Ghana Together News

Axim Public Library, Part 2...

2012-02-03T01:32:00.000-08:00

You may think I do nothing but library stuff...well, there are many other things going on, but the library is close to my librarian heart. So, I'll finish up on that and go on to other topics in future.

I mentioned “StoryTime”, held at the library four days/week. Two classes each day come from the 5 schools near enough that even the youngest children can walk to the library, although this is not an easy walk. Axim has one main road coming into town. It has to accommodate everything and everyone---including trucks and taxis, etc. There are not many private vehicles, but they’re there, too. Everyone walks along this road, but there are no sidewalks. There are only drainways about 2-3 feet deep on each side of the street. Yikes! I say all this because it shows the determination of teachers, parents, and the children themselves to take advantage of the opportunity to read.

So, today at 11:00, 54 students from just one Morning Star Academy 4^th grade class walked to the Library for storytime. Classes are very large here. Benches were moved out onto the second floor veranda, where there was at least a bit of a breeze. The children jammed in. Meanwhile, in the lower level of the Community Center, there was a Town Hall meeting going on and the loudspeakers were deafening. Readers who have been here are familiar with the local love affair with terrifically loud microphones, speakers, etc. We are natural orators here. Give us a microphone...and louder must be better...Meanwhile, the Library veranda fronts that main street, and trucks and other vehicles rumble by.

In spite of the din, Mercy the librarian riveted the children’s attention by telling a traditional African tale, complete with many dramatic flourishes---demonstrating beautifully the seemingly effortless oratorical and dramatic flair that is so common here. After the story, the children got a chance to browse for books to check out, with the help of their Library Teacher. Every student in this school have library registrations, at 50 pesewas/year (about 35 US cents). Mercy’s two staff members will collect the books in one week. She gives just a week, to put pressure on the students to read quickly and not procrastinate. That also helps her stretch her meager collection to the max. The fees help pay for book processing supplies.

Meanwhile, another has class arrived---just 16 grade four children this time. They have walked probably at least 30 minutes to get here. Their classroom teacher and library teacher walked, too. They come from a small community school in the very economically marginal Apowesika neighborhood. Because of the long walk, these children get a choice---they themselves choose to make the walk or not. When they finished storytime, the library teacher put 50 books in the new plastic tote I bought for them yesterday, hoisted it on her head, and away they went on the long road back to school.

So, the library has made major strides in children’s services. In 2010, 152 children registered to be library members. In 2011, that number had jumped to 1035, with registrations nicely increasing from about mid-2010 to present, month by month, as children more or less “recruited” each other. Cleverly, they may “swap” books with others who are registered (peer pressure! The hope is the children and parents will be “invested” in the program). The Library Teacher has a brightly colored plastic bag, with each child’s registration “envelope,” made of some blue paper stapled. The bookcard is slipped into the little registration envelope...clever, inexpensive...works.

Now children must re-register for 2012, and that’s going very well, too. They may have reached a “tipping point” here, in terms of sustainability. I spoke with several teachers about whether family financial situations prevented registration, but they assured me that 50 pesewas was within reach of all. Currently the “mobile library by taxi”, which started into 2011, visits 16 primary/junior high schools---most of the schools. How many children are there in Axim? I have no idea. A lot.

Mercy has worked hard to have many African books in her collection. In fact, her problem was that the few children who had registrations had read all the books multiple times. With the “new to them” books we’ve been sending, which have been carefully chosen by librarians and teachers, she finally is starting to achieve a collection sufficient to run basic children’s services. Folks are well-aware of this change, and I’ve received many positive comments as I walk the around the town. A good feeling.

Mercy herself has been recognized as an outstanding young library leader by the Ghana Library Board, and in October will start the program at Legon University in Accra to become what we would call a Masters Degree in Library Science. She will continue to be paid her full-time salary, and will return here to work during university breaks. Meanwhile, she will be replaced by her former assistant whom Mercy herself trained as part of National Service, and who is now the Children’s Services Librarian in Sekondi Library, a much larger city. This librarian wants to be a library manager, and the Ghana Library Board Director for the Western Region (whom I have met and communicated with) sees her as a good fit to sustain and further develop children’s services Mercy has started here.

