Godwin Amway Orphanage and School: September 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009

More Progress

I have been quite busy moving back to Eau Claire and finishing up with the Ducks in Dells. I wanted to post more news; I was able to speak to Godwin about 2 weeks ago and found out a lot of details (I also received emails which gave most details). The group from Ireland that I was able to meet and team up with was able to lay down a solid start. The pictures are posted below of what has been accomplished thus far... the team was able to put in 5 classrooms!

I asked Godwin what was left to do and he listed off quite a few things. To sum it up they need a few more classrooms, plaster on the entire structure, bathrooms, electric work, desks, books, and many other items including another compound for the kids/him (an orphanage). This is great news; the school building is underway.

However, I recently heard from another friend of his, via email, that explained he was ill, and has been staying in a hospital under his friends' care. The belief is that he has a stomach ulcer and typhoid, hopefully he gets well soon.

In the meantime I am starting to plan a trip back to Ghana, quite possibly towards the end of October. As of now I have rethought a goal for an amount to bring over and fund the project. We are currently just above 50% of the goal of money raised, and I dont think anyone else was planning on going on the trip with me. Despite that, I am optimistic since the project has already begun.

I am looking forward to the challenge but with the understanding that I am not alone.

Donations

Please help contribute to build a new school in place of these three huts/mango tree. We already have a good start on finances committed to this project, the kids will thank you! At the moment this site gives a donate by way of credit card/paypal, however other forms (Cash or Check) are accepted.

If you are mailing the gifts please make them out to Bethany Lutheran Church, with Ghana Project or School Porject on the memo line and mail them to:

618 W. River ST.
New Lisbon, WI.
53950

If you have any questions feel free to email me at godwinamwayschool@gmail.com

21 tips before going to Ghana

1 It would be best to travel with someone else if; you have never gone before, don't know much about anyone receiving you on the other end, are a female.

2 Vaccinations are mandatory when going to Ghana because there are so many diseases (abundance of waterborne). The first one you need is the yellow fever vaccination. The others are recommended. Discuss that with your doctor. Otherwise if you're smart about things skip on the Typhoid.

3 Malaria is another must when talking of preparing medicinally. There are a few variations of anti-malarials. This is also a topic that should be discussed with your doctor and researched via the CDC online. Some malaria parasites are becoming immune to certain prophylaxis.

4 If you are able to avoid taking mefloquine (lariam) for the anti-malarial, go with your other option. It won't kill you, but there are some strange side effects like a possibility of depression, anxiety, vivid nightmares etc.

5 When packing, try to limit things you will not need in a 90 degree average climate zone. Several socks are probably not necessary unless you are living in the bush. Be sure to pack some socks but more than 5 pair really isn't necessary. Also keep in mind that whatever you may not pack is probably found in one of the cities (you could buy it there).

6 Buying sandals there is a good plan, unless you have some cheap ones to take there.

7 Take along some good mosquito repellents (best ones have DEET). Then use the repellent daily along with a sleeping net on the bed.

8 Pack; a pair of shoes, a cup, toilet paper, copies of your passport, airline ticket, and yellow fever card.

9 Whatever you bring, don't bring expensive things. You really don't know what might be a "new discovery" for some others and wouldn't want to put your items in a vulnerable position.

10 Carry your money and all other valuables if you can't hide it somewhere in a trusted place that you are staying (hiding it might mean you put it in books etc).

11 Try to learn some of the language, no matter how terrible you are; it shows a form of respect and might aid you down the road.

12 Know where you are going and how you got there. Knowing where you are going and how you will be traveling to certain locations is essential. There are many taxi-like stops, and it can easily get confusing, especially when no one around speaks your language. If there is a local person that you know well (trust), try to use there knowledge/request them to go with. It makes the entire process easier and saves time.

13 Don't get sucked in by random people and their talk. A lot of people see that you are a foreigner, target you, and try to get something out of you (most of the time its money).

14 Bargain if you don't have someone doing it for you. A lot of the prices the sellers will state is purposely raised because they know you're a foreigner. At least try for the same price a local would get.

15 Plan on things taking a long time, and take change along wherever you go for things like water. Most likely you aren't coming from a third world country and there's a reason why they gave it the term 'third world'. Ironically, change is not found everywhere so big bills are a bad idea on a regular basis.

16 Take a camera and a lot of pictures or else you will regret it when you return home.

17 Don't make promises

18 Don't gawk, boast, or act superior to any of the people in a different culture. It's important to not forget that you are not at home. Obviously, poverty and disease will be all around you, but the way you handle yourself is important, as you are representing wherever you come from. -many of the locals may rarely meet someone else from where you come from so you will be leaving an impression on them.

19 Feel free. Try to help where help is needed, and without arrogance, teach even small things that we might practice as 'common sense'.

20 Before any of the trip has been set and planned, research the whole thing from other people that have 'been there' or 'done that'. Check online with the embassy requirements about everything including your passport which should be mailed in for a VISA very prior to your departure... 'Kayak' is a good site for comparing airfare. Don't buy your ticket until you have completely planned everything out and know about your health, as well as your passport situation. You will have to buy the ticket before you send for a VISA (which would be a bit more than a month before your departure date). Hold on to two peoples contact information (from Ghana) on your flight and give it out to others back at home before you go. Hold onto your baggage ticket you receive at the airport luggage check in -you will need it.

21 Don't have expectations!

Godwin Amway Orphanage and School

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Volunteering in Ghana 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009

More Progress