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TAKORADI 2010
About MeMcMaster University
graduate (Honours BA Political Science 2007)
10-week Ghana project was internship component of post-graduate certification at Humber College (International Development 2010)
Limited international experience
About our project5 Humber studentsWorkshop
facilitationFocus: United
Nations Millennium Development Goals
Approx 5 weeks in Takoradi followed by 5 weeks in Koforidua
Takoradi
Accommodations: Worker’s College
Accommodations: Worker’s CollegePower usually worked
but be prepared to bucket shower 50% of the time
Laundry: get a set rate at the beginning
Try to eat there if possible
Noise carries so you might want to bring earplugs
Workshops
YMCA Workshops
OIC Workshops
WorkshopsSpeak slowly and
clearly in simplified language
Ask students to repeat instructions
Be interactive!Keep on top of
workshop activities (pre-tests and post-tests)
You will have to adjust to changing schedules
Ghanaian CultureImportance of greetingsInvitations: if you invite someone, you pay for
them!Attention from menComments about personal appearanceTalking to everyone
Community IntegrationGo for walksLearn some FanteDon’t be afraid to
ask questionsAsk students about
Ghana and TakoradiAttend Church,
weddings or funerals if you are invited
Trips
TripsCape Coast Castle is
a must-seeKakum Canopy
BridgeBusua: beach within
30 mins (20 cedi cab ride or cheaper tro-tro ride)
African Beach Resort: swimming for 12 cedis
FoodRed-Red Groundnut soup with
chicken
Group DynamicsKeep the lines of
communication openDon’t gossipUniversity roommate rules
Keep an open mindGive people personal spaceKnow the signs of culture
shock and how people might react to it
Share the workload and work-related responsibilities
Consider pooling money for shared expenses (ie. Toilet paper, taxis, water)
ChallengesFood (eating out constantly)WorkloadCross-cultural
communicationWater and ElectricityLaundryGhanaian timeKnowing what a fair price isTechnology Mail into GhanaReligionSundays
RecommendationsDon’t be afraid of street food (yam, plantain, pancake)Don’t be afraid to say noAsk students if they understand and have them repeat
instructionsLearn some Fante and don’t be shy about speaking itPack as much as you can as a group (ie. Books)Split the workshopsGo to KQ!Research Ghana as much as you canRead our recommendations from our Final ReportTalk to Fred and AugustineTell your bank you are leaving, and follow-up!
RecommendationsGo to Church if you are
invitedJournal or BlogBuy a mosquito net from
YCI (if available)Work with the Rotarians
Opportunity to network with young professionals
We were introduced to a tailor
Had the opportunity to attend a Ghanaian wedding
Custom-made Clothes!
Things to packSafety pins and rope for your mosquito net, 3M hooks2 in 1 shampoo and conditionerDay pack for day trips!AfterbiteExtra memory card or USB stick – beware of virusesLaptop if you have one!Sleep sheetBradt guide – we found this very helpfulHand sanitizer: you often won’t have water!Crystal Light/fruit bars/comfort foodWater bottleExtra notebook and pens…Most things are available in Takoradi
Contact Me!E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: Devon Hamilton
My blog about pre-departure preparation and life during project in Takoradi and Koforidua: http://www.devongoestoghana.wordpress.com
Lisa’s Blog (you will meet her in January!) http://www.lisadalimonte.blogspot.com
