GHANA – Children of Africa – June 16

6/17/2017

Here is our complete team for the first session.

June 18, 2017-

After what seemed like countless hours of traveling, we all eventually arrived here in Ghana. Some of us arrived earlier in the day, but most of us got here closer to midnight. One of us ended up flying in Saturday due to delayed flights.

On Saturday after breakfast we began our day with orientation and various games. A local seamstress came into our home and talked to us about Ghanaian fashion. She then took our measurements and we headed out to the market to buy fabrics, which she will eventually turn into pieces of clothing of our choice. Later in the afternoon we made our way down to the local park to play with all of the children. They quickly warmed up to us and we all spent several hours playing various games. Playing at Asitey Park soon became a unanimous favorite activity among the group. We ended the day with a bit more orientation and team building.

Today we began our day with delicious pancakes, sausage, fresh mango, local organic peanut butter and honey and oats. After that we walked to their local church, where we participated in many songs and dances. Everyone was very welcoming and at the end of the service they even prayed for all of us and our mission here in Ghana. The whole experience was beautiful and inspiring. After several bowls of peanut butter soup, chicken and rice (and vegetarian options) we learned how to batik, which is an art form where one can design fabrics. (You stain the fabric with hot wax and then dye the whole thing.) Shortly after, though interrupted by rain, we once again returned to Asitey Park to play with the kids. After dinner, Henry led us in some songs, dances, chants, and stories at a bonfire. We were then able to buy different snacks from a convenient store that came to us.

We are having lots of fun in Ghana and all of the group has become close. Be on the lookout for more blog posts about our upcoming adventures!

Rachel and Victoria

Student Bloggers

Getting to know you games

Going to the market in the ‘CoA Krobo’ Family Van!

Negotiating prices for fabric at the market

Finding the perfect fabric pattern and colour.

Just a few of the bolts of fabric to choose from!!

Church

Walking home from church

Our fabulous Kitchen staff!!

The art of Batik!

Playing with the children at Asitie Park.

The photo after GLA students danced in the rain!! (Soaked and Happy)

Finishing up Batik even in the rain.

June 20, 2017

Good Evening from Ghana

On Monday morning, we began our day touring both the nursery and elementary school in which we will be working at the next week and a half. The walking tour helped us decide which school we wanted to spend our days at, as we can only choose one. After lunch we all gathered to watch a TedTalk called “The Danger of a Single Story”. Essentially, it was about preconceived ideas, especially regarding peoples views on certain countries. The speech was from the perspective of a Nigerian woman who was also a published author. Then, as always, we got to play at the park with all of the kids. Towards the end of the day, we were told to stay in our rooms, not sure what was about to happen. About 20 minutes later, Jennifer and Benedicta came into our rooms and tied our bed sheets around us, making a dress. They also painted us up with blue and grey clay. We were then brought out to the front of the homebase, where we began our naming ceremony. We received names based off of each person’s order of birth in their family and were given bracelets as well. Many different people attended the ceremony to celebrate “our births”. Additionally, we learned about a celebration called, Dipo. Dipo is for young women who are entering adulthood. This ceremony takes place every year for an abundance of young women in Africa! We ended the night with a small celebration party that included veggie chips and delicious banana chips along with lots of laughter and fun!

On Tuesday, we started the day with scrumptious French toast and then made our way towards Cedi Bead Factory. We viewed multiple bead making demonstrations and eventually made our own beads out of recycled glass and clay! After firing the beads in an oven, we cleaned our beads with clay and water by scrubbing them on a rock. Next, we applied oil to give it a polished appearance. We arrived home for a late lunch, then headed to our first host family visit. We were able to comprehend the way of life in Ghana and inquire about different things regarding culture, occupations, lifestyles, etc. We even learned some words in the Krobo language. The afternoon was spent at the park playing with the children and gathered for dinner around 6PM. The night was spent creating lesson plans for our service sites. Some of the lesson plans included the teaching of adjectives, conjunctions, and verbs. Additionally, we chose classes that we will be attending at the Krobo Girls School later this week (High school in Krobo).

Your GLA student bloggers,

Rachel & Victoria

Krobo Naming Ceremony

Making beads at Cedi Beads, Odumase

Racing in Asitey park

Blowing bubbles, Asitey Park

Friends after a football match, Asitey Park

On Thursday, we began our day at our service sites either at the nursery or the elementary school. Those who go to the elementary school started out building bricks and then moved on to teaching English to their grade 4, 5 and 6 students. Later that day, the kitchen staff led us in a cooking class and Francis taught us the fine art of hawking. We all also went to our host families for the second time, which of course was followed by playing at the park with all the kids. Towards the end of the night we all were able to have a discussion with Henry regarding political and social issues in Ghana.

On Friday morning we presented the elementary school with soccer jerseys, which was then followed by a school soccer tournament. Two of our students were chosen to be referees for the soccer competition. Soon after, we went to the Krobo Girls Senior High School and all sat in on various classes for several hours, what a difference it is in comparison to our educational system back home. After going to the park we had a mentor activity which ultimately was related to cultural shock and interaction of societies.

On Saturday we went out to Boti Falls and did some hiking. In addition to Boti Falls, we also hiked to Umbrella Rock. The hike was difficult because of various terrains and steep inclines. We had lunch at the park then headed home. After some time at Asitey Park we headed over to Krobo Girls Senior High School again and watched their very own beauty pageant.

The music was great throughout the evening – and we even had a chance to join the spontaneous ‘dance party’.

Time in Ghana has really flown by and will continue to as we approach the end of our program! We can assure you that we have all enjoyed this experience so far. Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming journeys!

Your bloggers,

Rachel and Victoria

Building bricks

The first day of teaching

Our first visit to Krobo Girls School

Cooking class

Learning how to balance things on your head is the first lesson in ‘Hawking’.
Here we begin with wood and work our way up to a large jug half filled with water.
Our teacher Francis is an expert!

Watching our elementary school play soccer against another school.

Attending classes at Krobo Girls School

Boti Falls

Our hike to Umbrella Rock

On Sunday, we spent the day at Sajuna Beach Resort and made a stop at the bead market on the way home. The following day, we made bricks in the morning & enjoyed the afternoon shopping for souvenirs. Later, we visited our host families for the last time and played at the park. That night, we had a guest speaker speak on business women of Ghana. On Tuesday, we taught in the morning and took classes at the Krobo Girls School that afternoon. The night was spent listening to cultural stones & dancing. Wednesday our last day, was spent teaching at the school and packing our belongings. Additionally, Jackie, the seamstress, brought us our clothing we ordered. Later we visited the park for the last time & enjoyed a slideshow that showed the past two weeks. The past 2 weeks have been unforgettable & none of us are quite ready to leave. Tomorrow, we depart for home but will say one last goodbye to our village friends at the nursery & school.

-Rachel & Victoria

Teaching and Learning at Asitey Elementary School