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| Chair:Dr. K. Kwansah-Filson (Director). In attendance: Team comments on first 2-week reception: Exactly what it should have been. |
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Team comments on the stay at Cape Coast:
Accommodation
The rooms and food at the 'Jubilee Lodge Hotel' were very good.
Also a nice communal area was provided. Only problem was a lack
of drinking water and toilet paper on occasions.
Induction course
Arrangement and project content were excellent.
The initial health lecture was very informative, whilst its relaxed
approach prevented it from worrying us too much.
The History and Geography lectures were most interesting. Dr Achea
seemed to love his subjects and was a very intelligent man.
The Excerpts of Ghanaian Experiential Living lectures were very
appropriate, Dr and Mrs Achea providing a good example of what they
were talking about.
As our Twi Language teacher, Madame Comfort was excellent. A very
patient lady, who was most receptive to all questions and comments,
very well liked by the team!
The group agreed that the morning lessons were more productive than
those that took place in the afternoon.
The interaction with the Obahema was very much enjoyed and appreciated
by all.
Before their exams the team felt worried and nervous. Happily, after
the exam they felt relieved and happy. All agreed that the exams
were good in terms of giving a sense of achievement.
Extra curricular activities
Brilliant. Very appropriate.(on Enoch Assafuah) He deserves a well-earned
10 out of ten for acting as our guide. Impeccable. Very helpful
and adaptable.
General comments
Very well balanced. A good introduction to Ghana.
Exactly what it should have been.
Restaurant at 'Hans Cottage' looked better than the one at 'Kakum'
Rain Forest.
Forthcoming dates of importance:
06/03/03 - Independence Day!
07/03/03 - Team will depart from Dunkwa-on-Offin.
08/03/03 - First ATN review meeting at HQ in Kumasi.
[2]
Report Received 22 March 2003
David,
Please find my report from
Kind regards, Lanner
I am helping out at the Bawdie Arboretum, Resort and Tours (to give the official name!). My working day includes both mental and physical exertion. The mental takes the form of mapping the area covered by the Arboretum, no easy task when one is in the middle of the bush and can't see more than about two meters away from the path, and labelling the important trees and giving a brief description of any medicinal / economic details. I can safely say that my G.C.S.E Latin is being stretched to breaking point! The physical exertion includes digging a pond in front of a wildlife hide, building the hide itself and & clearing trees and undergrowth to make space for such projects. Needless to say I have blisters to be proud of but thankfully these are the worst of the injuries I have sustained.
In the evenings we relax by playing cards with Mr Ajie (the Director) and his wife and telling ananse stories. I continue to enjoy the experience immensely and my Twi is slowly improving too!.
ATN - Second Review Meeting of January 2003 Team.
Date: 8th March 2003.
Chair: Dr. Kofi Kwansah-Filson (Director).
In attendance: Mrs. Joyce Kwansah-Filson (Co-Director), Miss Lucy
Matthews, Mr. Wuyi Zhang, Mr. Leander Feltham (Lanner), and Miss
Sarah Hayes.
Minutes:
· Outstanding issues from1st review meeting cleared.
· Health: Slight stomach upsets all round, but nothing major.
Wuyi's cat scratch.
· Accommodation: The house and food in Dunkwa-on-Offin were
lovely. Everything fine.
Work:
(Sarah) Catholic Girl's JSS: Highlighted the school's apparent
lack of preparation for a volunteer. Perhaps more explanation, (pre
volunteer) was required. Found this month in Dunkwa to be a good,
eye-opening experience of how schools in Ghana are operated. Felt
that if she had been in the school for longer, she could have had
more of an effect. She is considering returning to Dunkwa (with
Lucy) to see that the library (created by former ATN volunteers)
will be used by the local people. Upsettingly this library remains
locked while there are no foreign volunteers to open it.
Re: The Library issue: Doctor Filson suggested enlisting the help
of a National Service Volunteer.
[3]
(Lucy) Government & Private hospitals: As part of her special
program, followed the Doctors around both the government and private
hospitals. Felt she had too much time free in the afternoon, and
would have liked more guidance as to how to help. She felt that
the private hospital in particular had little for her to do. Found
the government hospital much more interesting and helpful.
At this point in the meeting, Joyce (drawing on her own experiences
of being a volunteer) recommended that the team use their own initiative
more with regard to time-filling: "Explore all the options!"
(Lanner) Catholic Boys JSS: Although he appreciated "freedom
of choice", Lanner also wished to stress that "a presentation
of the what is required" (more guidance) was just as important.
