Ghana

Situated on the western coast of Africa, Ghana is a beautiful country full of long stretches of stunning beaches, lush vegetation and the world’s largest artificial lake by surface area.  Although it is currently benefiting from strong economic growth, poverty is still rife and Lattitude volunteers assist students in schools with their English, as well as maths, science and other subjects as needed.  Volunteers also have the chance to share their unique sporting skills to coach local teams of young people.

Placement locations

Placements are located around Accra and Takoradi in the south with a few slightly further inland, click here to view a map.

Is it for me?

Teaching in Ghana is rewarding, challenging and full of surprises. If you are up for the challenge of teaching or coaching in a completely different environment and becoming immersed in a new culture then an exciting time awaits.

Placements explained

Teaching placements are in primary schools, some of which encompass a kindergarten, and secondary schools.  Many of these schools are run as private charities to help the local community.  Volunteers teach English and additional subjects if needed, such as maths and science.  Placements in kindergartens may also involve some care work and extra-curricular activities.  Teaching resources can be limited but the students are eager to learn and truly appreciate the efforts of our volunteers.

Sports Coaching placements are working with young people, assisting and mentoring with such sports as soccer, rugby and baseball.  The locals are extremely passionate about their sport and love practicing and improving their skills.

Accommodation & food

Volunteers often live with a host family, providing the opportunity to truly experience the local culture and customs. Host families are very generous and welcome our volunteers into their homes as one of their own.  Meals are shared with the family.  Alternatively, volunteers may live in staff accommodation with food being supplied by the school canteen or through a system of self-catering.

Support provided

Before you go:

• We find out more about each volunteer through an interview which helps us select the right people and after a second interview, we match them to a placement that’s right for them.
• Once selected, each volunteer is allocated a Coordinator in the Melbourne office who assists them with all preparations.   They provide briefing materials, support with logistics such as flights and visas and are there to answer any questions.
• Everyone attends a briefing camp to meet other volunteers and Lattitude staff, identify their learning needs and hear from returned volunteers.
• All volunteers sign our Code of Conduct to ensure that our expectations of each volunteer are agreed and clear from the outset.

When you're overseas:

• We have paid staff based in each country.  Our Country Managers oversee the program and work with a team of Local Representatives who provide support in the local areas and develop close relationships with placement hosts.
• Volunteers attend a group orientation on arrival in Ghana and, if needed for their placement, undertake a short teaching skills course.
• Each volunteer is visited at their placement soon after arrival by an in-country staff member to check how things are and provide additional support if needed.
• We work with Embassies and High Commissions to ensure we can respond to any situation and provide 24/7 emergency support from Melbourne.

When you're back:

• We recognise that coming home can be difficult and provide one-to-one support, with onward referrals for further professional support if needed.  Volunteers are invited to debriefing events and become part of our network of alumni.
• We undertake reviews against the learning needs identified before going overseas which may form part of a reference provided at the end. A letter can also be provided to use towards an application for Youth Allowance.

Costs

These costs are for Lattitude placements in Ghana in 2014

Lattitude fees (exact costs):

 
You will also need to budget for the following (approx costs):

Other costs associated with your time away may include obtaining a passport, purchasing any additional clothing required and arranging travel vaccinations.

Travel

You will have the opportunity to travel around Ghana at weekends and during holidays.  The coastal areas boasts long stretches of beautiful beaches, and provides the chance to visit castles and forts left behind by colonial powers engaged in gold, ivory and slave trading.  Heading inland, you can take a safari trip in places such as Mole National Park where elephants, hippos and buffalo abound and elusive lions may be spotted.  Festivals are a regular feature in the calendar so there’s often something exciting and unusual happening.