The students, Elizabeth, Lauren, and Katie are amazing! They ask some of the most insightful questions. Their assistance in the the processing of the participates, ensuring everyone's flights are booked and they travel without delay should become a premium on E-BAY, HSN or QVC.
They are the best! BRAVO!
Lena
Thursday, January 24, 2008
HASE 2008 Conference
The conference is going well. There are so many brilliant minds in one room, all meeting to achieve the same goal of making a difference in Africa. To listen to them is certainly a privilege, but to sit at a meal and have a conversation is even better. The exchange of dialogue, the insight of these men-is without a doubt most impressive. Mind mapping...it is a concept that does not appeal to my way of processing information. However, being a part of this process in the background and listening to the way thoughts, perceptions, and ideas are shared is without a doubt helping me grow a truly global perspective of my daily environment-and of Africa.
Members of the panel are from Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria-they have traveled the world. They know the history of their native countries and the countries they have traveled. There is a representative from the Global Fund, Project CURE, WHO, PHDs doing research analysis, members of both domestic and forgein military commands, contractors, everyone hoping to learn how to work together, developing and understanding a process in a crisis.
What I see is it is the development of personal relationships that get things done. Individuals putting aside their egos to support what is needed. This is a lesson we can all benefit from. And, if these men and women and others like them continue to share their thoughts a DIFFERENCE can and WILL be made.
Lena
Members of the panel are from Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria-they have traveled the world. They know the history of their native countries and the countries they have traveled. There is a representative from the Global Fund, Project CURE, WHO, PHDs doing research analysis, members of both domestic and forgein military commands, contractors, everyone hoping to learn how to work together, developing and understanding a process in a crisis.
What I see is it is the development of personal relationships that get things done. Individuals putting aside their egos to support what is needed. This is a lesson we can all benefit from. And, if these men and women and others like them continue to share their thoughts a DIFFERENCE can and WILL be made.
Lena
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Atlantic Ocean
On the east coast we all love the idea of walking on the beach-the Atlantic Ocean or the Chesapeake Bay. Today, I touched the Atlantic Ocean, more than 5,000 miles form the shores of America. I have come full circle from the shores my ancestors once walked. It is difficult to imagine their journey. As I sat on the stones of the shore I marveled at seeing what they saw and feeling at home.
I am told that I look like the Fonti people. That my manner is that of the Ashanti--I don't know what tribe's blood runs through my veins, I do know I feel Africa in my soul.
I am meeting Africans from all over the continent. I walked to today with my new son from Nigeria. He will return to his home tomorrow and I will remain another week. We both speak of how it is just not enough time to experience GHANA.
Lena
I am told that I look like the Fonti people. That my manner is that of the Ashanti--I don't know what tribe's blood runs through my veins, I do know I feel Africa in my soul.
I am meeting Africans from all over the continent. I walked to today with my new son from Nigeria. He will return to his home tomorrow and I will remain another week. We both speak of how it is just not enough time to experience GHANA.
Lena
Making a connection with Ashesi University
We are making visits to many locations, the conference will begin on Monday. There is a lot of work to do, but we aren't sure what the nature of it all will be. So, we make our visits and we wait for the next task. Lauren has told you a bit about our visit to Ashesi University and the students. I can also say I was impressed with the interaction of the students and the enthusiaum they so in the classroom.
I meet with the Director of Admissions and a member of the faculty to discuss the possibility of an exchange agreement with VWC. The Academic Dean was not available, so I am looking forward to a call so that I can tour more of the campus and continue the discussion.
It will take a very special student to come to Ghana. Ghana is not like the USA things are not always convenient. Every thing takes longer than you think it will take. Many things are not what we would consider modern in the USA. If you want it done your way GHANA is not the place for you.
If you want to learn about African culture, to experience the culture, the people the food, and aspects of American culture, if you are flexible then GHANA may be for you. I want to come back. It is expensive, but I would welcome the opportunity to come and teach in one of the primary schools.
Think about GHANA....if you want to learn more visit www.ghana.com
Lena
I meet with the Director of Admissions and a member of the faculty to discuss the possibility of an exchange agreement with VWC. The Academic Dean was not available, so I am looking forward to a call so that I can tour more of the campus and continue the discussion.
It will take a very special student to come to Ghana. Ghana is not like the USA things are not always convenient. Every thing takes longer than you think it will take. Many things are not what we would consider modern in the USA. If you want it done your way GHANA is not the place for you.
