Reading Skills & Tutoring

location
4 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Experience the rural Ghanaian way of life and it's laid back, friendly atmosphere.
  • Gain a new family, living in shared volunteer housing gives you the perfect chance to make life long friends across the globe.
  • Experience first hand just how eager the children are to learn and read where they don't have access to reading or story books to engage their creativity and imagination.

Highlights

  • Experience the rural Ghanaian way of life and it's laid back, friendly atmosphere.
  • Gain a new family, living in shared volunteer housing gives you the perfect chance to make life long friends across the globe.
  • Experience first hand just how eager the children are to learn and read where they don't have access to reading or story books to engage their creativity and imagination.
  • Make unforgettabe memories travelling with your fellow volunteers at weekends to places such as Mole Safari Park, Cape Coast Castle & Boti Waterfall.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Arrange reading clubs and tutoring sessions across different classes and schools to enhance the children's english language and reading skills.

    About The Placement

    Working within local primary schools to improve English Language skills whilst promoting an interest in reading. Using a small collection of story books we have managed to source to run reading lessons and book clubs in the local schools. Usually most of the schools we work with ...

    About the program

    About The Placement

    Working within local primary schools to improve English Language skills whilst promoting an interest in reading. Using a small collection of story books we have managed to source to run reading lessons and book clubs in the local schools. Usually most of the schools we work with don't have access to story books so providing them with this service is key to nourishing and developing their interest in reading. Our organisation works alongside the local education director to provide this service to as many schools and children as possible, depending on available resources.

    Why This Placement?

    With the books that we have managed to source we don't want to simple hand these over to the schools, firstly so that these can be shared across the district to ensure the maximum amount of children can benefit and secondly so that these are not 'kept for best' and simply locked away in the school as is what can sometimes happen. The official language in Ghana is English therefore all the school textbooks are produced in English, in the rural areas when this is often not their first language this can be very difficult for the children to then try and learn in depth topics. Imagine trying to learn a science or maths topic when you are already not comfortable in understanding English?! We want to try and develop these reading skills in the youth by providing fun and engaging books to attract their attention especially when the children are so keen on being able to read story books.

    What Is Included In This Placement?

    Support Staff - Accommodation - House Utility Bills - Pre Departure Support

    We charge cost price for this project just so we can cover your stay and employ local support staff to increase loyal employment. This placement includes accommodation in a modern style house for the semi rural area of which we are based with great views and surroundings of the local towns and rainforest. All house utilities are included for your time, you will have use of the kitchen, electricity throughout the house and running water which is a luxury among the area of Kwahu. You will have a member of our local support team living in house or close by depending on the volunteer numbers so there is always someone on hand for any questions or support you may need.

    How Do I Get To The Placement?

    Budget an additional 20 - 30 cedis per day for transport costs.

    We work with a number of schools within the local community and slightly further out. Volunteers will usually take taxis back and forth to their placement site. It is very easy to take shared taxis in town and they are very reasonably priced. Most of our schools will require volunteers to pay transport between 10 cedis and 40 cedis a day, with the average being about 18 cedis. 

    The more remote village schools are usually located down tracks and therefore cost a little bit more to reach. Our team will be able to assist volunteers group together for transport and where to find taxis etc. Volunteers are usually able to head off into the town after school easily to shop for food supplies, grab a cold drink or meet up with friends before heading home and the ease of taxis offer a really flexible experience for the volunteers.

    What Will I Be Doing?

    Depending on the school that you select after your introduction and what you will feel comfortable with, you will be paired up with a teacher initially to view the type of learning they experience and the materials they have available. You will then visit various classrooms and schools on a regular basis working alongside the school's timetable to run a reading/book club, depending on the class and current requirements these may involve:
    - Helping to teach phonics to the children that are not yet comfortable with reading.
    - Bringing a selection of books to a class and then provide support to the children in their allocated reading time. (Mobile library)
    - Having a class all read through one book for comprehension discussion and reporting.
    - Working with children to produce their own story books that we can add to the collection.

    How Can I Go The Extra Mile?

    We are always on the lookout for books so that we can expand this scheme! If you are able to assist in fundraising before or during your trip to help us source extra books that would be great! We have a partner charity in the UK that is able to arrange shipment of a wide selection of reading books and just requires the shipping costs to be covered. If you have any other ideas on sourcing books for this program we are more than keen to hear them!

    Who Will I Be Working With?

    If the number permits we aim to group volunteers together at a particular school or project. You will work closely with a teacher and report to the Headteacher should you have any issues. A member of our team will also spend a portion of their day at the project to assist in anyway and offer any guidance should it be needed. Most volunteers strike up a strong bond with the teachers and are treat as another member of staff as if you were always there.

