As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, you’ll play an essential role in enriching the daily lives of children in Accra. PMGY’s Ghana volunteer programs offer international volunteers the chance to bring joy and support to young children. Working alongside dedicated local staff, you’ll provide care, attention, and encouragement to disadvantaged children. Most importantly, you’ll assist with general childcare and help ensure the smooth running of daily activities when you volunteer with children in Ghana.
Childcare Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Develop New Skills While Experiencing Childcare In A New Culture In Accra
- Support Children Through Creative Play, Learning & Rewarding Daily Activities
- Explore More Of Ghana With Weekend Trips To Cape Coast & The Volta Region
- Experience Ghanaian Culture Through Traditional Drumming & Local Dance
Background to the Childcare Program
Like many developing countries, Ghana has a significant number of families who cannot afford adequate childcare. This program aims to provide quality early childhood education with the help of international volunteers, especially as many daycare facilities are under-resourced and need extra support.
With limited staff, the local children often lack the individual attention they need during their crucial early years of development. Equipping these children with essential life skills, such as learning English and other foundational abilities, helps set them up for brighter futures filled with positive opportunities. As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, you will be an important part of this effort, contributing to the long-term success of these projects and the children’s growth.
Volunteer opportunities in Ghana provided by PMGY offer a platform to make a meaningful impact. Working at our childcare volunteer abroad projects in Ghana requires energy, enthusiasm, and creativity. Many children will look to you for the care and attention that local staff may not always be able to provide. To volunteer with children in Ghana, it’s important to dedicate your time and skills effectively, ensuring you make the greatest possible impact on the children and the wider community.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
Victorian Preparatory School – Located within a low income community in Accra, Victorian School provides early years education and care for around 200 children aged approximately 1 to 10. The project supports families who may otherwise struggle to access affordable childcare and basic education, placing a strong emphasis on early childhood development, care, and emotional wellbeing.
As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, you will support children across different age groups within the same centre. Your role involves helping with day to day routines such as assisting with basic learning activities, supporting reading and writing practice, supervising playtime, and offering care and encouragement throughout the day. Building trust and providing positive attention is a key part of the placement.
You will also be encouraged to take part in creative and interactive activities, including drawing, colouring, storytelling, singing songs, and leading simple games or movement sessions. Helping younger children with feeding and basic routines is also part of the role. Local staff value the presence of volunteers, as it allows them to give more individual attention to children in often busy classrooms. A warm, patient, and proactive approach helps create strong connections with both staff and children.
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Sunrise Preparatory School – Sunrise Preparatory School is another community based childcare and early learning project in Accra, supporting around 200 children from low income families. The school focuses on preparing young children for future education by building confidence, social skills, and early learning foundations in a caring environment.
Volunteers assist with classroom activities, play based learning, storytelling, and supervised play. You may help with feeding routines, hygiene support, and offering comfort and reassurance to younger children. Emotional support and positive interaction are especially important, as many children benefit greatly from the extra care and attention volunteers provide.
This volunteer work in Accra is well suited to those who enjoy working with young children and want to make a meaningful contribution at community level. The placement requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to get involved wherever needed. Your experience and impact will largely depend on how engaged and proactive you are. Both projects offer a rewarding opportunity to support early childhood development while gaining valuable hands on experience in a childcare setting.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a childcare volunteer in Ghana, your role is to support and assist with the daily care, attention, and interaction of the children. Use your free time at the Volunteer House to prepare activities that will engage and inspire the children.
Typically, you will volunteer Monday to Friday for 3–5 hours a day, with working hours usually from 7am to 1pm. Starting early ensures you can provide valuable assistance to the local staff during the busiest times of the day.
Transport to and from the childcare project is not included in your Program Fee. Most volunteers travel by trusted, known taxi drivers who take them to and from the project site each day. During orientation, the local team will guide you on how to connect with these drivers and navigate the taxi system. The journey to your project location will take around 15 minutes every day.
Your time and effort as a volunteer with children in Ghana will make a meaningful difference in their lives while offering you a deeply rewarding experience.
Other Things to Consider Working With Children in Ghana
Project Flexibility – As with all volunteer programs in Ghana, this project offers the flexibility to combine multiple placements. When applying, select your preferred start date and the duration for your first project. If you'd like to add extra weeks, please note this in your application, along with the project you'd like to extend.
Cultural Differences – Volunteers should approach this program with an open mind and be prepared to adapt to cultural differences. Practices surrounding children’s rights and discipline in Ghana can differ greatly from Western norms.
While mistreatment is never condoned, physical discipline is commonplace in Ghana. This can be surprising or even unsettling for some volunteers. However, it’s essential to remain open-minded, respect cultural norms, and work within the framework provided. Our local team will brief you on these issues during orientation to ensure you’re fully prepared. If you witness something concerning, speak to the local team so they can address the issue or provide clarity.
Resources – At the childcare project in Ghana, resources can be limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring materials each day to enhance their productivity and engagement. Preparing well in advance will help you make the most of your experience as a childcare volunteer in Ghana.
Placement Settings – PMGY does not offer volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any location. Studies have shown that volunteering in orphanages can inadvertently support an industry that separates children from their families, putting them at risk of neglect and abuse. As a result, PMGY does not work with or support such institutions.