If you want to learn about African culture, to experience the culture, the people the food, and aspects of American culture, if you are flexible then GHANA may be for you. I want to come back. It is expensive, but I would welcome the opportunity to come and teach in one of the primary schools.
Think about GHANA....if you want to learn more visit www.ghana.com
Lena
Really Not a Simple Journey
Well, yesterday was the first time I had the opportunity to post in a while. I talked about the journey up North and the fact that travel is not really simple in Ghana. So, now let me share with you our journey back to Accra.
We left the North at 4:00 a.m. so as to avoid the traffic and perhaps reach Accra in time for dinner before 8:00 pm. We finally arrived at midnight, some 20 hours later and without the benefit of dinner along the way. A one hour drive just outside of the capital turned into 5 hours or more. Of course, everyone needed to use the toilet and we were hungry. Mike, Alan, and Anthony decided the side of the road did not look too bad as an optional toilet facility as we had no imagination of when we would get out of this huge traffic jam. Now, when I say traffic jam, I really mean jam. Some drivers decided to drive on the wrong side of the road into the on coming traffic. It was a measure I am pleased to say our driver did not take. As we wait, some of us are not so patient- we are hungry, we are tired, and we just want to be off of the bus.
Some of the drivers and passengers in the cars in front and behind us decide to have a meal and do a bit of shopping as they wait for the massive mess of traffic to begin to move along. You see, here you can buy almost anything on the side of the road. You want some new pots and pans, someone is caring them on the crown of their heads and you can purchase them. You want some toilet paper someone will sell you a role. You need some fruit, peppers or yam, you can buy it there is a young girl, an old woman, a young boy someone willing to sell.
It is difficult to complain about being hungry when you see people on the side of the road trying to earn $3.00 a day for their survival. Things are also put into perspective when it comes to what we complain about on a day to day basis in the States. After our trip, I don't think that I will complain about traffic again. Lena
We left the North at 4:00 a.m. so as to avoid the traffic and perhaps reach Accra in time for dinner before 8:00 pm. We finally arrived at midnight, some 20 hours later and without the benefit of dinner along the way. A one hour drive just outside of the capital turned into 5 hours or more. Of course, everyone needed to use the toilet and we were hungry. Mike, Alan, and Anthony decided the side of the road did not look too bad as an optional toilet facility as we had no imagination of when we would get out of this huge traffic jam. Now, when I say traffic jam, I really mean jam. Some drivers decided to drive on the wrong side of the road into the on coming traffic. It was a measure I am pleased to say our driver did not take. As we wait, some of us are not so patient- we are hungry, we are tired, and we just want to be off of the bus.
Some of the drivers and passengers in the cars in front and behind us decide to have a meal and do a bit of shopping as they wait for the massive mess of traffic to begin to move along. You see, here you can buy almost anything on the side of the road. You want some new pots and pans, someone is caring them on the crown of their heads and you can purchase them. You want some toilet paper someone will sell you a role. You need some fruit, peppers or yam, you can buy it there is a young girl, an old woman, a young boy someone willing to sell.
It is difficult to complain about being hungry when you see people on the side of the road trying to earn $3.00 a day for their survival. Things are also put into perspective when it comes to what we complain about on a day to day basis in the States. After our trip, I don't think that I will complain about traffic again. Lena
Military Hospital and Ashesi University
The room was entirely green.
Dark green curtains covered every wall, and the space that peeked between was a lighter shade of green plaster. The small couches that all 9 of us squeezed ourselves into were green. The men who stood before us, as we rose and stood close together to shake hands individually with each official there, were dressed in brown and green camoflauge, or solid green uniforms with prestigious adornments.
We were at the 37 Military Hospital. Guides took us on a tour around the place after we nodded our heads to each important name there. We were impressed by the emmaculate cleanliness and the very new, modern feeling of the hospital, completely different to the rugged rural hospital and research center we had stayed in at Navrongo.
We got to meet with the head of the information database there. I felt bad for him, because we entered his office and, since there were not nearly enough chairs, stood in a confronting half circle around him, notepads balanced on our forearms, firing questions like flashes of light in an interrogation setting, each one coming before he had even finished answering the last. Most of us were unaware of our overwhelming presence, but Katie, Liz and I noticed and had to stand back and sort of laugh. The Defense Dept. is not quite adept at informal, comfortable interviews. I can't blame them, their minds were on each question they wanted to ask, and we were getting a lot of good information, which was exciting to them.
