The Young Leader

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Time Capsule – Ghana – Children of Africa – July 18 – July 31, 2017

We were so fortunate to have this particular group of people for our third session. It’s not easy to ask someone to leave their comfort zone and be thrown into a new place and live so closely with a group of 20 other people, doing and being exposed to so much in a very short amount of time.
You all made those 14 days so wonderful and full of joy.  If it wasn’t for everyone’s constant positive energy and support we couldn’t have gotten through the heat, the rain, the time changes, sicknesses, crazy kids that often times don’t listen, covering shoulders and thighs and the various culture shocks.  Even though we had our fair share of road bumps you all made the most of the experience and faced the challenges head-on.
All of these things helped shape our third session into a unique experience that was only possible because of how well you all got along and played to the fullest!  You were all so awesome and so full of life we only hope that you continue to grow and broaden your horizons.  Adventures like these help us become more interconnected with the world around us, as well as help us grow and better understand ourselves, our passions, our strengths and how we can make the greatest positive impact on the world making us the best versions of ourselves we can be.
Like Henry said at the bonfire, you have traveled a long way and had the opportunity to experience a totally new culture.  You have grown in some incredible ways on this trip and we hope that you take those with you into the next chapters of your lives.  Whether it be you next year of high school, your first year of college, a gap year, a new job, we hope that you remember the great times we had as well as the challenges you overcame during your time in Odumase-Krobo.  Signing up for an experience like this one, you never know what will happen and we were so lucky to be left with long lasting memories and hopefully a life changing experience.
And know that if you could do this, then you can do anything you set your mind to!
Here were just a few highlights to remember…
– Gina the global giraffe
– All of the pebbles!
– Quinn’s energy
– Ali teaching everyone to dance
– “Shana’s dad’s in the mafia”
– “a mountain lion ate my goat”
– Alex swimming in a pool of vomit / Alex woke me up and now I’m sad -Nichole
– Brian okeefe is Katie’s husband
– “what’s your spirit animal?”
– Alex’s inner 9 year old
– the babies who fell asleep on Ali. M
– Natalia, Nutella, Harriet
– bum bum bum balika I see your face!
– Sarah and Jennifer <3
– Collins and Megan <3
– Annie’s mad word game skillZ
– Bananagrams or British-grams?
– conquering the nursery hill!
– late night room chats
– Game day! Scavenger hunt and Trifecta!
Keep being awesome superstars!
From all of the Ghana Children of Africa 2017 staff with much love,
-Henry, Charity, Nana Ama, Benedicta, Esther, Gideon, Felicia, Frances, Kaye and Wendy
Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our new destinations for Summer 2018, or enroll now.

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Time Capsule – Ghana – Children of Africa – July 2 – July 15, 2017

A lot of water has fallen down the Boti Falls but it’s still gushing down.  Its only by the grace of God that we are all well in our various endeavors.  As Krobo men and women,  i am confident that you are keeping your spouses happy and “Dipo” certified content (wink wink).  We are still keeping our kitchens busy as well as our posture pure with hawking every now and again .

I am waiting for my bride price oooooo,  those who owe me get that cheque book out. By your commitment we can boast of better grades and standard of education in Asitey and Edmon Preschool after all this time.  Yahweh bless you indeed.  Hey can you remember how much we danced in church?  The church has a new building now.  I am sure Cedi beads and batik making has taught you to be patient because quality things take time.

In all challenges that confront you remember your social skills and tolerant attitude. . How about the Krobo Girls students,  has any of them crossed your path? Have you seen how big “Olongo”  is become on the international music scene?  They performed at Montreal, Glastonbury,  New York and Chicago. Follow them if You have the time.

I hope the boys are now singing songs with better content…  Kids from the park are now grown up and love school,  they help out with host families and are useful to the current GLA students.  For everyone i have a “boggle” word or phrase to describe your experience 10 years ago..

I end by sending you on a journey back to a lunch of peanut butter soup,  with rice balls and fresh chopped mango. I wont forget the side order of cocoyam crisps.. Mmmmmmm.

For whatever the challenge you face,  just remember our song….

Ba ba ba ba
Shebaba oooo
o Shebaba….

-Henry

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our new destinations for Summer 2018, or enroll now.

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Time Capsule – Ghana – Children of Africa – June 16 – June 29, 2017

Our first group this summer was comprised of 17 wonderful women from throughout the United States.  Although they were all from the same country, they were diverse in their personalities, offering their passion, enthusiasm and wide range of expertise to the GLA program.  They definitely set the bar high!

They met every experience of the program head on with great energy.  Their flexibility with respect to the Ghanian way of life was key to the success of their program.  When the rain poured down during Batik making, they danced in it; when the programs started late, they found various ways of passing time; when the bricks collapsed, they started again; when teachers were not in their classes, they took full control ……. you get the picture!  Their individual positive attitude was infectious for the collective vibe.

