Godwin Amway Orphanage and School: Fica enye e chi le fe? (Where is the bathroom?)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Fica enye e chi le fe? (Where is the bathroom?)

I purchased 35 boards for doors and windows about six days ago. As the boards came in they were worked on by an honest carpenter that I met through Kieran. He said that he was able to assist in all future projects without having to hassle over a price each time a task would be assigned. The week following the parent teacher meeting I have noticed more parents giving towards fuel for the van, which was a fuss beforehand and may continue to be one in the future. Despite that, I know that an understanding was made at the PTA, and I look forward to the next meeting in December.

The meeting with the other volunteer organization went well as free labor has been promised in exchange for accommodations to house at least seven Canadians. We will be setting up a painting and desk building project while they stay near the school.

More discussion in regards to future plans occurred, such as when and where the toilet placement would be on site as well as repairs to the existing structure. As far as labor was concerned several days were wasted by laborers claiming to come and finish but then not showing up.

Yesterday could have been the most difficult day so far. The start of the day was slow but had me skipping lunch to stain frames in the school structure. While staining, a student frantically shouted my direction in ewe about some kind of scuffle near the road. As I approached people gathered and explained that one of the students had thrown a rock at a passing vehicle, which struck a girl in the head. After using very basic first aid, and being disgusted, I traveled back to Ho for a meeting. However, before the meeting began I got pretty sick. Just before going to the meeting, police decided to raid the home my friend and I went to, falsely accusing us of a drug deal. They insisted on a search and then attempted to take us away. We almost were taken to jail but my friend (Kakra) knew two of the officers who instructed the other officers to leave us be. Thursday (today) could not have come any sooner...

Ending on a positive note, the carpentry is coming along great, thanks to Deon and his team.

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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

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Fica enye e chi le fe? (Where is the bathroom?)

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