Well, it appears that I waited on the Ecotourism team update for too long. We're already in Amsterdam on the way home.
The major project of the Eco-Team was to conduct Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, & Threats (SWOT) analyses for a number of Ecotourism sites in the Brong Ahafo Region. The sites included but were not limited to: Mole, Mognori Eco-Village, Kintampo Falls, Fuller Falls, Mim Mountain, and a few more.
Life blew by during the last two weeks of the trip. Vincent and myself were busier than one-armed paper-hangers with you-know-what, working on the greenbelt research; while others were involved with their own equally important projects. The Health team had a very sucessful showing for their HIV/AIDS Forum, while the Environment team planted 50 trees at SPoly to reduce erosion around a stream located on the SPoly grounds.
Our piece-de-resistance was a one float parade visiting three of the GCPEE partner communities; Chiraa, Abesim, and Fiapre. The float was well recieved by all the community members who came out to the event for some learning and knowledge transfer. It was a rewarding experience for everyone who was involved.
Vincent and I had the opportunity to go out into Ayakomaso, the village that has been chosen to be the pilot community for the greenbelt research. Our meetings with the villagers was very promising and quite possibly a life-changing experience for me.
All that aside, the team had a safe trip from Sunyani to Cape Coast, with a nice reprieve in Kumasi thanks to Sam's mum. We enjoyed a couple of days relaxing on the beach debriefing the experience and getting some more education in the form of tours and museums (not to mention some more experience with hawkers). At Cape Coast we said goodbye to our superstar Amanda, as well as Matt and Sabrina; who were continuing on to the Green Turtle Lodge in eastern Ghana.
The rest of us left for Accra and boarded our flight to Amsterdam, where we said goodbye to Jenn-squared. With our team now diminished to five members we did our best to stay cheery and made the most of our day. Rick and Ken relaxed in the airport catchng up on some much needed rest, while myself, Maggie and Aggie ventured into the city to see some of the sites.
What an incredible city it is, such a stark contrast from our experiences of the last month. Strolling down alleys with 400 year old buildings towering above us. Now compare that to the dirt tracks and curbside vendors of Sunyani.
Now were are safely back at the airport, impatiently waiting on the airplane that is to take us home to our loved ones and our hometowns. I wish the updates for this blog could have been more consistent and reliable; but such is life in Ghana. It was very important to keep the words of Danny Archer from Blood Diamond in the back of our minds when things either didn't go as planned or were significantly delayed:
"This is Africa"
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Health Team Activities Update
As I said yesterday, the Health team participated in the visit to KCMS. They started the visit off with a game to address issues of stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS. The kids were playing with a ball when Patrick (one of our Ghanaian team members) told Sabrina and Yuuki (our Japanese team member) that they were not allowed to play because they had HIV/AIDS. After some hysterics from those two, one of the children confronted Patrick (much to our pleasure), telling him that you can't get AIDS by playing games.
The second activity at Kor Kor's was a condom demonstration and a Q&A regarding safe sex. This was followed by Yuuki reading a Japanese story in English with Bridgette (another Ghanaian team member) translating to Twi about the importance of washing your hands (watch out, Virusman will get you!!!)
The Health team has also undertaken the task of forming relationships with key community stakeholders. They have already met with the Regional Hospital's administration, the District Hospital, the Ghana AIDS Commission, and the Ministry of Education.
As one of the objectives of the Health team is to explore the prospect of a health curriculum at SPoly, the team conducted a needs assessment on campus. The support from the students (coupled with a healthy distribution of item 13) allowed for 165 reponses to their surveys in just over an hour. At this point they are still calculating the results but the general preception is very positive.
That's it from the Health team for now, many thanks to Jenn S for providing the update. They have a week packed with meeting, a health day at the primary school and a forum on HIV/AIDS so we'll keep you posted!
The second activity at Kor Kor's was a condom demonstration and a Q&A regarding safe sex. This was followed by Yuuki reading a Japanese story in English with Bridgette (another Ghanaian team member) translating to Twi about the importance of washing your hands (watch out, Virusman will get you!!!)