We ate lunch back at the Kofi Annan, and then Beachley, Brooke, Liz, Katie and I went to the Ashesi University to meet with "participants," which were mostly students, two international ones from American University, and two professors. The room we were in was long and fairly thin, with tiny desks gathered too close together, and reaching end to end of the three walls, with a little bit of space between them and the white board on the fourth wall. The students were already there, and had been waiting for about a half hour for us (Ghana time was generous).
We handed out consent forms, and then a survey called the Lickert Survey, which assesses cultural and demographic characteristics (originally in order to conduct better business interactions,) but more importantly, we were there to receive feedback on the students' thoughts about organized aid systems and Ghana's role in the process.
When Brooke had collected the surveys, Beach got to the front of the class and spoke eloquently and articulately, communicating exactly what we were doing and what we wanted to hear from them. He used the white board behind him for efficient diagrams of the way aid systems work, and possible hitches that come up in the flow of money and information. He opened to the students at the end with a well-timed, "Your turn." Beach is clearly a Communications professor, and an efficient one.
They began slowly. They talked about people at the top of the chain neglecting to listen to those at the bottom, who know exactly what is needed. They talked about trust, the lack of it on both ends of the spectrum, and the resulting problems. One guy talked about money being given to "this white man" to do something, and "this white man" to do something else, so that the money is only a fraction of what it was when it reaches those who need it.
One of the American girls was very confronting about what exactly we were going to do with all of this information, and whether or not the "data" we were collecting would be put on a shelf and begin to collect dust. Brooke answered that our results would be delivered to the four-star level, the highest it can go.
Towards the end, the students talked a lot about their most pressing concern, the importance of Ghana being a self-sufficient country, able to stand on its own feet and deal with its own problems without dependence on foreign/international aid. Beach did a great job mediating, getting the participants to really think and take the conversation very far.
It abruptly ended, however, due to a lack of time. But everyone was so enthused afterwards that many stayed behind to talk with us about their continued thoughts on the whole matter.
One student who had been about to speak up gave his ideas to Liz, Katie and I as we listened. He talked about the importance of educating the young generation, and how the education systems in Ghana are focused on success only, and leave no room for creativity and originality. They do not breed people who could be capable of an original or unique idea, and that, he said, was what would make Ghana really successful. He cited Japan as an example, how the Japanese "got their act together" after WWII, without Western help, and became one of the most powerful and successful countries.
Lena and Brooke talked with the students as well, about exchange programs with Ashesi and VWC, and about their majors, and ideas for the future. It was very inspiring and reassuring that these young students were the upcoming generation for Ghana, because it gives us all hope to see such bright and talented people who care about their country. It is something I do not see enough in America. Had we talked about the same problems in a class back home, not many students would speak up (just look at a typical philosophy class). A student back home would not know anything about Ghana, either, whereas the students here knew everything about American politics and culture. It impressed us all, and gave us a better understanding of how stable the country is and will be in the future.
~Lauren
Dark green curtains covered every wall, and the space that peeked between was a lighter shade of green plaster. The small couches that all 9 of us squeezed ourselves into were green. The men who stood before us, as we rose and stood close together to shake hands individually with each official there, were dressed in brown and green camoflauge, or solid green uniforms with prestigious adornments.
We were at the 37 Military Hospital. Guides took us on a tour around the place after we nodded our heads to each important name there. We were impressed by the emmaculate cleanliness and the very new, modern feeling of the hospital, completely different to the rugged rural hospital and research center we had stayed in at Navrongo.
We got to meet with the head of the information database there. I felt bad for him, because we entered his office and, since there were not nearly enough chairs, stood in a confronting half circle around him, notepads balanced on our forearms, firing questions like flashes of light in an interrogation setting, each one coming before he had even finished answering the last. Most of us were unaware of our overwhelming presence, but Katie, Liz and I noticed and had to stand back and sort of laugh. The Defense Dept. is not quite adept at informal, comfortable interviews. I can't blame them, their minds were on each question they wanted to ask, and we were getting a lot of good information, which was exciting to them.
We ate lunch back at the Kofi Annan, and then Beachley, Brooke, Liz, Katie and I went to the Ashesi University to meet with "participants," which were mostly students, two international ones from American University, and two professors. The room we were in was long and fairly thin, with tiny desks gathered too close together, and reaching end to end of the three walls, with a little bit of space between them and the white board on the fourth wall. The students were already there, and had been waiting for about a half hour for us (Ghana time was generous).
