Disabled Children Volunteers

Please note that the special needs school is closed during the following dates: - 13th December to 6th January - 18th April to 12th May - 25th July to 8th September

The school caters for children with mild disability to more severe cases. The school provides a variety of support services to the students, which largely focus on basic education and life skills classes, vocational training, speech and physical therapy, and physical exercise. We place volunteers at a government school for children who are intellectually challenged. The children have different conditions and needs. The students range from 6 to 25 years of age.

Whilst the government is making steps to support people with special needs, the facilities that support them are understaffed and families often do not have the means to give their child the support they need. Approximately five million people in Ghana live with disability, which is approximately a fifth of the population.

If you do not have specific qualifications or experience, then you will be placed within the classrooms to assist the local teachers with their classes since volunteers assist in a number of capacities. Those with experience or a specific area of interest can get involved in the physical and speech therapy sessions. This involves giving additional support for the students with more severe needs and supervising the students with their activities. It is also appreciated if volunteers can assist in the feeding of children during meal times.

Volunteers are needed to help feed the children and look after them. A lack of staff, particularly specialized staff, results in the children receiving very little attention and support. The local staff will do their best to support you but there maybe times where you have to work with the children independently, so you should prepare basic activities in advance. By spending time interacting with the children whether you’re playing games or teaching them basic life skills, you will be making a real impact in improving their quality of life. The children suffer from a range of intellectual and physical disabilities.

You will need to be enthusiastic and patient in order to succeed in this role since working with disabled children is hard work.