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Kaylee Byers - Canada, April 2009Kaylee Says: When I approached my parents with the idea of returning to Africa for a third time in the last 4 years, my family was immediately concerned and apprehensive. Why on Earth did I keep wanting to go back to a continent where supposedly, the risk of disease is high and there is political unrest in so many of Africa's composite countries? I think my reasons for wanting to come back to Africa were all personified in my incredible experience in Ghana.
Upon my arrival into Ghana across the Burkinan border, Elghana was immediately in contact with me. As I arrived earlier than scheduled, the organization found me a placement before my scheduled time and met with me personally in Kumasi to explain the details of my placement, which was much appreciated. Additionally, Elghana provided me with a phone for my use while in the project and aid in extending my visa, which, without their help, frankly, would have been a nightmare.
The children at Hase International School were extremely excited that "Madam Obruni" would be there to teach them and were surprisingly attentive in their lessons, even without the encouragement of "the cane". While my teaching placement focused primarily upon Mathematics and English, I was able to teach classes ranging from nursery (6 months) to JHS 3 (an equivalent to grade 9, whereby students could reach the age of 19 or 20). I had a very enjoyable time formulating lesson plans for the children and assigning homework and classwork which I marked with Canadian stickers I had brought from home. The teaching style is much different than in the Western World however, so I suggest to any new coming volunteers to be open to new ways of teaching and interacting. In addition to teaching the children, I found that I quickly became their friend and was often the school jungle gym for the younger children, while I was the confident of many of the older students.
Furthermore, my experience with my host family was nothing short of fantastic. I don't know what it is about Africa. It could be the friendliness of the people, the fact that I can buy pineapples and coconuts on a whim and devour them in a busy market, the savagely beautiful landscape, the indigenous languages and music, or just the pace of life, but one thing that I know is that I love it. I would not trade my experience with the children here for anything, and I know that being here has taught me a lot about myself, even if the children may not have mastered the "laws of indices". Perhaps Toto said it best: "Its gonna take a lot to drag me away from you"
Kathy Sweeney- USA, July 2008
Kathy Says: To say that going to Ghana was the
best
decision I ever made would be an understatement. From the moment I
stepped
off the plane, I never wanted to leave. Going through Elghana was a
wonderful experience and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.
It
was so nice to have someone (not just someone, but someone as amazing as
Mr.
Gyamfi!) meet me at the airport and assure that I had a safe place to
stay,
saw a little bit of Accra, and then made my way to my destination -
Obuasi.
Learning the ropes of Ghanaian transportation took a bit of practice,
so I
felt so comfortable having someone from Elghana help me around. Everyone
I
encountered in Ghana was so friendly, warm, and hospitable. The only
times
I felt even remotely uncomfortable was because of the degree of
attention I
received for being an "obruni," but even that was never negative - I
just
stood out because I looked different! I was placed at Adullam Orphanage
in
Obuasi. I loved Obuasi because it wasn't too big of a town, so i
quickly
learned my way around. At the same time, it was big enough that I still
had
access to several banks, an internet care, etc. As far as the orphanage
goes
- those children stole my heart instantaneously. How wonderful these
children are, despite having endured hardships no child should ever have
to
endure, is just remarkable. They are so loving, grateful, and just
plain
fun that it is hard to ever leave them - even if it's just to go home
and
sleep for the night! I just love them with every ounce of my soul, and
have
missed them terribly every day since I left. My host family - Mr.
Peter's
family - was just great. They were very welcoming and helpful, and I
highly
enjoyed the time I spent with them. The living arrangements were more
than
comfortable and they made me feel like a part of the family (except of
course when they were speaking Basari and I couldn't understand them! :)
)
The food there was terrific and I always had far more than enough (and
definitely the best fruit I've ever tasted!) The weather was fine. I
was
there during the rainy season, so sometimes the rain got a bit old, and
I
definitely learned to carry an umbrella with me, but otherwise it was
perfectly pleasant. The heat was not at all unbearable as I had expected
it
to be, and the mosquitoes weren't all that bad either! All in all my
experience was absolutely incredible.
Jennifer Coverdale- CANADA, Feb 2007
Jennifer Says:"God is Able" is a busy clinic with varying degrees of healthcare (from prenatal to screwdriver in the head). I have had the opportunity to see a variety of cases mixed between the expectant mothers. With that being said 90% of the patients are in for prenatal care. There are no closed doors in the clinic; I am free to see anything and everything I like. This has given me a very welcome feeling that allows for a positive learning environment.
