Well, and we thought yesterday was special~
Today we took the first delivery to Sakote, the new village involved in Project GROW. It was a wonderful and moving day. We arrived at the village and the women's group came out to meet us, singing and clapping their welcome. No matter how many times I have been greeted this way, it is still a little bit overwhelming to be surrounded by 100 singing women who will pull you into a dance at the drop of a hat. This singing continued on for quite some time, under a shady tree. It was a warm welcome, but eventually even the shade could not compensate for the press of people and we started to gently move everyone toward the village. We had speeches, though not as many as yesterday which was good, because the presentation was a major one.
It is quite overwhelming to see everything that has been donated all in one place. This project is Asset Based Community Development at its best. The women decide on the assets that would best move them forward. The list is pretty familiar, although we do not yet have a school lunch program because we are just beginning the project here. However, 31 goats, 4 donkeys 4 carts, 250 mosquito nets, 8 water drums and 3 ploughs is a pretty impressive sight when it is all placed together. The people were very excited and although we began the ceremony with plenty of space, by the time the delivery was made, the crowd was much tighter so they could all see the gifts and take part in the excitedment. I was a bit overwhelmed by the assembled gifts myself actually.
The women formed a circle and danced around the items, and it was just about the happiest thing I have ever witnessed. The village of Nyobok has had this program in place now for 4 years, and they are moving into a new dimension with an education focus because there has been so much progress. This is not to say they were blase by any means, but they have been moving forward and were in this same excited place 4 years ago; the excitement in Nyobok was for different things and focused more on long term planning.
However in Sakote, where we can see the poverty up close, today was pretty wonderful. To see all of the villagers gathered to celebrate and share in the moment was amazing and for them, it was entertainment that will be talked about for decades. Each family got a net, the goats went to the first 31 recipients and all watched and celebratedas if they had received one themselves. They know that their name is on the list and as long as Project GROW continues, the goats will too. The 4 donkeys and carts will make a major difference to everyone in the village as the donkeys are just so important. Finally, handing over 3 ploughs during planting season was a timely and much valued donation that all can benefit from. It was a good moment.
But the fun wasn't over. The space cleared again, and two chairs were set in the middle of the gathering area. I looked at those chairs with suspicion since Jan and I were the two guests of honor. Sure enough, we were beckoned by Josbert to come and sit in the chairs and with all of the community watching, we were inducted into the village through a ceremony called Enskinment and we became 'kin'. Friends, this was so moving. The chief had a ceremonial robe in his hand, asked me to stand and tapped me on the forehead with the robe 3 times. They he put the robe over my head, put shoes on my feet and handed me a leather purse. I ws given the village name of Yenongya, 'God Loves" and was made Queen Mother. Jan went through the same ceremony with one of the elders, and her name is now Yenintombi, 'God has done it' and then the chief took me by the arm, and the elder took Jan, and they danced us back to our seat, smiling all the way. It was such an amazing and touching moment. I can't wait to post the pictures and tell you more tomorrow. We are now part of the village community and have the most incredible robes to mark our belonging.
Difficult as it was to come back to earth, we did so and watched the rest of the presentation. I am very proud to represent Project GROW here, and this was an incredible honor.
However, as always, just when things are going great, Ghana makes you humble. We came back to a celebratory dinner with Vida's family, said our sad goodbyes as we leave in the morning for Tamale. Back at the hotel, the power is now out, the room is hot, and my battery is dying on the computer. (I forgot to plug it in, so have 22 minutes!) I will do a much longer more detailed blog tomorrow because there are many great moments to share.
