30am. School sessions start at 8am and end at 3pm daily (Monday-Friday). Morning sessions has a 15 minutes break at 10:30am-10:45am. The afternoon sessions also has a 30 minutes rest from 12:30pm-1pm to enjoy lunch. All school sessions closes at about 3pm. Games are mostly organized on Fridays after 11am weekly. Games are from soccer/football, handclapping (ampe) to whatever activities you can think of. Trips are allowed during the weekends.

Accommodation:

GCS mostly provide both on-site and host family accommodation for volunteers. Accommodation will sometimes be in shared rooms with typically no more than 4 to a room. Volunteers will have access to electricity, bathroom with shower and flushing toilet. Most projects are walking distance from the accommodation which will help minimize transport cost. Volunteers are placed with screened Host Families; this is to make sure the family is healthy and do not have any communicable kind of disease dangerous to volunteers' health. Placements are very flexible with your individuals/groups preferences and requests.

Know before you go:

Visitors to Ghana are expected to acquire a valid Passport and a Visa. All passports must be valid for at least six months on arrival in Ghana. GCS provide support for volunteer visa applications including references being required by Ghana Embassies abroad. Contacts and addresses of Ghana High Commissions will be provided including a Letter of Support. It is recommended and required of a volunteer to visit a health center in their home country for yellow fever and other health related vaccination, and also request malaria prevention drugs.