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| Vicky's kindergarten class |
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| The Senior "library" |
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| The Science Lab |
Julianna and Prince gave me a tour of the school today. I took some pictures of the classes and got a real sense where they are in terms of its development and what they can really use from donations, basically science lab set up (the room is built, the sinks are in, but that’s it) as well as several more computers (and printers) for the computer lab. Their senior school library is pathetic, with only a handful of books on the almost entirely bare shelves. They could really use High School level book donations, texts, magazines (I can imagine stacked back issues of National Geographic collecting dust in many an attic or basement back home), novels etc..
It was amazing to walk onto the grounds and be simply swarmed by Elementary school children, all smiling faces, bright eyes and giggles. They wanted to touch me, talk to me and have their pictures taken. Prince was also swarmed by children wanting to give him letters for their UK penpals! What a great program to have; the kids obviously are right into it. A beautiful , self-collected young girl, named Abigail, asked if I would be her pen pal, she is a boarder at the school, so I said I would be seeing her more and we could talk about it. Maybe I could get Cassandra or Sheridan involved writing her?
The middle school children and seniors were far more reserved and too cool to stare. I was reminded today that Ghanaians move at a slower pace to us North Americans (and Europeans), and need to remember to speak slowly while teaching. At this point it appears I will be teaching middle school introductory French (I can manage it, they only begin in grade 7), senior English and Senior Science (here it is called Integrated Science which seems to be quite a lot like the grade 9 science curriculum at home, predominantly made up of biology (including human physiology), a bit of basic chemistry, a smiggen of physics as well as agricultural science (I wonder if this addition has to do with the government’s push to advance their agricultural development (that’s all they need, to use up more of their land for the sake of agribusiness; certainly doesn’t seem like the people need it with the brimming roadside markets, so most likely economic –exportation- reasons).
I then was taken into Kumasi with Prince (or Fei, he goes by both). It is customary that all heads of communities (in this case, the village of Adumasa, as well as the organizations connected with my visit). I met so many people I can’t tell you who they all were, besides top Presbyterian officials (Ramseyer Presbyterian Church of Kumasi served as reference for me, giving me a letter of invitation enabling my successful visa application and entry into the country; it’s harder to get into Ghana then it is into Canada I think), Kumasi East Rotarian (past president) and some high ranking municipal member (I think). The village chief was not in when we called so we have put this visit off until tomorrow.
I have re-discovered (initial discovery while in Costa Rica) that I don’t function well in 30- odd degree heat and humidity and, worse still, considering the rather unexpected exposure and hob-nobbing I am doing and will be doing, next week with more Rotary Club, CanSee and Adumasi Link projects visits, my wardrobe is the pits. Ghanains seem to take pride in their appearance, (not matter their level of income) even if they are walking around with wares on their heads or babies on their backs…it is quite astounding. The way the woman strap their children to their back with pieces of cloth is reminiscent of the north as is their strength and resilience.
Speaking of what one can buy at the market, I bought a cell phone from people working from a plastic table under a ratty red Vodaphone (the common phone company) umbrella. This is after changing money, under the sign of Feudex Exchange; a low-lit, wooden room (reminded me of India’s offices and banks), sidling up to an old fashioned bank teller façade, separating us from the surly looking man on the underside, who checked the chalk-written exchange rates to our left and then haggling the rate down considering I was exchanging only twenties). Just downstairs, at an equally questionable-looking set-up, I ordered a USB modem/air card thing to use cell phone signals to get internet with my laptop. Back tomorrow with my laptop to pick it up and configure it properly.
I came home to yet another home cooked meal by the principal (and school "marm" as it has a boarding students who she is on call for over the weekend) also doubling as my roommate; this arrangement was made for my benefit, not hers as she has her own home, just on the other side of the school. I did usher her home after supper though, assuring her I was totally comfortable on my own, so she could go home to wash up (even Ghanaians are sweaty and duty in this heat and, I am sure, enjoy, if available a shower or rinse off after the long day) and relax in the comfort of her own home. She’s been feeding me since I arrived (staying up to serve us a hot meal at 11:30 last night, having to go to work this morning for 6am and then returning to make me lunch (it was my breakfast- I slept late), showing me which plants in the back garden she used, which parts are best etc.. as well as discussing, as tonight, the education system in Ghana and life as a teacher. She too is doing her masters. She did her education degree when she had 3 small children in Cape Coast (near Accra, where I arrived) and is now trying for her Masters in Administration, specific to discipline. She is finding it hard, being so far from her supervisor, (he is on the coast, some 8 hours from here) and unable to discuss her work etc... I would love to set her up with a lap top and skype. She would be all set. This will be my mission when I return, to see how to make this happen for her. We exchanged cell phone numbers and she went on her way. I also have my very own bodyguards day and night (actually school custodians, but stick close to the house when I'm around) here, so she need not worry. Ben is just outside the door with his guard dog in training (looks like a collie pup, just about the size of his two hands).
The wickedest storm just passed through and has cooled things off considerably. I am feeling comfortable. I have washed my clothes in the sink (very few Ghanaians, even those well-off, have washing machines), showered, downloaded my pictures onto the computer (will upload them as soon as I have internet access), kind of figured out my phone (enough to know that I need to ask one of those under-the-red-umbrella vendors a few questions for clarification) and now scribbling a lengthy log entry.
My back is sore from the lack of backrest and all this writing. I must go to bed so as not to sleep in too late tomorrow. I can hear the rhythmic thumping of the baseline of music. There is an outdoor concert (held by a local church I was told) going on in the field down the street; not bad for a rural village which spans along a dirt road, without so much as a town centre, or maybe I’m in it?
Vocab: Spelled phonetically:
In reply to “Akwaaba” (welcome), to a woman, say “ya ena” man: “ya i ja”; then ya soom (in agreement)
Good morning: ma choo
Good afternoon: ma ha
Good evening/night: ma jo
To checkout pictures taken thus far, go to:
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