In Ghana, factors like lack of sanitation and limited access to advanced healthcare mean life expectancy is much lower than in Western nations. More than a million children are orphaned by disease, financial struggle or abandonment at a young age, and many receive board, meals and an education at orphanages throughout the nation.
Join our orphanage project to work with children at small, private orphanages in Koforidua and make a difference in all areas of their lives.
Orphanage volunteers assist staff at three dedicated facilities in Koforidua, helping out with children with homework, planning fun activities and playing sports. You will encourage routine and teach in the on-site school, as well as inspire youngsters to learn through play, arts and crafts.
Download our information brochure to find out more about volunteering at an orphanage in Ghana.
As an orphanage volunteer in Ghana, you’ll support children orphaned by poverty, disease and abandonment. Working at small, private orphanages in Koforidua, volunteers help children with their daily schedules, organizing fun activities and teaching basic skills in the on-site school to aid development.
Orphanage volunteers work four days per week, from Monday to Thursday, between four and six hours per day. Your schedule may vary depending on where you’re based, the time of year and how many other volunteers are helping out at the same time.
During school holidays, staff will need extra help as the children will be at the orphanage home all day. Volunteers are encouraged to organize both fun and educational activities to keep the children busy during these long days.
The orphanage is around a 30-minute bus ride from the volunteer dormitory.
The orphanages are open year around.
I did what I can and hopefully the children enjoyed it. I also hope that in the future there will be more material for them and a good organized schedule. I enjoyed it there so much.
Charlotte Dieteren, Read Charlotte's Testimonial
I remember I was especially impressed when Naomi ate banku with her hands better than I could. No one ever has to tell a Ghanaian child to finish their food or eat 5 more bites; their plates are empty in a matter of minutes.
Miranda Chinman, Read Miranda's Testimonial
It was one of those dreams that seemed so near and so far at the same time that, when I put my feet on Ghanaian soil I could not believe it had actually come true.
Fiona Martinez Faherty, Read Fiona's Testimonial
They would share what little they had with you and one of the things that most impressed us was that the very first day at lunch time all the children said "madam or sir, you're invited" and this is one of the sentences that will always be remembered since it's very simple to say but implies many aspects the Ghanaian kids taught us such as politeness, friendship respect for adults and generosity.
Demian Martinez and Maria Sansaloni, Read Demian's Testimonial
I had an exciting week because things were so different compare to our country that I could not believe what I saw, such as how people worked at the market or the condition of the roads and taxis or "trotros".The second week was more normal because we had got used to some things in the country.
Patrick Martinez Faherty, Read Patrick's Testimonial
The Kids were awesome, they were so kind and respectful, and although teaching was a challenge, it was well worth it to see their faces as they received their certificate at the end of the camp.
Sophie R., Read Sophie's Testimonial
I taught the Kindergarten class (ages 6-7). After my first day I was really comfortable because all of the children are willing to learn whatever I could teach them. On an average day, in the mornings I would teach mathematics and in the afternoons I would teach spelling and grammar.
Laura Boily, Read Laura's Testimonial
This trip exceeded all my expectations. Although I set out to merely help others, I returned with several valuable life lessons. In Ghana, everyone was extremely friendly from the moment we arrived. I was a little worried about our living arrangements but I was so relieved to see our house. It was clean, comfortable, and safe.
Elmira Nosratollahi, Read Elmira's Testimonial
I started teaching 4th and 5th grade Math and English. I genuinely enjoyed teaching my students, they were so smart and focused, and there was no great or more rewarding feeling that the connection I felt with them and all the things I taught them.
Sammar Shahidi, Read Sammar's Testimonial
Their main concerns being cost, my accommodation and ultimately my safety. Everything changed once we stumbled on uVolunteer. The staff were amazingly quick at answering all my many questions, usually within a few hours I'd received a reply. They were very patient and helpful throughout the whole process.
Emilie Whipple, Read Emilie's Testimonial
If you are interested in joining the program, you should download and read this program information brochure.