HELEN MELEN XU - CANADA, March 2010
Helen Says:As I was leaving for this trip, I was excited anticipating the next two
weeks but I'll admit, I was scared as well. Now as I look back, I don't know what I
was scared of. In short, the trip blew any obscure expectations I had out of the
water. I feel as though I grew more in 2 weeks than I did in a long time. El Ghana
is an organization of kind and hilarious people, and everything from the food to the
people were just fantastic. I also had a malaria scare when I was there, and I'd
like to thank El Ghana for taking me to the hospital to get tested so promptly. I
hope to volunteer with you in the future again (I already started planning this with
a friend of mine, we decided we might do it in kenya next time).
words_of_advice_for_incoming_volunteers: Keep a journal, because it is so fun to
look back at what you wrote when get home and all the memories come back to you.
words_of_advice_for_Elghana: Keep doing what your doing, its great =)
Krystina Stolberg- USA, August 2007
Krystina Says: My name is Krystina and I volunteered through Elghana in the summer of
2007. Upon my arrival, I walked of the plane to the humid air and sweet
smell of the fresh Ghanian air. I was picked up by a sweet girl named
Nanaya and taken to our overnight hotel. I was so nervous yet so excited
all at once. We traveled by bus from Accra to Kumasi to meet with the
directors of Elghana, who are absolutley amazing people who gave a
wonderful, warm welcome. Things in Ghana showed to be very different
from America. The sounds, smells and sincerety of the people were all
very different from my usual norm. I went to the house I'd be living in
for the next month and was surprised at how nice it was. My "house
mother" Dora was so sweet and made me feel at home. Things that I saw
during my stay were chickens and goat roaming the dirt roads and lots of
turning heads. Children followed me home from the clinic as I walked
home and called me Obruni and touched my skin and hair. The food was
different and I probably acted a bit too picky. If I were to do it all
over, I would have tried the traditional Ghanian foods just to say I
did. I found the street bars fun and relaxing on a weekend night and
found my favorite beer, Star (which I wish was available in the U.S.!!)
The clinic was an adventure in itself. Sepaase clinic was not as
sanitized as U.S. Hospitals and clinics, but the nurses made me feel so
welcome and we all became good friends. I spent my days at the clinic
helping to circumcise babies, deliver babies and take blood pressures
and even check gestation....manually! I learned so much about different
cultures and my views on life have changed dramatically. I treasure the
things I used to take for granted and appreciate the fact that I had
taken the time to help those less fortunate. I want to take time again
to go back to Ghana to visit the friends I made and help again at a
different clinic this time. I will never forget mt trip to Ghana. I had
my ups and downs, but I pushed through and thoroughly enjoyed every last
second of it. I truly believe its a life changing experience everyone
should encounter in their lives.
Daniel Dickerson - USA, June 2009
Dan Says:
The people of Ghana are much more friendly and welcoming than I expected. During my stay I did not experience a single situation where I was made to feel uncomfortable. The gracious nature of the people here appears to the result of or at least enhanced by the active participation by most people in church programs. Many schools are responsible by the Methodist, Presbyterian or Catholic Church. One
Of my highlights during our stay in Ghana was attending a local church and being welcomed by the entire congregation. The country itself is from ocean to the mountains and throughout the lush vegetation. The weather is hot but not intolerable, especially in the mountain. Our host family truly made us feels as if we were part of their family. They toke care of us well.
Prepare for the heat. You will want to wear shorts and tee when you can.
While we found Ghana to have few dog and mosquitoes, a good repellent is necessary.
David Russell - USA, July 2008
David Says:
My experience was better than I had hoped for. In sum, the country seems to be going "forward ever, backward never", the people were most welcoming and determined, teaching made me learn a lot, elghana took care of me nicely, visiting Cape Coast/Elmina and the north were great supplements to my Kumasi base, the host family (the 6, 12, 17, 18, 21, 24 and 49 year olds--some were cousins next door) was wonderful and very interesting to spend time with, food was a pleasure, and the relatively mild climate of the rainy season much easier for me than the conditions in March were during my 2004 visit.
Tabitha Oosterhouse - U.S.A. Jan 2010
Tabitha Says:I enjoyed my time in Ghana very much. I liked the food, weather, attitude of the people, and loved my work in the hospital. My host family was very hospitable and kind and my accomodations were amazing.