He suggested that more balance between the two (freedom <->
direction) may be required. Commenting that, whilst of course our
initiative is useful and needed, the temporary nature of our time
in Dunkwa may have prevented the team from setting up more projects.
Lanner noted that some of the teachers place the blame on the pupils
when they fail to understand, rather than themselves as teachers.
Lanner expressed a worry that, as an untrained teacher, he may not
have been such a useful addition to the school.
On a positive note, Lanner's football matches with the local children
attracted a crowd each time they played. He found this to be a fun
experience after a tiring day, as the kids loved it "It wasn't
all bad!"
(Wuyi) Found the living conditions to be better than expected, but
was not satisfied with his work performance. Felt that all children
have potential, but the discipline in his school was "not good".
He did not feel that his teaching was able to catch the pupil's
attention. However, he noticed that the Headmaster appeared to have
the same problem! Wuyi explained that, without good discipline,
he could not work.
As for good things, Wuyi felt that the syllabus in Ghana is better
than in China and that teacher training is good. He also commented
that people in Dunkwa were kind.
Doctor Filson commented that the team's reports were all very helpful
to ATN in terms of placing future volunteers and he was grateful
for the honest feedback.
Phase II embarkation:
· The team is on course and Dr. Filson is pleased.
New Placements:
· Lanner and Sarah - Bawdie (hosts: Mr. & Mrs. Adjei).
Wuyi - Kumasi (hosts: Dr & Mrs. Kwansah-Filson). Lucy - Wassa
Akropong (Hosts: Mr. & Mrs. Nemi).
Time Frame:
School's vacation - 10th April 2003, for 2 /2 weeks.
Outline of team tour of Ghana:
Kumasi - Tachiman - Byoyam (Bat Cave: discovered by former volunteers/
Contact Dr. Ocklin) - Techiman - Tamale (Damango Hostel: Contact
Ben Wilson) - (From Damango) Visit Mole Reserve/ Larabanga - Volta
Lake (cross at Bupei or Yapei: 24 hour Boat ride) - Akosombo (dam)
- Accra (see 3rd Sec of British High Commission) - Cape Coast -
Axim (relax!)
[4]
ATN - Third Review Meeting of the January Team.
Outstanding Issues: 11th May 2003
None from last meeting. Dr. Filson commented that we are the first team to actually write up the minutes from their meetings.
Reports of Mid-placement tour:
(Lucy) Everything went very smoothly. We were unable to contact any of Dr. Filson's contacts, but this was not really a problem. She would like to suggest that the Volta Lake boat trip be done in the other direction in future. I.E. it would be much quicker to go from Akosombo - Yeji. (The team then discussed a new route for future groups with Dr. Filson, who has the details). Lucy stressed that the trip was a good opportunity to see lots of Ghana in a relatively short amount of time.
(Lanner) Agreed with Lucy's comments. He brought it to Dr. Filson's attention that most prices had been significantly more than anticipated, e.g. the boat fare had doubled since the last group's trip (hence the team spent almost twice the amount provided to them - expenses have been listed for each day, and will be forwarded to Dr. Filson via E-mail). All of the team agreed that a thorough survey (if only via telephone), of current prices would be helpful before sending future groups out on the tour.
(Sarah) It was really nice to see more of Ghana. Commented that the timing of the trip (i.e. half-way point) was well planned, as it was nice to get back to the project site, feeling refreshed and ready to get things moving there.
(Wuyi) Told the group that he had spent his time in Accra visiting the University's music and dance department, where he learnt some Ghanaian dancing. During the Easter weekend, the beach was very crowded. Noting that all visitors had left their bags unattended, Wuyi thought it would be safe to leave his also. Unfortunately he this resulted in him having all his money stolen, (470, 000 Cedis and US$350). Nevertheless, Wuyi enjoyed his time in Accra. The other team members suggested trying to claim for the theft on insurance, but sadly Wuyi had not arranged any travel insurance.
Recommendations:
Dr. Filson: Stressed that all members of the team should have taken part in the programme tour. He suggests that in future, all team members will be asked to sign an undertaking to abide by the ATN program, as agreed in London. He stressed that there is safety in numbers.
Lucy: Suggested that if Wuyi had wanted to add his extra activities to the programme, prior to the group's departure, this could have easily been arranged. The team could have all visited Accra together.
Wuyi: Explained that he had thought this time was a holiday and
that volunteers were free to do as they wished.