On the bus to Tamale at 5:30, a m...should be another interesting experience. Till then
Established in 2007, Project GROW has made amazing strides; join us as we meet the participants, see the progress, and buy the goats and other items donated over the past year.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
A present from Vida to Jan
Yesterday we attended the Project Grow presentation of resources at Nyobok. Cindy and I were given the royal treatment, and were introduced to all the dignitaries as well as the chief and the group of elder men when we arrived. We were seated as guests of honour under a canopy. We sat opposite the men, the women sat to our right, and school children massed under a tree to our left. The enclosed area in front of us was the forum for drumming and dancing, and school girls presented a play and recited poetry. At one point, a handsome donkey slipped into the ring. It wore a sign on its neck – “Darcy welcomes Jan to Ghana.” As you can imagine, I rushed out to greet him, and I gave him a big kiss on his long forehead. I wept with joy. Later I spoke to the young man who was his handler, and I thanked him for taking such good care of our Darcy. And thank you, Vida, for providing such a personal moment for me in the midst of the celebrations. From the minute I arrived, I have felt very welcomed in Ghana.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Photos from Nyobok delivery and story in the next blog
Jan is handing off the Adult Education supplies to Hannah, the Project GROW secretary and, with her high school education, one of our program facilitators.
Sewing supplies. My mom sent a donation, and I thought, since she was a sewer, this would make her happy. As well, just two days before I left I sent an email to UBC staff who might have buttons or other supplies. We made up a number of sewing kits that included scissors, thread, needles and other sewing supplies. Easy to bring on the plane, and very useful. Hannah, who is receiving the box, is currently attending a semstress program in nearby Kongo. Hannah will distribute the sewing kits to appropriate people.
Today was somewhat formal, and since Jan bought some fabric, she and Cynthia decked her out Ghanian style.
The boys with the goats and a number in their pocket. Some are baby goats being passed to the next recipient.
We are making the formal presentation here. It was an honor to do this on behalf of all our donors, many thanks to everyone. This is the first time that Project GROW has been there for the actual, physical delivery and it was great!
Delivery items
All of these families will be sleeping under a mosquito net now. Since Project GROW, many community members have returned home because things are getting better and we want them covered by a net too. Rotary here has also established a net program. A simple, but important contribution to health in Ghana.Sorry, I can't seem to get the pictures to align, but at lest they are up. The story is in the next blog.
Delivery day at Nyobok
Hello everyone! Today was the first of two deliveries for Project GROW. We met with the original members of Project GROW and their entire community to make a delivery of goats, school lunch program supplies, diesel for the mill, and numerous other items. This delivery was small in comparison to tomorrow’s and that is largely because this village has been part of the program now for 4 years so we are moving to other things such as adult education, and beefing up the lunch program (I only wish it were with beef though). That said, there is still much to be done. People must travel a long way to seek medical help; they have no place to conduct adult learning programs, and of course, no electricity or sanitation. So today in Nyobok was as much about next steps as it was about delivering donations.
It is encouraging that the school lunch program was much of our focus. When the nursing students were here, they were told that personal bowls would be very helpful to ensure that everyone ate at lunch time. We went further and provided bowls, cups, and spoons, as well as providing a better and bigger cooking pot, and other lunch supplies. The lunch program is one of our Christmas card items and the money is well invested. Studies show that in the developing world, a lunch program is a major incentive for attendance and this is true in Nyobok. Although there is a government feeding program, it does not reach this school and even where it does, it is underfunded. If Project GROW is about education, then we want to remove as many barriers as possible and so we provide lunch. Beans, rice and grain were also supplied to supplement the program and we can leave knowing that lunch will be served for the balance of this school year and well into the next one.
When we were visiting the school for the deaf, the teacher who took us on the tour showed us their new poultry house. Cynthia, Josbert, and I immediately looked at one another and came up with the same idea; why not do this for Project GROW. A mud hut with walls half way up and wire mesh for the other half, a concrete floor, a decent roof of tin or straw and we are in business. Those of you who have been involved with Project GROW from the beginning might remember we tried to sell chicken cards. We had to give it up because there was no place to keep the chickens and they would simply fly or run away into the brush. This poultry house was an inspiration and would solve a lot of problems. Lack of protein in the diet affects the ability of children to learn, and while the lunch program is helpful, even an egg a week would make a big difference in everyone’s diet. The school could sell the chickens at the market, and sell the eggs to other villagers, and that way they would be able to sustain the lunch program and at the same time, vastly increase the diet of the whole village. So, we are now seriously considering that chicken card again, but this time with the intention to fund a poultry house that would serve many needs.