We handed out consent forms, and then a survey called the Lickert Survey, which assesses cultural and demographic characteristics (originally in order to conduct better business interactions,) but more importantly, we were there to receive feedback on the students' thoughts about organized aid systems and Ghana's role in the process.
When Brooke had collected the surveys, Beach got to the front of the class and spoke eloquently and articulately, communicating exactly what we were doing and what we wanted to hear from them. He used the white board behind him for efficient diagrams of the way aid systems work, and possible hitches that come up in the flow of money and information. He opened to the students at the end with a well-timed, "Your turn." Beach is clearly a Communications professor, and an efficient one.
They began slowly. They talked about people at the top of the chain neglecting to listen to those at the bottom, who know exactly what is needed. They talked about trust, the lack of it on both ends of the spectrum, and the resulting problems. One guy talked about money being given to "this white man" to do something, and "this white man" to do something else, so that the money is only a fraction of what it was when it reaches those who need it.
One of the American girls was very confronting about what exactly we were going to do with all of this information, and whether or not the "data" we were collecting would be put on a shelf and begin to collect dust. Brooke answered that our results would be delivered to the four-star level, the highest it can go.
Towards the end, the students talked a lot about their most pressing concern, the importance of Ghana being a self-sufficient country, able to stand on its own feet and deal with its own problems without dependence on foreign/international aid. Beach did a great job mediating, getting the participants to really think and take the conversation very far.
It abruptly ended, however, due to a lack of time. But everyone was so enthused afterwards that many stayed behind to talk with us about their continued thoughts on the whole matter.
One student who had been about to speak up gave his ideas to Liz, Katie and I as we listened. He talked about the importance of educating the young generation, and how the education systems in Ghana are focused on success only, and leave no room for creativity and originality. They do not breed people who could be capable of an original or unique idea, and that, he said, was what would make Ghana really successful. He cited Japan as an example, how the Japanese "got their act together" after WWII, without Western help, and became one of the most powerful and successful countries.
Lena and Brooke talked with the students as well, about exchange programs with Ashesi and VWC, and about their majors, and ideas for the future. It was very inspiring and reassuring that these young students were the upcoming generation for Ghana, because it gives us all hope to see such bright and talented people who care about their country. It is something I do not see enough in America. Had we talked about the same problems in a class back home, not many students would speak up (just look at a typical philosophy class). A student back home would not know anything about Ghana, either, whereas the students here knew everything about American politics and culture. It impressed us all, and gave us a better understanding of how stable the country is and will be in the future.
~Lauren
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Simple Journey
We traveled to the North to visit a research center, do some interviews, and visit an orphanage. It was to be a simple journey. We were asked to be ready to leave at 7:00 a.m. The driver arrived and as with all things in Ghana there was a negotiation on price. When finally there was no agreement on the charges for our journey other arrangements were made. So, now it is almost 10:00 or later and we are suppose to be there before 4:00, in Kumasi-I am to meet with someone from the University. The arrangements where made Stateside and confirmed when we arrived on Saturday and again earlier in the day. Well, it was after 9:00 or 10:00 when we finally arrived in Kumasi, a very long day! We are told we must be ready to leave at 7:00 and breakfast before. There was trouble with checking out and one begins to wonder..Is it always like this? Nothing moves fast.
There is certainly lots of movement, cars, trucks, motorbikes, bicycles, buses and vans in every direction. But everything takes time and you can only move forward as the car ahead moves forward or motions you to pass. This is something unique to me, one driver motioning to help another. However, everything is unique about this journey. We finally arrive at our destination late Tuesday evening, we are greeted with a meal and beverages. The food is excellent and so is the hospitality. One we are settled we know that we have another full day on Wednesday and we must meet the staff at the Research Center. Our orientation of the facility and the meeting of the staff, a tour of the hospital and meetings with various others rounds out a full day.
But,the day is not over- we want to see a bit of the North and deliver some gifts to the orphanage- again- travel time here is very different- the orphanage is down a dirt road-then again so is everything. There are not highways and paved roads like we experience in the USA. People don't walk around naked or live in trees-yet, life here is very different-complex and simple in the same moment. You see, people do live in mud and grass huts-at least what we would call huts- this does not mean they are poor. Nor, does it mean that they do not send their children to school it only confirms the fact that life is lived differently in different parts of the world. I am amazed! We saw a funeral procession- all the women of the village were caring water form the well to the home of the family where someone had died. You see, everything here from birth to death is about the family and the community.
