Nothing I had expected!

My trip to Ghana was like nothing I had expected. I came expecting to mainly teach and believed I had something to offer the community I would be living with. When I arrived I quickly learned that I would be learning far more than teaching during my stay in Atorkor. I found that the most wonderful part of Ghanaian culture is their genuine kindness and welcoming and gratitude towards volunteers. From the very beginning of my stay, I felt like a part of village, all the community members were quick to ask questions about where I had come from, what my experience in Ghana was like thus far and tell me about themselves. I always felt completely safe and welcome, perhaps even more so than in America at times. I worked mostly at the school teaching art classes to the younger students. I quickly fell in love with all the children and became even closer with them and began to learn all their names and learn about their lives. Some of my most enjoyable times during my stay were with the children during and after the art classes when they would talk to me about their lives in the village or teach me words in their language Ewe, or ask me about where I came from. I think that I learned the most from the children because they had such a genuine interest in learning and especially teaching me things that they knew. Two of the older boys started to come to help me with my classes each day when they were not in class themselves. I became the closest with these two, they gave up their free time to be with me and help me with language barriers just so we could get to know each other. They told me about their dreams for their futures , their families and their interests. The time I spent just talking with community members or wandering around the village were the most interesting to me because I was able to experience the culture at its best.

I went on two excursions and did one class while in Ghana. I went to the Central Region to Cape Coast. This to me was very interesting as a tourist from America especially. At home, I had learned about slavery almost exclusively dealing with what had happened in America. This took be back to what happened before the slaves had even arrived in the Americas. It was extremely powerful to actually come to see these sites and also understand Ghanians’ perspectives on what had happened. The second trip I went on was to the North and the Upper East. On this excursion the most exciting was seeing all the animals. I saw elephants, antelopes, monkeys warthogs and got to touch a crocodile. To me this was absolutely amazing and I was happy to see a part of Ghana completely different from the village where I lived. We also were able to see some of the villages that still have some of the very traditional ways of building houses and arranging their villages. We were able to see the oldest mosque in West Africa and visit a traditional shrine.

Overall I was glad that I went on the excursions to understand Ghana as a whole country, however I definitely feel that I learned the most and enjoyed myself the most in the village. I learned more from the village than I could have imaged. It forced me to reevaluate my own life and what is important to me.

Sarah Thaler
Los Angeles, California
ADF – Atorkor
June 2008

My Indescribable Ghanaian Experience

My trip to Ghana cannot be described in words. After being very nervous, anxious, and excited all at once, I had no idea what to expect. Right away I felt welcomed when Gunadiish, the in-country coordinator picked me up from the airport. He was very friendly and turned out to be a very useful guide as well as a good friend. The village I stayed in, Have, was amazing! The children’s smile and laughter alone would have made the trip worth coming for. Every person in the village was more than willingly to help and assist me and there I made many friends, some I hope will be life long friends. I always felt that my well being was a major concern to them and that they made sure I was always comfortable. I worked at EDYM village, which is a sustainable farm. I loved it! It was by far the hardest work I have ever done. It was a lot of physical labor but I learned a great deal about the earth, agriculture, farming, and life. It was so peaceful; and though extremely tiring, when the work was finished I felt a great sense of accomplishment and pride in the work I had done. I was also very fortunate to have the amazing people to work with that I did. Besides being hard working and genuinely kind hearted, they were very funny and always made me laugh. Everyone reached out to me. Taught me about their interesting culture, the traditions, and even some of their local language, called E#E. I was also fortunate enough to attend a festival. The food was very different but I enjoyed it very much and though I always had to ask again and again what each kind was called, everyone was happy to tell me it and about how it was prepared.

I went on 3 excursions and visited some places in my region. First, I visited Central region. This was one of my favorites. There you get to walk across a canopy very high in the air and look over a tropical rain forest. It is absolutely breathtaking. Next we went to Elmina and Cape Coast slave castles. I learned so much information on the tours, and the guides were terrific. You get to tour every room and part of the castles, which are located right on the beach coast. My next trip was to the Northern region. The trip from Accra, where every trip usually starts from, is very long but if you can handle a long bus ride it is worth it. We stayed at mole National Park and went on a Safari. I saw wild Bore and Baboons at our hotel as well as Elephants bathing in a near-by pond of water. On the Safari I saw antelope, birds, and a heard of Elephants. Next we went to a near-by village that was home to a 600 year old Mosque. The Mosque was very interesting and near it on a wall is an ancient calendar. My next rip was to the Brong Ahafo region. Here I went to a monkey sanctuary, Kintampo waterfalls, and a slave markets. In my region, Volta region, I went with my village coordinator and saw another monkey sanctuary. In this one the monkeys came right up to me and grabbed a banana out of my hand. I also went to the highest Human habitat. Here, we drove up a mountain to a village located high in the mountains and took a slight hike up to look out to all the mountains around. After that we went to the highest waterfall in West Africa. It was unbelievable. There is a 30minute walk through the rain forest to get there and when you do the waterfall is amazing and there is a pool to swim in at the bottom of it.

