Blogs from Western, Ghana, Africa

The first week is done and after a half day of working on Saturday we spent the rest of the day and Sunday relaxing a bit. At 15:00 On Saturday afternoon we did got our swimming licence for the Tarwka club pool. The Test involved swimming two lengths of the pool treading water for 2 minutes and diving a golf ball out of the 2.2 meter deep pool. I have to admit I did not succeed on my first attempt I just floated to the top :) The Water in the pool was not a lot cooler than it was outside but it was rather refreshing. Strangely enough the gentleman that did the test is also called Martin van der Merwe :) Gert and Heidi invited us to a braai at their house which was a ... read more

Hello! It has been a very busy and exciting few months in Takoradi, I have a lot to share so here it goes... Each year on October 15th, over 200 million people are involved in celebrations in over 100 countries around the world; this is Global Handwashing Day. Diarrhea kills more people than AIDS, malaria and measles put together; handwashing with soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal & acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries. Together, they are responsible for the majority of all child deaths. Together with the staff and students at the YMCA, we discussed the importance of washing your hands and the benefits it will have on the entire community. To demonstrate just how easily germs can be spread we chose ... read more

After six days, four planes, three continets and a very exteneded and crowded cho cho (a small bus) ride, I have finally arrived in Takoradi! Only after a very short amount of time in Ghana, I have already experienced and have come to appreciate so much about this beautiful country and the people. My first few days in the country were spent in Accra, a city of 4 million people, and everything available at your fingertips! While driving around in the back of a taxi you can purchase a bathroom scale, an info-mercial weight loss product called the sauna belt and any selection of food to suit all tastes! My first order of business consisted of intoductions with the local YCI Ghana staff-Fred, Naana and Nee-who I will be working with during my time here. Also ... read more