Ghana | School Volunteer
Kate, an 18-year-old from the United Kingdom, volunteered in Ghana for three months, splitting her time between teaching and football. For three days a week, she taught English, Maths and Science using textbooks, despite having no prior teaching experience. On the remaining two days, she played football with the same students, using it as a reward for attending homework sessions.
At first, the children were challenging, but Kate quickly adapted to the classroom environment. While playing football in the heat was tough, she found it incredibly rewarding, especially seeing the girls’ enthusiasm and confidence grow. Building strong relationships with the students became one of the most meaningful parts of her placement.
Alongside her placement, Kate enjoyed adapting to a new culture, exploring Ghana’s rich history, local hangout spots, and the beautiful beaches near Cape Coast.
“At first, the kids were a handful, but I quickly got used to it. Playing football in the heat was tough, but seeing the girls get just as into it as the boys made it all worth it.”
Kate
Motivation to Volunteer
Kate’s placement in Ghana was recommended by a family friend. She was looking for something more immersive than a typical holiday and wanted to experience daily life in a different culture. Living with a host family was an important part of that decision, as it offered a deeper understanding of how people live beyond the tourist experience.
“I wanted more than just a beach holiday in Thailand. Living with a host family in Ghana allowed me to truly understand the culture and how people live.”
Kate
Cultural Insights into Ghana
Ghanaian culture initially felt overwhelming for Kate. As one of the few white people in town, she received a lot of attention, including being called “obroni,” meaning “white person,” and even receiving four marriage proposals. Language barriers and cultural differences took time to navigate, but over time she formed strong connections within the community.
Kate was particularly struck by Ghana’s strong religious culture. Attending church with her host family, and taking part in the singing and dancing, became a highlight of her experience.
“Ghana’s culture was overwhelming at first, especially being called ‘obroni’ all the time, but attending church and connecting with people made it an enriching experience.”
Kate
Food and Accommodation
Kate lived with a host family on a school campus, where her host father worked as a teacher. The household was lively, with two younger host brothers, and the wider school community provided a safe and welcoming environment. While there were occasional challenges, such as power cuts and cockroaches, Kate felt comfortable and well looked after.
Food was one of the biggest adjustments. Traditional dishes like fufu and banku were unfamiliar at first, and eating with her hands took some getting used to. Over time, Kate found a balance, sometimes enjoying familiar Western snacks from town alongside local meals.
“Living with a host family in Ghana was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It took time to adjust to the food and customs, but the lively community made it worthwhile.”
Kate
Support from New Ventures Worldwide
Kate felt well supported by New Ventures Worldwide throughout her placement. She was clearly briefed on her role and what to expect before travelling. While she acknowledged that nothing could fully prepare her for the experience, the Ghana Programme Manager, Kweku, was always available for support, alongside her host family.
“The communication was speedy and efficient.”
Rebecca
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
Looking back, Rebecca sees her year abroad as a major personal milestone. She feels more confident, open, and willing to take risks, and believes the experience has confirmed her ambition to become a language teacher.
“New Ventures Worldwide made sure I knew what to expect and were there for me whenever I needed help, which made the transition much smoother.”
Kate
Advice for Aspiring Volunteers
Rebecca encourages others to take the leap and embrace the experience fully, describing it as both enriching and unforgettable.
“Just do it. It’s an unforgettable experience that you won’t regret.”
Rebecca
