Transform a Library

June 24 – July 8, 2026

Our Library

Our library has over 5,500 books and is well attended by children in the afternoon and early evening.

Our local Library Board maintains oversight, and Books for Africa (BFA) has generously provided thousands of books over the years. BFA also offers ongoing training for GHEI’s librarian—thanks in part to a past SSL volunteer who helped launch this partnership!

However, we have big dreams and room for improvement. This is the first time we’ve hosted a session specifically focused on improving the library, and we’re excited to see the energy, ideas, and connection volunteers will bring.

What will I do?

Improve Book Access and Organization

Work alongside staff to:

Create visual learning tools
Expand our collection for early readers
Add clear labels and signs to help kids find books on their own

Enhance Space Usability

With input from GHEI staff, help:

Suggest layout improvements (e.g., lower shelves for little readers or cozy reading mats)
Implement low-cost solutions using local materials
Assist with reorganization and small repairs

Plan and Lead Library Activities

Co-lead fun, literacy-focused events such as:

Story Time
Quiz Competition
Read-A-Thon
Book Scavenger Hunt

All activities will be adapted to cultural context, and always co-led with staff.

Download Sample Itinerary

Make it Your Own

Each volunteer can lean into what excites them most

Love working with kids? Dive into activities.

More of a systems thinker? Focus on organization and space redesign.

Who will I work with?

Happy Nkrumah

Assistant Country Director, Education Program Manager (Joined GHEI in 2007)

Lawrence Donkor

Library Administrator

(Joined GHEI in 2009)

Victoria Esi

Teacher

(Joined GHEI in 2023)

Session Leader Role

We’ll select one volunteer to serve as the Session Leader, who will contribute ~2–5 hours/week for 2–3 months before departure.

Responsibilities include:

Get to know your team’s interests and skills
Help finalize the session itinerary
Coordinate materials (local vs. brought from the US)
Assist GHEI with logistics including ensuring volunteers meet deadlines

Interested? Mark your interest on the application. Candidates may be interviewed, and the leader will be selected by early spring.

Program Fee: $2,550

Included:

All in country travel costs including transportation, lunch, dinner and accommodation.

Program activities, workshops and field excursions
Visit to Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast
Pre departure guidance and 24X7 onsite support
Contribution to GHEI's year round programming

Not included in the SSL Program Fee: airfare, VISA and passport costs, vaccines and malaria prophylaxis, travel/evacuation insurance, breakfast (volunteers have preferred to get this on their own), and souvenirs.