The Health team has also undertaken the task of forming relationships with key community stakeholders. They have already met with the Regional Hospital's administration, the District Hospital, the Ghana AIDS Commission, and the Ministry of Education.
As one of the objectives of the Health team is to explore the prospect of a health curriculum at SPoly, the team conducted a needs assessment on campus. The support from the students (coupled with a healthy distribution of item 13) allowed for 165 reponses to their surveys in just over an hour. At this point they are still calculating the results but the general preception is very positive.
That's it from the Health team for now, many thanks to Jenn S for providing the update. They have a week packed with meeting, a health day at the primary school and a forum on HIV/AIDS so we'll keep you posted!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Environment Team Update
Things have been moving along quickly. In fact it's hard to believe for most of us there are only two more weeks before we are back in Canada. That being said, I need to update you folks on what has been happening. I can't speak fully for the Health and Ecotourism Teams, but for the Environment Team, thing have been progressing steadily.
Shortly after our first meeting we had the chance to plant some trees in FFRT newly established Arboreum. Not only was the Environment team attending, but we also invited members of the other two teams, and it was hosted by the FFRT Environmental Solutions Club. Before we got started, Vincent (head of the Environmental Club) introduced all present to the significance of planting the particular species. This was a learning experience for all as many of the students from FFRT were 1st years and in the dark alongside the Canadians.
Once we got to the planting, the Canadian contingent definately did not hold up our end of the bargain. But this was not in vain. Vincent offered a very thourough introduction to the planting methods and why they were being used. He was also very helpful in the fact that he used his cutlass (polite term for machete) to minimize casualties from the thorns and brambles. Each of the eight trees we planted provided an excellent photo and learning opportunity. We left after ensuring that things were well underway and retreated to the Eusbett Hotel to escape the heat, knowing that the Arboreum was in good hands. In fact the Solutions Club was able to plant another 200 some odd trees without our interference.
Our next big job came during our trip to Mole National Park. On our way we made a quick stop at a WASA (Womens Action Solidarity Association) village to check up on some composts we the Environmental team had set up last year. After a quick recce, it was apparent that the compost was not being used. After talking to the women we were able to determine that because of some political issues the women were not using the site frequently enough to maintain it. That and they weren't really interested in the techonology. After leaving disapointed, we made our way to Kor Kor's Charity Medical Services (KCMS).
We arrived at KCMS amidst some confusion, at least on the part of the Canadian guests. Once we had cleared things up a bit we were able to watch a presentation from the Rotarians of some computers, books, and mosquito nets. They were very much appreciated and after the presentation we enjoyed a lunch of joloff rice and chicken. The Environment team proceeded to do some evaluations regarding the plastic waste management presentation given in the previous year, meanwhile the Health team gave a very enthusiastic presentation on how to put on condoms and how to wash your hands. To date we have yet to properly conclude what the results of the evaluations were, but as soon as we get some time we will be all over it.
But I am going to disappear into the pool at the Eusbett and I will bring another update soon! Happy Mother's Day to all the mums reading this!
Shortly after our first meeting we had the chance to plant some trees in FFRT newly established Arboreum. Not only was the Environment team attending, but we also invited members of the other two teams, and it was hosted by the FFRT Environmental Solutions Club. Before we got started, Vincent (head of the Environmental Club) introduced all present to the significance of planting the particular species. This was a learning experience for all as many of the students from FFRT were 1st years and in the dark alongside the Canadians.
Once we got to the planting, the Canadian contingent definately did not hold up our end of the bargain. But this was not in vain. Vincent offered a very thourough introduction to the planting methods and why they were being used. He was also very helpful in the fact that he used his cutlass (polite term for machete) to minimize casualties from the thorns and brambles. Each of the eight trees we planted provided an excellent photo and learning opportunity. We left after ensuring that things were well underway and retreated to the Eusbett Hotel to escape the heat, knowing that the Arboreum was in good hands. In fact the Solutions Club was able to plant another 200 some odd trees without our interference.
