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Following a morning lecture that highlighted the culture and development with Dr. Rose Walls and a lecture on The slave period, impact on Africans, Ghana and the Diaspora the students were given the opportunity to serve one of the poorest communities in Accra known as Nima.
Four communities in Accra have been identified as poverty endemic according to a Co-operative Housing International (CHF)report. It cited Jamestown and Nima as being high poverty zones. On this afternoon the california students would be assisting with painting and re cementing the floors of a muslim elementary school.
Getting to the site was like something out of a movie, we were led by guides deep into the village of shante' style housing that wind and turned with gutters and doorways. I was sure I would be lost if I did not keep up. There is no way to remember how to get to the location which seem to be in the heart of this dense community.
The video does not begin to give the full effect of the experience as we passed these small one room homes which housed sometimes 10 people in a space no larger than what we would call a small walk-in closet. (very humbling- how blessed and fortunate we Americans are.)
Upon arrival to the school we stepped through a narrow walk-way which opened to a vast courtyard that we crossed into what seemed to be the main classroom. As we entered the children cheered!!! It gave me chills and tears began to well up in my eyes. I have never experienced anything like this before, I along with the students was overwhelmed and extremely humbled- we all were shocked and moved by the appreciation.
The children put on a program of music, song and dance and completely entertained us. It was a beautiful site as the poored there heart and souls out to us, we were blessed by there LOVE.
Following the program the students were put to work, painting and moving furniture. Some of the older children joined in, it was wonderful to see such pride in there school.
As we left the students were informed that their being there was PERFECT timing - some of the students would be Graduating on Saturday and the school will be looking good for that day!!!
Samyiah was mobbed by the little ones and a particular little girl became her hip mate. She stuck with Samyiah the whole time, even when we left she had Samyiah carry her all the way back to the bus. As we bid our farewells, Samyiah let me know that the little girl was the school's principle's grand daughter.
The principal shared that he attended this same school some 30+ years ago as a young child. He works hard to keep up in order to give this children an education. Most kids who are poor must go to public schools which only give limited education. Many families send their kids to private school in order to get a "good education". At this school the children receive a descent education they are taught two languages in addition to the basic reading, writing, and arithmatic.
Most students in Ghana speak and read thier native tongue, english and at least two additional languages fluently. Most of our students from california students only speak and read English fluently!
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