Down time you ask??

There really wasn’t any as all the students LOVED to fill in the curricular gaps with games and engaging conversation.

Recollections of the first program which put a smile on my face:

  • Sadie arriving later than the rest of the crew due to a flight mishap, jumping right in without missing a beat
  • Ginna meditating at Umbrella Rock, while Rachel and Nicki hung off the cliff
  • Hayley and Isabelle enjoying entertaining the nursery students with GIANT bubbles
  • Victoria, Izzy and Frances gracefully trying to balance the Gerry can on their heads during the hawking lesson
  • Alli rockin’ it making bricks in her pink floral skirt
  • Liz and Mckenzie refereeing the local soccer competition
  • Ella sprinting around the outside of the circle in pursuit of one of the local children while playing ‘duck, duck, goose’
  • Sophie outrunning every ‘bro’ on the field when playing a friendly game of soccer
  • Tatum always having a child in her arms or on her back while playing in the park
  • Quillan, Jessica and others getting a full on soaker during a Ghanian  downpour – smiles from ear to ear!

-Wendy

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our new destinations for Summer 2018, or enroll now.

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Time Capsule – Ghana – Building Healthy Villages – July 21 – August 3, 2017

Two weeks in Ghana building compost toilets and adventuring in an Ewe community with nine strangers your age, a bunch of locals, and a couple of crazy American ladies…who knew that was the recipe for the perfect family away from home?! After hours of hard physical labor, conflicting discussions, swimming shenanigans in the lagoon, mealtime conversations on the deck, and group hugs to share the love, we definitely mastered the art of “family” vacationing with purpose!

Let’s recap some of the awesomeness we all created during our time in Dzita…

-Belgians…’nuff said

-Lagoon dips during every possible 5 minute break

-Graeme’s Haka performance – “Camate camate cora cora!!”

-Tom’s drumming skillzz

-Never have I ever

-Kittens!

-Amber’s acting performance, mourning over Victor’s death during the traditional Ghanaian dance class.

-Maximo’s epic facial expressions

-Alison’s natural remedies and happyface pics

-Tristan’s wicked oyster shell sliced foot

-Victor’s ninja skillzz

-Ethan’s dad jokes

-Kailas’ panther stare

-Mackenna’s filterless awesomeness

-Bea’s cuddlebug hugs

-Georgina’s ginger power

-Derek’s song writing and acting skillzz

-Banus -_-

-Notes under doors

-Side flip!

-Yevu! Amayibo!

-75th toilet!

-Coke floats!

-Papa’s specials

-Movie night!!!

-Ice cream in the Accra mall

-The Belgians playing mini djembe drums in the Accra mall while Kailas danced

-Carrying pans of water/sand on our heads

-Akpe!

-“We don’t need leaders.”…ahem. 😉

-“All breakages are payable!” – Ballo

-“It wasn’t me…are you sure?” – Jasper

-Justine’s food…yummmm!

-DJ Ferry’s beats

There are hundreds more memorable moments from our two weeks together, but  when looking back at photos and reminiscing over that one time in Ghana, we’ll all think fondly of our time together and send a quick Snapchat to the group, just to say hi and keep in touch. Stay awesome everyone! And always remember how powerful your leadership is in this world! YOU can make a difference, and you will always have support from GLA and each other! Hugs and love to you all! 🙂

-Alison Owens

 

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our new destinations for Summer 2018, or enroll now.

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Time Capsule – Ghana – Building Healthy Villages – July 5 – July 18, 2017

As I sit here writing this letter it is hard to believe that we only spent two weeks together. As you all flew away to your respective homes it felt like I had know you much longer. We accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. Three hard working teams built three compost toilets that will change the community of Agbledomi for generations to come.
You worked tirelessly in the heat mixing mortar, lifting heavy blocks, balancing head pans full of sand and water on your heads, shoveling concrete, and trying to master the art of “flicking” as we plastered all the walls. At times the work was grueling but you muscled through with the help of our talented Ghanaian masons.
Jasper, Ballo, Boots, and Bernard helped keep a smile on our faces even when the sun was beating down and our bodies were aching. Sore muscles weren’t the only things you gained during your time in Dzita. You gained new knowledge about local health concerns from Rose, how to make beautiful batik cloth with Titi, how to haggle at the market, and how to play a djembe from Mustafa and his gang.
I hope you take all of your new skills with you into whatever adventure lays ahead. Thank you so much for coming with open hearts and minds. It was amazing to hear all of your stories and to recognize what a diverse range of experiences we all represent.
I will never forget your synchronized swimming skills or Aiden’s dancing, and mafia will always make me think of the 11 teens I met once upon a time in Ghana. Don’t forget to practice self love, set goals and go for them, and always remember to Dream Big!
Akpe Kakaka! I will always remember you fondly.
-Amber 
Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our new destinations for Summer 2018, or enroll now.

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