    What Do We Expect From The Volunteers?

    A teaching qualification or experience is not compulsory for this placement, your level of experience and confidence will gauge what level of students would best suit and will be discussed between the team and yourself on your first day introduction. The greatest traits of a volunteer are enthusiasm, empathetic and the ability to adjust to alternative cultures. You will get the most of our your trip by opening your mind to new experiences and beliefs whilst also bringing your own to the table.
    We expect volunteers to visit their placements Monday - Friday, exceptions can be made for long weekends of travel etc but we hope for the children and yourselves to get the most of your placement this is kept to a minimum. It would also be possible to setup an out of school book club on an evening or weekend in the local community or library should you be interested in which you alter your weekly schedule around this.

    What Can You Expect From Us?

    We will be on hand any time of any day to support you in your placement and trip as a whole. There will always be someone you can speak to or get a hold of should you want to discuss anything or require any guidance, from organising after school clubs to changing your placement. Our team living in the volunteer house will also be able to offer advice regarding travel plans and the local area so you will soon feel at home.

    What Should I Bring?

    Regarding your placement it would be great if you could bring as many reading books as your luggage weight would allow. All fiction, non-fiction at a variety of age levels are needed. Also we advise bringing school materials, arts & crafts items and some ideas from teaching resource websites. These will prove invaluable throughout your placement as there is a lack of materials able to purchase in the local area. Basic pens, pencils and cheap paper are available as well as moderate priced photocopying should you wish to bring activity sheets.

    What Happens During School Holidays?

    During school holidays if a volunteers assignments falls within these dates then we will organise a holiday school at one of our partner schools. During this time there is a more relaxed setup where volunteers split into groups to run lessons such as arts, English, reading, sports and games. This also has the added benefit of providing parents with childcare during this period whilst they balance their work which is usually farming or trading.
    The school holidays usually fall three times a year; few weeks around Easter, few weeks around August and a few weeks around Christmas. Specific term dates are not communicated by local authorities until closer to the time so difficult to tell in advance. Leading up to the vacation, exams may be in place so volunteers can offer an assisting role invigilating, helping out in free times or helping on our other programs.



    Typical day

    • 07:30am - Volunteer transport leaves the volunteer house to project sites
    • 08:00am - School starts
    • 10:30am - 11:00am - Morning Break
    • 12:30pm - 01:00pm - Lunch Break
    • 03:00pm - School closes
    • 03:30pm - Return to volunteer house
    • 03:00pm onwards - Free time / Arrange after school reading clubs (optional)
    • Please ...

    Typical day

    • 07:30am - Volunteer transport leaves the volunteer house to project sites
    • 08:00am - School starts
    • 10:30am - 11:00am - Morning Break
    • 12:30pm - 01:00pm - Lunch Break
    • 03:00pm - School closes
    • 03:30pm - Return to volunteer house
    • 03:00pm onwards - Free time / Arrange after school reading clubs (optional)
    • Please note this an example of a schedule. Times vary on different schools and term time.

      After school volunteers are free to go shopping in the local markets, return to the volunteer house or visit the local swimming pools.


    Free-time activities

    Mid Week Free Time
    After school and evenings offer these local opportunities around the local area:

    • Hiking / Trekking
    • Swimming
    • Sightseeing (Waterfalls and breathtaking scenery)
    • After school & Homework Clubs
    • Sports facilities
    • Live Music
    • Plenty of Nightlife
    • Restaurants & Hotels providing western cuisine

    Weekend

    Free-time activities

    Mid Week Free Time
    After school and evenings offer these local opportunities around the local area:

    • Hiking / Trekking
    • Swimming
    • Sightseeing (Waterfalls and breathtaking scenery)
    • After school & Homework Clubs
    • Sports facilities
    • Live Music
    • Plenty of Nightlife
    • Restaurants & Hotels providing western cuisine

    Weekend Free Time
    Most volunteers will travel at weekends, across Ghana we have many amazing experiences which you can discover. Here are just a few ideas:

    • Safari
    • Museums
    • Slave Castles
    • Canopy Walk
    • Waterfalls
    • Malls and Cinemas (Showing latest films)
    • Beautiful Beaches
    • Surfing

    We are on hand to offer any advice that you might need.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (fluently)

    Education Requirements

    at High School / Secondary School level

    Required Documents

    CV/Résumé

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 15:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Atlas Volunteers

    Atlas Volunteer's aim is to provide low cost, meanigful volunteer placements abroad. By keeping our program fees affordable, we hope for helping hands from across the world to be able to come and help as well as experience Ghana no matter their financial situation.