My trip to Ghana was incredible! I love it. The people are warm and friendly and every staff member was very helpful and a lot of fun to work with. I encourage everyone who comes here to really reach out to the people in their village and they will connect back. I also encourage everyone to ask or research about some interesting places to o in the region your staying in, especially if your staying in the Volta region. There is really a lot to see there. Everyone was great, and I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity. My village coordinator, Paul made sure I was comfortable and organized many things for me to take part in. He also introduced my work here to me and helped me understand it. The in-country coordinator, Gunadiish is also great. We traveled together many times and he constantly educated me on the culture and customs here. He was also extremely warm and friendly and me, him, and a few other volunteers were constantly engaging in some many interesting and stimulating conversations about everything. All the trips were great, the people are wonderful, I enjoyed my work tremendously, but nothing compared to the laughter of the children, beautiful landscape, and warm smiles that are everywhere you look. Thank you.

Jason Donofrio
Phoenix, Arizona – USA
EDYM VILLAGE
JUNE, 2008

The people living in the village are some of the friendliest and kind people I have ever met. They are quick to welcome you and take you in as their very own. I was very well taken care of!! Aside from my daily itinerary, I had a lot of freedom in how I used my time. The Director of the Association gives much Independence with program involvement and ideas. You, as the volunteer, ultimately decide your own level of involvement with the program and with the community at large. This flexibility was very invaluable to me because it provided me with the space and creative expression to naturally and contemplatively help out in ways that I could.

When I wasn't on the farms, I was generally spending and enjoying my time with the locals. Together we engaged in dialogs concerning the development of the community. We went for walks and visited other members of the community. We listened to, danced, and played music. I even learned a little bit of Twi, which is the local language!! They know practically everything about their immediate environment, so we would spend time checking out the indigenous plants, herbs, crops, and trees of the area. My diet practically consisted of the local crops and fare of the area. It was a real treat!

I also spent alot of time with the children of the community...they are beautiful and so unabashedly expressive. The kids would come see me every single day. We would go for walks, dance, and I would sometimes help them practice their English. They loved listening to the music I brought from the states! We had so much fun spending time together!

The people of Obodan are very kind and pleasant. Even in their impoverished condition, they do not victimize themselves at all. They thank and praise God for everything they have. It's truly magnificent! The village doesn't have a market or health clinic; it's bereft of any real industry, save for the private enterprise of selling crops and food.

In conclusion, I will say that living in Obodan, and becoming an active member in the community has transformed me. I have so much love for the community and the people residing therein. Development and progress require patience and steadfast maintenance, and I would encourage prospective volunteers to relinquish your sense of urgency. I encourage you to ease into the pace of the community, love the slow and contemplative aspects of it; it will only enrich your experience! Keep your heart open to the beauty and the wonder of the community!

Matilda Noviello
South Williamsport, PA, USA
Obodan Women Development Society
June 2008

My time in Atorkor

My time in Atorkor was personally challenging and rewarding. I was warmly welcomed by the kind people of the village. The accommodation was well above standard and expectation. I did not find it difficult to acclimatize myself to Ghana whatsoever. The personal challenge I encountered was wrestling the North American value system to African virtue. The history of the Ghanaian people has developed a community of strength and peace, ultimately setting the foundation for morality. This type of "community" is something that I see less and less of in North America. Because I knew I my visit to Ghana was for only 3 weeks, I mentally had to reconcile how I fit between the two differing cultures. Now that I am back home, I find it easy to slip into the "self-sufficiency" mentality. I consciously have to remind myself of my experiences in Africa to effect change in my perspectives, my friends perspective, as well as my family perspectives.

Paula Loewen
Westbank, BC Canada
Atorkor Development Foundation
May, 2008

An amazing experience

Visiting and volunteering in Ghana was an amazing experience. Through Village Volunteers I was able to see parts of the country, provided with insight into Ghanaian culture and able to experience Ghanaian village life. I found Ghanaians to be extremely hospitable and friendly. The kids are always curious to know who you are, where you are from and they always want you to play.

