Village Volunteers

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