Ghana: Community SchoolThe Community Inclusive Special School (Community School) works with children of all ages with developmental disabilities. As a volunteer, you’ll work in a caring and supportive learning environment that meets diverse educational needs while also gaining first-hand experience in an inclusive school setting in Ghana.

EducationChildrenSpecial Needs

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Community School is located in Kpando Village in Ghana. It was founded in 1995 by Kofi Targbotor for his daughter and other children in the community who had no education options due to their disabilities. In 2000, the school was recognized by Ghana’s Education Ministry. As of May 2010 there are 40 students enrolled. However, there is an estimated 150 students in the Kpando District alone, who are special needs and thus, are not receiving the education that they rightfully deserve.

The school grounds include the school building and a farming area where much of the school’s food is grown. The school is raising funds to build a dormitory for students and to purchase a van to help transport students to and from school more easily.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT ATORKOR

EducationChildrenSpecial Needs

Education/Children:

  • Train teachers to work with special needs children
  • Work with the children in their area of particular need
  • Help the children with projects, including sewing, crafts, or farming (late March to early fall)
  • Promote community awareness of autism and other developmental disabilities

ACCOMMODATIONS AT ATORKOR

Housing

Volunteers stay at the home of the school headmaster and his wife, about 1.5 miles from the school. There are two double-occupancy rooms for volunteers. The rooms have locks on the doors and the beds have mosquito nets.  In the home, there is a shower and a flush toilet. Water pressure can be an issue, so volunteers should be prepared to bathe from a bucket in the shower when necessary.

Meals

All meals are prepared for volunteers by the headmaster’s wife. Volunteers who have special dietary needs or food allergies should note their needs on their volunteer application so Village Volunteers can notify the school’s headmaster in advance.

Drinking Water

Purified drinking water is provided for volunteers.

Electricity

There is electricity; however, there are frequent power cuts.

Internet Access

The nearest internet café is approximately a 20-minute walk from the school.

Laundry

For $30 USD per month, a volunteer’s laundry (clothing and bed linens) can be done once a week. All volunteers are asked to launder their own undergarments.

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