4th March
Finally the day had arrived. “Go” day. I
felt I’d been poised in starting position for the last two months! But now all the
hard work and preparation had brought dividends. I was going to the Mother Country!
Well, Ghana to be precise. For three months I would live and work in North West
Africa.
Before departure I had exchanged ideas and concerns
with a fellow volunteer, so when we met at the airport with our BUNAC representative
there was much excitement! How thrilling to be embarking on a journey to a life
so different from your own you can barely conceptualise it.
Goodbye British weather!
I had heard about the heat.
Being an English lady I was excited about the novelty! Descriptions of walking out
into a virtual oven lingered in my mind. But I couldn’t wait to feel it. Oooh the
moment we stepped off the plane my body was just infused with the sun’s heat! Warm
to the bone. Lush! I had arrived!
We were met at the airport by a representative from SYTO our host organisation in
Ghana. Our trip to the hostel made a serene comparison to the hectic airport. We
sailed through the hustle and bustle of Ghana’s capital Accra, taking in the tropical
sights and sounds of evening in the city. I noticed a background rhythm of cars
beeping and friendly shouts across the streets (Ghanaians like to be loud!). There
was an occasional breeze swinging the palm tree leaves, refreshing the balmy night
air. And breaking the relative peace, intermittent and extremely loud croaks of
frogs!
The next morning our arrival orientation began. We
were placed with a group of volunteers from Norway, Holland, and Switzerland. All
of us sharing our thoughts about our placements and generally having a good time.
I was surprised how quickly close, open relationships were formed. For example,
on the first morning I had breakfast with two Norwegian strangers, and by that evening
I was sharing a meal with ten new friends from all over Europe, having a laugh and
discussing some quite personal stuff! But it wasn’t all sitting around troffing!
Our orientation was packed full with valuable activities, such as a tour of Accra,
language and drumming lessons, visa processing and money matters. Most importantly
our SYTO representative held a lengthy discussion about cultural differences and
what to expect at our placements.
Placement day arrived. It was time to start work in Ghana! As a group we’d arranged
to meet the following weekend in Cape Coast. A must see for tourists west of Accra,
boasting beautiful scenery and historical interest. With these plans to look forward
to, we set out on our respective journeys dotted all around Ghana.
Settling in
It’s incredible to think that two weeks
have passed since I arrived. I have completed my first week teaching, based in a
rural area of south/central Ghana called Akroso. The village contains about 10,000
people with a lot of red earth, many schools, churches (Muslim and Christian), goats,
chickens and farmers, and only one telephone centre! My host family are fun, interesting
and sensitive people who treat me like a queen! I have become accustomed to feeling
like an over-protected spare part at times. I’m sure as time passes I will find
ways to show my appreciation. On the other hand my family is eager to involve me
socially. I am privileged to have attended a meeting with the chief of the village
at an annual festival, taken part in church singing and dance activities and be
invited to attend a funeral. All in one week!
As for my work placement, it has been challenging and intense. The children I teach
are radiant. They are good natured, helpful and fun to be with. I myself am learning
fast, and beginning to understand the Ghanaians a little better. There is much to
get used to!
See how Elizabeth settles into Ghanaian life in her next diary instalment, available
later this month.