The other highlight of today’s celebration was the cutting of sod for the proposed community centre. I was honoured to be asked to participate in the ceremony and we hope that this part of the project will come together sooner, rather than later. A community centre would serve both the new village and the old one, as they are located quite close together. I shared a spade with the chief, and the District Chief Executive (a decision maker when it comes to infrastructure). The sod cutting is symbolic in that it represents the intention, but I have seen where intention can take us and hope that one day in the near future, we will go back to find a vibrant community centre in that spot.
The speeches and formalities were punctuated with entertainment; a drumming group who danced and drummed in the intense heat, sweat pouring, and incredible dancing. As well, a number of the girls who are sponsored through the Girl Child Education program staged a play around the theme of the challenges that face girls even when they are enrolled; parental expectations for helping with other children and chores that result in missed classes or no classes at all, and the impact of boys and marriage on education as well as many other pointed messages that push educating girls. In fact, using Vida as an example, the Girl Child education theme was predominant.
However, boys were not left out, and when it came time to hand out the goat, boys were in the limelight. Jonas made two sets of slips with the numbers 1 -15 and handed 15 boys a number. The other set of numbers went into a container (since we neglected to bring one, we used my camera case). The women drew a number and the boy with the corresponding number handed her her goat. It was a great idea, because there is always a chance that one or more of the goats are pregnant and this makes certain everyone has an equal chance for this bonus. Since every goat recipient will have to give the first female goat to the next woman in line, the pregnant ones speed up that process. The goats are the highlight of the day, actually, although Jan shuddered and couldn’t watch when the veterinarian began to do the immunizations. We want healthy goats and the immunization is an important factor. While we donated some goats today, many of those handed out were baby goats from a previous recipient. Capacity building again!
Speaking of Jan, she has a wonderful story to share, and will do so tomorrow. She is, as she so eloquently puts it, knackered after a long hot day, whereas I am the nighthawk. I won’t give the story away, but stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog. Another big day, and our last one in the region. Hard to believe that we leave for Tamale on Thursday and start working our way home. We will be sad to leave many new friends behind.
There is a gecko in my room and we have been having a standoff tonight. He doesn’t seem to anxious to leave, and I have decided I like geck’s over spiders, so I will allow him to stay. Even nighthawks must give in and tomorrow is another busy day
…til later!
It is encouraging that the school lunch program was much of our focus. When the nursing students were here, they were told that personal bowls would be very helpful to ensure that everyone ate at lunch time. We went further and provided bowls, cups, and spoons, as well as providing a better and bigger cooking pot, and other lunch supplies. The lunch program is one of our Christmas card items and the money is well invested. Studies show that in the developing world, a lunch program is a major incentive for attendance and this is true in Nyobok. Although there is a government feeding program, it does not reach this school and even where it does, it is underfunded. If Project GROW is about education, then we want to remove as many barriers as possible and so we provide lunch. Beans, rice and grain were also supplied to supplement the program and we can leave knowing that lunch will be served for the balance of this school year and well into the next one.
When we were visiting the school for the deaf, the teacher who took us on the tour showed us their new poultry house. Cynthia, Josbert, and I immediately looked at one another and came up with the same idea; why not do this for Project GROW. A mud hut with walls half way up and wire mesh for the other half, a concrete floor, a decent roof of tin or straw and we are in business. Those of you who have been involved with Project GROW from the beginning might remember we tried to sell chicken cards. We had to give it up because there was no place to keep the chickens and they would simply fly or run away into the brush. This poultry house was an inspiration and would solve a lot of problems. Lack of protein in the diet affects the ability of children to learn, and while the lunch program is helpful, even an egg a week would make a big difference in everyone’s diet. The school could sell the chickens at the market, and sell the eggs to other villagers, and that way they would be able to sustain the lunch program and at the same time, vastly increase the diet of the whole village. So, we are now seriously considering that chicken card again, but this time with the intention to fund a poultry house that would serve many needs.