    Our program fees cover the core foundation of your program which are:
    • Registration Fee
    • Volunteer House Accommodation
    • Local Support Staff
    • Volunteer House Utility Bills; Tap Water, Cooking Gas and Electricity
    • Organisation running costs, both online and in country.
    • Marketing & Introduction Commissions
    • Social Funds - When possible we use part of our fees for community development such as; sponsoring of the children's sports academy, mobile library, social enterprises, plastics workshop, farm expansions, reforestation site and seedlings, conservation site maintenance and expansion, scholarship school fees, school materials and maintenance.
    In addition to your core program fees, there will also be some other items you need to consider to cover your complete trip. We have setup our program in this way as we believe that each of our volunteers' trips should be different and personalised to their stay. Due to this, we decided not to choose a blanket price for transport or food for example where this would perhaps increase the fees unnecessarily for volunteers travelling a shorter distance or that eat certain diets. These optional items to consider are;
    • Airport Transfer from Kotoka International Airport (Optional - Approximately 700 cedis as of January 2024)
    • Daily Transport to Projects (Approximately 20 cedis as of January 2024 from Aduamoah to Abetifi)
    • Food (Volunteers usually advise $2-3 per day but it's possible to spend less or more depending on if cooking at home or eating out)
    • Drinking Water (Approximately 8 cedis for 30 x 500ml filtered water sachets)
    • Internet / Data (Starting from around 30 cedis for 10GB depending on local sim network and setup)

    Accommodation

    Volunteers live together in shared accommodation in the Abetifi district of Ghana along with our support team in house. The house is based in a quiet town where you are within walking distance to local shops, street vendors and taxi routes - all whilst being able to enjoy the beautiful surrounding views of the rainforest and mountains.

    Bedrooms -
    Bedrooms are shared usually between 2 - 4 people. Most bedrooms are supplied with a bunk bed. All doors and windows in the house are covered by mosquito netting or covered completely however you are more than welcome to bring a mosquito net for your bed although usually not necessary.

    Bathrooms -
    There are basic bathrooms in the accommodation with individual WCs and shower rooms. Most of the time (but not always!) we have the benefit of running water which is a local luxury so showers and toilets will work as normal. We ask to consider others when using the water as it's a valuable commodity in Ghana.

    Kitchen -
    We have a basic kitchen available in the volunteer house for you to use throughout the day. The basics of Fridge/Freezer, Gas stove, Kettle and Microwaves are supplied.
    It is a self catered placement however plenty of food stuffs can be bought from the market such as bread, rice, pasta and many fresh ingredients.
    We also have connections with local people in the town who will be able to prepare your meals or teach you how to cook local dishes.

    Living Room -
    There is a large living room with sofas, TV and a dining set for use by the volunteers. Evenings are often spent in here and volunteers are welcome to bring DVDs or memory drives with movies to watch although local television channels are provided.

    Outdoor -
    The house circles around a large outside compound where volunteers usually spend their afternoons and evenings eating outside, catching up with the other volunteers and group activities such as games nights.

    Store Room -
    We have a small store room where we keep left over teaching materials and resources for new volunteers to use. You are invited to leave any items you may not use here for the next person to continue the flow. Master copies of activity sheets or lesson plans are a key item we hope to see keep growing in the store.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Kotoka International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ghana. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ghana provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ghana you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ghana. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This placement is available throughout the year. You are welcome to arrive with us any day of the week or flight arrival time and we will adjust your airport collection accordingly.

    How Do I Get From The Airport to Volunteer House On Arrival?

    We can arrange for one of our partnered drivers to collect you from the airport and bring you directly to the volunteer house although fuel, airport parking and toll fees must be covered by yourself - payable in Ghana cedis or US dollars on the day (You can use local ATM machines on the way to withdraw Ghana cedi currency.)

    Cost: As of January 2024, this is around 700 cedis.

    We will arrange this as standard procedure unless you choose to OPT OUT as we would feel much more comfortable with you arriving into a new country that the team are on hand to greet and reliable vehicles made available for you and your luggage.
    Upon arrival our regulat collections driver Asare will meet you outside the arrivals hall at Kotoka Intl. Airport.
    They will be holding a sign with your name on so they should be easy to spot!

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 389€
    12 weeks 1,067€
    24 weeks 2,025€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 3,840€
    Average fees 87€/week

    Program fees

    87€ per week 4 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Atlas Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Atlas Volunteers

    Excellent 4.8 rating (241 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2017

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Sam

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Atlas Volunteers is an NGO providing affordable & meaningful volunteer placements in rural Ghana, Thailand & Cambodia. Created by volunteers, for volunteers.

