Ghana February/March 2022.
Firstly I would like to acknowledge a huge thank you to Futurestars and Akwaaba Volunteers for all their support before and during and after our visit to Ghana. CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW TWO WEEKS CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT LIFE??
Jovi, my 17-year-old niece, and I set off on an adventure in Ghana as volunteers for this incredible project, I’ve had little insight into what great things Future Stars have achieved for the children of Billa Mahmud school, through this I immediately signed up to sponsor two children, following that 3 other members of my family joined me, however, I wanted to do more.
Our first day at school
I think you can see from our faces what an overwhelming welcome we had from the children and staff alike.I wish pictures could explain emotions, you can not put that feeling into
words. We spent the day observing classes, meeting staff and getting to know these little angels whom have become very much lifelong buddies.
A typical day at school.
We would arrive at break time, I have to say one of my most favourite times of the day, walking through the gate watching these happy vibrant children, playing, dancing, singing, and laughing, we would be bombarded with love from the minute they set eyes on us.
Supporting the teachers played a huge role in our day, once we observed a class we would take a few children that were struggling with the day’s task for a one-to-one lesson. Every school day continued with “street to school” This is where we would set up a make shift class and collect children along the way to join us for extra class support, from maths to art. Many of them bring their homework along with them, most days we met at the park where the coaches dedicated their time training football and netball, the children of Ghana are obsessed with sport, this has become a reward for school attendance resulting in truancy down, attendance up.
A big thanks to Jordan and King for all the extra love and care for the kids at the park.. so heartwarming.
The weekend off.. Cape coast.
What an incredible weekend organised by the charity for the volunteers.
Canopy walking; A spot of lunch then a random stroke of a crocodile… a great time to get to know the other guys there volunteering.
Our room for the night was a room by the sea, hearing the waves crashing as you woke was just the relaxation you needed before returning to school the following day.
Sunday – visit to Cape Coast castle, one of the largest transatlantic slave trade points, we had a very informative, emotional, incomprehensible guided talk, taking us through the dungeons and journey of the slaves….an unforgettable day.
As the week progressed it was my turn to go back to school and take a class
Education is a privilege for us in the UK, we struggle to get our children into class, here they wanted to come, they wanted to learn, I had so much fun adding in a few dance routines as a teaching tool!
Kit sorting day.
I was overwhelmed to see how much kit had been donated by football clubs, Arsenal, Brighton, Ipswich town to name but a few. ON trainers – wow 2,400 pairs donated to put a spring back in to the step of the children, teachers, and staff. Giving the kit out I have to admit did get my eyes a little misty, some children had never put on a brand new garment of clothing on their back, new pair of trainers on their foot, words again can not explain the smile on their little faces.
My conclusion.
If you want to do something life-changing volunteer through Akwaaba Volunteers whilst also experiencing beautiful Ghana.
Some might say volunteering isn’t for everyone, I disagree, it might not be reachable or fit into one’s life, but we can do something by sponsoring a child.
Jovi and I can only express what positive impact it has had on us, that being my 17-year-old niece who didn’t really have a direction in life just yet found her direction, found her passion, found herself, stayed there a week longer than she planned, and is returning in April (myself and her mum will be joining her in May).
This alone speaks volumes about this journey with Futurestars.
Thank you again to everyone involved 🙏