The other highlight of today’s celebration was the cutting of sod for the proposed community centre. I was honoured to be asked to participate in the ceremony and we hope that this part of the project will come together sooner, rather than later. A community centre would serve both the new village and the old one, as they are located quite close together. I shared a spade with the chief, and the District Chief Executive (a decision maker when it comes to infrastructure). The sod cutting is symbolic in that it represents the intention, but I have seen where intention can take us and hope that one day in the near future, we will go back to find a vibrant community centre in that spot.
The speeches and formalities were punctuated with entertainment; a drumming group who danced and drummed in the intense heat, sweat pouring, and incredible dancing. As well, a number of the girls who are sponsored through the Girl Child Education program staged a play around the theme of the challenges that face girls even when they are enrolled; parental expectations for helping with other children and chores that result in missed classes or no classes at all, and the impact of boys and marriage on education as well as many other pointed messages that push educating girls. In fact, using Vida as an example, the Girl Child education theme was predominant.
However, boys were not left out, and when it came time to hand out the goat, boys were in the limelight. Jonas made two sets of slips with the numbers 1 -15 and handed 15 boys a number. The other set of numbers went into a container (since we neglected to bring one, we used my camera case). The women drew a number and the boy with the corresponding number handed her her goat. It was a great idea, because there is always a chance that one or more of the goats are pregnant and this makes certain everyone has an equal chance for this bonus. Since every goat recipient will have to give the first female goat to the next woman in line, the pregnant ones speed up that process. The goats are the highlight of the day, actually, although Jan shuddered and couldn’t watch when the veterinarian began to do the immunizations. We want healthy goats and the immunization is an important factor. While we donated some goats today, many of those handed out were baby goats from a previous recipient. Capacity building again!
Speaking of Jan, she has a wonderful story to share, and will do so tomorrow. She is, as she so eloquently puts it, knackered after a long hot day, whereas I am the nighthawk. I won’t give the story away, but stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog. Another big day, and our last one in the region. Hard to believe that we leave for Tamale on Thursday and start working our way home. We will be sad to leave many new friends behind.
There is a gecko in my room and we have been having a standoff tonight. He doesn’t seem to anxious to leave, and I have decided I like geck’s over spiders, so I will allow him to stay. Even nighthawks must give in and tomorrow is another busy day
…til later!
Monday, May 30, 2011
A Donkey called Ginny.
As we were nearing the village of Nyobok, Josbert suddenly called out, “There’s a Project Grow donkey.” Along the side of the road, a young man was walking beside a cart piled with grain that was pulled by a sleek honey-coloured donkey with a dark brown mane. The card slowed to a stop, and I jumped out with my camera. I knew this donkey wasn’t Darcy, our first donkey in the village, who was a caramel coloured. This donkey, I decided, was Ginny, the second donkey that Jan C, Robert J, and I donated. The young man, Akuka, was happy to get his photo taken, and Ginny obliged too. The donkey and cart combo was originally placed in the village to serve as an ambulance to transport to the clinic those too ill to walk. In between times, the carts are used to carry firewood, sand, water barrels, millet and other harvest products. The donkeys also pull ploughs. There is a third donkey, Telkwa, at home in the twin villages. And a fourth donkey, Tyler, will be brought to his new home in Sakote village during the presentation on Wed. These four donkeys have been named after our dogs, and are among the total of 8 donkeys that donations to Project Grow have purchased. From Jan G
*Note, Jan went to bed before she left the camera; the picture is great and I'll post it tomorrow.
*Note, Jan went to bed before she left the camera; the picture is great and I'll post it tomorrow.
a few pictures, (story below:)
Oranges; a first for most of these kids and they loved them!
So I always wondered how livestock was shipped. ...this is not for GROW but I couldn't resist sharing it:)
This, however, is part of our shopping trip. The drums you see on the top will have the tops taken off, be scrubbed out well and used to carry water for washing, etc. Drinking water is carried in different containers. There are 2 drums of deisel in the back of the van, and 20 goats will be along for a ride. Shipping in this region is a creative process and our crew made countless trips to the villages yesterday to have everything in order for presentation day.
