Learning Experience

I just need to start out by saying how much I am learning through my job here in Accra. I had been warned that NGOs tend to move slowly and that volunteers are often underutilized. Essentially I was told that I should not expect to be given much work and that I would be frustrated easily.  I, however, have had such a positive experience at my work place. I have been given so many different projects and have been learning so much, not just about my organization, but about the legal system surrounding the rights of children both in Ghana and internationally.  A little background on my employer: Child’s Rights International focuses on the rights of children in Ghana, with emphasis currently on legislation, education and juvenile justice.  There is a more “paperwork” side which deals with ensuring that laws are implemented and clearly defined to protect children.  The other side is what is considered “fieldwork” and involves going into schools and educating children on their rights.  Many young girls do not know that they have the right to refuse an arranged marriage and a large majority of the children did not know that they have a right to education and that their parents cannot keep them home to have them complete household chores. 
I am really loving the organization and feel that it definitely suits my desire to explore social work more.  My first big project was to create a promotional booklet which would explain the Rights of the Child Clubs project.  I dove right into it and my boss has told me it has been sent to publishing.  My boss must be slightly crazy because next he had me edit and write the executive summary for his report to the UN on behalf of Ghana.  It still blows my mind to know that my words will be read by such important people!  My most recent project was a press release about a research report that CRI completed about the institutions of family and friendship and the effects of this on the wellbeing of children in Ghana.  I then got to go to a bunch of media houses (radio, television and newspaper) to deliver the press release.  A really cool moment was when I was on the trotro and heard the radio talking about the report and mentioning my boss and organization.  I just came back from “the field”.  I have been working in communities in Mankessim.  Children flocked to the orbuni at their school, and I learned a lot about the way school systems and rural communities operate in Ghana.  All of these projects terrified me at first, but it is so exciting to have done things outside of my comfort zone and to know that I am gaining skills that I can use in the future. 

I am still having a great time on the weekends (and sometimes weekday nights).  I went to a salsa night where you learn some basic steps and watch amazing dancers perform like they were born twirling.  We then moved to a reggae night on the beach and danced the night away.  This past weekend I went to Busua beach and went surfing!  Despite having bruised knees and my feet being covered in sandfly bites, the weekend was amazing.  Fell in love with an 8-month old baby named Nana and made friendships with some local surf instructors.   Constantly learning things here in Ghana, can't wait to look back in a couple of months and see how my experience has panned out.

Also, this is one of my favourite songs at the moment...not surprising.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpBBkyVfUJE

Feeling at Home

Had the strangest feeling yesterday when I got off the trotro in my neighbourhood and began my walk home. I had a sense of belonging.  Said my hellos to the woman at the corner who sells corn and will offer shelter in the rain.  Continued my familiar walk past my favourite little kid who is about three years old and determined to teach me Twi.  His mom told me she would have a loaf of bread for me today.  Rounded the corner onto my street, said hello the local convenience stand owner, and pushed through my gate to my house.  There is no better feeling than familiarity in a place, and I am really starting to feel that here in Ghana.  There are some moments where people make fun of me or times when I am really confused about what is going on around me, but to have a nice place to come home to is very special.  Sitting around with my housemates cooking or just chatting about or days really helps me to unwind.

The days at work are laid back and friendly.  The office is very nice and I have been working on an interesting project.  I have been compiling a book which showcases the experiences of students in schools who have taken place in Rights of the Child Clubs.  These clubs teach children about their rights and how their participation is vital in promoting awareness.  There are lots of local places to grab lunch around my office and I have been enjoying the local dishes.  I had fufu for the first time yesterday!  Fufu is a bashed plaintain and casava ball that is almost like dough and is used to sop up soup and meat. Delicious and FILLING.

The weekends here in Ghana are a great time.  I have been lucky to have great people to go out with, having fun on patios and at local "spots" (a Ghanaian bar).  And this past weekend was wonderful and relaxing at Safari Beach Lodge.  It was like a tropical paradise, except for the constant spots of rain.  The term "rainy season" is serious.  But that didn't stop us from going into the village, jumping rope with the kids and hiking up to the only place in the whole area with a television to watch the Eurocup final.  Depite being dirty, tired and hungry a lot of the time, my Ghanaian experience is turning out to be a blast.