Smiles a plenty await
you in
Ghana

Provide much needed support & care to children in Busua

Apply now
  • Duration
    1-24 weeks
  • Accompanied age
    5+
  • Minimum age
    17+
  • Start dates
    1st & 3rd Saturday
  • From
    £160
  • Duration
    1-24 weeks
  • Accompanied age
    5+
  • Minimum age
    17+
  • Start dates
    1st & 3rd Saturday
  • From
    £160

Ghana childcare volunteers

Are you ready to take on a new experience where you can explore the real Africa, make lots of new friends and make a real difference to the lives of underprivileged children? Your time and effort at nurseries and kindergartens is vital and you will provide an important contribution to the children’s daily lives.

As a volunteer you will become a big brother or sister to the children, working alongside local staff to assist with teaching and caring for the children that attend everyday. You will be involved with the operational running of the day care centre where you can give extra support and attention as well as  one-to-one time that so many children are deprived of.

You’re sure to feel right at home in this wonderful country, where you will experience a true Ghanain welcome and be fully integrated into a friendly and hospitable culture. This exciting and rewarding programme is perfect for someone with a big heart and who has the desire to do something meaningful with their time abroad.

Background to the childcare programme

Ghana is often referred to as the friendliest country in Africa and this is no more noticeable than in the smiling children! You will always find them dancing and singing in the street and running over to welcome you.

In 2007 the government of Ghana introduced two years of compulsory kindergarten education along with many other legislations. Although this saw enrolment levels hugely increase and is a great step in the right direction, this in itself brought on many problems. On average there are now 52 children per class, meaning the facilities and care provided continue to suffer and in some circumstances are actually getting worse. 

Although there are a growing number of kindergartens in Ghana, they are all full to bursting point. The children that are lucky enough to attend, are greeted with severe overcrowding, no educational resources or games and no real support or care being provided. The few staff that are present have generally had no formal training and children are left to their own devices for the most part of the day.

The main focus of kindergartens is not only to provide care and support, but to also provide the educational foundations to prepare the children for later life. Despite English being the national language of Ghana, many communities in the more remote and rural areas are unable to speak or read it. The little education that is currently provided is taught by rote memorisation. This style of teaching gets the children to repeat words without actually understanding their meaning and does little to promote independent thought and self-confidence - just enough to pass exams.

By introducing you and other volunteers from around the world, we hope to provide vital extra help to the staff and to ensure the children all get the care and attention they so desperately need and want. Not only this, but a new style of teaching and engagement will boost their confidence and the energy and creativity that you bring will help them understand the basic concepts of English - ensuring they have the best chance for their future.

Where will I be volunteering?

The childcare programme aims to assist and help kindergartens and nurseries in and around Busua - where our volunteer accommodation is located. Our childcare volunteers are primarily based at Busua Nursery School and Future Leaders Academy, but during busier times you may also be placed at one or two other centres around the village. You are more than welcome to split your time between several kindergartens, but we do ask that you commit at least one week per placement.

Busua Nursery School - The government run nursery school was established just over 10 years ago (in-line with the 2007 government legislation) and is the only free to attend nursery for under 5's in the area. Located next to the primary school, you will be able to spend your days playing with the children outside while getting to enjoy the sunshine. Every day over 50 children aged between 1 and 5 years old make their way to the centre, with only one teacher in place to try and look after and teach them - an impossible task!

Future Leaders Academy - Due to the lack of government facilities in the area, Future Leaders was setup in 2016 to try and take some of the burden away from the overcrowded Busua Nursery School. Although it is regarded as a private organisation, which children have to pay a small fee to attend, The Mighty Roar, our local team and other volunteers have sponsored many of the children to attend. Not only does this ensure they get some form of education, but it also means their parents can do their best to work and earn some much needed money.

Future Leaders has over 200 children attend every day and although you will be primarily based within the youngest class (children aged between 1 and 5 years old), you are more than welcome to assist across the whole centre.

What is my role?

You will play a huge role in being an extra pair of hands and eyes to help provide care to children who need it most on any given day. You’ll be involved in a variety of activities, where your primary role will be a carer, ensuring all of the children get the attention they deserve. On top of this, you will be playing games and sports outside, helping with feeding the children, tidying and cleaning the class and teaching basic English like the alphabet, colours, animal names etc...

You will be instrumental in keeping the children engaged and happy, where you will join in with games and other fun activities and hopefully introduce some of your own new ideas along the way. You can be sure that the children and community will be extremely grateful for having someone there to support and care for them.

