The Kwahu-Tafo Culture & Drama Centre was formed in 2003 with only a handful of children, and has grown today to roughly 40 children, from Kwahu-Tafo and surrounding villages. The aim of the Centre is to provide children the opportunity to express and develop their artistic talents through drama, choreography and music, including traditional Ghanaian drumming and dance. In addition, we wish to promote cultural exchange between the volunteer and the children, through these Performing Arts. Finally, as education is a major priority for us at UVO, we ensure that the children attend school during the day, before participating in the Centre's activities each afternoon.

The children meet between 3:30 and 4:30pm, when they can play games while they wait for the remaining children to arrive. By 4:30pm, our first activities start - international songs, dances and drama, introduced to the children by you, our international volunteers. Here there are many possibilities for you, and we encourage any ideas that you may have. In the past volunteers have taught the children songs from their home countries, or choreographed dance routines to all kinds of new music, including traditional Sri Lankan dances, Hip-Hop routines and some Salsa! The children also enjoy composing and reading poetry, playing theatre games and performing small sketches. In addition, we encourage activities that help to educate the children on issues such as HIV/AIDS.

After Volunteers' activities the children rehearse their traditional drumming and dances. Here you can learn some of the complex Ghanaian drumming rhythms, and try your hands on the various different types of ghanaian drums. Or you can learn some of the local Ghanaian melodies and harmonies. If you have a flare for dance the children would love to teach you their traditional routines, and explain the stories and history behind them. The afternoon finishes by 6:00pm, when we pack up and prepare for evening classes after dinner at 730pm. The children also perform at various functions in and around Kwahu-Tafo, such as naming days, community meetings, weddings and funerals, and cultural festivals. If you wish, you can also organise small performances and programs in addition to these.

Before you come, it is useful to plan what you will need for your activities with the children. Our past volunteers can help with this, or give you suggestions about popular activities. Some examples of materials that you may need to bring with you are music CDs, costumes and props, or teaching aids and resource materials.