General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
The students are wonderful! They were the highlight of my experience. They love the extra, playful and positive attention my daughter and I could offer.Country
The central region of Ghana is one of the poorest in the country. Life is hard, leisure time is scant. I observed that there is little room for beauty, compassion or acts of kindness in daily living, at least as I would define them. Communication tends to be blunt or indirect. It takes time, patience and effort to build relationships.
Unfortunately trash collects everywhere and sullies beaches, open spaces, roadways.
Unfortunately trash collects everywhere and sullies beaches, open spaces, roadways.
Project & Staff
Mephibosheth Training Centre, a tuition-free boarding school for students with disabilities, runs on a tight budget. I believe the leadership doesn’t have a lot of experience, but their intent and objectives are worthy. The program is understaffed which means there is a lack of enrichment and extra-curricular activities to stimulate the boarding students after school and on weekends.
One suggestion I can offer is for the director to identify some volunteer roles in advance so, on arrival, a volunteer could consider them. I was given no guidance or options so I did whatever I could figure out which was challenging in the beginning and I never knew if they were pleased with my activities.
The Ghanaian food is very traditional and good. The house cook (different from the school cook) can adjust recipes for food restrictions (I am vegetarian).
One suggestion I can offer is for the director to identify some volunteer roles in advance so, on arrival, a volunteer could consider them. I was given no guidance or options so I did whatever I could figure out which was challenging in the beginning and I never knew if they were pleased with my activities.
The Ghanaian food is very traditional and good. The house cook (different from the school cook) can adjust recipes for food restrictions (I am vegetarian).
Tips
Be aware that you will be residing in the pastor’s house and there is a huge emphasis on Christian beliefs. The pastor leads a fundamentalist church on the premises.
The accommodations are quite comfortable with ceiling fans, mosquito window screens, electricity, etc.
The accommodations are quite comfortable with ceiling fans, mosquito window screens, electricity, etc.