[5]
Joyce: Commented that the programme is flexible and volunteers can
go where they choose. However, as Directors of ATN, Dr. Filson and
herself are responsible for volunteer welfare, hence it is vital
that they know where people are at all times. Additionally, volunteer's
movements should not conflict with the ATN programme.
The team commented that the initial agenda provided by ATN has not been reflective of our time here. All present agreed that future groups should note the flexibility of the timetable.
Discussions of Identified projects:
It is suggested on the ATN website that teams staying in Ghana for six-months bring a donation of 750 pounds. Dr. Filson stated that however much the team has brought is fine.
Donations raised:
Lucy: 500 Pounds Lanner: 500 pounds Sarah 500pounds Kilburn Parochial
Church Council: 100 pounds
Wuyi: As yet has been unable to bring any money out of China, as
is the law there. He suggests Dr. Filson write an official letter
from ATN, (stating the money is a charitable donation), which he
send along with his visa and passport to his parents for processing
in China. The team agreed that this is worth a try!
Projects:
Lucy: Has been speaking to Dr. Sarpong about polio victims. Dr. Sarpong has spoken to a welder about making some special wheelchairs at a cost of C700, 000. This is a very basic design however, and normal wheelchairs only cost a little more (C750, 000), as well as having more comfortable seats and breaks etc. Lucy suggests that the welder could perhaps adapt pre-bought wheelchairs, thus the final product would be more suitable. She plans to investigate medical suppliers in Ghana. Dr. Filson has said he will supply an official ATN letter for such companies, to see if we can obtain a good, bulk price. Joyce says she will check prices in Kumasi.
Lanner: Is aware that he is working at a privately owned project. However he feels that his donation should be spent on a community based project. Therefore he has decided to split up his 500 pounds. Next week he will pay C600, 000 for one of the boys at Bawdie JSS to have a well over-due hernia operation. Isaac Sodey is seventeen years old, and has needed the operation since he was a baby. His mother has spent several years paying off a debt left to her, by her late husband, thus cannot afford to pay for the operation. The teachers at the school had been talking about trying to raise this money themselves. However, this is a lot of money for the teachers to find, and is the equivalent too less than 50pounds. Therefore Lanner has decided to pay for it. Lanner does wish to provide the project site (where he has been volunteering) with maps, tree labels and signposts for the arboretum. This should cost less than 200 pounds and will be for the educational benefit of the community. Lanner wishes to add the second half of his donation to the library project (see below).
[6]
Sarah: Is helping Bawdie JSS to acquire the materials for a community-based library-building project. A former MP had donated some materials for this purpose, and a site had been chosen. However, the government changed and the project was left in the air. Sarah and Mr. Okoe (the headmaster) have obtained an estimate (of around 2500 pounds). They are setting about encouraging local companies to donate building materials. The Bawdie Chief is mobilizing the community to provide, sand, stones etc. The local student union has pledged to provide the manpower for building.
Suggested donors for library materials:
Sarah & Lanner's donation - 700 Pounds.
SMS (cement company) The director, Mr. Gyasi-Nimako, is a friend
of Dr. Filson. Samatex (timber company) Lucy, Lanner and Sarah have
befriended an employee here.The current MP - appeal to common fund.
The Regional Minister - GHACEM donation of cement to regional common
fund.
A meeting in the school is being organized to bring all concerned together. Suggested date: 20th May 2003. Call Dr. Filson in Dunkwa to confirm this - 037228410 (office) 483 (residential).
Request for Funds:
Team looked at forms for the requesting of funds. These must be
signed by Joyce and Dr. Filson. Estimate making - always add a small
miscellaneous.
In three days time, the amount requested can be delivered.
Other Matters:
Money for movement given May/June.
Team to E-mail Dr. Filson with outstanding extra costs of trip.
Team have suggested that the following information be added to ATN
website for the information of future volunteers: An outline of
the induction course, an outline of the last team's tour of Ghana
(stressing that this is subject to change/ the Ghanaian economy),
the amount of money allocated to movement costs each month - This
will help future volunteers to budget for how much extra money they
should personally bring with them.
Lucy's host, Esther, has asked about the well Dr. Filson has said
he will facilitate the building of at Wasa Akropong.
Wuyi wishes to help students from Kumasi and Dunkwa who study hard,
should he access the funds from China. He suggests signing a contract
with Dr. Filson for the future facilitation of sponsorship scheme.
Alternatively he would like to buy some books for donation. The
other team members suggest the Ghana Book Trust as a cheap supplier
of books. It has also been suggested that since Wuyi is only working
for 1 hour a day at the school in Kumasi, he might also like to
volunteer at the Garden City Special School. Wuyi says he will consider
this after visiting the school. Wuyi brought up the fact that he
feels uncomfortable when teachers in his school ask him for money
- the team suggested possible ways to deal with this problem.