Instead, our programs focus on alternative childcare opportunities where children come to and from the placement daily. Our local teams partner with safe, responsible, and vetted projects that do not provide residential care. These settings allow volunteers to offer meaningful support to local staff while ensuring the safety and well-being of the children.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Spend a weekend exploring Ghana’s Cape Coast and its stunning beaches. Walk the canopy bridges at Kakum National Park, visit Cape Coast Castle to learn about the slave trade, and relax in Butre’s rustic beach huts by the ocean. You can also try surfing at Busua Beach and join local fishermen in their daily routines.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private taxi or minibus
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Canopy Walk – Included
• Local Village Visit – Included
• Surfing – Included
• Fishing Trip – Included
Experience Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve on safari at Mole National Park. Spot elephants, antelope, baboons, and warthogs on guided jeep and walking safaris, enjoy a canoe ride, and relax at the lodge pool overlooking the savannah.
Getting There
• 13 hours by private taxi or minibus
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Jeep and Walking Safari – Included
• Canoe Ride – Included
• Cultural Performance and Village Tour – Included
• Waterfalls Visit – Included
Just a few hours from Accra, the Volta Region is known for its lush landscapes, peaceful villages, and some of Ghana’s most impressive natural attractions. It is an ideal weekend escape for anyone looking to recharge while exploring the outdoors.
Getting There
• 4 hours by private taxi or minibus
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Hike to Scenic Viewpoints – Included
• Visit Wli Waterfalls – Included
• Swim in Natural Pools – Included
• Explore Local Villages – Included
Ada Foah is a peaceful coastal destination where the Volta River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend by the water.
Getting There
• 3 hours by private taxi or minibus
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Boat Ride on the Volta River – Included
• Kayaking and Water Activities – Included
• Relax on Quiet Beaches – Included
• Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Sunset Views – Included
Kumasi, the historic capital of the Ashanti Kingdom, offers a rich cultural experience and a deeper understanding of Ghana’s heritage. This trip is perfect if you are interested in history, tradition, and vibrant local life.
Getting There
• 6 hours by private taxi or minibus
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included in trip price
Things to Do
• Manhyia Palace Museum – Included
• Kejetia Market – Included
• Discover Kente Weaving – Included
• Learn about Ashanti Culture – Included
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- Relaxing surf lesson at a Ghanaian beach, featuring learners in bright orange shirts near a weathered surf school with gentle waves.
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- A cheerful woman interacts playfully with lively monkeys on a yellow car in rustic Ghana.
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- Children and adults enjoy a lush tropical walk through vibrant greenery and scenic hills, capturing a joyful moment of community and exploration.
Accommodation - Shared Option Available
Volunteer House
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
During your time on the Ghana volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House, located in a friendly neighbourhood approximately 45 minutes from Accra city centre. Restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs can be found locally, with a small shop also located close to the Volunteer House.
The Volunteer House provides a comfortable and social base where you will live alongside other PMGY participants. Bedrooms are arranged as same sex dormitories with bunk beds and accommodate up to 6 volunteers per room. Rooms have air conditioning, with bed linen and mosquito nets provided.
Bathroom facilities are shared with other volunteers and include western style toilets and showers. Shower water is cold, which is common locally and can be refreshing in Ghana’s warm climate.
The house has a communal lounge, TV and outdoor seating area where volunteers can relax and spend time together. Wi-Fi is also available, although the connection can occasionally be intermittent. A refrigerator is provided for storing food and drinks that need to be kept chilled.
Each volunteer has access to a locker for storing smaller valuables and important belongings. The Volunteer House is gated and overseen by an onsite local coordinator, providing convenient access to support throughout your stay.
Volunteers can hand wash their clothes at the house or use local laundry services nearby. Power cuts and temporary water shortages can occasionally occur in Ghana, although backup measures are in place to minimise disruption when possible.
Wi-Fi
Yes
People Per Room
Up To 6 (Shared)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
35 Minutes
Nearest ATM & Shops
10 Minute Walk
Meals
During your volunteer trip to Ghana, you will receive three meals per day. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Volunteer House, while lunch is provided as a packed meal to take with you. Packet filtered water is also available at the accommodation for volunteers.
Ghanaian meals typically include lots of carbohydrates and may lack dairy or meat. Volunteers should approach local cuisine with an open mind and allow a few days to adjust to the new diet. Chicken, fish, and goat are the most common meats, while pork, lamb, and beef are less readily available and expensive. Fresh dairy products like milk and cheese are rare, with most milk being tinned. If you’re craving home comforts, there are Western, Chinese, and Indian restaurants about a 45-minute drive from the Volunteer House. During your orientation, the local team will provide you with details about these options.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here is an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Bread, Cereals, Milk, Spreads, Pancakes, Tea/Coffee
Lunch
Noodles, Rice, Sandwiches
Dinner
Rice, Chicken, Eggs, Spaghetti, Stew, Yams, Fufu, Soup
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes childcare volunteers in Ghana of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in Ghana will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a Ghana childcare volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the childcare projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Ghana childcare program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to Ghana, you should book your flights to Kotoka International Airport – Accra (airport code ACC) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Ghana childcare volunteer.
Please check out our Chaperoned Flight options for group flights from London Heathrow on selected start dates.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Ghana, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Ghana childcare volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the Ghana childcare volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous Ghana childcare volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in Ghana. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore Ghana’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our Ghana childcare volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in Ghana, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Ghana childcare volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Ghana childcare volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
