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Published: March 2nd 2007
I remember watching a programme in July last year about the Live 8 concert that took place in 2005. It was showing video clips of children in Africa and although I am not 100% certain I think it was watching this that made me decide to find out about going to do voluntary work in Africa.
Once the idea was there, I did not think I would actually do it. I thought it would not be possible, or I would need a specific profession or more likely that I would back out.
But after much fund raising and organisation I finally arrived in Ghana on 6/1/07. I've not realy travelled before - I've been on a few beach holidays where they cater for British tourists and there is no real culture shock. So stepping off the plane at Accra airport was quite a big step for me (rememer I was nervous about changing flights in London!). I honestly did not know if I would like it, or if I had made the right decision to go. I remember arriving at the homebase and thinking I had made a big mistake - 8 weeks seemed like a long time and I wished I had only booked 3 or 4 weeks. But I'm quite determined so going home early was not an option.
Almost immediately I was thrown into a different world and being white suddenely made me feel very conspicuous. I can now imagine how a black person might feel walking through a town in the where only white people live.
I don't think I'll ever forget the word 'Yevo' (white person) because I have had it shouted at me so many times. It's not offensive, and in a way I quite liked it because most people shout it in a way to greet you and start a conversation. And the children love it when you respond by smiling and waving.
I think I survived the culture shock by really getting to know the local people. I was genuinely interested in their lives and homes, and by getting to know them so well I had people to help me whenever I wanted to go to town. Sometimes, in fact most of the time I was shocked at how they lived and especially the houses they live in - no more than a mud hut for a lot of people. But the people I met were always so happy, and enjoyed showing me their home or telling me about their family. It's good that people are not ashamed of their homes or how they live - there is no competition here to have the best clothes, house or car. And despite the different way of life, a lot of people have a great sense of humour and love to laugh.
My main aim in coming to Africa was to do voluntary work and help in any way I could. Although I realise that the little time I've spent here is not going to make any huge difference. My placement at the Prince of Peace school turned out to be just what I wanted to do. The children were at an age where I could actually teach them, and I hope in the 8 weeks I've been with them they have learned something. I only hope after I am gone that they will continue to do well and that life in Ghana slowly improves for them.
I don't know if it's because I am white or if it's because I would also try to be their friend, but I could tell the majority of kids wanted to do well in class and in a way impress me. I always got a huge smile when I wrote 'excellent' on their class books. The funny thing is that they did not realise they were also making me smile.
I also had the privilege of going to the orphanage. It's not a 'happy' place but the children are all so happy that it's difficult to feel sad when you are there or not enjoy yourself. The orphange itself is not a very nice building, and the fact that some of the kids did not have beds seemed ridiculous to me. Hopefully, with new volunteers visiting all the time things will slowly get better.
As I mentioned earlier, I did a lot of fundraising to help support my trip to Ghana. It's impossible for me to thank everyone individually who supported me but you know who you are! I've also received a lot of great e-mails and comments during my time in Ghana and I really appreciate them all. I'm sorry that I have not had the time to reply to them all. To all the people who donated towards my trip, please remember that it's also because of you that I was able to teach class 2 and the classroom now has posters and pictures on the wall. It's also because of you that the kids in the orphanage got some beds, and for a few short weeks I was able to play with them and make them laugh.
I came to Ghana to try and help people, or more specificaly children. I'm not sure if I've really made any great difference, but I know that I've had an amazing time and that all the children I've met also seem to have had a good time. People here are not starving to death, but there is real poverty that many people in the U.K will never experience. But their ability to be happy and their hope for a better life is to be admired. During my time here, I've probably learned more than any of the kids I've taught.
I hope I can come back one day and visit some of the people I have met. I will be sad to leave Ghana and my new friends, but I've also learned there really is no place like home!
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Mary
non-member comment
Welcome Back, Ricki!
I have just finished reading your last entry and have looked at your photos of your time in Ghana and feel really humbled by what you have done and achieved! You really seemed to have found your niche (it's not Benefits anymore!) and I could tell that you were enjoying it and that the children were enjoying having you there. I particulary noticed the pictures of you with the children - can't see you because they are all trying to get their arms round you! I hope that you continue with your fundraising now that you are home because I am sure that everyone who has been keeping up with your adventures will be willing to contribute, I certainly will. Also look forward to seeing you soon and hearing more of your adventures and hopefully seeing more of your photos! (take them to our next meeting)