So I always wondered how livestock was shipped. ...this is not for GROW but I couldn't resist sharing it:)
This, however, is part of our shopping trip. The drums you see on the top will have the tops taken off, be scrubbed out well and used to carry water for washing, etc. Drinking water is carried in different containers. There are 2 drums of deisel in the back of the van, and 20 goats will be along for a ride. Shipping in this region is a creative process and our crew made countless trips to the villages yesterday to have everything in order for presentation day.
A Most Unusual Shopping Trip and a Visit to Rotary
Market Day in Bolga.
Sunday we finished up most of the buying. Much of the really hard work has been going on behind the scenes and Jan and I only saw the slim surface while we were in the market. We went looking for grinding mill teeth, which have gone up in price so limited how many we could get; we hope that when all the spending is done we can get two more sets because these are crucial to the operation of the mill and it really cuts into profits when GROW has to purchase them. One of the things we like to do is to provide operational support for the mill using GROW money now and then because it gives our NGO (GROW is, by the way, a formal NGO) a chance to get ahead and make some real profits. We also purchased 2 drums of deisel for the mills. Again, we hoped to get at least 3 drums, but oil prices are another area where costs have risen; up almost 30% . If you think the rising price of oil hurts our luxurious lifestyle in North America, imagine what happens here for something so basic as running a grinding mill. This cost is also transferred to anything shipped north, so oil prices have big impact in the developing world. Again, we hope to watch the spending and if there is anything left over at the end of the day, another drum of deisel will be purchased.
Market day is unbelievable; pandemonium, and the most action I have seen in Bolga and Bolga is a very active town! I went back to my cell phone guy from whom I purchase my minutes. He had invited me back on market day to see how many phones he charges; it was breathtaking! People come into town from surrounding villages that don't have power and they drop phones off with him, and with numerous others who provide the service. I have no doubt there are lots of them too...given the number of cell phones. He has powerbars everywhere, phones lined up all along the walls and shelves and on every surface. The next question, or course, is how the heck does he keep track?
So I watched; a farmer came in, dropped his phone off, was given a little square of wood with a number on it. Then my cell phone friend, Abubakari, puts the corresponding number on a little sticky tag and voila, we have a simple system that works for everyone. Good thing because the flow of people was steady and had been so all day. Abubakari was a barber until 2009; he says this is much better. Makes sense, Ghanian men need less hair cuts than they need phone charging!
After the market, we took some time out in the afternoon to relax and read, and then it was off to a meeting with the local Rotary. This is a new club that has been established for about a year. What an inspiring and passionate group they were. One woman had just won the 'teacher of the year' award, The Rotary here has some partnerships with other Rotaries, one in New York and one in Virginia. Through these partnerships, they have established 24 pump wells in the last year, distibuted countless mosquito nets, and provided school furniture for a couple of schools.
Thanks to Elaine Crebo, a UBC staff member and a Rotarian with Ogopogo Rotary, we have had Rotary interest in Project GROW and last year, this local Rotary provided the concrete floor for the grinding mill, along with a donkey cart. This year they are interested in perhaps becoming involved with the development of the community centre which will begin with an adult education centre and built in phases to include a medical clinic vocational school and, close to Jan's heart, a LIBRARY! The first phase will be a room that can provide meeting space, and more importantly, adult education. We met with the local Rotary because it is important to create links with other Rotaries on the ground. Cynthia is a Rotarian in her own region so she was able to connect with the group. The local Rotary was very receptive, wanted to know what to do to help and is very happy to establish links and provide any contacts or follow-up as this moves forward. Rotary International prefers to work with other Rotary clubs where possible so this was an important step. I also told them about the One Laptop Per Child and they got VERY excited; they'd heard of it and felt it was just so necessary. So, lots of interest around the laptop. And thanks to Elaine...your support has been wonderful.
Speaking of Laptops, I have heard also from the One Laptop Per Child company and we'll try and arrange a phone conference while I am in Ghana. (That cell phone piece again folks!). More about that after the phone call, but I am feeling encouraged...
It is hard to believe I am on the last 3 days in Bolgatanga and I know both of us are feeling sad about leaving. It has been such a great trip, although I can't think of a time (except perhaps that first week of classes in September) where I have ever been this busy!