Our next big job came during our trip to Mole National Park. On our way we made a quick stop at a WASA (Womens Action Solidarity Association) village to check up on some composts we the Environmental team had set up last year. After a quick recce, it was apparent that the compost was not being used. After talking to the women we were able to determine that because of some political issues the women were not using the site frequently enough to maintain it. That and they weren't really interested in the techonology. After leaving disapointed, we made our way to Kor Kor's Charity Medical Services (KCMS).
We arrived at KCMS amidst some confusion, at least on the part of the Canadian guests. Once we had cleared things up a bit we were able to watch a presentation from the Rotarians of some computers, books, and mosquito nets. They were very much appreciated and after the presentation we enjoyed a lunch of joloff rice and chicken. The Environment team proceeded to do some evaluations regarding the plastic waste management presentation given in the previous year, meanwhile the Health team gave a very enthusiastic presentation on how to put on condoms and how to wash your hands. To date we have yet to properly conclude what the results of the evaluations were, but as soon as we get some time we will be all over it.
But I am going to disappear into the pool at the Eusbett and I will bring another update soon! Happy Mother's Day to all the mums reading this!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sunyani Bound
While in Accra we had the opportunity to experience an army of hawkers (retailers on the street who flock to you trying to sell their wares) and a cultural centre. There was some great art and lots of carvings. We also had the chance to enjoy lunch at a spectacular beach resort... located across the street from a slum. The contrast was startling, rich people from various countries travel to pay 300 Ghana Cedis (GHC) a night (about $300 CAN) while across the street few of the residents make 300 GHC in a year.
We then made our way to Kumasi, where we made our way to another cultural centre. This one was a bit more hands on and gave Matt an opportunity to challenge a young boy to a handstand competition (Matt won, but not by much). We were also just in time for 100 French tourists to hold a press conference (maybe?) with a chief from a nearby village. We also learned that there was to be a huge celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Ashante King (who holds power over much of the local area).
The next day we had a full day booked. In the morning we made our way to see a wedding and a baby naming ceremony. However, because things run on GMT (Ghana Man Time) in Ghana, they weren't quite ready. Instead we made our way into town to see the parade of chiefs and sub-chiefs making their way to the football stadium for the celebration. The mass of people was staggering, the side walks and streets were packed and the police and army were out in full force maintaining order. After working our way through the crowd we also had the opportunity to see a flash of the President of Ghana's car.
After an hour of feeling like a sardine, we went back to the wedding which was just about to get underway. We had the opportunity to meet the family of the bride and groom and impress them with our command of the Twi language (taught to us by Sam and David, refined by Michael). After enjoying a rushed ceremony and seeing the groom get buckets of water dumped on him by three different people we retreated back to the guest house where we were staying to prepare for another long drive to Sunyani.
Other than two near misses, the drive to Sunyani was entirely uneventful. We had an emergency "free-range" (bathroom break) at a rural hospital halfway there. I'm not sure if I heard correctly, but it sounded like they birthed an average of 400 babies a month there, but it could be a year. We quickly got on the road again and made an uncomfortable trip all the way to Sunyani.
To say we were relieved when we got there is an understatement. With the amount of gear and people crammed into the bus some of us were on jumpseats. Fortunately the bus was air conditioned which kept tempers fairly even. After dropping off our gear we escaped to the Eusbett Hotel, which was to become our sanctuary for the next few weeks. Just knowing there was a pool to be used made all the difference. Not only that, but they offer a wide varietly of "Canadian" dishes which are handy when you start feeing homesick.
Overall the trip was great, but finally being able to settle was simply awesome.
Plane ticket from Vancouver to Accra: $2000. Diesel to drive from Accra to Sunyani: $500. Getting off the bus and realising we were "home" for the next month: Priceless!
We then made our way to Kumasi, where we made our way to another cultural centre. This one was a bit more hands on and gave Matt an opportunity to challenge a young boy to a handstand competition (Matt won, but not by much). We were also just in time for 100 French tourists to hold a press conference (maybe?) with a chief from a nearby village. We also learned that there was to be a huge celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Ashante King (who holds power over much of the local area).