Amy, Gaby & Jill - USA, July 2007
Lena Said: We spent the majority of our clinic experience at Bernice Clinic and maternity at Yeji. Much of our time was spent observing due to our inexperience and the language barrier. We believe had our stay been longer, we could have had a more "hand-on" experience. We did take blood pressures, learnt how to palpate & measure the fundal height of pregnant women, learned how to start an IV, observed vaginal deliveries, IUD implantations, Norplant removal and becaome acutely aware of the signes and symtoms of malaria. IN contrast to midwifery in the United States, Bernice helath center also catered for family medicine. Overall, we were exposed to miriad illnesses, treatments & patients we would never have seen in the States and we found the spirit of the health workers undeterred by the problems they face. The children found our light skin entertaining, chanting "obruni" everywhere we went, yet our safety was never questionable whereever we went. We appreciate the very warm and personal experience Elghana and Bernice gave us. We felt incorporated into the lives and community of Yeji and its people. 'YEJI IS A TOWN EVERY VOLUNTEER SHOULD OPT FOR!!
Bernardus Robinson - UK, February 2007
Berdo Says:My volunteering experience was in Kumasi, Ghana (St. George's International
School), teaching kids of ages 9-14 about the Internet. I'm a qualified web
designer (not a requirement), but had no previous teaching experience.
Elghana supplied me with a course outline and armed with "Rough Guide to the
Internet" I designed my own lessons trying to cover as much of the outline
as possible. I don't think there is any training that can prepare you for
teaching (in Ghana), you just have to be flexible and a little inventive. I
was suppose to teach about using the Internet but the school had no Internet
connection! so I tried to cover as much as possible in theory and then with
Elghana's funding we arranged for each class to have one visit to a nearby
Internet cafe. The week of the Internet cafe visit I would wait there and
then each teacher would march their class 30-50 in size to the cafe - about
half an hour away. The cafe had 13 computers 9 working on a good day. On the
first day there was a power cut, so for each of the 4 classes that turned up
I had to improvise by drawing what I wanted to show them about the Internet!
The next day the power was up but the link to the service provider kept
dropping. Fortunately the rest of the week we were ok sort of and I set
about the modest aim of getting everyone to open an email account and to
send me an email. Back at the school there was always a shortage of pens to
write on the white board, so I wrote the questions once at the beginning of
the week and then the rest of the week just filled in/wiped off the answers
for each class. Power cuts are regular in Ghana, about every 4-5 days, which
means no computers, lights or fan for several hours. Elghana arranged for
the computer teacher to be at hand during my classes and I very much relied
on him to keep the discipline. This is the reality in Ghana there are lots
of obstacles, but PLEASE trust that you can face and even overcome some of
them, no matter how helpless or frustrated you might feel at the time. You
don't need any special skills, just a willingness to accept what is - lack
of resources, money, support etc. - and respond to it creatively, with
Elghana's help of course.
Erica Ostenson - Wyoming, USA, May 2008
Erica Says:Overall I had a wonderful experience in Ghana. It help to have an open mind; be willing to try anything. That way, I found to learn more about the lifestyle, culture and health care practice. The hospital I worked at was incredible; very welcome I was able to have many opportunities to do new exciting things, including delivery and am very blessed to have such an opportunity. It was difficult to leave and look forward to returning some day in future. And I cannot say I had one bad dish during my stay. If certainly help I love all the species a good cool fanyogo helps beat any afternoon heat.
Don't hold any expectations; come with an open mind. Be prepared for the slow pace lifestyle and be more than willing to try new things. The more willing, open to learn enjoy your time, the more you will do just so.
I was farely satisfied with the organization.
Devan Patel- CANADA, May 2008
Devan Says: My experience in Ghana was truly exquisite. Upon arrival, I immediately witnessed the vibrant atmosphere and genuine warmth amongst its people. I was easily
immersed in the rich culture and festive aura of Ghana . The principle strength
driving this West African country, in my view, lies with its population.
Ghanaians are unparalleled when it comes to their friendly, welcoming and down
to earth nature. Thus, it was very easy to make friends in Ghana
, both young and old. As a volunteer in a small clinic near Kumasi , I was able
to interact with numerous people. Undoubtedly, working in a medical environment
could be a daunting challenge for someone who does not have a background in
it. Nonetheless, the clinic staff made me feel at ease and went
out of their way to shed light upon particular treatments and
procedures. It was also extremely rewarding being alongside
patients. Despite evident
pain and apprehension towards their illnesses, the visiting patients from the
surrounding villages displayed a unique strength and faith towards recovery that
was greatly inspiring. Often they would speak to me about life in their country,
the present challenges and aspirations for the future. I brought back with me a
strong sense of human affection and generosity from
Ghanaians. Naturally, the bonds that I was able to make during
my stay have left an indelible mark on me and to which I hope to re-connect
with by visiting the country again in the future.