And so, my dear readers...thanks for your patience in reading all about this. Next time. Today is "KVIP Toilet Day". What I do for those engineers back in Bellingham!! Wish me luck!! Maryanne Ward from Axim, Ghana

Ps: Unfortunately, because I forgot to flip the little switch on the electrical outlet, I didn’t get my camera charged, so no photos this time.

And, by the way, these news items are being published to the “News” menu page on our ghanatogether.org website. The News webpage has a free “subscribe” option whereby an automatic email version of these news item are sent to “subscribers”.

A Day for Librarians

2012-02-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

I leave my hotel room which, although it’s a super-modest volunteer quarters, is untold luxury with shower, toilet, small TV, fan. Actually, this hotel is really very nice, outside of town some, and serves mostly Europeans and some Ghanaian officials, etc. So far, I’m the lone American. I couldn’t stay in the Volunteer Quarters at the WHH facility this year so here I am.

Breakfast is koko (sour corn cereal, kind of like cream of wheat, but taste of buttermilk), Spanish egg (sort of very flat omelet with some veggies), small roll, FRESH PINEAPPLE JUICE, and my special drink of coffee, milo (coca), sugar, and condensed milk. And oh, tropical fruit plate of fresh pineapple, watermelon, mango or whatever they have...yes, to get good tropical fruit, you must go to the fruit, rather than bring the fruit to you.

I walk to Axim Town, taking the short-cut trail from the hotel that local folks take---about a half hour walk. Part of it is a bit scary---just pure jungle---but often there are women hauling wood or something on it. Then, we get into a more populated area. Past the fishing canoes, crowded walkways, little stands, little kids yelling “obroni, how are you?” (white lady...), women sorting out the fish, men making/mending nets, every present radio blaring by loudspeaker...

I arrive at the Axim Public Library on the 2^nd floor of the Community Center, a sort of open air building that is being improved. I am just in time to meet Mercy Ackah, the Librarian. We are walking to Akyinim (pronounced approximately Acheeum) JHS school. There are fifty JHS students (out of about 100) there who have paid 50 cedis (about 35 US cents) for a library registration envelope. The school has no library, so, with the influx of about 1500 books that have been received by Western Heritage Home from Ghana Together and others and in turn given to the library, Mercy runs a sort of “book mobile” service. We walked about halfway up hill with 25 books each, and just when I wondered if I was going to pass out, Elijah appeared! He is a taxi driver who is sort of part of the Western Heritage “team.” He loves helping out and is their regular driver, on top of his regular taxi driving. So, we bundled in and off we went up the hills away from the beach to the school.

He dropped us off and off we went on a small jungle path, across a stream, and finally the school appeared. (And oh, for you Engineers Without Borders folks reading this, there is a genuine KVIP toilet there! More later).

There, the 50 kids were ushered into a classroom. We spread about the books on a small table. Mercy has a Library Teacher Coordinator in every school. This teacher took each child’s registration card, called out the name, and the child came forward and selected his/her book. A few kids signed up for the first time and everyone clapped. They may swap books during the week, but next week on the same day, the library staff arrives to collect all the books, and move them on to another school.

Meanwhile, Elijah scooted back and helped Mercy’s two “boys”---young men on her staff---deliver about 500 books to the Methodist P4-P6. The primary school has 630 students, but only 400 have library cards, because the library doesn’t currently have enough simple, basic books for the P1-P3 age group. However, 400 students have paid about 35 US cents each for their registration (as compared to less than 20 a year ago). This was a much bigger operation. Multiple Library Teachers and library staff helped most of the 400 children find a book. The excitement of the children was terrific! This is brand new for them. They love these new books. Mercy has now begun mixing in older books, and the kids don’t seem to distinguish, so it’s working. They immediately began reading their books out loud. A wonderful din.

