A Whole New World

Ghana’s people are gracious. Fellow volunteers are engaging and friendly. Accra is a city filled with life, the quality of which is a far cry from what we would accept as livable.
We have spent these first few days visiting cultural sights, returning volunteers have willing shared their previous experiences. It has been delightful to spend so much quality time with colleagues that have already become friends. So many are returning and continually refer to the graciousness and generosity of these people who have so little. Perhaps we have much to learn from them. Do we loose sight of the things that are really important because we exert so much energy in our fast paced society?
We met with all the Link Tutors today. They are the Teachers of Teachers (TOTS) at the Teacher Training Colleges throughout Africa. I was also lucky enough to meet my principal Mr. Mensah, a warm, loving, religious man committed to making his college number 1 or at least real close! I was given the Student Handbook which all incoming students will get when they arrive, in the next week. Students are expected to pay an extended list of fees for materials. Each student must arrive with their Kit. A list of items has been provided for both male and female students of what they may bring, no more no less. Also included are the uniforms each student must wear to class and during free time. Quite a few disciplinary infractions and their punishments make it clear students are expected to live an upstanding moral life focused on their education. We have been asked to encourage alternatives to what we may view as harsh or excessive keeping in mind these systems are in place to advance an educational system in a developing country valuing education.

Even though this country has “free and compulsory education” it is far from free. Families often have to decide which children may go to school and who has had enough. Our tour guide the other day mentioned he wanted to go to university but could not afford to, couldn’t get a sponsor so he went to a professional school and works as a tour guide. Our taxi driver last evening told us he is up at 6:30AM daily to drive his little ones to school then he gathers as many fairs as he can until 10PM or later in the evening. He hopes to have enough money to send his son to secondary school in the next week or so which is why he is working so hard to make it happen. I marvel at the fact that this country and so many of its people realize the value of an education.

“When educate a man you feed a family, when you educate a woman you educate a nation.”


PS Pictures will have to be in the next post.... they are not loading!!!!

Greetings from Ghana!

Where to begin......the people, the warmth, the sights, the sounds, the tastes...

Today we ate breakfast outside on a college campus. Then we tended to business in the Ossu section of Accra. The markets run from outdoors, to small convenience looking stores and larger supermarkets. The meat counter even featured tongue and a meat of an endangered animal.
The larger market was very western and had just about everything. The small one is probably more what I will experience in Bechem. The outdoors markets are fun...you bargain and haggle.

While on our bus I haggled out the window to purchase a map of poster-like map of Ghana. First I was told it would cost 25,000 cedi..I purchased for 15,000. Every American dollar is worht 9000 cedis. I also discovered that Traveler's cheques do not work everywhere. They work here but they deduct a fee when cashing. For lunch we ate at the Coconust Grove hotel, my choice of meal, Red Red is a Ghanain favorite. It is red beans cooked in a palm oil and tomatoe pepper sauce with fish and fried plantains on the side...absolutely deelectable. It is also a custom here when dining out to share dished because all meals are delivered as ready so you wait; while waiting taste what's available because the portions are generous.

While driving around I was struck today by several images. Women carrying huge baskets and bowls on their heads (hands free) with whole or cut up bagged fruit, fresh bread, lotions and soaps. Children in yellow and borwn uniforms at school and staying until 5PM on Fridays to engage in physical activities, willingly! Passing a large grove of fruit trees, three women emerged with baskets on their heads filled with the gruits from the grove. When in the states we pick from huge piles already there for us! The housing: wealthy people live in gated communities in cement and brick homes, the "haves"live in communities with running water and plumbing of varying degrees; the "have -nots" live in corrugated tin roof shanties with no plumbing,etc. These shanties are no bigger than a small bedroom and the entire family lives there.

I have taken in so much and I am sure there is oh so much more!

I'm on my way!

Well the journey has begun. My luggage is checked through and I anxiously await my flights to Amsterdam and then Accra. I have experienced many emotions this week but due to the strong love and support from family and friends I am stepping forward into this odyssey. It was a challenge to pack for 10 months; 140 pounds later I succeeded. I have also shipped about 300 pounds of books and supplies ahead of my arrival. It is hard to believe I am actually doing this a few years ago this was merely a dream.

Preparing for the journey

Yesterday, I spoke with Mr. Mensah in Bechem, Ghana. He told me how happy they were to have me at their college to assist them this year. He will be meeting me in Accra and traveling with me to St. Joseph's at the end of our in country orientation.
Today, I got my yearlong supply of malarone, which was an experience in and of itself.
Tomorrow, I begin collecting materials which have so generously been donated by Milford Middle School and DElta Education for me to ship ahead of my arrival.
In the Future,I will ship supplies, shop for a knapsack and sensible sandals and continue ticking things off my list of things to do.
***Did you know that the Ghana Soccer team the Black Stars have qualified to play in the World Cup 2006 in Germany?

Counting the days

The journey I have dreamed about for so long is unfolding in a matter of days.

It is due to the encouragement, support and love of my relatives and friends that I am able to step into this developing world. I want this cyberplace to be the place where we may remain connected in a special way. Please know that I take you all with me and I ask that you keep a small part of me fresh in your memories and hearts during my time in Africa.

I have had all my shots and will take all the necessary health precautions for I have work to do. You all know how I value education and that I believe it is through education change occurs. I plan on leaving Bechem, Ghana a better place and hope I touch at least one teacher's heart to give it her all for the betterment of her students.