During your free time we would recommend planning and creating some exciting and engaging lessons or games. By introducing some structure throughout the day, you will be able to keep more control and ensure the children are enjoying their time. We encourage you to get as involved as possible by helping with all of the day-to-day activities, where you will find that you will get to know many of the children and their routines - making your time here even more special!

At times you may find that you are left in charge of the classroom, with the teachers being absent for part of the day - a common occurence across Ghana, with or without volunteers. This may seem daunting at first, but with the support of other volunteers and our local team, as well the planned lessons you have created, this will be your time to shine!

What will a typical day look like?

You will typically be volunteering at the kindergarten Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm, although you are more than welcome to stay later if preferred. Every day will be different, but as you get to know the children and their routines, as well as develop special relationships with them, you will soon reap the rewards and benefits.

If you are volunteering at the Busua Nursery School, then you will make the short walk down the hill (2 minutes) with other volunteers and more than likely children who are waiting for you. Future Leaders Academy is located on the outskirts of the village and involves a 5 minute drive. This will be arranged for you, but the costs are not included within the programme fee (expect to budget around £2 / $3 per day).

After a quick tidy up of the class, you will be ready to welcome the children - who all make their own way, no matter their age! You will then follow the basic structure of the kindergarten for the rest of the day, teaching simple English, assisting with meal times and playing outside during breaks.

Once the kindergartens have finished for the day (around 2:30pm), all volunteers (across all programmes) always meet at the beach, where there are plenty of things for everyone to see and do.

Where will I be staying?

Ghana is one of the most secure and friendly destinations where you can relax, get to know the locals and explore this beautiful country at your leisure. You will be staying within our volunteer accommodation that is nestled up in the hills overlooking the small village of Busua. Offering far-reaching views out across the sea and surrounded by palm trees, this quiet spot is the perfect place to call home.

The small village community of Busua (where everyone knows everyone) will welcome you with open arms and you will be made to feel like a local from day one. Most of your time will be spent on the picturesque beach, that offers golden white sands with palm trees lined along the whole bay. An up and coming tourist hotspot for surfers, you will be able to cool down in the blue waters of the Atlantic and even try your hand at surfing. During your free time you can laze in one of the many hammocks, relax in one of the several beach bars and restaurants, join in with a game of football with the children, play drums around the bonfire or go for a swim at the local hotel.

Other things to consider

Top returning destination - Ghana is our top destination for volunteers returning to help again in the future. We believe this is due to the amazing village of Busua and the local community that live there. Situated on the most stunning beach, the community will ensure you feel at home from day one. On top of this, the feedback provided by volunteers suggests that Ghana offers some of the most rewarding and worthwhile volunteer projects, where you can make a real positive difference.  

Helping on multiple projects - Whilst in Ghana, you will also have the opportunity to get involved with our teaching (no additional cost) and medical (small extra cost) programmes, which are located in the same village.

Cultural differences - It is important for volunteers to join our programmes in Ghana with an open mind and understanding of the differences in culture. The methods of discipline used often differ greatly from what you may be used to back at home and although we do not condone the mistreatment of children, physical discipline does occur.

Resources and donations - Resources can be very limited on our programmes in Ghana and we would really appreciate any additional support that can be provided. It would be amazing if you could bring any materials associated with your project, including pens, paper, colouring books, clothes and anything else you think will aid your time on the programme.

Weekends and free time - You will have every weekend off from volunteering and this is the perfect time to explore everything this beautiful country has to offer. You are more than welcome to simply relax around the accommodation and enjoy the nearby beaches, but most volunteers will use this time to travel and see the country. Further down this page you will come across many suggestions and ideas on where you could go. Alternatively, if you are looking to see as much of the country as possible during this time, travel with other volunteers and be accompanied by one of our local team members, then you may be interested in one or more of the organised weekend trips we run.

The best time of my life in Ghana

I participated in both the childcare and medical programme in Busua, Ghana over a span of 2 weeks in 2024. It was honestly the best time of my life and I would highly recommend everyone travel to Ghana and volunteer.

Isla CarterJune 2024

Fab experience

Fab experience. Will be going volunteering again with the mighty roar in a few months.

Lydia PartingtonMarch 2024

Wonderful Ghana Childcare experience

I had such a good time in Ghana doing the childcare/teaching course. Dinah was so kind and supportive and had the most wonderful time living in Busua and I hope

to go back very soon!!

