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Street Academy
Street Academy was set up as a shelter in 1986 to explore the hidden talent of disadvantaged children on the streets of Accra in the fields of sports, arts, cultural, music, drama and basic education as non-formal education. Its aim is to provide free basic education to children aged between 8 and 18, as well as uniforms, books and a decent meal each day. Education is not free in Ghana!
Most of the children are street children and orphans, all come from poor communities in Accra. The children are also trained as peer educators to educate their family members, peers and other members in their communities on the importance of educating children, good health, HIV/Aids awareness, personal hygiene and sanitation.
Street Academy runs a non-formal school, there are three classes in all (beginners, intermediate and advanced). Classes begin at 8.30 a.m. and close at 1.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The children do not pay school fees and are encouraged to develop an interest in learning. Those who have developed keen interest in learning are sent to formal school on the Academy's Scholarship. Others are sent to learn a trade (e.g. hair dresser, dress making, practical skills training program etc.)
Today, there are 460 children, both boys and girls who are supported by Academy. Around 70 of them are studying in the Street Academy , the rest are in the formal schools, the secondary and technical schools and univerities. Before a child is being admitted in the Academy, a thorough interview is made to satisfy that person is qualified i.e. living on the streets and/or deprived and needy. Opinion leaders such as the assembly men, chiefs and M.Ps have been given the mandate to endorse the children to the Academy.
Read a volunteer's BLOG about her time at Street Academy.
Read a volunteer's REVIEW about her time at Street Academy.
View pictures of Street Academy.
Available Positions
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A Sports Coach is required to teach the kids sports such as soccer, basketball. Their is a definite need for the kids to play and enjoy themselves. Code: SA01 |
Teachers are required to teach the following subjects Art, Drama, Music, English, Mathematics, Science and French. Some kids require one-on-one tutoring. Code: SA02 |
Teaching Assistants are required to support the teachers and help some students who are getting left behind and are in need of more educational support. Code: SA03 |
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Dedicated and outgoing Project coordinators are required to help develop and market projects, draft proposals and research new funding opportunities. Code: SA04 |
The role would entail formulating and implementing a viable, long-term and sustainable fundraising initiative, contacting and meeting potential donors. Code: SA05 |
A Web designer and/or Computer Instructor is required to both look at developing a website and teaching both staff and students basic computer work. Code: SA06 |
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 is the perfect introduction for first time volunteers to Africa. It has a democratic electoral process and a stable economy. Our ten-strong team in Ghana is there to ensure your health and safety at all times and you'll have emergency support 24/7.
Accommodation
The volunteer will be housed in our accommodation in the centre of town, with it possible to walk from the accommodation to nearby shops, communication centres, bars and restaurants. The spacious accommodation with a fully furnished kitchen is well maintained and has live-in staff to ensure you are well looked after. The surrounding garden and balconies overlooking Accra are perfect for chill out sessions with fellow volunteer housemates.
Food
Food is not included in our placements as in our experience volunteers prefer to cater for themselves. We have a fully furnished kitchen and our staff will show you where you can do your shopping. Western-style supermarkets and the bustling markets can be found nearby. A weekly vegetable & fruit shop can cost as little at $10, however shopping at the western-style supermarkets can be quite dear as most goods are imported.
"Quarshi (Ikando Staff) will introduce you to a woman named Felicia who sells mangos and bananas. Her mangos may very well be the sweetest in town. And, you will love shopping in the market." Elise Wray.
Airport Pick up
An Ikando member of staff will be at the airport arrivals to meet you and take you to the Accra accommodation. Please be aware that arrivals is located outside the airport, just keep an eye out for a sign with your name on it. Please ensure you send us your flight details two weeks before arrival.
Flights
Volunteers must arrange their own flights to Accra Airport (ACC). Please be aware that you should aim to arrive on the day your placement is due to start. If you are unable to do so please just check first with your volunteer coordinator whether the new dates also work for us. 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)