Ghanaian countryside is lush and gorgeous. The available trips are an easy way to see different parts of the country and to appreciate different aspects of their culture and people. With VV I went on the Northern Region tour where we got to see their typical homes and lifestyle and go on a Safari. I was also able to make it to Cape Coast which is gorgeous as it is on the ocean. The canopy walkway and the Elmina castle make it a worthwhile trip.

Being posted in the Volta Region I had the challenge of learning Ewe. I found it very difficult to pick up the language as it is very tonal. It was also a challenge to communicate with many Ghanaians in the villages as their English is lacking. I enjoyed working in Akoepe and on Ho farms as the workers were kind and happy to let me join them in their tasks. I was also able to learn a great deal about farming in Ghana and in general. Village Volunteers provides an easy way to understand and get acquainted with a whole new culture and people.

Celene Montgomery
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Akoepe Village Farms
June, 2008

A truly life Changing Experience

My time in Ghana was truly life changing. I spent my time at the Ryvanz-Mia orphanage in Kpando, and taught HIV education at the schools in the surrounding area. My job was to teach others, but I learned far more from this experience than I could ever have offered. I am amazed with the amount of kindness and the accommodating manner which was shown to me.Even though the children at Ryvanz-Mia have so little, they are the most happy and loving children I have ever met. The love and the kindness that these children showed to me was so emotionally inspiring, that at times I had to turn my head to wait until the tears in my eyes would pass.

Mama Esi, who runs the orphanage, was a delight. Her hospitable manner made living in a foreign country easy to adjust to. As I watched Mama talk with the children, I could see in her eyes how much she truly loves and cares for each and every one of them.

Kpando village was the most peaceful and friendly place I have ever visited. As I walked to school each morning, I was greeted with smiles and friendly faces. I truly felt welcomed.

After visiting Ghana, the problems and challenges I faced at home in the United States seem completely unimportant. My time in Kpando has forced me to ponder what is truly important in life. The people in Kpando have so little in most people’s eyes, but as a whiteness of their undeniable happiness, I know that they have more than what most people only hope to achieve in this life.

The friendships I made with the children at the orphanage, Mama Esi, and with the residents of Kpando village have changed my life forever. The feelings I havefelt in these short four weeks have left a lasting imprint on my heart. I will never forget my time here in Ghana.

Kelly Brown
Orem, Utah
Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage and Delta School
May 2008

My Experiences in Ghana

My journey in Ghana started great. Abigail who at that time received me was a nice hostess. Even through complications she does a great job for an 18 year old. So be patient, we are experiencing a different culture. The tro-tro ride though was an interesting experience, that in time I got used to.
Now for my stay in Kpandu! Mama Esi at Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage Kple (&) Mawusi and Baby at Missahoe Children’s Home, where great in making me feel at home. The kids in both orphanages where/are really optimistic even in place of having a tough past. I truly commend these kids and will always pray and hope that these children will do the best for Ghana and Society in whole!

Aside from being at the orphanage I also taught at Delta Preparatory School grades 4-6 English and Math. This for me was a great learning experience that added to my cultural engagement, simply because there were children that had the younger years of their childhood grown up in different regions of Ghana. This to me gave a round cultural outlook on Ghana life because unfortunately I was unable to travel up north or to the western regions.

Now as for my cultural experience, I found that buying and playing Hi-Life music on my laptop and actually dancing according to how locals are dancing. Buying a drum and learning a few patterns of beats. Being open minded to the different foods, even if they don’t look appealing. Then attending church and actually engage in the dancing at times will help. Then finally asking questions about ones life experience in Ghana most definitely helped me in acceptance of local poverty and culture that is present in Ghana, which I had a hard time to accept at first. I learned that through poverty people are stronger mentally and physically and spirited because there is no great materialism that people are dying to have, like me and cable TV/ specific foods. Though I have accepted the situation in whole, I left feeling that I have done my part to place a piece of a bright future for those I have come in contact with. Vise versa. They also have given me great memories and an excellent taste of Ghana life.

So finally embrace the culture and have a different paradigm of thought. Because coming in thinking like an American, Australian or whomever, the experience won’t be the same as putting your own self in Ghanaian shoes! Embrace the present time rather than future or past and have fun!

