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Published: March 18th 2008
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Return visit to the island
The kids with their balloons and medals Hello
I have had a busy week since I last did my blog so lots to tell you about.
Katie and I decided that we would help at the Islamic school 3 times a week and this would include 2 sessions of PE.We went on Weds morning and sat in with the youngest class,P1.One of the teachers had not turned up so 2 classes were added together which meant almost 30 children crammed into 1 classroom,3/4 kids to one desk.Two teachers seemed to flit and out and most of the morning was spent in meetings with the odd 'parrot' lesson thrown in.Katie and I tried to do some singing with the children but most of them only speak a little English so it soon descended into chaos.We sent the kids out to play in the end but the teachers sent them back and told us we should cane the kids.It was heartbreaking to see 2 girls caned when the teacher came back especially as they had done nothing wrong.We were both relieved to leave at midday.
We headed back to the orphanage for lunch and then headed to the lake in the pouring rain.We arrived at the lake and
Coral the Ghana cook
Attempting to pound fufu !! the rain had slowed so 9 of us headed to the village with Fred.They were amazed that we turned up as promised.I handed over a football,some balloons and gold medals.The kids were all thrilled and even the teenagers lined up for a balloon,it was incredible.Other volunteers handed over medicine, a frisbee,a boulles set,flip flops,clothes and art stuff.It was nice to receive such a warm welcome and we have made it a priority to get some sort of water filter sorted out before I leave.I tried my hand at making fufu which caused a lot of laughter.I said goodbye to everyone and one of the boys who was about 8 took both of my hands,looked me in the eyes and said a really heartfelt thank you,it was one of my best moments in Ghana so far as it was so genuine.
Thursday - I had tyo go to Kumasi,Ghanas second largest city,to get my visa extension.This meant a 6.30 start and a tro tro journey of 2 and a half hours as well as 5 taxis.When I arrived it was lunchtime at the immigration office so it was a lomd day but at least I am now here officially again.I
Some of my new friends
Some of the ladies on the island. have to make the journey back again to collect my passport after Easter.
Friday - I went to the school to take my first PE lesson.I had 41 children and was only armed with a whistle and balloons.It was brilliant.I had 4 lines of kids and they had to pass a balloon over their heads and under their legs.We then did a number game where I gave them an action for numbers 1-6.No 1 was putting their right arm up in the air;2 was lifting their left leg;3 was turning around;4 was jumping;5 was star jumps and 6 was an action from a coke advert where you shake your body.It was such fun and all the kids joined in.I managed to keep them amused for an hour and then we headed back for lessons.
We finished school at midday.In the afternoon Jeremiah took me shopping and I bought 6 small chickens plus a months supply of chicken food.The orphanage want to raise chickens and sell eggs to raise some money.
Saturday/Sunday - I met Noelia ,the Spanish volunteer, at 8am and we headed to Kumasi by tro-tro.We had lunch at Vic Baboos - burger and a pizza and
PE with the older kids
41 kids for my first PE lesson. then got another tro-tro.This was my first 'chicken' bus as a lady had a live cockeral under her seat !! It was an eventful journey as the 'mate' managed to shatter one of the windows when he slammed the door shut.Luckily no-one was hurt and we carried on regardless.We the got a taxi to the lake side and walked 2.5km to Lake Point.We paid 23 cedi ( about gbp12) for a hut with double bed,fa, and en-suite shower and flush loo.There was a private beach and only 8 other guests who were a German family.The food was great,I had fresh grilled barracuda and N had octopus curry.It was a great place to chill,no crying kids,cockerals,goats or power cuts.We had pancakes for breakfast and headed back at midday feeling very refreshed.
I had a quiet day yesterday as I had a bit of a temperature so I slept,read and listened to my i=pod.
Today-This morning Katie and I took the younger kids for PE.We had 82 children and 5 teachers.I did similar activities as I had done on Friday and everybody had a great time.I gave the teachers each a group of kids and they all joined in which
Buying chickens
Jeremiah trying to control the new chickens. encouraged the kids as well.It was so rewarding to see everyone having such a good time.The sound of laughter was resonating around the field,it was lovely.
It has been a great week but having been here 9 weeks now I am really looking forward to coming home.First things on the list of priorities are a cup of tea and a long bath.
Hope everyone is well,healthy and happy
Love Coral
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Cheryl Taylor
non-member comment
Wow, what a great PE teacher!
I tell you what, I wish I'd had someone like you to teach me P.E. at school, I would have enjoyed it alot more than I actually did! Makes me wish I was there joining in, what fun!! Isn't it amazing how something as simple as a balloon can brighten somone's day in such a dramatic way?! Wouldn't it be a great idea if some of the ungreatful, spoilt, tearaways that live in this country, could spend some time living as those children out there do?! I'm not surprised you're homesick, seeing what those children cope with on a daily basis, must make you desperate to see your friends and family? You're doing so well, and making such a difference, so just remember that. Not much longer left now. You take care, Luv Cherylx