The next day we had a full day booked. In the morning we made our way to see a wedding and a baby naming ceremony. However, because things run on GMT (Ghana Man Time) in Ghana, they weren't quite ready. Instead we made our way into town to see the parade of chiefs and sub-chiefs making their way to the football stadium for the celebration. The mass of people was staggering, the side walks and streets were packed and the police and army were out in full force maintaining order. After working our way through the crowd we also had the opportunity to see a flash of the President of Ghana's car.
After an hour of feeling like a sardine, we went back to the wedding which was just about to get underway. We had the opportunity to meet the family of the bride and groom and impress them with our command of the Twi language (taught to us by Sam and David, refined by Michael). After enjoying a rushed ceremony and seeing the groom get buckets of water dumped on him by three different people we retreated back to the guest house where we were staying to prepare for another long drive to Sunyani.
Other than two near misses, the drive to Sunyani was entirely uneventful. We had an emergency "free-range" (bathroom break) at a rural hospital halfway there. I'm not sure if I heard correctly, but it sounded like they birthed an average of 400 babies a month there, but it could be a year. We quickly got on the road again and made an uncomfortable trip all the way to Sunyani.
To say we were relieved when we got there is an understatement. With the amount of gear and people crammed into the bus some of us were on jumpseats. Fortunately the bus was air conditioned which kept tempers fairly even. After dropping off our gear we escaped to the Eusbett Hotel, which was to become our sanctuary for the next few weeks. Just knowing there was a pool to be used made all the difference. Not only that, but they offer a wide varietly of "Canadian" dishes which are handy when you start feeing homesick.
Overall the trip was great, but finally being able to settle was simply awesome.
Plane ticket from Vancouver to Accra: $2000. Diesel to drive from Accra to Sunyani: $500. Getting off the bus and realising we were "home" for the next month: Priceless!
Air Time
Finally, here is an update on our journey. We left Vancouver bright and early to catch our flight, our only hiccup was Jenn S who was randomly selected for additional screening, apparently her attire screamed "I have explosives!" We carried on to Amsterdam, where we met up with Rick, Maggie, and the Rotarians.
Another uneventful flight and we were in Accra. When we reached the airport (after bouncing off the wall of heat and humidity) we had a bus take us across the tarmac, a staggering distance of 50m. We lined up in a sweltering room trying to adjust to the heat and being all together uncomfortable after 25 hours of flying.
Our adventure at the airport was prolonged due to one of the baggage compartments being broken and had to be forced open. I wasn't complaining too loudly, it was better that they couldn't open it than it opening on its own at 30,000 ft above the Sahara Desert. We quickly made our way across town to Byblo's Hotel which was to be our home base for our time in Accra.
Another uneventful flight and we were in Accra. When we reached the airport (after bouncing off the wall of heat and humidity) we had a bus take us across the tarmac, a staggering distance of 50m. We lined up in a sweltering room trying to adjust to the heat and being all together uncomfortable after 25 hours of flying.
Our adventure at the airport was prolonged due to one of the baggage compartments being broken and had to be forced open. I wasn't complaining too loudly, it was better that they couldn't open it than it opening on its own at 30,000 ft above the Sahara Desert. We quickly made our way across town to Byblo's Hotel which was to be our home base for our time in Accra.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Stay Tuned
We are here (safely) and working hard, unfortunately the internet is not. I will try to get an update on what has happened and the information will slowly trickle in. The flights were great and the drive was interesting. Stay tuned for more to come!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Gearing up to get down
Well, goodbye phone calls have been made and tears have been shed, but we are finally ready to get going on the journey of a lifetime. One more boat trip, one more night and then hours and hours on planes! But as it stands, I am sitting here on my couch in Nanaimo, waiting for my ride.
