Street Library Program(Volunteer Opportunity)

Faced with a lack of infrastructure and low secondary school attendance, Ghana's literacy rate is estimated to be just 58%*.  The aim of the “street library” project is to help more children and the youth, particularly those in rural areas, discover reading.

Through the use of various models,  the volunteers move from village to village, school to school, or public libraries  to welcome children to help them improve their literacy. The program is run by Street Library Ghana and other state actors 

Available Volunteer Positions

 Manager   Apply Now

-      Organize and classify books according to level

-      Assist children and participants in selecting appropriate reading material

-      Manage the running of the library

-      Assist literacy specialists when it is busy or if there is only one literacy specialist available

-      Ensure that the library has a calm and peaceful atmosphere that will encourage learning

-      Assist with the set-up of the library (mounting tents, unpacking books, etc.)

Literacy Clinic Officer  Apply Now

-      Run literacy clinics for children at the library

-      Evaluate when a student has graduated to the next level of literacy according to the SLG guidelines

-      Administer initial evaluations on children wishing to participate in the library to determine their level of literacy according to the SLG guidelines

-      Organize story time reading circles for children while they are at the library

-      Help children when they are reading independently

-      Assist with the set-up of the library (mounting tents, unpacking books, etc.)

Administrative Assistant Apply Now

-      Be in charge of the marketing and promotion of the

 library to parents of children in the communities

-      Manage the sales of books through the library.

Volunteer requirements

• At least age 18 (no maximum age limit)

• Good English

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Strong commitment to values and principles of volunteerism

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

• Ability to adjust to difficult living and working conditions

• Strong support and advocate for NGOs

• Should be able to work independently as well as in teams when there is the need.

• Ability to respect and abide by the rules of the placement activity.

What’s included in the project fees?

Registration Fee (Non Refundable if you choose not to go) – Application Review and processing, administration costs, Visa Support letter, 24/7 emergency support from VPWA, Program marketing costs, Pre-departure information, travel costs to inspect programs, VPWA Education & Health Fund and communication costs with volunteers. 

Program Fee – Airport pick up, orientation, Supervision, accommodation and meals(dinner) during volunteer placement period, In-country 24/7 volunteer support and In-country administration costs.

What’s not included?

•    Airfare to Ghana

•    Visa Fees

•    Vaccinations and immunizations (please speak to your local GP)

•    Personal insurance(required)

•    Personal spending                                                                                   

•    In-country travel

Accommodation

Volunteers working on VPWA projects live in Greater Accra and Eastern Region. Please confirm your project location with our coordinator. Volunteers live in shared rooms with bunk beds. Couples are advised to inform us if they wish to share a room in advance. The rooms have comfortable beds with pillows and covers, so there is no need to bring sleeping bags. The volunteer apartment has a kitchen with fridge, as well as toilet and shower facilities.

The following services may also be offered based on availability

• Basic TWI language orientation(Special Fees apply)

• Mobile phone SIM card number on arrival, so that you can inform family and friend’s your number in Ghana

• Certificate of Recognition given to hardworking volunteers, as well as the opportunity to serve as VPWA ambassador in your city, college or community. You need to write a volunteer report covering the period of placement to qualify for the certificate which has the endorsed logo of the United Nations Global Compact.

Health and Safety

Ghana is one of the safest countries in Africa. In the Global Peace Index it is ranked above both the United Kingdom and the US. It provides a perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our team will ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.

Flights

Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should communicate your arrival date and time to Volunteer Coordinator. The following airlines fly into Accra:

• Alitalia (Lagos, Rome-Fiumicino)

• British Airways (London-Heathrow)

• Delta Air Lines (New York-JFK)

• EgyptAir (Cairo)

• Emirates (Abidjan, Dubai)

• Ethiopian Airlines (Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Lagos, Lome)

• Ghana International Airlines (London-Gatwick, Dusseldorf)

• Kenya Airways (Nairobi, Freetown, Monrovia)

• KLM (Amsterdam)

• Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Lagos)

• South African Airways (Johannesburg)

Visa

You must obtain a volunteer visa for travel to Ghana. Once you have secured your place on the project and made a deposit. We will then send you a letter confirming your placement which you can use for your visa application.