General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
I honestly don’t know where to start with this, but I’ll do my best. For two short weeks I got to have the experience of a lifetime. I got to do what I love and help out at an orphanage in Africa, Ghana and teach, love, and care for the most wonderful children I had ever met. Thanks to help from Julian and Kelly, from Love Volunteers, they were able to find me a host, Sally, who so willingly took me in and allowed me to learn, live, and love the Ghanaian culture.For those two weeks, I lived, taught, and spent time with these amazing children, ranging from ages 3-15yrs. I never thought I’d get so attached to them, and to this day, I think about them and everyone I met there, every day. I miss it so much. I was able to be there for the children in ways that made such a deep impact in my life, and I cannot wait for the day I go back to visit.
My experience in Ghana was beyond words. The food, the culture, the loving hospitality I got from everyone I met, their traditions- everything, was just so indescribably beautiful. I thank the local organisation so much, for not only allowing me into their program, but teaching me so much more about myself than I could ever imagine. I was so lucky to be able to attend projects that Sally, who I admire so much, has dedicated so much of her life to. We talked to young girls about peer pressure, and choosing friends wisely. We talked to teenage mothers in Hemang, about the risks of STDs, and set up an HIV testing stand, for anyone wanting to get tested. We did so many wonderful things, and I saw just how involved and dedicated people like Sally were towards the community, and I was just beyond inspired. I’m honestly so grateful to have found such amazing people in the world. It was a profoundly touching experience, especially for me.
Although I’m only 20, Social Work and reaching out to help others has been a dream of mine for so many years. And after this experience, it has only made me even more sure that I have been on the right path, that this is exactly what I will dedicate my life to- reaching out to those who need it most. Currently, besides working and going to school fulltime, I am trying really hard to figure out the best way to raise money, and raise awareness, especially, about the conditions in certain areas of Ghana. Those children changed my life in those two short weeks, and I believe, just like Love Volunteers and the local team, that if we all just gave a little bit, we could change so much. I can’t wait to return again, and to spread the word about the amazing things these organizations have done and continue to do.