Blogs from Swedru, Western, Ghana, Africa

Our last days in the village were sad yet overshadowed with celebration. Our mum went over the top cooking us ridiculous amounts of food. Continual eating could hardly dent the massive pile. Each day there would be a children waiting outside our bedroom in our courtyard dancing, singing and their new favorite way to greet us - blowing kisses. One little boy who is always there and is one of my favorites is Bright. For the first month we were there he ran away crying but he is no longer scared of the big white ladies. Nights were spent sitting with the elders of the village, helping cook followed by pumping music and dancing. However this would occasionally get out of hand as every child wants to impress us with intricate handstands which have resulted in ... read more

OK so after nearly a month at school and 3 weeks teaching i feel like i am starting to make some progress. Continuing on from my last entry the first few days were rough. I was feeling pretty bad about it. I almost felt like a failure and i felt very overwhelmed by the level and range of ability of the classes. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were shocking. I managed to gain the students attention and i like to think respect - there is always the odd naughty kid who is sent to the corner or outside. But even though they would pay attention and do the work the work in their textbooks which im meant to teach them is way too advanced for them. I will read a passage, and then get the class to ... read more