I have been in Ghana for nearly one week. Many things have happened in this short amount of time. Fortunately the flight over went well and when I arrived in the morning we headed for Ho as soon as we could, since it was in the morning it was less expensive as well as easier to leave the capital quickly. The first couple of days were needed for adjusting, as the trip of appr. 13 hours was exhausting. After the following day I traveled to Kpetoe with Godwin, who was excited to see me again. Some things are still the same as I have had to relearn; the time it takes someone to come pick you up or take you somewhere is always much longer than back in the U.S., the food is always spicy (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), and the climate is very hot and fairly dry (Ghana is entering the dry season, which also means there are more mosquitoes than usual at the moment).
When I arrived to Kpetoe I was able to see the school. Interestingly enough the contribution of the 4 classrooms was great (by the team from Ireland), but there were a few smaller issues I was not aware of until now. When they came they rushed the building process in a matter of 10 days and chose to shape the entire spread of the school in an 'L' shape. However, it is more typical for schools in Ghana to have a line shape. Many Ghanaians have told me this including teachers of Kpetoe and Ho, as well as other citizens. In addition to this discovery I learned that they were unable to finish the structure's walls to meet the roof, and to divide the final room (which is one large room) in order to have 5 equally spaced rooms. Finally, the dimensions of the present structure does not reflect that of other schools in the area, which are deeper classrooms instead of wider ones -many other schools are uniform structures with the same setup in every room ie. the chalkboards are all on the southern walls, and the windows are all on the east or west walls etc.
Because of these issues the structure I have been trying to raise either needs to stick out like a sore thumb (done the way they would like it where all the rooms are the same) by not lining up flush, or match the current structure by lining up flush but having different arrangements in the classrooms with the windows and chalkboards etc. The decision from this dilemma seems to be going in favor of matching the current structure/continuing from it, since the masons and carpenters from the area believe it would work easier. As always in any situation involving a large investment, it is important to take the time and plan it all out. We have not built anything yet, but today the contract was signed/agreed upon, the cement bags were purchased, and the plan is starting to set in for much progress tomorrow.
GCS (Global Cultural Solution) which consists mainly of three Ghanaians, has been aiding me in my search for things and we have been able to gather prices of several items in order to purchase the lowest priced ones -This was the situation yesterday. The day before yesterday I was drawing up the estimate, which was discussed with by 4 other contractors and eventually their offers were given. I have also been able to help GCS as a member by offering opinions and giving some advice where needed.
As usual, several frustrations have slowed progress. Just to name of few of them; communication issues (Godwin is difficult to understand at times, the masons and carpenters do not speak English, and some of the members of GCS do not speak Godwin's language), driving from point a to point b is always a journey (whether because the several potholes in the road or because the driver decides to pick up several more passengers), travelers sickness (I think you get my drift), another volunteers' money was taken, a teacher was let go, and the 'sense of urgency' never really exists...
Despite these annoyances there have been several good points; I have learned the area much better (I actually drove form Ho to Kpetoe -with people I know which is about a half hour), a father whose kids are attending the school called me his friend and gave me a banner, a contract has been reached for the start of a 3 room structure, another volunteer from the U.S. is at the school teaching (Kathleen), I have learned more words in Ewe, I have met more locals and I feel as if more cooperation has been happening, in this area for this project specifically.
All of these things weigh heavy in my thoughts. Throughout all of it, I have learned patience and goodwill is invaluable.
No comments:
Post a Comment