DAVS Projects: Youth School Teaching
Children in rural communities are very keen to learn and improve their conversational English. Most of the schools
also put extra emphasis on English education as well as mathematics. We are looking for volunteers; the role of the
volunteer goes far beyond assisting teaching. 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.You don.t have to be a teacher to volunteer to volunteer on our English
teaching project. There is no need to have a TEFL or TESOL qualification to participate in this project.English is an
official language of Ghana, but most children first learn an Africa language like Twi, Ewe and Ga so their English is
weaker.
This project helps the primary and junior secondary class children between the age of 5-10 and 11-16 to learn English
and also get education on math and science. Volunteers will be provided teaching resources to aid their work at the
school. Usually you will teach about 18 hours of conversational English lessons per week. You will also need to take
time to prepare your lessons, and correct your students. work. Many volunteers choose to help out in other areas too,
helping students with extra-curricular activities like sports, drama or music lessons for example.The volunteer teaching opportunities are available in Primary and Secondary schools in the Volta Region of Ghana. Arrangement can be made for you to teach in a pre-school if that is your preference. Please find below the schools main curriculum:
Pre-School (4 and 5 year olds)Language and Literacy
Environmental studies
Creative activities (Music, dance and art)
Physical development
Psychosocial skills
Primary (6-11 years)
English
Math
Integrated Science
Environmental Studies
Basic computer skills
Junior Secondary (12-14 years)English
Math
Integrated Science
Ghana has 3 academic semesters a year:
1st School Break
Start Date: January 10 to April 12
School Holiday: April 13 to May 1
2nd School Break:
Start Date: May 2 to August 4
School Holiday: August 5 to September 12
3rd School Break:
Start Date: September 13 to December 15
School Holiday: December 16 to January 1
Pleae note: These dates vary slightly from year to year. They also vary from school to school and should be treated as approximate rather than confirmed dates.
Role of a Volunteer:
- Prepare lesson notes.
- Organize learning materials.
- Develop a teaching method.
- Teach classes through lecturing, discussions and demonstrations.
- Discuss output and methods with fellow teachers and supervisor.
- Access the performance of the students through work assignments, etc.
- Organize recreational games with students.
You will need to improve the low comprehension level and poor pronunciation of students, provide theoretical and practical assistance and aide the teachers interact with the students.
Volunteers will receive assistance from us and the local school regarding the lesson plans and teaching curriculum. There will be a Teaching Guide book to assist you in your daily work with the children. Volunteers can bring along teaching materials such as picture books, instruments, flash cards, art supplies, and songs. Classes are generally in session five days a week. The total number of teaching hours is about 25-30 per week.
Skills/Qualifications Needed:
There is no specific qualification for teaching project in Ghana except fluency in English and love for the children.
Volunteers for the Ghana Teaching Program must:
- Be between 18 and 40 years of age.
- Be available for a minimum of four weeks.
- Be able to speak English fluently.
- Must have a High School qualification to teach at primary level, and a college degree to teach at secondary level.
Current Schools:
DAVS Ghana is currently supporting three (3) pre-schools located at Ho, Kpando and Ve-Deme in the Volta Region of Ghana. The organization has initiated an Educational Support Program where each year these schools will be provided learning materials as well as support the renovation of the school.