Ghana has stolen my heart

After spending a mere 6 weeks on the Purple Teaching program in this beautiful country, leaving Ghana is up there on my list of the hardest things I've ever had to do. From the moment I arrived I felt so welcomed by the community, and I continued to feel so connected throughout my time there with the help of the staff as well as the locals. I met so many beautiful souls; other volunteers, amongst whom I have made friends for life... locals, who were always willing to show you around the area and show how you do it Ghana style! and of course my students...
Teaching was an absolute blast. I had the privilege of teaching in 2 different schools within the village - the Roman Catholic School (where I taught English classes once a day, which enabled the current teacher to have a well earned break and which gave the students the chance to hear an English accent), and the Baptist School (where I spent the rest of the day teaching a range of subjects with another volunteer - the actual teacher was on leave, so without us, the students would have been left to their own devices with no teacher, so it was clear how much they appreciated us being there). The kids in my class taught me more than I could ever have taught them in the classroom. Their personalities are exploding... they're happy, they're hyper, they're intrigued, they're angry... they're SO alive. Their constant smiles, their energy and charisma is enough to lift you off the ground, especially considering the tough conditions they have to live in. If you are considering teaching, I would suggest bringing supplies such as pencils/pens (many of them didn't have their own), writing books (they have to buy their own in the schools and many of them don't have the money to do so, so they end up using scrap books), and perhaps some educational posters (multiplication tables, the alphabet, world atlas...). Also, the system is very different to that of England or America - so when you come, come with no expectations, and throw yourself into it.
Whilst I wasn't in the classroom I had some amazing experiences with weekend trips away to various places across Ghana, some of which we arranged independently, and others with the help of IVHQ staff (such as Evans) - we visited Wli waterfalls, Mole National Park, Ada Foah, Krokrobite, Cape Coast... If you come to Ghana, I urge you to go on as many trips away as possible to see what this amazing place has to offer!
I can honestly say that there wasn't a dull moment whilst in Ghana, it is a truly wonderful place. I am so grateful to IVHQ for the opportunity.