As a disabled children volunteer in Ghana, you'll play an important role in supporting the development, wellbeing, and daily care of children with a range of physical and learning disabilities. PMGY’s Ghana volunteer programs offer the opportunity to work alongside local teachers and caregivers, helping create a supportive, engaging, and inclusive environment where every child is encouraged to learn, grow, and express themselves.
Disabled Children Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 10 For Greater Equality
- Develop New Skills While Experiencing Inclusive Care In A New Environment
- Support Children With Additional Needs Through Learning & 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 Disabled Children Program
Like many developing countries, Ghana faces ongoing challenges in providing specialist educational support and resources for children with disabilities. Schools and centres often operate with limited funding, large class sizes, and restricted access to equipment or specialist training.
This program aims to support local initiatives by providing additional assistance within special education environments where children benefit from increased one-on-one attention, social interaction, and structured activities. As a disabled children volunteer in Ghana, your contribution helps local staff create a more engaging and supportive atmosphere while encouraging children to build confidence, communication skills, and independence.
Volunteers are not expected to have professional experience in special education or care work. Instead, enthusiasm, patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are the most important qualities. By supporting local staff and building positive relationships with the children, volunteers help contribute to a caring and inclusive learning environment.
Disabled Children Volunteer Placement Example
New Horizon Special Needs School – Volunteers at New Horizon Special Needs School support children with a wide range of physical, developmental, and learning disabilities within a structured classroom environment in Accra. The school is located in Cantonment, approximately 25 to 30 minutes from the volunteer accommodation.
As a volunteer in Ghana, you may assist teachers and caregivers with literacy and numeracy activities, arts and crafts, music sessions, storytelling, sensory activities, and light physical exercises designed around each child's abilities. Volunteers may also help prepare learning materials, organise activities, assist during meal times, and provide general classroom support throughout the day.
The environment is designed to be nurturing, inclusive, and supportive, with volunteers encouraged to bring positive energy, creativity, and patience into each session. Building genuine relationships with the children and supporting their daily progress forms an important part of the volunteer experience.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
As a disabled children volunteer in Ghana, your role is to support and assist local teachers and caregivers with the daily running of classroom activities and care routines. You'll work directly with children throughout sessions while helping create a safe, positive, and structured environment.
Typically, volunteers take part in sessions Monday to Friday for around 3 to 5 hours per day. Volunteer work in Ghana usually takes place in the morning or early afternoon, depending on the school schedule and classroom needs.
Volunteers may also spend time preparing activities, organising learning materials, setting up games or creative exercises, and supporting children during breaks and meal times. Each day can look slightly different depending on the planned activities and the varying needs of the children.
Working alongside local teachers and caregivers, volunteers help encourage participation, confidence, social interaction, and engagement through activities tailored to each child's individual abilities and development.
Other Things to Consider as a Volunteer 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 disabled children 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 disabled children volunteer in Ghana.
Project Focus & Commitment – This placement can be both rewarding and emotionally demanding, as volunteers work closely with children who may have a wide range of physical, developmental, behavioural, and learning challenges. Progress can sometimes be gradual, and certain situations may require patience, resilience, and a calm approach. Volunteers should arrive with a genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs and be prepared to commit positively to the routines, structure, and responsibilities of the placement throughout their time 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. The area has restaurants, convenience stores, and ATMs in the town centre. For added convenience, there is also a small shop near the Volunteer House. The local community is warm and welcoming!
The Volunteer House is basic but comfortable, with bunk beds in same-sex rooms accommodating up to 6 people. Rooms are air-conditioned, and each volunteer is provided with a mosquito net and bed linen. Bathrooms are shared, offering western-style toilets and showers with cold water, which is refreshing in Ghana’s year-round hot climate.
Each volunteer is provided with a locker for storing small valuables and important items. Volunteers are encouraged to lock their valuables away when not in use. The Volunteer House offers a social atmosphere with a lounge, TV, and an outdoor seating area for relaxing after completing volunteer work in Ghana. Wi-Fi is also available at the Volunteer House, but can be intermittent.
The house has a refrigerator for storing food items, though it relies on electricity, which can be affected by power cuts, a common occurrence in Ghana. Volunteers can hand-wash their clothes or use nearby laundry services. The house is gated, secure, and overseen by an on-site local coordinator, ensuring constant support and safety.
It’s worth noting that power cuts and water shortages are common in Ghana. While backup measures are in place, you may occasionally experience temporary outages. Adaptability and flexibility are key!
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 disabled children 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 disabled children volunteer in Ghana, 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 disabled children 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 disabled children 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 disabled children 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 disabled children 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 disabled children 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 disabled children 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 disabled children volunteers in Ghana 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 disabled children 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 disabled children volunteer in Ghana 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.
