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Childcare Volunteer Program in Ghana - Accra Region

Childcare Volunteer Program in Ghana - Accra Region

Excited to be a Childcare volunteer in Ghana? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project enables volunteers to gain experience in early childhood education in local communities in Ghana. Volunteers help provide education, care and attention to children from low-income families to ensure they are given the best possible opportunities and are supported in their health and learning.

Highlights:
  • Programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month
  • Affordable fees from AU$609 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Help with education, games and meal times in schools in rural communities

  • Meet the friendly people of Ghana

  • Stay with other volunteers in a rural village

Key information

Provide a safe space for children to learn
Based at schools in Ghana
Volunteer house accommodation
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$609 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 24 weeks
Online TEFL course available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers with a warm and caring nature, who love working with children and are passionate about supporting early childhood development.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Rural communities in Ghana often don’t have access to proper childcare facilities. Volunteers on the Childcare project can help to address this by assisting with all aspects of early childhood education and helping make sure these children have what they need to develop and thrive. This is done in an informal manner, with less classroom time and more support outside lessons.

As a Childcare volunteer you’ll be based in local schools where you’ll assist local teachers with younger students. There may also be the opportunity to introduce your own educational activities and lessons.

Childcare volunteer work varies but usually includes:

  • Providing care and support to children
  • Assisting with homework
  • Sharing your language and culture
  • Playing games
  • Helping with food preparation and meal distribution

You’re welcome to bring along books, pencils, basic first aid supplies and musical instruments to help your volunteering. These supplies can generally be purchased in Ghana, which also supports the local economy.

Please note the school year ​is broken up into three terms, with four week breaks in between. ​Because you generally work with children in schools, if you apply for the Childcare project during ​holiday ​breaks, it may be unavailable. During these times, you’re able to work with school directors and placement staff on school holiday workshops instead. These often include fun and physical activities that you will be able to lead in English​.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Childcare volunteering in Ghana with IVHQ?

When you volunteer with children in Ghana you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to education and food for rural children
  • Helping children develop life skills in a safe place
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining childcare experience
  • Working with local teachers
  • Immersing yourself fully in the Ghanian way of life
  • Discovering Ghana’s history and culture

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.

All volunteers are required to pre-arrange a visa to enter Ghana, obtain adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide IVHQ with a criminal background before departure.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

VC
Victoria Constantin
01 Feb 2024

The experience was beyond my expectations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it. The dedication and warmth of the volunteers, coordinators, kids, teachers, parents, and everyone I had the pleasure of meeting during this journey were truly amazing. Each interaction added depth and meaning to my experience, and I am left with lasting memories and connections. Reflecting on the trip, my only regret is not extending my stay for an additional week or two. The impact of the work being done and the genuine connections forged were so profound that I find myself eager to return to IVHQ. I am motivated to continue contributing to the positive changes and inspiration that the program brings to the lives of others.

...
CD
Caroline Dowling
08 Nov 2023

I went not knowing what to expect and I think this was of benefit to me as I was not let down at all. My advice would be to do as much as you can, but don’t expect Ghana to change anything for you and don’t expect to massively change anything there - the most positive thing I took from it was not how I felt by what I could give volunteering, but it was what I learned from the local people and their way of life, their values and their sense of community. The culture and being able to live like a local in a different place has really impacted me - a new perspective gained and bit of a better understanding about life, the children we worked with had contagious energy and laughter!

...
PL
Phoebe Lobban
27 Aug 2023

I had the most incredible time volunteering, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I feel privileged to be able to experience life in Ghana, seeing how happy and grateful the children are for the smallest things was a real reality check. I have grown as a person since this trip and I feel so grateful to be able to meet the incredible children who taught me so much about myself. Anyone thinking of doing it who might be nervous or not sure - 100% do it! I felt so prepared before I left as I had everything sent to me prior to flying so I knew what to expect and everything was so detailed. Everything was smooth sailing and the local team were incredibly helpful answering questions and helping me out with anything I needed.

...
MD
Megan Darwood
23 Aug 2023

The best experience anyone can have - from meeting amazing volunteers to giving the communities an extra helping hand, you leave feeling fulfilled yet heartbroken to leave such an amazing community. I’ve never felt more at home away from home so just take the leap and go - you won’t regret a minute of it! The support you get from the local staff is unmatched and they are the best. It is a truly magical trip that everyone should be lucky enough to do, so just take the leap and go! However long you go for, I can guarantee you won’t want to leave.

...
TC
Taylor Clark
02 Dec 2022

Very good communication from IVHQ team, preparation before trip was extremely useful and informative, guidance from IVHQ was very effective and helpful. The local team were extremely supportive, welcoming and friendly. Benedict was very informative at the orientation meeting. My favourite moment from the program was getting to experience life in a different view, spending time with the children, meeting the locals and immersing In their way of life/culture. The biggest impact that this trip had on me was being able to speak to the locals and see the local houses, seeing first hand their living conditions. Also teaching the kids, it made me realise the things I take for granted and realising how these kids are happy with so little. The main thing taken away from the trip is, the little things in life are what makes us the happiest. If you are thinking of volunteering, do it, you will never regret or forget it. It has been 100% the best thing I have ever done.

