Volunteers needed at a Deaf School

  Ghana

• Accra: 
Accra

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: You can volunteer at any time throughout the year, excluding August (school's summer break).

Description: The State School for the Deaf aims to give formal education to hearing-impaired children in Ghana. The school seeks to equip its students with basic literacy, numeracy and problem solving skills. Furthermore it teaches its students important skills such as carpentry, farming, and dressmaking, enabling the students to be participants in the socio-economic life of this developing nation. The school is amazing, such a happy, vibrant and positive environment.

The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the world's 278 million deaf people live in developing countries and 25% became deaf as children. Only 10% of deaf children living in developing countries receive any education at all. Hearing impairment and deafness are serious disabilities that can impose a heavy social and economic burden on individuals, families, communities and countries. Children with hearing impairment often experience delayed development of speech, language and cognitive skills, which may result in slow learning and difficulty progressing in school. Both children and adults may suffer from social stigmatization and isolation as a result of hearing impairment.

The school uses Ghanaian Sign Language which is similar to American Sign Language. Volunteers with other sign languages are also welcome and in our experience adapt well to the different sign language.

Highlights: Available Positions:

* Grounds Men (or women!)
Grounds men are required to help with the upkeep of the grounds, farmland and animals. No formal experience is required, but would be appreciated.

* Classroom Assistant
The volunteer will help supervise the children and check their work. Ideally the volunteer would have working knowledge of sign-language and an interest in teaching.

* Playtime & Sports Assistant
The assistant needs to be outgoing & proactive, should organize games for the kids, create lesson plans & generally encourage the students to pursue sport.

Cost in US$: USD 163 p/wk

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program 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