At a glance
- Use your skills and knowledge to teach children basic computer skills and support local IT teachers.
- Work at disadvantaged schools, teaching children to learn Microsoft Office, and how to do research on the Internet.
- You’ll create learning materials, and can also assist with basic computer maintenance if you’re able to.
Is Volunteer IT Teaching in Ghana right for me?
Teaching IT in Ghana is a great way for you to share your knowledge and skills with people who can benefit from it most. You’ll also gain practical teaching experience in a classroom setting, which can help you stand out in applications and interviews.
You don’t need previous experience or qualifications to join. All you need is basic computer knowledge, and how to use programmes like Microsoft Word and Excel. You’ll have the support of local teachers in the classroom, and you can reach out to Projects Abroad staff for help and guidance if you need it.
This project runs year-round. We recommend staying longer to make a bigger impact on your students and gain more IT teaching work experience in Ghana. During the school holidays, we organise extra classes at the school, or at the Tore Eikeland School in Akuapem Hills, a rural area.
What will I be doing at my volunteer IT teaching placement in Ghana?
You’ll teach computer skills in Ghana at a primary or secondary school. You’ll work alongside local teachers and you’ll get involved in tasks such as:
1
Assist the local IT teacher or lead a lesson by yourself teaching practical computer skills to children
2
Teach different skills, from working in Word to using the internet for research
3
Create learning materials, worksheets, and a student database system
4
Help with maintenance of computers if you are able to
Assist the local IT teacher or lead a lesson
You’ll assist the teachers with their lessons from the local class syllabus. You can also teach the class yourself or teach extra classes. You will teach a variety of practical computer skills. This will range from demonstrating how to turn a computer on and off, how to touch type, and explaining software such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
A big part of what you do will also be to teach children how to use the internet for research and communication.
Create learning materials
Leave a lasting legacy at your placement by creating learning materials, worksheets, and databases. These will no doubt be precious resources that can be used by teachers for many years to come.
Help with maintenance of computers
As part of your work as a volunteer, you will get to keep a watchful eye on the computers being used at the schools. With your IT knowledge, you will be able to advise teachers about the best software options and help them install it.
You could also help clear memory, fix databases, and run antivirus scans.
Where you will be working as volunteer IT Teacher in Ghana
As a volunteer IT teacher in Ghana, you will be based at primary or secondary schools in one of two locations:
Akuapem Hills
The Akuapem Hills are located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, just under 2 hours drive from the capital, Accra. Here, you will either assist the local IT teacher, or lead the lessons yourself.
The school has three computers which are shared by nearly 200 children. They take turns to practise and learn computer skills on them. The IT teacher teaches all different levels, but volunteers usually work with children aged 6-17.
The area does tend to have regular power cuts. This gives you the opportunity to think of fun and different ways of teaching IT without the use of a computer.
Cape Coast
Cape Coast is a large fishing port in the Gulf of Guinea, with a history of European rule prior to Ghana gaining independence in 1957.
Here, you’ll work in a primary school with its own IT room where classes are run every day. There are two local IT teachers. You’ll assist the teachers with teaching from the IT syllabus.
What your typical day will be like as a volunteer IT teacher in Ghana
A typical day starts will normally start with a hearty breakfast around your local host family’s table. After this, you will head to your placement, either walking (if you live close enough) or taking public transport. On your first day, Projects Abroad staff will accompany you to show you the way.
Your work day starts at around 8am and ends at around 2pm, Monday to Friday. There is also the option of attending afternoon sessions, but these are not compulsory.
Your early mornings will normally be dedicated to preparing for your classes of the day, while children attend other lessons. From about 10am, you will start teaching.
Between 12pm and 1.30pm, you’ll take a break for lunch. If you’re host family lives close to your placement, you can go home for lunch and take a short rest. Alternatively, you can enjoy a packed lunch at school.
In the afternoons, you will be able to offer extra lessons for both children and teachers. You could also use the afternoons to do some IT maintenance, build databases, or create learning material for future use.
Evenings and weekends are your free time to rest, relax, and explore. Since you will be living with a local host family, breakfast or dinners offer great opportunities to get to know them better.
What are the aims and impacts of teaching IT skills in Ghana?
The main aim of this project is to teach disadvantaged children basic computer skills in Ghana. These skills will help open doors to better employment opportunities in their futures.
In recent years, Ghana has experienced a rapid increase in tourism. This has given the West African country a huge economic boost and continues to create new job opportunities. Being computer literate is a highly beneficial to Ghanaians of all ages, as it increases their opportunities of finding work.
Knowing how to use a computer and browse the Internet will also help children access more educational resources online as they advance through their school careers.
This is why we send volunteers to our partner schools. You’ll support local teachers, and help children learn important skills for their future education and careers.
Join our volunteer IT Teaching programme in Ghana today and help more local people become computer literate.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Ghana. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ghana and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your program fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Volunteering in Ghana is an ideal way to explore this colourful West African country. There’s a huge variety of different activities to do while you’re there, giving you plenty of exciting ways to spend your free time.
Music is a central part of Ghanaian culture. In the bigger towns, especially Accra, you will hear some great live bands and have some memorable nights out. Evenings spent at buzzing restaurants will also give you a taste of some of the delicious local cuisine.
For a look into Ghana’s history, you can tour the slave forts of Cape Coast and visit museums. Nature lovers will relish trekking through the rainforests of Kakum National Park or Mole National Park.
We run a wide range of projects in Ghana so there’s sure to be other volunteers there during your trip. This means you can explore the country solo or connect with other volunteers and travel as a group.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team in Ghana
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