OGVO offers placements teaching basic IT and computer skills to children in Ghana. On Africa’s West coast, Ghana is a country rich in natural resources such as cocoa, timber, gold and diamonds. A former British colony, one of Ghana’s official languages is English, which has facilitated the rapid increase in tourism.
Why it is important
As the tourist market expands, the number of jobs increase, and with this the need for computer literacy. In the 21st century, computer literacy is a skill which is valued almost as highly as standard literacy! It is therefore a huge advantage to learn the basics of computer use, and this is something which our volunteers can help with. By sharing their knowledge of IT with students and teachers alike, volunteers increase the future prospects of each individual they help.
Just like children throughout the world, Ghanaian children are fascinated by computers and eager to learn how to use them. Teaching such a useful skill is invaluable, both to individuals and the communities they live in. From developing a better understanding of computers, job opportunities which would not previously have been available present themselves. With IT skills, children also find themselves in a position where they can benefit from all that the worldwide web has to offer.
Volunteer role
Volunteers are needed to help teach very basic computer programs like Word and Excel although - if you are also able to develop databases and assist with any maintenance work - this is always appreciated.
On this project, you will teach IT to children between the ages of 6 and 15 years old.
Volunteering Abroad on an IT Project in Ghana
Volunteers taking part in our IT project spend some of their time making sure that the local teachers know how to use computers. If not they share their own knowledge with them and in this way the project can sustain itself when there are no volunteers around.
Volunteers teach a variety of practical computer skills ranging from how to turn a computer on and off, to explaining software such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and demonstrating how to use the Internet for research and communication. Other practical work includes helping students during activities, as well as creating learning materials, worksheets and a student database system.
Can I use this program as part of a college or university placement?
It is certainly possible to use one of OGVO’s programs as part of your university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your course tutors. OGVO regularly receives medical, childcare, psychology and nursing placement students at our projects across Ghana and we have ties with some of the leading universities.
If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how one of OGVO’s programs could meet the placement requirements for your degree course then please contact us directly.
Location
Ghana is a peaceful and welcoming country; Ghana satisfies one's appetite for both modern and traditional life. Its wide valleys, low-lying coastal plains, and thick rainforests resound with the beat of traditional rituals, while her cities glow and vibrate with all the bustle of the modern world. The Ghanaians are the friendliest people in West Africa: warm, proud yet humble with a contagious and calming sense of funniness.
Ghana is hot. It is always hot. What’s more, it's always humid. Humidity usually lingers between 95 and 100 percent. The rainy season lasts from mid-June to mid-November - sometimes. The rain provides a little respite from the intense heat, but temperatures will still be in the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The south of the country experiences the heaviest rainfall during September.
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