October 2022:
I have been in Ghana for a month now, volunteering with the organisation project trust. Project trust is an international volunteering charity that focus on long term overseas placements. I am living in Strogbe, Ghana and team at east ridge junior high school.
I am teaching Maths and Science to form one. However as many teachers do not always turn up to school everyday I have been covering other lessons at short notice.
My classes consist of 40 people , between the ages of 12-18. After school I often visit a big family I have befriended and help the children to practice their reading and writing while the parents teach me to cook , speak and eat like a true Ghanaian. Strogbe is in the Volta region of Ghana , home to the ewe people so I am currently learning to speak ewe and have already mastered their traditional ewe dance.
I have been lucky enough to attend a wedding here which has helped me to really emerge myself in the culture. At the end of the month I will also be attending a funeral , which are huge celebrations of life , family and friendship here. So far the experience has been amazing and I cannot wait to continue learning about and exploring this wonderful country that is my new home.
February 2023 :
As i approach the half way point of my placement , I wanted to send an update.
I am teaching maths and science this term to form 1 classes ( about S1 level ). This is keeping me very busy as I also help out covering other teachers lessons when they sick or cannot teach for some reason. I am trying to encourage a love of learning and the idea that trying your best is all you can do. I have a closer bond with a few of the girls in the class who come to me for extra maths help at break times.
I hope i am encouraging the girls to see that maths and science are oaths they can go down if it is what they want to do and being a role model to be a brave and independent young women. I love encouraging the kids to dream big by asking rhag simple questions about what they want to be when they are left and how they will get there.
Outside of school I have been learning all about Ghanaian culture and particularly the culture of the ewe tribe ( the people I am living amongst ).
April 2023:
As i approach the half way point of my placement , I wanted to send an update.
I am teaching maths and science this term to form 1 classes ( about S1 level ). This is keeping me very busy as I also help out covering other teachers lessons when they sick or cannot teach for some reason. I am trying to encourage a love of learning and the idea that trying your best is all you can do. I have a closer bond with a few of the girls in the class who come to me for extra maths help at break times. I hope i am encouraging the girls to see that maths and science are oaths they can go down if it is what they want to do and being a role model to be a brave and independent young women. I love encouraging the kids to dream big by asking rhag simple questions about what they want to be when they are left and how they will get there.
Outside of school I have been learning all about Ghanaian culture and particularly the culture of the ewe tribe ( the people I am living amongst ).
August 2023:
I have now had time to digest my time in Ghana and begin to reflect. I want to share my final thoughts and experiences of the whole year.
This year has taught me so much and opened my eyes to a new way of life. Ghanaian culture is one of openness and teamwork. I have been inspired to take on these values in my own life and always have room in my heart to help and look out for others. The comradery I experiences especially with the women of ghana has been amazing. The women of ghana are super heros, they take on so many roles. They are teachers and sellers , business women and amazing cooks, wonderful mothers and talented singers.
I left school after my students sat exams , I was so proud of how hard they worked and the results they gained. I can see an improvement in their confidence and am sure this will continue as I pass my project on to the next set of volunteers.
In my final month in ghana I got in touch with an ngo called “girls club ghana” and helped them to find a period manual to share with girls in the region. They also have a program teaching communities to make their own reusable menstrual pads. My mother and I were able to donate some materials for them to do this.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout this year and encourage all those who have the opportunity to visit my second home , Ghana.
