Mersten Foundation: Ghana

When a volunteer gave a presentation at my school I was utterly inspired to follow in this volunteer’s footsteps. I had never considered taking a gap year but there was something so captivating about Project Trust that I couldn’t help but feel drawn to it. The belief and aim of global citizenship and educational aid of developing countries made me determined to become part of this charity.

I believe that my volunteer work at the Peggy Good School and orphanage in Ghana will benefit my awareness, resilience, communication and leadership skills and hopefully take me one step closer to who I wish to be in the future.

There was something so captivating about Project Trust that I couldn’t help but feel drawn to it.
The belief and aim of global citizenship and educational aid of developing countries made me determined to become part of this charity.

Thoughts from Ghana

"I have spent almost a week in Ghana and every day has been filled to the brim with new experiences. There has never been a dull moment- quite literally. Ghana is probably the most colourful place I have been to. The Makola market by the coast of Accra is an array of colourful dresses, jewellery, shirts, skirts, shoes and paintings. The fourth morning I spent in Accra I attended a traditional wedding of Nana’s (our country host) niece which included lots of singing, jokes, dancing and colourful clothing. It was an honour to be invited and so us girl volunteers I was bought long, brightly dyed blue, yellow, purple, pink skirts from the Makola market to try our best to fit in with traditional clothing worn at Ghanaian weddings.

The scenery is bright and beautiful too. As myself and the other volunteers travelled by Tro Tro from Accra to Ve Koloenu we drove speedily along red, dusty (and extremely potholed) roads conjuring up clouds of orange dust that invaded the open windows of the Tro Tro and settled on our skin. The rattling vehicle twisted and turned up luscious green mountains that were thick with an assortment of trees and bushes, and the vast views of little villages from the top of the mouintains demonstrated the beauty of the Volta region.

The school has a bright and sunny atmosphere with red flowers along the outside path and the building is painted with a shade of fresh yellow.
Young children wore vibrant pinks and yellows, smiling and waving as they caught sight of their new teachers.

My partner, Amelia, and I visited the Peggy Good school yesterday morning. The school has a bright and sunny atmosphere with red flowers along the outside path and the building is painted with a shade of fresh yellow. Young children wore vibrant pinks and yellows, smiling and waving as they caught sight of their new teachers.

After arriving at our small but cosy red painted home in Ve Koloenu (which is a short and bumpy Tro Tro ride away from Hohoe) Amelia and I were warmly greeted by the community. Everyone smiled and greets us with: “You are welcome here” to which we reply “Yoo” which is Ewe for “Thank you, and you”. We have met Ellen the local dressmaker, Uncle George our landlord/neighbour and his daughter and granddaughter , and also Doris who will help us cook for the first month that we are here.

We have already learnt so much about our community in such a short space of time, including their devotion to Christianity, how our long drop toilet is just as intimidating you would imagine and also how the cold bucket shower felt amazingly liberating and refreshing... much to my surprise!

I begin teaching the day after tomorrow. I’m nervous and excited to see how my first week at the Peggy Good school plays out. I’m certain it will definitely not be dull for a single moment."

You can follow Becks's journey on her blog popup: yes

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Written by:

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Rebecca Myers

Mersten Foundation Beneficiary