Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
James: To start off the very busy day, our group would fuel up on mangos and pineapples and walk through the village to be picked up on the waterfront. We would often make wagers on how late Desmond (our beloved boat driver) would be, as we quickly got used to the concept of “Ghanaian time”; I do not think there is an African word for urgency! A refreshing boat journey of 5 minutes to the beach camp allowed me to take in the gorgeous scenery, which would only be topped when travelling at night illuminated by the stars.
Teaching maths to the children was by far my favourite part of the whole experience, as they were a good mix of cheekiness and fun, but also hardworking and thoughtful. It was daunting at first, but once you build a relationship it’s a wonderful feeling seeing them come up with the correct solution. After school we’d play football and volleyball on the beach or play the local card games, all very relaxed. The Friday night however is when the beach comes alive! With a huge bonfire and speakers, we would dance the night away.
Ten years from now, what's the one thing you think you'll remember from the trip?
James: Again the school children made this such a fantastic experience; I’d love to see how they all get on in life through the next 10 years. My most memorable would be teaching the class for the very first time. I was incredibly nervous; as this was the first time I had ever attempted to teach, a great place to start... The first two days I sat in the back and observed the teaching and helped out with marking a few books. On the third day however, the maths teacher (who was also the football coach) left for a week to help organise the annual island vs island sports day events, leaving me alone and in charge.
My first class with Frank, Jonas, Evans, Prosper and Labell left me smiling when the bell rang for break. They were all shy at first, but they were also very bright and by the end were all attempting the class questions. One student, Augustina, asked me if I’d ever eaten a coconut before to which I replied I hadn’t. The next day she came in with two coconuts in her bag so that I could try one for the first! In 10 years I will look back and remember all the smiles and laughter that came from the classroom.
Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?
James: Absolutely, it really is a life changing experience. We are too caught up in the western world about possessions and flashy items (which we are all guilty of), something that de-humanises us as a culture. Spending time with the people in Maranatha and seeing them be so happy and loving has made me revaluate what life is really about.
The local children all had so little, but they have an abundance of energy and good spirit, the happiest bunch I have ever seen. Seeing the money that was raised actually being put to good use, building a school and providing equipment, witnessing it all first hand is much more satisfying than simply entering a sum of money through a credit transaction.
What was the most interesting cultural difference you encountered?
James: There are a number of cultural differences that you’ll notice, and the one I found most interesting was how the Ghanian villagers interacted with strangers. In England, people tend to look at you as if you were from Mars if you approached them in the street, while in Ghana it is at the opposite end of the spectrum.
The walks to the riverside each morning was like sightseeing for smiles and greetings, pleasantly being greeted by the locals. One of my favourite customs, which I have tried (and failed) to bring back to England, is the Ghanian handshake, simply a handshake with a fluid click of the fingers at the end. If pulled off correctly, your coolness will go up by approximately 20%.
Where would you most like to travel to next?
James: Definitely have the travel bug and as much as I loved Ghana I am planning to travel to a different location next summer. Turning 21 and entering into the real working world next year has given me the urge to see as much of the world as possible. Somewhere in South America or a country that is exotic like Fiji. Regardless, I found the African culture to be warm and loving, a motivation in itself to return to Africa in the near future.