Menzies NorwichFebruary 2024

Ghana

I’ve just come back from volunteering in Ghana for 6 weeks on the childcare program, it was the best 6 weeks of my life! The local team were amazing. Dinah, Abigail, Emanuel and francis were all great and made me feel so welcome. The local village is also super welcoming and i felt so safe duri... Read More

Tilly DumbletonFebruary 2024

Amazing experience

I loved everything and would recommend it to anyone. I had a great time, learned a lot, met lots of new people, had an amazing experience and would definitely do it again.

Nicole FrostDecember 2023

Lovely local staff that were very…

Lovely local staff that were very accommodating and supportive.

Jae DuncanOctober 2023

A truly unforgettable experience

A truly unforgettable experience! The whole process was absolutely faultless from start to finish, The Might Roar Group didn't leave a stone unturned. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. It was everything I expected and more, from the children in the schools to some really incredible volunte... Read More

Matthew JenkinsSeptember 2023

Childcare in Ghana

I had an amazing time doing childcare volunteering in Ghana. It was a new, fun, eye opening experience that I will forever cherish. It has allowed me to make life long friendships and strong bonds with the children. The food was very good. The community was so kind and welcoming. I loved helping ... Read More

AnnSofie Van HoofAugust 2023

Ghana July 2023

I've volunteered with the mighty roar in Ghana twice now and I'm already planning my next trip to Busua. All of the staff are incredible, especially Dinah who always goes above and beyond to help you out. The locals are so friendly and welcome you with open arms and the kids are so full of joy. E... Read More

Izzy ArchardJuly 2023

Dinah , Ghana contact is amazing!

TMR was great with the registration process, handbook and response to my questions was most helpful.

Dinah, our contact in Ghana is extraordinary- from the moment we met at airport I knew we were in the best of hands. She was incredibly responsive and available to all of us.

The exper... Read More

Shannon MartinJuly 2023

Best 8 weeks of my life

I spent 8 weeks working in a school in Busua, Ghana. This was the best experience of my life where I met the most amazing people in the world. A special thank you to Emmanuel for looking after us everyday and keeping us safe. He is a true friend who I wish to see again.

Sam DoltonJuly 2023

THE BEST!

I have stayed in Ghana now for 3 weeks, I have just extended my trip after volunteering for 3 weeks for another month, not to volunteer but to see more of Busua. I have had the best time ever. I have met some incredible people and will never forget the experience. Everyone who works with us, Eben... Read More

Megan ReillyJune 2023

I just finished a 6 weeks volunteering…

I just finished a 6 weeks volunteering program in Ghana and really loved my time there! The team was great, Dinah, Emmanuel and Laura were amazing and really caring about the volunteers. I was doing the childcare program and the children in the school were adorable. Busua is a very welcoming plac... Read More

Eleonore CicchiniMay 2023

The Most Amazing Company

I had the most incredible time Volunteering with The Mighty Roar! I met so many amazing people and felt that I, as well as The Mighty Roar, made such a massive difference to their lives and community. The accommodation was simple but lovely and the food provided was delicious!

The mighty ro... Read More

Charlee CrispFebruary 2023

Would Highly Recommend

I had an amazing time volunteering on the childcare programme in Ghana! The local team were so welcoming. Busua is absolutely beautiful with an amazing beach and I felt pretty safe. The food Dinah made for volunteers was delicious and she made me vegan meals:) Accommodation was basic but overall ... Read More

Mhairi MorrisonFebruary 2023

The Best Experience

I spent 2 weeks in Busua Ghana volunteering on the childcare course at the private school. Had the most amazing time with the children and the locals are so friendly. Would definitely recommend and would love to return!!!

Hannah ClareFebruary 2023

Wonderful Experience in Ghana

I volunteered in Busua, Ghana in mid July of this year and it was by far one of the best experiences I have ever had. Ebenezer and his staff were very lovely and all the other volunteers were too! The nursery was a lovely environment and I can't wait to hopefully come back next year!!

Madeleine LearSeptember 2022

Amazing Experience

I had the best time volunteering with the Mighty Roar in Ghana. The country is amazing and I have met some great people who will be friends for life. The community of Busua opens its arms to new volunteers and I felt very welcomed from day one. At the volunteer house, I felt looked after by Ebene... Read More

Sofia LeeApril 2022

Ghana was amazing!

I had the best time with the mighty roar in Ghana! Thanks so much!