[7]
Final Volunteer Programme Report: Lanner Feltham
The final part of our stay in Ghana has been, in many ways, the hardest. With our departure date looming over our heads I think we all felt a degree of pressure to make sure everything was finished on time. Seeing as Sarah and I elected to help the Community of Bawdie build an entire library from scratch, the pressure was well and truly on! To cut a long story short when we did finally depart there was a foundation laid and work had begun on the walls. However, all the rest of the materials were on site so the only thing left to do was the actual construction. Because my project site was on an eco-tourism site, adjacent to the school, I was also involved in various projects there. In addition to mapping the site, labeling trees and plants of particular medicinal interest and naming the paths that connect them, I paid for and oversaw the construction of two cages for a colobus monkey and a baboon that Mr. Adjei, the owner and director of the site, had rescued from hunters who had caught them for food. Due to a lack of funds these poor creatures were house in very small cages and were obviously not happy about it. We built them much larger cages which included a "nest" area (which was also out of the rain!) and various climbing and swinging apparatus. The fact that the baboon wouldn't come down from it's swing to eat it's dinner because it was having too much fun was ample vindication of the decision to build the cages! Finally, on our last day in Bawdie, we had a hand-over ceremony of the library materials where we officially presented the community with our contribution. We were expecting a few elders and those intimately involved with the project and a small event. This turned out to be a gross underestimation on our part! Most of the community showed up because they, unlike us, knew what the "Special presentation by the Chief to the British Volunteers" on the programme actually was. As it transpired not only were we made life patrons of the school but we were also enstooled as Development Chief and Obaheema (female chief). This required us both to don the traditional dress and take part in the official ceremony - in front of everybody we knew in the town!!!! Any lingering doubts I may have harboured about the veracity of such an appointment were later dispelled when I walked in to town and everybody, including those not present at the ceremony, called me "Nanaa" (The vernacular for Chief)! Leaving Bawdie after such a long time spent there was always going to be difficult and sure enough when we finally boarded the bus I did feel a tear prick my eye. Although, of course, its nice to be home I do find myself missing the town which played host to us so well and for so long. Fortunately our enstoolement means we have a life long commitment to the town, one which we intend to take very seriously. Now all we have to do is get UK jobs so we can pay for all our grand schemes! Yours sincerely, Nanaa Kwesi Tandoh the Second (Aka Lanner Feltham)
[8]
Final Volunteer Programme Report: Sarah Hayes.
The last few weeks of our voluntary programme for Africatrust Networks in Ghana were definitely the most hectic. Having finally acquired all the materials needed to build a library for the Bawdie Community, it was then a matter of getting the building constructed. Our co-organisers, Mr. Okoe (the school's headmaster) and other elders within the community, had assured me that the local people they had recruited for this communal labour would get the task done by the time we left for the UK. I, however, was unsure that this would be possible, having come to understand the wonderfully laid-back attitude of the town. In the event, the library was only half built by the time our departure date had arrived. So, instead of a 'library opening' we had a 'handing over of responsibility ceremony' where all the materials required for the completion of the library were handed over to the 'Library Committee'. I would definitely advise any future volunteers to get moving with their own projects as quickly as possible, as things in Ghana always seem to take that little bit longer to achieve, no matter how simple they may seem.
Although the project was not finished by our departure date, the town will have their library up and running within the next month. Mr. Okoe and all the children made it very clear that they were extremely grateful for our contribution, and would always remember what we had done for them. It was a very moving occasion, full of dancing and singing.
In my opinion, the best thing about the project was that it was a real team effort. There was not a section of the town who did not take part in someway; local children, parents and businesses all either helped in the construction or donated materials - even the local taxi drivers had clubbed together to offer a contribution. For me it really highlighted the fact that with a little bit of organisation, this small rural community had achieved something really solid for their own development, a point we stressed in our farewell speech.
Having been appointed as life-patrons of the school and Development Chiefs of the town, Lanner and I really felt that our time in Bawdie had made a tangible impact. Elders within the community have promised to keep us informed of the library's progress, and we have promised the residents of Bawdie that we will continue to raise funds for the future development of the project.
When we finally came to board the plane, it was very sad to have to say 'goodbye' to our Ghanaian hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Adjei who had treated us like part of their family during our time in Ghana. An amazing experience - I would definitely recommend it to others!
Sarah Hayes August 2003