PMGY Ghana- March 2017

I spent 2 weeks in Ghana with PMGY taking part in a combination of the teaching and the orphanage programme in Kumasi. 2 weeks have never gone so quickly! I worked primarily in boys block at the orphanage with the young babies which was one of the best experiences of my life, taking care of the boys, playing with them and helping with jobs in the orphanage. When at the school I spent time in the older children's classes, helping by marking books and providing support to the teachers by helping with tasks. On the last day at projects the group of volunteers I was out in Ghana with organised a sports day for the children and I have never seen children so happy. It was an incredible day but just emphasises the need for support from volunteers in these projects to help provide this kind of experience for the children. I loved every second of the volunteering but the one thing that I wished I could change was the scale of the issues that these children have to deal with every day from not being able to pay to go to school to growing up without the unconditional love of family. This being said the projects were very positive in making changes to the people's lives in question with the orphanage providing care to 105 children that otherwise would be homeless and the school educating children with the hope of giving them a better life with an education and employment.
Throughout my time in Ghana I couldn't have asked for more support from the PMGY team that lived in the volunteer house. Anything that we needed was only 1 phone call away. We also got the chance to really get emerced in the culture as there was always a member of the team that accompanied us to nights out or weekend trips including a trip to the Kumasi cultural centre and trips out to the local bars where we were shown dance moves and listened to Ghanaian music. We also spent many nights sat chatting outside with both Seth and Florence where we could voice any issues or ask any questions but also get to know everyone and make friends that will last forever. These people are some of the best I have ever met.
The culture in Ghana is one that takes over completely with everyone welcoming you to the country with open arms and huge smiles that leave you feeling like you belong in the society. This was especially true with members of the staff at the projects but even on the street everyone would say hello and ask how you were. Even when we were out at night or walking through busy areas in public I never felt threatened or unsafe as if you were ever confused someone would always help you if you asked.
I would recommend PMGY Ghana to anyone as an incredible experience that truly will change your life. I have made friendships that will last forever but more than that you get the chance to become part of an incredible family that do such great things every day in an effort to improve the lives of people in the local area. For that I am so grateful to PMGY and everyone that made the experience what it was. I can't put into words how amazing it was and I encourage anyone who is considering doing something like this to book that flight. You will love every second.