Jorge Mendoza
National City, CA – USA
Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage, Kpando – Ghana
April 2008

Volunteering in Atorkor

I have always dreamed of doing volunteer work in Africa and this year I decided to make that dream a reality. After researching different NGO’s for a couple of months I decided to volunteer through Village Volunteers. On April 2^nd 2008 I arrived in a small fishing village called Atorkor which is about a two and a half hour journey from the outskirts of Accra, Ghana. There I would call home for the next 5 weeks. When I arrived at the Chief of Atorkor’s house (where I was going to be staying) I was greeted by many smiling faces and participated in a brief welcome ceremony. Some school children dressed in brown and orange uniforms sang a song of welcome for me and another volunteer and we met some of the elders of the community. I was amazed after getting a grand tour of the Chief’s residence at how modern it was…..flush toilets, sinks and showers, and an air conditioned living room and dining area. Not at all what I was expecting and in the weeks to come I would see why everyone in the village referred to this place as ‘The Palace’.

I was volunteering with the Atorkor Medical Clinic doing Health Screening in Atorkor and surrounding villages. This was a truly amazing experience. The purpose of the screening was to identify health issues such as malnutrition, malaria, asthma/ respiratory illnesses, and high blood pressure in different households. As well we were checking children’s immunization status and assessing whether or not pregnant women were receiving pre-natal care. We went from house to house conducting surveys and offering health advice. This was a great way to see the living conditions of the people in the area and experience the culture on a more personal level. It was really amazing to see how resourceful some of the people were and how they could make do with what little they had. As a nurse this was definitely a different experience for me…….taking blood pressures while chickens were running over my feet and goats scavenging for food bahing in the background. The households were very welcoming. They’d greet you with what sounds like “Wayzoe” which means “you are welcome”. And after you were done they would say what sounds like “Akbay” which means “thank you”. Many were very amused and delighted when I responded with “Yooo” which basically means “I accept your welcome or your thanks”. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with the Community Health Nurse of Atorkor doing Well Child Clinics (vaccinating and weighing infants and addressing any concerns the mothers had). I won’t ever forget when we showed up to one of the Well Child Clinic sites in the village of Srogbe. As we walked through a tall metal gate into an area fenced in by about a 6 foot tall cement wall we were greeted by over 50 mothers with infants. They were all seeking shade under a huge, lush mango tree…..the largest mango tree I’ve ever seen. There we weighed infants on the weigh scale which reminded me of the scales we use in grocery stores in Canada to weigh food. The children were placed in fabric sacks and hung from the scale. As they swung back and forth on the weigh scale under the mango tree I just thought to myself, “Wow, so this is Public Health Nursing in Africa…..if only we had mango trees in Canada”. Now I’m at the end of my 5 week stay in Ghana. I leave tomorrow. It is very bittersweet because although I am really excited to see all my family and friends in Canada, I am very sad to leave this place which has become my home away from home. There are so many things I will miss. The food was amazing……my favorite was Red Red which is black-eyed peas in a spicy red sauce served with fried red plantains. I am going to miss walking down the street passing people carrying various objects balanced on their heads while goats and chickens run across the street and waves of the ocean crash against the beach in the background. I am going to miss the scenery…..Ghana is such a beautiful country. Home to such a rich diversity of plants and animals. I had the opportunity to go on 2 excursions during my stay. One was to the Northern Region in which I got to go on a safari in Mole National Park. I got to see elephants, baboons, monkeys, many different types of birds, crocodiles, and antelope in their natural habitat. I also got to explore some of the Central Region in Cape Coast. I saw several slave castles which were very beautiful but heartbreaking at the same time. I went on a canopy walk (40 meters off the ground) in Kharkum National Park and went on a guided nature tour. Of all the things I’m going to miss about Ghana I’ll miss the people the most. I’ll never forget the friends I’ve made and all the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. This was the most amazing experience of my life and I hope to be able to come back to volunteer in Ghana again soon.

Heather Valgardson
Cochrane, AB Canada
Atorkor Development Foundation
May, 2008

From the moment I walked out of the airport in Accra I felt welcomed to Ghana, starting with the massive crowed (granted they were waiting for their respective travelers) I almost felt they were there waiting for me and if they only had started cheering with the flashes of cameras I would have probably had my first and only experience of what it's like to be a celebrity. A hot and sweaty, sleepless first night at Gunadiish's house only to wake up the next day with air conditioning installers connecting it up - what a tease...My village is fantastic, Fesi a culture much like that of a Westernized culture, I felt that I fit right in. The flies I would never get used to, but bathing under the light of a bright night sky or a work day that starts at 10 and ends between 3 and 5 are aspects that I could absolutely get used to. Being surrounded by such strong women, children and grandchildren all working in pottery so effortlessly was such a fascinating experience. I spent more time watching them work and interacting with each other than I did working with the clay.