    Meet your organization

    Who We Are?

    We're a team of volunteers that wanted to startup a volunteer organisation truly by volunteers for volunteers. The initial founders of the team met whilst volunteering in Ghana from 2010 onwards. After becoming the largest volunteer organisation in Ghana in 2023 where we focus on development within our rural areas, we answered the call in 2024 to help our partners on the ground elsewhere in the world whilst still maintaining the same Atlas standards of creating meaningful & affordable volunteering programs for people from all over the world to come lend a hand so that we can leave the world in a better place whilst getting to experience new people, countries and cultures from a meaningful travel experience.

    What We Do?

    Our volunteer team and support coordinators work directly with our local community partners to help make an impact and leave the world a better place than we found it. Our team work across

    • Education - including school support, tutoring sessions, reading clubs and vacation classes.
    • Sports - Football academy, physical education lessons and school sports days.
    • Renovation - Constructing and maintenance of unsafe school buildings as well as decorating and improvements.
    • Eco Projects - including reforestation, plastics upcycling and community cleanups.
    • Community - farm assistant and health insurance drives.
    • Conservation - Sea Turtle & Elephant conservation programs.

    Where We Work?

    Our main flagship program is based at the Abetifi district in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It holds the highest habitable town in Ghana upon a mountainous area so we have the benefit of a cooler overall temperature especially on the evenings and mornings. The volunteer house is in one of the towns close to Abetifi called Aduamoah. Abetifi is our closest larger town just a few minutes drive where there are banks, shops, market etc. The volunteer programs you will be visiting will be spread from the towns to just twenty minutes down the road on the road to Lake Volta (the largest man made lake in the world) where we work with remote villages to strengthen their facilities and improve their way of life. Life is fairly laid back in the area and time is soon spent chatting with people in passing and visiting friends. The Kwahu area has an extremely low crime rate and volunteers are given the chance and encouraged to explore the local towns alone or in groups with our team.

    We also run our sea turtle conservation project at Cape Three Points between September - March each year during the nesting season. Cape Three Points is a complete contract to Abetifi where it's a tiny rural village but benefits from the most amazing beach and forest views. In 2024 we have also launched programs in Thailand and Cambodia with really exciting programs that are genuinely making a difference to conservation, education and community development efforts on the ground.

    Our History

    Our Mission


    Who Are We Looking For?

    We are looking for flexible, caring volunteers who have the drive to not only help but to familiarise themselves with the local culture and characters. The ability to work outside of your usual comfort zone will not make your trip easiest but help towards our social impact goals.

    241 reviews · rating4.8

    Vanessa PIERRE rating5

    2023 at Reading Skills & Tutoring

    I went for more than 2 weeks with my son (4 years-old). We really appreciated being part of this adventure, safe and welcomed. We were able to take part in some lessons, experienced real culture and discovered new lifestyles. We left with wonderful images of sharing moments with amazing people, ...
    Annika Lauterbach rating5

    2023 at Reading Skills & Tutoring

    I had an awesome trip to Ghana and I am very grateful for this experience. I felt very welcome and in good hands because the program‘s staff help you with any question and are always there for you. Seeing the excitement of the children at school about the little things and helping them is the ...
    Jocelyn L rating4.4

    2023 at Reading Skills & Tutoring

    It was a good experience overall. It was an eyeopener to the culture and being able to help out the community in any ways we can together with people from different countries who are there with the same goals. It was quite an experience understanding the difficulties of the teachers who lack ...
    Francesca C rating5

    2022 at Reading Skills & Tutoring

    I’ve spent with Atlas 6 months of my life. It’s been one of the best experiences I ever did and I would do it again a hundred times. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people around the world and l will consider most of them part of my worldwide family for the rest of my life. Ghanaian people ...
    Antonia rating5

    2022 at Reading Skills & Tutoring

    It was already my second time with Atlas volunteers in Ghana. I really can not do more than recommend it. Although it is so different to Germany, I felt like coming home. The longer I was there, the more new things about Ghana I discovered and the more new friends I made. I loved going to school ...
    Stine O rating4.6

    2022 at Reading Skills & Tutoring

    Overall, we had an excellent experience! We had no idea what to anticipate, so we were pleasantly delighted by the excellent planning, the charming culture, and all the enjoyable activities. Since Atlas switched residences, they were able to give us a two person room, which was incredibly ...

    Location

    Africa > Western Africa > Ghana > Abetifi

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Sam
      Excellent response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Sam
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

    Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.