Education can open doors, but schools in Ghana often work with limited resources and too few teachers. In and around Accra, wayers works with local schools to strengthen learning environments and support children throughout their school day. Beyond the volunteer placements themselves, our work in Ghana has included long-term support for schools, like a new concrete roof for preschool classrooms and the donation of 70 tables and chairs to local schools.

As a volunteer, you become part of the everyday life of a local school or childcare setting. Your role is to support local teachers, bring additional time and attention into the classroom, and create engaging learning opportunities for the kids.

Your Project

Depending on your placement, your focus will be either social work at a kindergarden or teaching primary school students.

With younger children, much of your day revolves around playing, painting, creative activities, movement as well as some learning exercises. If you volunteer at a school, you’ll be supporting the local teachers in subjects like English, maths, music and sports. You prepare exercises, educational games or homework and, once you've gained more confidence, take on a more active role in lessons.

Please note that tasks vary with the season and that not every activity can be guaranteed.

Location: Your project is based in the Accra area. Depending on your placement, you may be able to walk there, take the local Tro-Tro or an Uber. On your first project day, a team member or another volunteer shows you the route so you know exactly how to get there.

Who You Will Be Working With

You teach alongside local teachers and staff who know their students, school and community best. They guide you in your daily tasks and are there when you need support with lessons or activities.

Our local team leader is Ebenezer, was born in Accra and has lived in Germany for eight years. He has extensive experience organising volunteer programmes and has volunteered himself in Ghana, Germany and the US. Together with the local team, he supports you throughout your stay and helps you settle into everyday life in Ghana.

You will not be on your own at any point: the other volunteers live with you at the wayers Home, share your everyday experiences and explore Accra and the country together with you in your free time.

What We Expect From You

A good level of English is required, since it is the language you will teach and communicate in. No teaching qualification is necessary. What matters most is energy, patience, empathy, and a sense of humour, along with the initiative to prepare your lessons and contribute your own ideas. Any ideas on activities you bring along are welcome and small materials such as coloured pencils, balloons or soap bubbles are always appreciated by the children.

Working conditions and standards in Ghana are different from those you may be used to at home, that is part of the experience. Stay curious, observe how the local teachers work and be prepared to adapt your ideas to the needs of your placement. 

All volunteers are required to follow our guidelines on appropriate conduct with children and young people. The minimum age is 18, and the minimum stay is four weeks.

What You Can Expect From Us

Before departure, we prepare you with an online seminar, access to the wayers Lounge, detailed travel information and the opportunity to connect with other participants before you leave. We will also help you with your visa application.

After arriving in Accra, our local team picks you up at the airport and takes you to your accommodation, the wayers Home. Your introduction includes important information about Ghanaian culture, everyday life, your project and how to get there. You will explore Accra together, go to a local market and a drumming workshop.

Throughout your stay, you have contacts within your project as well as personal support from our local team. Our emergency teams in Ghana and Germany are available 24/7. Your airport transfers at the beginning and end of your programme are included.

A two-day trip to Kakum National Park and Elmina Castle is also included during your stay, so you can get the best chance to experience Ghana beyond Accra together with other the other volunteers.

After your return you will also receive a certificate of participation.