Volunteering and internships are a very important, collaborative component of the New Horizon Special School.
We welcome experienced, independent and caring volunteers from all over the globe who wish to help us in the classrooms and workshops.
On this page:
“Volunteering at NHSS was an incredible time for me! I found my second home there. It was a wonderful experience. NHSS made me grow. I learned so much about myself. But besides that, they also wanted to learn from me.
For six months we wrote a story together. I got so many chances and a lot of support and I will always be grateful for that! Now eight years later, I still look back with warm thoughts and I get a smile on my face when I think about it. NHSS, be ready, because I am definitely coming back!”
Nele, Belgium
Requirements
Volunteer applicants from overseas must be aware that we are not responsible for visa or resident permit applications. We also welcome applications from interns who are already in school for a Bachelors, Masters or PhD certification.
Applicants must be studying in a field related to Special Education and must be enrolled in programs which require internships for course fulfilment. All volunteer and internship candidates will undergo a screening and vetting process.
Regulations
- All volunteers and interns must cooperate with the school staff to whom they are assigned.
- All projects must be fully discussed with the Director, and permissions must be given.
- Volunteers and interns must wear appropriate clothes for when on the school premises.
- New Horizon Special School is a non-smoking establishment.
Volunteers and interns will be given a full copy of our rules and regulations when they begin their service and will be expected to abide by them. Please contact our office if you have any concerns or questions.
“I volunteered at New Horizon Special School in the fall of 2018, and it the highlight of my time in Accra. The students and staff radiate joy, and I looked forward to my volunteer days every single week. I deeply admire the school’s commitment to empowering their students.
From the morning assembly to outdoor activities and classroom lessons, students were able to learn and grow in a supportive environment. I’m looking forward to the day I can return to Accra and visit NHSS again!”
Natasha
Volunteer applicants
We require the following information to properly screen prospective volunteers:
- A completed application form. Please attach a CV with three references and one passport sized photograph of the volunteer.
- Start and end dates for the volunteer period – no less than one month.
- A letter of introduction and character reference from an institution or a person of good standing. Please note: the introductory letter must include your proposed working hours.
- The volunteer must pass an interview process – in-person or online.
Our staff will verify your references and final decisions will be communicated in a timely manner.
Internship applicants
There is no cost for local internship applicants, but there is a cost for international internships, payable before placement. Our office will provide international applicants with that information. Please note that New Horizon Special School is not responsible for visa or resident permit applications.
We require the following information to properly screen prospective interns:
- A letter of introduction from the Institution
- Submission of student CV
- Submission of a letter of motivation
- Start and end dates for the internship period
- Where possible, interns should visit the school before making a final decision.
- A meeting with us to discuss the internship program and schedule – in person or online.
Our staff will verify your references. Application decisions will be communicated to your institution in a timely manner.
“The first thing I noticed at New Horizon was how welcoming everyone was. I came with a letter to let the school know about my intentions of studying to become a speech and language therapist, and how invaluable an opportunity to observe persons with speech and language difficulties will be for me. Madam Jocelyn Adoboe was so excited, as speech therapists are widely needed in the country.
NHSS is so well organized that I was immediately formally introduced to the Principal and Vice Principal who did not hesitate in approving my volunteer hours. Because of my needs, I spent most of my time with Teacher Marian but also had an opportunity to go on rotation in other classes. I also joined in some physical and sensory therapy sessions. By the time I finished my volunteer work, I had been introduced to all of the various disorders that could have an impact on language.
I had never had such an opportunity before. The school knows exactly what to do when one gets there and based on needs you will be given the right class or classes to assist. The school’s hours are also well structured and so one does not feel lost when there. From the morning assembly to the class and outdoor activities, the lunch, nap and play times etc., no matter the time you come, there is no chaos anywhere and you can just join in whatever was happening at a particular time.
Staff are always there to assist or direct you even if you feel a little lost. My time spent at NHSS was very rewarding and I would continue to volunteer here when I have time to do so and even recommend it to others.”
Gloria, Ghana
Partners
The New Horizon Special School has a long history of partnering with local and international organizations as part of our Volunteer and Internship Program. These organizations include:
