I gained a whole new perspective on life and the experiences I had were like none other. I could not recommend doing this more highly. It was the greatest thing I ever did and will be doing it again.
Childcare Volunteer Program in Ghana - Accra Region
Purpose
Provide a safe space for children to learn
Start dates
Programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
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.
Project details
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.
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.
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.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Ghana photo gallery
IVHQ Childcare project
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IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Medical Outreach project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Childcare project
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
JP
Jessica Pye
07 Nov 2024
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BB
Bernadette Brennan
04 Oct 2024
I gave 100% and received many grateful thanks and blessings from the Ghanaian people. It is very hard to describe one's experience as I believe one has to go through it themselves but my advice is to take on the new challenge, get out of your comfort zone and make a difference in people's lives.
...
KF
Kathryn Fewings
04 Oct 2024
I feel like I gained so much from this experience, in only 2 weeks, and I truly feel like I've come home a much stronger person. IVHQ helped me to feel very prepared for my trip - as a first time volunteer. IVHQ made me feel safe and confident about my trip. After this experience, I would definitely recommend IVHQ and volunteering in general, and would love to do something like this myself again!
I hope the work I did made an impact while I was there, and I hope to take everything I learned and implement it into my everyday life now.
Advice wise, I would say to a new volunteer to go with an open mind and heart, listen to the staff, be prepared for the mental challenges, and learn as much as you can.
...
AA
Abigail Adamu - Alamba
26 Sep 2024
Reflecting on my experience as a volunteer in Ghana, this experience has strengthened my adaptability, teamwork and communication skills, in new environments and has deepened my sense of empathy towards others. For anyone thinking of embarking on a trip like this, I would recommend that you embrace the unknown and stay open to partaking in various opportunities that would definitely add to your growth as an individual. I had the best time in Ghana, and this trip is definitely a highlight of my 2024, so far.
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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!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
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.
Typical volunteer house dining room
Typical volunteer house dining room
Typical volunteer house kitchen
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £242), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £242) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $390 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 2 weeks | $574 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 3 weeks | $714 Equivalent to $34/day |
| 4 weeks | $854 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 5 weeks | $994 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,134 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,474 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,814 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,166 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,894 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 20 weeks | $3,622 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 24 weeks | $4,350 Equivalent to $26/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £242) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Ghana generally find US$50 to be sufficient for weekly expenses, including water, toilet paper, transport and miscellaneous spending.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Transportation to and from placement
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- 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.
- Return airport transfer when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Ghana
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Ghana program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from the volunteer accommodation back to Kotoka International Airport arranged by our local team.
£74
Extra Nights of Accommodation
Arriving early or departing a few days after your program finished? Book your extra nights of accommodation.
From £34
Check what's required to visit Ghana
Safety and support
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.
Essential country information
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.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