Best to everyone and we'll have a post tomorrow after the first presentation. Please note, modem works well most of the time, but occasionally it fails, and that is frustrating on this end. However, for the most part, can't complain...a decade ago this kind of communication would not have been possible!
Stay tuned...
Sunday we finished up most of the buying. Much of the really hard work has been going on behind the scenes and Jan and I only saw the slim surface while we were in the market. We went looking for grinding mill teeth, which have gone up in price so limited how many we could get; we hope that when all the spending is done we can get two more sets because these are crucial to the operation of the mill and it really cuts into profits when GROW has to purchase them. One of the things we like to do is to provide operational support for the mill using GROW money now and then because it gives our NGO (GROW is, by the way, a formal NGO) a chance to get ahead and make some real profits. We also purchased 2 drums of deisel for the mills. Again, we hoped to get at least 3 drums, but oil prices are another area where costs have risen; up almost 30% . If you think the rising price of oil hurts our luxurious lifestyle in North America, imagine what happens here for something so basic as running a grinding mill. This cost is also transferred to anything shipped north, so oil prices have big impact in the developing world. Again, we hope to watch the spending and if there is anything left over at the end of the day, another drum of deisel will be purchased.
Market day is unbelievable; pandemonium, and the most action I have seen in Bolga and Bolga is a very active town! I went back to my cell phone guy from whom I purchase my minutes. He had invited me back on market day to see how many phones he charges; it was breathtaking! People come into town from surrounding villages that don't have power and they drop phones off with him, and with numerous others who provide the service. I have no doubt there are lots of them too...given the number of cell phones. He has powerbars everywhere, phones lined up all along the walls and shelves and on every surface. The next question, or course, is how the heck does he keep track?
So I watched; a farmer came in, dropped his phone off, was given a little square of wood with a number on it. Then my cell phone friend, Abubakari, puts the corresponding number on a little sticky tag and voila, we have a simple system that works for everyone. Good thing because the flow of people was steady and had been so all day. Abubakari was a barber until 2009; he says this is much better. Makes sense, Ghanian men need less hair cuts than they need phone charging!
After the market, we took some time out in the afternoon to relax and read, and then it was off to a meeting with the local Rotary. This is a new club that has been established for about a year. What an inspiring and passionate group they were. One woman had just won the 'teacher of the year' award, The Rotary here has some partnerships with other Rotaries, one in New York and one in Virginia. Through these partnerships, they have established 24 pump wells in the last year, distibuted countless mosquito nets, and provided school furniture for a couple of schools.
Thanks to Elaine Crebo, a UBC staff member and a Rotarian with Ogopogo Rotary, we have had Rotary interest in Project GROW and last year, this local Rotary provided the concrete floor for the grinding mill, along with a donkey cart. This year they are interested in perhaps becoming involved with the development of the community centre which will begin with an adult education centre and built in phases to include a medical clinic vocational school and, close to Jan's heart, a LIBRARY! The first phase will be a room that can provide meeting space, and more importantly, adult education. We met with the local Rotary because it is important to create links with other Rotaries on the ground. Cynthia is a Rotarian in her own region so she was able to connect with the group. The local Rotary was very receptive, wanted to know what to do to help and is very happy to establish links and provide any contacts or follow-up as this moves forward. Rotary International prefers to work with other Rotary clubs where possible so this was an important step. I also told them about the One Laptop Per Child and they got VERY excited; they'd heard of it and felt it was just so necessary. So, lots of interest around the laptop. And thanks to Elaine...your support has been wonderful.
Speaking of Laptops, I have heard also from the One Laptop Per Child company and we'll try and arrange a phone conference while I am in Ghana. (That cell phone piece again folks!). More about that after the phone call, but I am feeling encouraged...
It is hard to believe I am on the last 3 days in Bolgatanga and I know both of us are feeling sad about leaving. It has been such a great trip, although I can't think of a time (except perhaps that first week of classes in September) where I have ever been this busy!
Best to everyone and we'll have a post tomorrow after the first presentation. Please note, modem works well most of the time, but occasionally it fails, and that is frustrating on this end. However, for the most part, can't complain...a decade ago this kind of communication would not have been possible!
Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)