John Kim- USA, Aug 2006
John Says: Being my first time in Africa, the team over at Elghana helped
make my stay and experience a memorable one. I was assigned to work at the
Gladys Maternity Health Clinic in Kodie, a small rural village outside of
Kumasi. As a volunteer, I assisted in several births, one of them being a
set of twins! I also observed patients with malaria and rheumatic fever.
Furthermore, I learned a lot about the Ghanaian healthcare system from the
practices at the Midwife Clinic and through visits to the Komfo Anyoke
Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. Finally, the most valuable experiences of my
trip involved learning about the culture of the Ghanaian people, playing
with the children, and eating all the various foods, like Fufu! At the end
of my journey, I was able to visit Mole National Park and experience a
walking safari and see elephants, antelope, monkeys, warthogs, and baboons
within an arms-length reach!
Erin Cannaday - USA, January 2009
Erin Says:
Our experience in Ghana was incredible. The country was beautiful, and different than most places I had traveled before. It was also hotter than I have ever been before, but we adjusted! We really loved getting to know the people in Ghana, Gyamfi, Diana and Nana were so much fun and were so patient with us. They explained situations and people all during the trip, which helped us understand the cultural differences much more and really enjoy what we were seeing and who we were meeting. Peter and his family at Adullam were amazing as well. They were so nice to open up their home and spend time with us! Peter took us out in Obuasi a few nights to talk and see the town. Ema, Beatrice and Edith played cards and talked with us. The whole family was just wonderful! And Edith's food was very good as well! All of the places of interest that we went to were great to see as well. Overall, personally I enjoyed the slave castles the most and the crocodiles, too!
It really was a wonderful experience, and I am so grateful for the relationships that we were able to make.
Jill Caporiccio - USA, June 2007
Jill Says:
My experiences in Ghana have given me a new perspective in which I
understand the world as whole. Life in Ghana is truly amazing. During my
time here I felt so alive and part of a community. The people I met were so
genuine, compassionate and hard working. I miss the everyday life of going
to the market, sharing taxis or overcrowded tro tros with many smiling
faces, hearing music, meeting new people and seeing people dance everywhere.
Working in two different healthcare settings I was able to learn a lot and
see the differences of between a hospital setting and a clinic. All the
patients and staff in the hospital were so grateful and welcoming to me. The
staff at Elghana were so flexible and supportive and truly are my dear
friends. I am now planning my third trip back. Ghana always will hold a
special place in my heart.
Joy Dariye - UK, July 2007
Joy Says: ooo! everything was great. it was a good feeling teaching my fellows at the Daniel Vocational training school. The standard of the students is very low so I had to start from the basics. Because the books ELGHANA supplied was not enough to give to each student, I had to create smaller groups and at times had to teach them in groups. I think it is really important that this project is seriously empowered with more volunteers. Definitely the students had such a good feeling and were familiar with some of the stories in the books already, as told them in folktales by their parents. This made teaching and sharing the stories a fun for them. The town was cool. My partner Moses who was teaching introduction to computers, ended up teaching the community in the local presbytarian church block. We had this nice cottage as our host house and we really enjoyed every moment in Boaman. Thank you Elghana
Lena Gilliland - Norway, Community project volunteer, June 2006
Lena Says:When I came to Ghana I did not know what to expect. I had no experience in social work. But in three months time my life has changed completely, and I have learned so much about what is important in life. No matter what, attitude is what improves your life. I saw how important the personal relationship to the client is to them. As a whole, the money we support with is only a fraction of the goodness we bring in to their life.
Matthew Jackson - Ancaster, ON, CANADA, April 2009
Matt Says:My experience in Ghana has been nothing but positive. The host family I stayed with was very kind and made my visit to Ghana very welcoming. I volunteered at the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital in Mampong. This was a fabulous experience, I was able to observe the every day proceedings in the physiotherapy department as well as other hospital wards. My favorite part of Ghana is the people, everyone is extremely friendly. I was fortunate enough to try local Ghanaian foods while staying with my host family and the weather in Eastern Region where I stayed is the best in Ghana.
