Rebecca volunteered as a teacher in Ghana
I have just spent 5 months volunteering in Ghana and can, without a doubt, say it has been the most incredible time of my life.
My placement was at Western Royal Montessori School where I taught English and Creative Arts at primary level. Although I had a syllabus to follow, the subjects were open for me to include my own suggestions. It was great fun having to think up new ideas and create lesson plans. With English, I would set group reading tasks and have the students produce book reports. This allowed them to learn new terminology, moral lessons and widen their vocabulary. In Creative Arts I taught painting, weaving, story telling and drama, making use of any resources available. The students in my eldest primary class wrote their own short stories and then created a cast from their fellow classmates and acted them out.
When I didn’t have lessons to teach, I would help out in crèche or nursery, or sit in on JHS lessons attempting to learn the local language! I was also able to teach the kids crazes from my own childhood, like hand games, songs and origami which provided a lot of entertainment. And, of course, not forgetting my teaching duties of marking work and writing class tests!
My volunteer partner and I were included in staff meetings and planning for the graduation, showing we were truly considered part of the staff which was really nice. There was always opportunity to contribute any ideas we had or ask questions.
I gained so much knowledge from my time inGhana, not only learning about another country, culture and way of life but also learning new things about myself – such as independence, patience and self sufficiency. However, if I had to select 3 important lessons I learnt, they would be…
1. You can make anywhere your home – something someone told me before I had settled in to my placement, of course I didn’t believe them but soon realised I was wrong. I was certain I would feel homesick and surprised myself at the fact I didn’t in the slightest. It wasn’t that I didn’t miss my friends and family but simply that I built up so many amazing relationships inGhanathat I felt I was at home with friends and family.
2. How to wash clothes by hand! And generally live without luxuries. It’s funny how you never consider hot running water or a washing machine as a luxury until you don’t have it. But then it’s also funny how easy it is to learn to live without them. Before I left it began to feel a little overwhelming, the thought of living without things I was so used to, but it really wasn’t hard to adjust to, I’d give up any luxury for the experience I had and the people I met.
3. Take a chance. And grab every opportunity that you are lucky enough to have come your way. I can’t believe there was a part of me considering not going toGhana, the day I left I felt sick with nerves, about to voyage on the biggest adventure of my life so far and almost backing out. In actual fact living inGhanacouldn’t have been easier; it was leaving that was so hard.
Its difficult to pinpoint one highlight of being a volunteer, the whole experience was phenomenal. But becoming Madam Becky was incredible. Words cannot describe how much fun spending everyday with amazing kids with such great imaginations and aspirations was, it didn’t feel like work in the slightest. The kids had such great respect and were so inquisitive, always full of questions and ideas.
From the time I spent inGhana, I noticed the country had a seemingly flawless perception on how community should be. Everyone has time for one another and they were quick to welcome myself and my fellow volunteers with open arms. People always wanted to help with directions or ensure we were paying local prices; teacher-student relationships were like friendships; and there was no conflict between religious groups. I challenge anyone to feel alone there as there was always someone around to put a smile on your face, be it a child, a teacher, a member of the family, another volunteer or simply just a passer-by! It was quite difficult to settle back into a life where you don’t wave and say hello to almost everyone you pass on the street, but I have definitely learnt to be less apprehensive of strangers and have more time for people I don’t know.
My Lattitude placement has actually shaped my future plans quite greatly. I had already applied to study English and History at degree level once returning but hadn’t considered teaching as a career despite the fact many had suggested it. But having enjoyed working at Montessori so much and realising how inspirational working with children is, teaching is certainly something I am now contemplating!
Aside career plans, living inGhanahas also driven me to be more motivated. It is in the Ghanaians natures to work hard and a great example of this was my host mum, Mrs Dadzie. In her lifetime she has raised 13 children of her own; opened the Montessori school, starting small as just a crèche and developing massively; and, at the age of 70, still works by hosting Lattitude volunteers. If I can live to say I’ve achieved even half of what she has, I will be proud.
More information on volunteering in Ghana >>
