Golden Era International School

Introduction

Established in 1996, initially as a pre-school with 5 kids, 2 female teachers and the headmaster, Golden Era has come a long way since then.The school now offers classes from kindergarten up to Junior Secondary School level.

The brainchild behind the school was then accountant, Charles Kofi Aboagye. His accomplishments are nothing less than altruistic. Upon receiving a gratuity from his place of employment, Mr Aboagye set about making it his mission to educate the children in his surrounding area. Mr Aboagye had to take many loans, juggle two jobs and even sell part of this home to complete the construction of the school!

His efforts have meant that each year 300 children are now taught in proper class-rooms with a proper standard of teaching.

School Opening Times:

School Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7am – 4pm
Friday: 7am – 2pm
Saturday: 7am – 2pm (J.S.S. only)

School Term Times
Term 1:
1st week of September – 2nd week of December

Term 2
1st week of January – 1st week of April

Term 3
3rd week of April – 1st week of August

Class Size:
There are approximately 20 children per class.

Who do we need?

We are looking for volunteers of either gender to take on the role of either Classroom Assistant or as a Teacher, especially covering the following areas; Science, Maths, English, Computer Studies or Pre-technical studies.

Volunteers do not need to have a teaching background, but it is imperative that volunteers possess a desire to inspire and an ability to communicate ideas.
Volunteers are asked to dress modestly whilst teaching.

The Environment:

The school premises is situated in the outer suburbs of Accra in Sowutuom, approximately 50 minutes from Accra town center. The area is lower class, with barren un-surfaced roads and very little drainage.

Volunteers will be required to catch a ‘tro-tro’ from outside the house to the school in Sowutuom. Depending on traffic this journey should take no more than 30 mins and may require changing cars.

Lapaz is a small suburb that offers volunteers an escape from the hustle of Accra center.

Internet cafes are dotted all around Lapaz, volunteers would be pushed not to stumble across one within a 0.5 mile radius of the house.

‘Tro-tro’ are very regular (every 3 minutes) from outside the home to the larger neighboring suburb of Kwashieman. Only a stones-throw away, Kwashieman offers volunteers a wealth of market stalls of fresh fruit and groceries.

Volunteer Co-ordinator

The volunteer coordinator for this project is Dave Booth from Scotland.

Accommodation

Accommodation for up to two volunteers is available in the proprietor’s family home situated 4km away from the school in the suburb of Lapaz, North-West Accra.

Volunteers will stay in the proprietor’s family home. The family home consists of Mr and Mrs. Aboagye, their two daughters, son and their two year old grandson.

The fruit bearing avocado tree within the green compound provides a pleasant shady place to enjoy the warm West African night sky.

One bedroom with twin beds is available for two volunteers in the detached home, in a self contained compound.

There are electric power points within the volunteers room and also an ensuite bathroom with shower!

Volunteers have access to a shared kitchen. It is advisable to bring a mosquito net and first aid.

The family will provide the volunteers with three meals a day. Volunteers should notify the Volunteer Coordinator of any special dietary requirements.

The large family living area offers volunteers the opportunity to socialize with the host family and truly savor the Ghanaian way of life!

Cost of Programme