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HN
Helena Nkansah
11 Nov 2022

My favourite moment from this experience was cooking for the kids and seeing them at breakfast and lunch. The kids would greet you with so much happiness shouting your name on arrival. You could tell just being there they loved your company, regardless to what it was you were doing. If you are feeling hesitant about volunteering abroad, go for it! There is absolutely nothing to lose. You meet the most amazing people. And remember, everyone is doing what you’re doing, so you always have someone to talk to. Not only is the volunteer experience amazing, you’re able to explore the culture in your free time. It’s so worth it!

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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Volunteer Abroad in Ghana with IVHQ

Location

When you volunteer in Ghana with IVHQ, you’ll get the opportunity to experience the country’s vibrant, diverse culture and get to know the people who are said to be some of the friendliest locals in Western Africa. While Ghana is a rapidly developing country which has seen an economic upturn in the last decade, there are still many places where people face the challenges poverty brings. This is especially true outside of the major cities in the rural areas where volunteers are most needed.

Rural volunteer placements are typically in low-income areas which often lack the funding, labour and resources they need to develop their communities. By choosing to volunteer in Ghana you can make a real difference by assisting with local initiatives that seek to improve the quality of life for the people who live there.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the 1st and 15th of every month, or just on the 15th of every month for those taking part in the Healthcare Outreach & Education project. Volunteers need to arrive in Accra on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Accra. Please note that you will stay in Accra city for one night, unless it is the weekend, in which case you will stay in the city until Monday morning. Once you have completed your orientation, you will move to a rural community in the greater Accra region where you will be placed for the remainder of your stay. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Ghana prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged location in Accra on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our local team in Accra and begins on the morning of your chosen start date. This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program Ghana – an introduction to Ghana, culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities, and an introduction to project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

After orientation you will be taken to your placement in a rural Ghanian community.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day

On the first day of volunteering, volunteers will be escorted to their placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff they will be working with. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house.
8:00 AM Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.
2:00 - 5:00 PM Work at the project usually ends and you are free to relax and use the remainder of the day as you wish.
6:30 PM Dinner at the volunteer accommodation.

Please note this schedule can vary depending on your project and placement.

Weekends

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to discover the brilliant colours, music, food, fashion, history and nature that combine to make Ghana a true feast for the senses. Head to the capital city of Accra to see markets, museums and live music, or take a trip to Cape Coast and Elmina where you’ll find the Elmina Slave Castle - the first trading post built South of the Sahara - and pretty, palm-lined beaches where you can relax in the sun. You can also spend long weekends visiting other Western African countries like the neighbouring nations of Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.

Looking for more ideas of things to do in Ghana? Check out our Ghana Travel & Tours page!

Accommodation and WiFi

You’ll stay in a volunteer house with other volunteers. There are separate rooms for male and female volunteers with shared common room and toilet facilities. Living is basic but the majority of volunteer houses have electricity, while only few have running water. Power cuts are common in Ghana and most rural houses do not have running water during times of drought. Pillows and sheets are provided, however it is recommended that you bring your own towels and mosquito nets - or buy them in Ghana.

There is WiFi access available at local cafes and restaurants in a nearby village, which is a 15 to 20 minute walk from the volunteer accommodation. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone to keep connected.

Meals

Volunteers in Ghana are served three meals per day. Breakfast generally consists of tea and coffee, and a hot breakfast. A typical lunch and dinner can include meat and vegetables with rice or noodles​.​ If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for you.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$608 Equivalent to AU$87/day
2 weeks AU$903 Equivalent to AU$65/day
3 weeks AU$1128 Equivalent to AU$54/day
4 weeks AU$1352 Equivalent to AU$48/day
5 weeks AU$1576 Equivalent to AU$45/day
6 weeks AU$1801 Equivalent to AU$43/day
8 weeks AU$2345 Equivalent to AU$42/day
10 weeks AU$2890 Equivalent to AU$41/day
12 weeks AU$3454 Equivalent to AU$41/day
16 weeks AU$4621 Equivalent to AU$41/day
20 weeks AU$5787 Equivalent to AU$41/day
24 weeks AU$6954 Equivalent to AU$41/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Ghana generally find US$50 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including water, toilet paper, transport and miscellaneous spending.

Check what's required to visit Ghana

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Accra
Population 30.42 million
Languages English
Currency Ghanian Cedi (GHS)
Time zone UTC+00:00

Weather and climate

Weather and climate: Ghana has a tropical climate and the average temperature falls between 21°C to 28°C (70°F to 82°F). In the north, there is a rainy season from April to June and September to November. The rainy season in the south lasts from April to mid-November. The weather is typically humid however, over the dry season, desert winds in the north can create cooler evenings and a drier atmosphere.

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How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
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Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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