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GYC2794 - Teach English on the coast Country: Ghana Cost: £1335.00 Please note: Your contribution is vital to support the ongoing efforts of the project. Cost Includes: The price includes accommodation, food and pickup from airport but does not include flight, insurance, kit or visas     Duration: 6 weeks Company Rep Nearby: Various 0845 344 7569 or

 

	This placement would suit... Responsible volunteers who enjoy working with kids and are looking for an adventure. No specific skills are required; however any teaching experience is beneficial. Why not visit a primary school in your home country before you depart? Ghana has the well-deserved reputation of being one of the friendliest countries on the planet. Steeped in history and culturally diverse, stunning coastlines, savannah lands and rainforest make Ghana a fascinating place to visit. The school at Brenu Akyinim is based on the beachfront 20km west of Cape Coast where there are 330 students spread between the kindergarten, the primary and secondary schools. For a combination of reasons, there are insufficient resources to effectively teach these children and consequently large numbers are missing out on a formal education. Volunteers have the opportunity to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with the teachers and the children and assist with the formal lessons and to develop the after-school clubs and activities. Location Brenu Akyinim is a small costal community with approximately 1,000 inhabitants. Being close to the beach, the area sees tourists passing through, yet retains a rural African feel. The closest towns to the east are Elmina (10km), then Cape Coast (20km) that offer an array of shops, banks, hospitals, bars and restaurants. Both Elmina and Cape Coast were the departure points during the slave trading era, and today you can visit the forts and castles that held the slaves prisoner before they were shipped off to the Americas and Europe. There are numerous national parks in Ghana worth a visit, and just to the north is Kakum National Park, where you can take a tree-top walk through the rainforest canopy, or a night-time wildlife safari with a national park guide. Project life Esther Ganney is the volunteer coordinator in Brenu. Her enthusiasm for life is infectious and she will ensure that your days are full and rewarding. Born in the Brenu, she knows everybody in the community and ensures that you know your way around and are made to feel welcome. The day starts early with breakfast in the guesthouse; school starts at 8.30am where you will work with the teachers and children in the kindergarten until lunch at 1pm. The afternoon session starts at 2.30pm; here your duties are focused around extra-curricular activities with the older children at the primary or secondary schools. Many of the classes number between 20 and 40 students, which often results in some children getting left behind. You may be requested to work with smaller groups and individuals to help them catch up with their studies. There are opportunities to work with the school’s Parent Teacher Association and focus on shortfalls in the children’s education. Each volunteer is encouraged to run his or her own 'project'. This can take various forms such as sports coaching, astronomy, personal hygiene, music or drama, with each project culminating in an event at the end of the volunteer’s placement. It is recommended that you start to prepare this before you start your placement. Each volunteer has the opportunity to talk to Aubrey Malcolm Green, the Project Coordinator before they start their placement. He will ensure you have a clear understanding of the school's needs and that you are fully prepared for life in Brenu. The working week is from Monday to Friday, and you are welcome to explore the surrounding area on weekends. Accommodation and food Accommodation is provided in a local guesthouse approximately 800m from the school. The guesthouse provides basic and clean rooms, flushing toilets, showers and a shared kitchen. Private rooms are available on request. The guesthouse also provides three meals a day. Typical breakfast consists of omelettes, toast and cereals; staple foods such as rice, yams and pasta make up the evening meals. This can be discussed with Esther on your arrival. Dates and duration The minimum duration is four weeks, although it is recommended that you stay for half a term (approximately six weeks) in order for both the volunteer and the school make the most of the placement. It is recommended that your placement coincide with term times: Autumn Term 2006: 13th Sept – 18th Dec Easter Term 2007: mid Jan – mid April Summer Term 2007: early May – early Aug Note: Please ensure your flight arrives in Accra on a Saturday. Flights and transportation Flights are not included. You will be collected from Accra Airport and taken to Brenu and returned to the airport on completion of the placement. Transport is not necessary on a day-to-day basis as the guesthouse is close to the school. Public transport is readily available if you choose to visit other areas on the weekends. The 'tro tro' the most common form of public transport. These minibuses are readily available; they travel all around the country and normally depart when they are full. Visas and documentation A Ghanaian three-month tourist visa is required. Safety and insurance All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised charities, non governmental organisations, government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations. Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements. 0845 344 7569 Twin Work & Volunteer Abroad: The world is getting smaller! So, why not travel and gain work experience abroad? Are you taking a gap year? Are you a student and want to spend your summer doing something different? Are you a recent graduate and want to have a different approach to the job market? Whether you want to spend some time fruit picking in Queensland, volunteering with kids in South Africa, having an Internship in Rio de Janeiro or working on a farm in Norway we have a vast range of programmes for you!