Autism Centre

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: You can volunteer at any time throughout the year.

Description: The Autism Centre is a local support and education centre for children with autism that was founded in 1998 by a mother of a child with autism. AACT's mission is to support the families of children with autism. In order to achieve this mission, AACT focuses on two primary areas:
1) promoting awareness and understanding of autism in Ghana; and
2) providing training and educational services to children with autism in order for them to function more effectively in society.

While developing countries understand autism as a medical disorder, the general public in Ghana have little or no understanding of autism. Given this "gap", families of children with autism are often left ostracized from their communities and extended families. In some cases, the mothers of children with autism are seen as "witches" that have possessed their child with evil spirits. For these reasons, having a child with autism in Ghana is a traumatic and painful experience for most families.

Placements:

* Teaching Assistant
A Teaching Assistant is required to spend one-on-one time with the children and also to organize and supervise play activities with the children.

* Speech Therapist
A Speech & Language Therapist is required to help teach the autistic children how to speak through verbal & non-verbal communication using pictures and diagrams.

* Students
Dedicated and hard-working students are more than welcome to come to the centre to help and gain experience working with autistic children.

* Playtime Coordinator
A dedicated volunteer is required to help give additional one-on-one attention to the children through activities such as drama, dance, art, music and games.

* Drama Therapist
A drama therapist is required to combine the aims & techniques of drama and theatre with those of psychotherapy to help the children expand their quality of life.

* Music Therapist
A dedicated & patient music therapist is required to combine the aims & techniques of music with those of psychotherapy to help the children expand their quality of life.

* Clinical Psychologist
A Clinical Psychologist is needed to reduce psychological distress and enhance and promote the psychological well being of the children.

* Art Therapist
A dedicated & patient art therapist is required to combine the aims and techniques of art with those of psychotherapy to help the children expand their quality of life.

* Special Needs Teacher
An experienced Special Educational Needs Teacher is required. The ideal candidate will have both academic and teaching experience with special needs children.

* Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist is required to work closely with the children to help them gain more confidence and control by designing treatment programs.

* Fundraiser
The prospective volunteer will be required to look at the options for fundraising, meet with potential donors and draft fundraising proposals.

Highlights: Health and Safety

Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It is the perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our ten-strong team in Ghana is there to ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.

Cost in US$: USD 163 a week

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Ikando's Mission Statement: Ikando looks to support local community organisations through the placement of international volunteers. We seek to offer volunteers affordable, quality and skill specific placements with organisations that require their help. We believe our volunteers can be catalysts for change within these organisations. Ikando aims to communicate through its volunteers the positive story coming out of Africa.

Year Founded: 2004