Let me introduce myself, my name is Trevor and I am a first year Forestry student from Vancouver Island University. I will be traveling to Ghana tomorrow as a part the Ghana-Canada Partnership for Environmental Education Project along with four other students (Matt, Jenn B, Jenn S, and Sabrina) and four faculty members from the college (Ken, Rick, Aggie, and Maggie). I will be involved in the Environmental Theme Team along with Aggie and many of our Ghanaian partners. My primary focus will be Bushfire reduction strategies. Other members and our Ghanaian partners will be involved on Health and Ecotourism Teams.
Our project will be based in and around Sunyani in the Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana, which is in West Africa. We are in the middle of a much larger 5 year project, which started in 2007. To quote our site on VIU's website (http://www.viu.ca/ghana):
"The Ghana Canada Partnership for Environmental Education is a collaboration between VIU and two colleges located in Ghana: Sunyani Polytechnic (S. Poly), and the Sunyani Faculty of Forest Resource Technology (FFRT) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The project is in its third year of its five year life span. In the past two years, students from VIU have visited Sunyani to apply knowledge and skills in their respected fields over a three week field school in the spring. Faculty from FFRT and S. Poly also have also made an informational visit to VIU in the fall of each year.
The aim of the project is to help reduce poverty through environmental education in the region of Sunyani in Ghana. Sunyani is the capital of the Brong-Ahafo region which is located in Central Ghana.
In the past two years, five areas of need have been identified for community development.
1. Reducing household waste, especially plastic waste
2. Improving attitudes towards HIV/AIDS through education and awareness.
3. Improving agricultural practices to reduce bush fires.
4. Increasing private sector employment through the development of ecotourism.
5. Improving the cleanliness of drinking water in rural communities
The institutions will strive to build capacity throughout the five years by developing partnerships with community organizations in Ghana and Nanaimo and by engaging in knowledge transfer with Sunyani faculty to develop better teaching practices and extension services"
I can't think of much more to say, other than stay tuned! Wish us luck, and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. The next update will be coming from live from Sunyani! And make sure you join our group on Facebook, search "The Ghana Project" and look for the stacked Ghanaian/Canadian flags!
Let me introduce myself, my name is Trevor and I am a first year Forestry student from Vancouver Island University. I will be traveling to Ghana tomorrow as a part the Ghana-Canada Partnership for Environmental Education Project along with four other students (Matt, Jenn B, Jenn S, and Sabrina) and four faculty members from the college (Ken, Rick, Aggie, and Maggie). I will be involved in the Environmental Theme Team along with Aggie and many of our Ghanaian partners. My primary focus will be Bushfire reduction strategies. Other members and our Ghanaian partners will be involved on Health and Ecotourism Teams.
Our project will be based in and around Sunyani in the Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana, which is in West Africa. We are in the middle of a much larger 5 year project, which started in 2007. To quote our site on VIU's website (http://www.viu.ca/ghana):
"The Ghana Canada Partnership for Environmental Education is a collaboration between VIU and two colleges located in Ghana: Sunyani Polytechnic (S. Poly), and the Sunyani Faculty of Forest Resource Technology (FFRT) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The project is in its third year of its five year life span. In the past two years, students from VIU have visited Sunyani to apply knowledge and skills in their respected fields over a three week field school in the spring. Faculty from FFRT and S. Poly also have also made an informational visit to VIU in the fall of each year.
The aim of the project is to help reduce poverty through environmental education in the region of Sunyani in Ghana. Sunyani is the capital of the Brong-Ahafo region which is located in Central Ghana.
In the past two years, five areas of need have been identified for community development.
1. Reducing household waste, especially plastic waste
2. Improving attitudes towards HIV/AIDS through education and awareness.
3. Improving agricultural practices to reduce bush fires.
4. Increasing private sector employment through the development of ecotourism.
5. Improving the cleanliness of drinking water in rural communities
The institutions will strive to build capacity throughout the five years by developing partnerships with community organizations in Ghana and Nanaimo and by engaging in knowledge transfer with Sunyani faculty to develop better teaching practices and extension services"
I can't think of much more to say, other than stay tuned! Wish us luck, and please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. The next update will be coming from live from Sunyani! And make sure you join our group on Facebook, search "The Ghana Project" and look for the stacked Ghanaian/Canadian flags!
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