In addition to working at the pottery shed, I took an excursion to the Volta Region with multiple other volunteers from the surrounding villages where we saw the Wli Waterfalls, a magnificent and powerful form of Mother Nature. After we had such a peaceful day at the waterfall we went to the hot, gruesome, testing our determination of a basically straight incline of Mount Afadjato - the tallest mountain in Ghana. I also had the opportunity to learn batik cloth making with some very talented and patient guys that taught me a lot about the art. I left there with some beautiful fabrics.

I was so lucky to meet such a wonderful, caring, welcoming group of people and it was so hard to leave a place that made me feel so at home.

Emily Stuut
Chicago, Illinois
Fesi pottery, Kpando
April, 2008

My 6 weeks in Ghana were some of the best weeks of my life. I feel like I learned a lot, grew a lot, and will now be returning to Georgia a completely different person. I give credit to all of those who made my trip possible, the program coordinators, and the people I have met while in Ghana.

I arrived with lower expectations of my accommodations and food. I was surprised to have my own room, electricity, and large portions of food. There was no running water in Have, but I got used to bucket showers and will actually miss those when I get back home. The food took some getting used to for me, and my stomach was upset the majority of the time. However, if you speak up and tell your cook the foods you like/dislike, then the food transition will be much easier for you.

The clinic in Have was quite an experience. I got to see a few babies being delivered, and I also got to help chart things and take blood pressures. The nurses and people in charge were extremely welcoming, and it was actually sad to leave them. The clinic was, however, a more laid back environment than I used to. Sometimes there was not much for me to do, so I had to move around and keep asking questions. If you go to Have, I would recommend taking charge in order for your experience to be more memorable.

I went on two excursions and one cultural festival while I was in Ghana. My favorite excursion was the Central Region (Cape Coast). The canopy walkway was exciting and the slave castles were very beautiful and very informative. I also went on the Volta Region tour. Since Have was in the Volta, I had seen a lot of the landscape but the monkey sanctuary was interesting and Wli falls were beautiful! The festival was really interesting, but you have to be at the right place at the right time in order to see what is going on.

I spent a lot of time with Gunadiish during my stay because I was always traveling during the weekends. The most impressive thing about him is that he seems to be the only Ghanaian who tries to be on time. Everyone else is on “African time”, so you should expect to wait on most people when they are suppose to meet you. Gunadiish is also very easy to talk to if you have a problem in your village.

Ashley Denney
Athens – Georgia
Community clinic, Have
May 2008

I’ve traveled a lot in throughout my 31 years of life, but must admit, that this trip has been the hardest, both emotionally and physically. Maybe I’m just out of practice or out of shape! Honestly though, despite being the hardest, it has been by far the most rewarding. I was only in Kpando for one month, but felt like I developed a true connection with the kids at the orphanage. The minute I met them, I knew I was doing the right thing. They are all so very special.

I feel fortunate that I was paired with Baby, Mawusi and Missahoe Charity House. I couldn’t have asked for better people to stay with. They took care of me as a daughter, friend and sister. Not to mention that Mawusi is an amazing cook! She cooked local dishes in the likes of fufu and banku, as well as salads, chicken, anything you would ask for. Their warm hospitality had me quickly forgetting about the bucket that I had to use for a toilet, and the 100 degree heat that I had to bare without AC or fans!

There were a few cultural differences that I had to overcome during my stay. When I witnessed something I didn’t agree with, I had to constantly remind myself that I came to Ghana as a volunteer to help the children, not to change the culture. I learned to accept the differences, but I’ll never agree with them. Regardless of this, I think Ghanaians are some of the nicest people I have ever met. I could tell that they really appreciated my efforts. Everyone was eager to help me. When I first arrived in the village, some locals were shaking my hand saying “Welcome.” Others even said “Thank You!”

When I wasn’t at the orphanage, I was teaching at the L.C. Boys Primary School. Most of the boys from the orphanage went here, so I got to spend a lot of time with them. I loved it, the kids were great. They were all so enthusiastic about learning. Some of the boys were brilliant. I wish the government was more concerned about their education. I saw some real potential, but the lack of money will most likely prevent these boys from a higher education. It makes me so sad.

So all in all, it was an amazing trip. I overcame all my obstacles, not for myself, but for the sake of the children. They taught me that it was possible. They taught me a lot actually. Leaving them was heartbreaking. I feel selfish for coming into their lives for such a short amount of time. I wish I could stay with them longer. They have left a lasting impression on me, and I hope that I have done the same for them.

Vanessa Ziegler
Austin, Texas – USA
Missahoe children’s home
March 2008