If you are looking for good conversation starters, while I have been in Ghana I have found that most Ghanaian love to discuss, football, food and local polities. If you are well versed on these subjects you will make many friends where ever you go.
Keep up the work!
Maya Bauman - USA, July 2008
Maya Says:
I loved the time I spent in Ghana. The people were so wonderful and
friendly. I made many new friends through work and my host family.
The clinic in Sepaase is a great place to work. I had the opprotunity to
assist and learn many medical procedures. I feel that it was a good
environment for me, because I didn't have any medical experience before
coming to Ghana and the nurses there were fantastic teachers.
Elghana was very supportive during my stay. They always called to check on
how I was doing. I was very glad that I had them there, being my first time
in Ghana and I didn't know anyone there.
I quickly became very attached to my host family. My host mother was very
caring and protective, which made my mom in the US feel reassured. I spent a
lot of time with my host sister, who taught me Twi and basic chores such as
hand washing and cooking.
8. What words of advice do you have for incoming or newly arrived
volunteers
Just to be open to new experiences, and to be understanding of the cultural
differences between your home country and Ghana.
9. What words of advice do you have for elghana?
I don't have any, keep up the good work.
Nathan Leader - CANADA, April 2009
Nathan Says:Ghana is amazing country, the people these as very friendly and easy to approach especially at hospital where I volunteered. Elghana did a great job of setting everything we need up & dropping us at the host family. They were wonderful people eager to let us experience every thing Ghana had to offer; from the sight to all different foods.
Go in with open mind make sure you try and experience everything you can from the Ghanaian culture because you want be disappointed
Nick Paterson - CANADA, April 2009
Nick Says:Elghana did an incredible job of making sure everything was soundly organized throughout our/my stay. They constantly check up on us and with host family. They made adjustments in our place of work [hospital] to allow for more hands on experience. When we were lucky enough to meet up with other volunteers from different organization for drinks at the local spot and were able to swap stories, it became increasingly clear how great a set-up we had thanks to the hard work and dedication of the staff at Elghana
The second you get off the plane, try to adopt a sponge-like mentality. Absorb and appreciate the cultural differences and continue to keep an open at all times.
Great job, thanks for everything,
Megan Behl - USA
Megan Says:....The people are amazing!! They are the most genuine, warm, and friendly
people you will ever meet. I fell in love with the village and the kids, and they were
incredibly welcoming towards us. The children were eager to learn, were SO well
behaved, and even though I had never taught before, the children made the whole
experience awesome. Our host family was also incredible. I could not have asked for
a better host family. They always made sure....
words_of_advice_for_incoming_volunteers: Make the most of it!! Learn some Twi, talk
to and meet Ghanaians-they are SO friendly and welcoming!! Don't stay in your
comfort zone-get into the culture as much as you can and you will have a fantastic
time!
Victoria Joy-Warren - CANADA
Victoria aka Torie Says:
Volunteering in Ghana was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever
had! The people are so friendly and have the biggest smiles. While I was shaken by
some of the things I saw, it was impossible not to feel wonderful when surrounded by
such cheerful and friendly people. The orphanage especially was heartwarming. I
found it very hard to really understand the lives of the kids there. The bad seemed
covered up or trumped by the good, very opposite to most, if not all, western
cultures. As a picky eater I was extremely worried about the food in Ghana, but I
ate more than I do at home! It was all delicious. Overall I had an incredible
experience in Ghana, and couldn't help shedding a few tears when I left!
words_of_advice_for_incoming_volunteers: I would advice incoming volunteers to just
be prepared for everything. There were so many surprises (like not being able to
find a place to cash traveller's cheques)and it made me quite grateful to have such
a paranoid and thorough father getting me ready. It's also important to try to not
be timid in Ghana. You will miss out on so many things while taking the time to warm
up to the country.
Lena Walther - Germany, June 2007
Lena Says:My greatest moment - the day I distinguished between the identical twins I lived with in my host's home. Everything was great, the Antwi family, Elghana, the food and the community. In the first week, I was confused because Single parents could not work with the timetable I had. Then I understood the system, insufficient funds so you get to know what the organization can do the next day or week depending on what money is available. I had such a nice time with the HIV/AIDS counselling and the Orphans monitoring. The Doctors at St. Patrick's went round observing the patients and explaining things to me. Visiting the orphans in school was something I always would wish to do. The staff at Elghana was so wonderful. I am glad to come back after school. Ghana would always be my favorite destination.
