VOLUNTEER AT AN ORPHANAGE IN GHANA

Bring light and happiness to disadvantaged children and youth in Accra, Ghana. IAFRIVO works with orphanages in Ghana to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. Most of these children have lost their parents, or are from impoverished families or disenfranchised minority groups.

Volunteers split their time between different duties at the orphanage. Volunteers spend time providing companionship and recreational activities. Additionally, volunteers assist in teaching basic English language and mathematics. In the orphanages, you will not only assist but also a mentor and a friend while having the unique opportunity to experience the activities of the orphans and staff.

The role of the volunteer.
Orphanages in Ghana focus primarily on offering formal and informal schooling opportunities while offering the children a safe room for both living and studying. There are many areas where volunteers can support the ongoing activities of these orphanages. Depending upon the volunteer's interest and skills, volunteers may usually be involved in any of the following activities.

Teach English in orphanages or schools (when the children of the orphanage go to their respective schools during the day).

Help children with sanitation issues such as: brushing teeth, showering, and establishing and maintaining personal hygiene.

Organize games, drawing lessons, singing sessions, dancing and other creative, educational and extracurricular activities.

Help with homework; monitoring academic progress, and ensuring children complete their next day's homework.

Help to skill-train children who cannot go school. Help in food distribution, kitchen work/duties and also design other activities or programs for the children.

Typical activity of a volunteer in the orphanage program.

Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast time for kids. Volunteer can distribute food for kids and help in the kitchens. Following breakfast, volunteers assist in preparing children for school (sanitation, dressing, packing necessary materials). Volunteer accompany kids to school, or help kids to reach school safely.

Volunteers interested in teaching do so by instructing in conversational English-skills as well as other subjects pertaining to the children's educational needs. Children (ages 2-6 years) remain in their respective orphanages where volunteers who choose not to teach in the schools teach English, play games, encourage physical activities, organize lessons and other extracurricular activities.

Afternoon (1- 4 PM): Children return from school; volunteers accompany children safely back to the orphanage. Volunteers help the children to change their clothes, and tidy their rooms. This is playtime for the children where volunteer are encouraged to join in their play. Volunteers may organize a variety games, ensuring the children have some fun, in addition to learn something new and exciting. A period where children begin their school's homework assignments. Here, volunteer can help the children complete their homework as well as prepare them ready for the following day of school.

6:30 PM: Dinner time followed by children's bedtime. Volunteers will help in food distribution as well as cleaning and maintaining the kitchen. The work activities at the orphanage are various and therefore, it is not a routine duty every day.

Who can volunteer?
Anybody can volunteer in this program as long as you are 17 years or more. Regardless of your profession, skill or experience. You can volunteer as a team or an individual. Your service is highly needed. However you should understand that you would not do anything that may stigmatize any of the children and people you meet in the course of your work. You need to have an open mind and a willing heart to be on this program.