Another thing that is different are some of the roadside consciences we have in the USA have not reached the continent of Africa. There are no rest stops and I have not seen a MacDonald's or Cracker Barrel so that we could get a quick meal or stop to relieve one's self. But, I can now say I have relieved myself on the side of the road in the USA, New Zealand and Australia. I have purchased toilet paper to relieve myself in a toilet that did not flush and I have used a Muslim squat room/I am sure there is a proper name. No, the travel is not easy, but it is not an experience that I would trade for the world.
We are all different on the bus, Brooke is a Social Psychologist and a widow, Beech is 62 and has been married more than 40 years, Bob is here with his daughter, Anthony was born here, Elizabeth who I continue to call Brooke has not traveled a lot internationally, Lauren will be leaving for Argentina a few days after we get back, Mike is in his 40's with a wife and 2 daughters, Alan is divorced and remarried for more than 25 years with 2 adult sons, and me I am a divorced African American grandmother.
You should hear us on the bus-we are just like a family-we tease one another, we take pictures and laugh at each other sleeping, I think some one is even counting how many times I say I need to use the restroom on the side of the road. Most of all we are growing as individuals. You can tell when you hear a conversation between Beech and Lauren or Brooke and Alan. Or me, as I quiz Waheed about the culture.
I have been asked if someone could buy me- I know he was joking- so we laughed-but some asked me if they could give me their daughter to live with me in America. This may sound strange unless you understand that in Ghanaian culture those with less allow children to live with someone with more to allow the child greater opportunities. So, this is a gift from the mother to the child and the child when educated with help support the family.
Lena
There is certainly lots of movement, cars, trucks, motorbikes, bicycles, buses and vans in every direction. But everything takes time and you can only move forward as the car ahead moves forward or motions you to pass. This is something unique to me, one driver motioning to help another. However, everything is unique about this journey. We finally arrive at our destination late Tuesday evening, we are greeted with a meal and beverages. The food is excellent and so is the hospitality. One we are settled we know that we have another full day on Wednesday and we must meet the staff at the Research Center. Our orientation of the facility and the meeting of the staff, a tour of the hospital and meetings with various others rounds out a full day.
But,the day is not over- we want to see a bit of the North and deliver some gifts to the orphanage- again- travel time here is very different- the orphanage is down a dirt road-then again so is everything. There are not highways and paved roads like we experience in the USA. People don't walk around naked or live in trees-yet, life here is very different-complex and simple in the same moment. You see, people do live in mud and grass huts-at least what we would call huts- this does not mean they are poor. Nor, does it mean that they do not send their children to school it only confirms the fact that life is lived differently in different parts of the world. I am amazed! We saw a funeral procession- all the women of the village were caring water form the well to the home of the family where someone had died. You see, everything here from birth to death is about the family and the community.
Another thing that is different are some of the roadside consciences we have in the USA have not reached the continent of Africa. There are no rest stops and I have not seen a MacDonald's or Cracker Barrel so that we could get a quick meal or stop to relieve one's self. But, I can now say I have relieved myself on the side of the road in the USA, New Zealand and Australia. I have purchased toilet paper to relieve myself in a toilet that did not flush and I have used a Muslim squat room/I am sure there is a proper name. No, the travel is not easy, but it is not an experience that I would trade for the world.
We are all different on the bus, Brooke is a Social Psychologist and a widow, Beech is 62 and has been married more than 40 years, Bob is here with his daughter, Anthony was born here, Elizabeth who I continue to call Brooke has not traveled a lot internationally, Lauren will be leaving for Argentina a few days after we get back, Mike is in his 40's with a wife and 2 daughters, Alan is divorced and remarried for more than 25 years with 2 adult sons, and me I am a divorced African American grandmother.
You should hear us on the bus-we are just like a family-we tease one another, we take pictures and laugh at each other sleeping, I think some one is even counting how many times I say I need to use the restroom on the side of the road. Most of all we are growing as individuals. You can tell when you hear a conversation between Beech and Lauren or Brooke and Alan. Or me, as I quiz Waheed about the culture.
I have been asked if someone could buy me- I know he was joking- so we laughed-but some asked me if they could give me their daughter to live with me in America. This may sound strange unless you understand that in Ghanaian culture those with less allow children to live with someone with more to allow the child greater opportunities. So, this is a gift from the mother to the child and the child when educated with help support the family.
Lena
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