Kwahu Tafo Cultural & Drama Centre

Volunteer vacancies:

Up to 3 volunteers at any one time
Open January 08 onwards

Introduction

HIV / AIDS has become a major threat to the economic development of Ghana. The menace is growing in such a way that the teenage population, which will soon become the work force, is at risk. Communities are now finding their own ways of reducing the rate of infection to complement the government's activities. One such solution is that of a teenage drama and cultural centre in a town in the Eastern Region, called Tafo.

The basic aim of the centre is to rescue the teenagers from pre-marital sex and drug addiction, which is the major way that the disease is spread. The centre teaches the teenagers ways of avoiding the disease through drama, play, choreography and other Ghanaian cultural performances.

Project Director

The founder of this center is Christian Ansah, a professional teacher and a social worker. He has been actively involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Tafo. He organizes workshops and seminars to teach school children and youth in the town about the dangers and the prevention of HIV / AIDS. He engages them in constructive activities such as visiting orphanages and other institutions to perform for the children, rather than using their free time to get into trouble.

Who do we need?

The center needs creative volunteers who have a flare for drama, dance or music to come to help train the children.

Volunteers must be 18 and above, both male and female are welcome. All nationalities are encouraged to apply. A basic prerequisitie is that you should enjoy working with older children and teeangers aged between 9 and 17.

Before you come, it is good to prepare any materials that you may need to bring in order to plan your activities with the children e.g. scripts, music cassettes / CDs, any special props or special materials for making the props with the children.

Activities you will be involved in:

Volunteers will help the instructors to teach the following activities:

Drama
Poems
Plays
Choreography
Basic English

You will also help in counselling teenagers on HIV / AIDS prevention. The volunteers normally take part in any cultural and drama performances along with the children. You will also be taught the local customs of drumming and dancing. The group organises plenty of tours with the teens to visit many places in Ghana to perform and have fun together.

Accommodation & food costs:

Volunteers in boththe football and drama projects live together in a beautiful compound with several separate rooms. There is electricity and running water available. If you are a couple coming to either project together and it is important for you to share a room, please let your volunteer coordinator, know in advance so the necessary arrangements can be made.

Both Ghanaian and exotic food are prepared for volunteers including a variety of vegetables and fruits.

Under 1 month	US $250
1 month	US $350
Subsequent months	+ US $100

* Read previous volunteers experiences at Tafo Cultural Centre here

*Read more about Ghana and visa requirements here