Scarlett BroughNovember 2021

Volunteering in Ghana

I’ve just returned from the most amazing 3 weeks spent in Busua, Ghana. Previous to arriving the information and support from Chris and the UK team was second to none. Any questions we had were answered with great depth and as quickly as possible which filled us with great confidence we’d be ... Read More

Oliver EvansJuly 2021

Volunteering in Ghana

These are difficult times to travel but I was determined and all through the planning the support from TMR was exceptional and from the moment I arrived it continued that way. 

Grace was there waiting for me as I finally emerged from the airport and looked after me splendidly from ther... Read More

Mia June 2021

Childcare in Ghana

 This experience was unlike anything I could have imagined! Our accommodation was located on the beach front, overlooking the breath taking views of Busua Beach. The rooms are basic with bucket showers, as you are fully immersed in the Ghanaian lifestyle. I think this made me appreciate how ... Read More

Megan BennettApril 2020

A Great Organisation

The Mighty Roar was a great company to book my volunteering trip through and I had no problems from start to finish. Every single person involved in making the project run was so helpful and prompt, in the UK and Ghana. Parker was amazing in collecting us and taking us to the hostel and then to g... Read More

Alex BakerMarch 2020

Volunteering experience in Ghana

So I have been back a week after one of the best summers of my life. Travelled to Ghana solo for the childcare/teaching experience in Busua. Met some amazing volunteers who are now friends. The village is amazing and very friendly. The kids WOW! They are in... Read More

Emma LeonardSeptember 2019

My life has been changed

Many of my friends asked if my volunteering time in Ghana was the same that I have expected. I had no expectations when I left,  but I came back home with lots of love and respect to everyone in Busua.

I have been teaching basic English language and looking after the kids at the kinde... Read More

Erika BircsakJuly 2019

The Mighty Roar

Can’t fault the mighty roar, the whole trip was just incredible and I cannot wait to go back!

Alysha Le BreuillyMay 2019

The Mighty Roar was excellent in every way

The mighty roar was excellent in providing help and support from start to finish, before I booked the trip they where always helpful and this continued throughout my entire volunteering experience. The mighty roar provided a professional service and made me feel safe with where I would be heading... Read More

Christopher FoxMay 2019

Ghana childcare and medical

  • May 2024
The best time of my life in Ghana. I participated in both the childcare and medical programme in Busua, Ghana over a span of 2 weeks. This was my first time solo travelling, but I made the most amazing friends both on the aeroplane and out there!! There were about 12 of us all together this early in the year which was the perfect amount! The local team were super friendly and there for all of us the entire duration of the trip. I’ve made many of my favourite memories here and definitely plan on returning to the beautiful village of Busua!

Isla's story

My second time helping on the childcare project in Ghana

  • January 2024
I have now volunteered on the childcare programme in Ghana with The Mighty Roar twice and I am already planning my next trip back to Busua! Both of my times volunteering have far exceeded my expectations, with everyday offering a new experience allowing me to see what life is really like in Ghana, whilst also making incredible friends along the way. I truly love Ghana and will definitely be back again.

Izzy's story

Volunteering over the summer in Ghana

  • May 2023
I spent summer 2023 volunteering in Ghana on the childcare and medical programmes and the experience was something words cannot truly describe. The people of Busua were some of the friendliest I have ever met and the programmes were so insightful and rewarding. The past month has taught me more than school ever did, I am going home knowing I definitely see things differently now.

Katie's story

Medical volunteering in Ghana

  • November 2022
I travelled and volunteered in Ghana towards the end of 2022 and absolutely loved my time there. Although I had no medical experience or qualifications, I was able to observe and assist in practical ways and the hospital staff were very welcoming and friendly.

Sohpie's story

The time of my life in Ghana

  • November 2021
First and foremost, I just wanted to acknowledge and give thanks where it's due. The Mighty Roar was a great company to book my volunteering trip through and I had no problems from start to finish.

Alex's story

Childcare volunteering in Ghana

  • September 2019
I spent three months volunteering on the childcare programme in Ghana. The experience was unlike anything I could have imagined!

Megan's story

Looking after children in Ghana

  • May 2019
I decided to volunteer in Ghana with my partner. Having the opportunity to help make an impact in a community as well as helping the children seemed like the perfect programme!

Christopher's story

Assisting in the local hospital in Ghana

  • February 2019
The first few days were great, meeting the local people, host families, work colleagues and other volunteers was great fun and I have made life long friends!

Allison's story

Volunteering at Dixcove Hospital in Ghana

  • March 2018
I volunteered in Ghana with my colleague in Dixcove Hospital and Busua Community Clinic. Everyone was so welcoming and grateful for our time there.

Anthony's story