Assistants and Elijah and taxi driver in yellow shirt

Meanwhile, the books they’d been using were boxed up and taken to Beamish School and Life International. Thus, a rotating library, by taxi. When we got to the Methodist school, several girls ran out, excited by seeing the book boxes. They took what I thought were extremely large boxes of books on their heads and up the hill they went to the classrooms!

They do this “books by taxi” every Mon-Thursday, hitting three schools every day! None of the schools have libraries in them, and no books generally. Mercy herself goes to a different school every Monday, to connect with the staff and make sure all is going OK. The other days she usually runs two “storytimes” a day for children from nearby schools who walk over with their class teacher. Fridays they work in the library itself organizing for the next week.

All of this is new and has been made possible since about 1.5 years ago, when St Philips Episcopal Church in the Detroit area started sending children's books, with the help of Ebby M, who grew up in Axim and now lives in Maryland. And friends of Ghana Together in the Skagit Valley have helped a lot, too.

The District Assembly here has designated a room next to the current three-room library for a “Children’s Library.” They are also installing ELECTRICITY! Ghana Together funded a local carpenter to build shelving, a table, and a guy to paint everything. A local Ghanaian donated the paint. It’s part of a larger effort to improve the Axim downtown Community Center. The Children’s Library will soon be ready. There are many books still not unpacked waiting for a home because there’s no room in the existing space. Mercy wants a new library, which I can understand. We yell “Librarians Rule the World” once in a while just to mystify people! Mercy says we are “missionaries of the mind.”

Thanks you all from Mercy and from the teachers who asked me to convey to you their thanks! Sometimes things work. (ps...think “board books”. If you don’t know what they are, ask....)

Mercy looking down from her second story library veranda

Church in Axim

2012-01-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

St. James Methodist Church, Axim,Ghana on Jan 29, 2012--an ordinary Sunday service
The women in white belong to a women's service group and wear distinctive dresses.

Yes, I do attend church in Axim...in fact, since the services are long and the churches are clustered, I usually attend more than one! Partly this is because I find the services warm, inviting, and inspiring, even though I cannot understand more than a few words. I sit there, and sort of get in touch with myself and find myself calming down and relaxing---shedding my feeling of foreign-ness just a bit and getting my head and heart more or less in alignment as best I can. And I connect with folks I know, etc.

Today in the Anglican Church, the preacher started his sermon dramatically by sort of slugging himself in the forehead, and I caught the words “David and Goliath”, so I knew generally where he was going. He ended by saying in English that we are small “David’s” sitting on God’s shoulder, walking together...and he walked around a bit and everyone clapped. And I thought to myself since everyone here walks a LOT, it probably was the perfect metaphor.

But mostly I love the singing---these most ordinary people sing so beautifully. And when the drums kick in, well, yes... I know a couple of church musicians are reading this. Here’s how it works: the lead singer in the small choir starts singing, whether hymn, response, etc. In the Anglican church, this is a woman. While she is singing the first few bars, the keyboardist is searching for the key by playing individual notes until he finds the ones she’s singing. It’s his job (young guy) to match her and build the chords around the notes she has started out with. There are disadvantages---today there were two guys and the second guy obviously wasn’t very experienced, and we had quite a few strange chords. BUT, the advantage is she is a really good singer, and she knows all the songs and knows exactly where to start so it fits the voice range---not to high or too low. So, actually, it works well, and when they get rolling, it’s really wonderful. People divide into parts (fifths) and then the drums find the rhythm that works and off we all go. If we had a hard time getting it going on the first verse with the whole “key matching” process, the pastor or someone will call to sing it again. It’s worth going to Africa for! J

Today I thought I had bad luck because when I left the Anglican service, I walked over to St. James Methodist church and they had just launched their quarterly congregational business meeting! I was ushered in to the usual front/side seat and there was no polite escape route. But, I quickly became fascinated. First, leaders gave reports --- all in Fante. Energetically, with expression and conviction. Then the photocopied financial details were passed out to those who raised their hands (very detailed...I was impressed). Then, Mr. Kwofie, an accountant who attends the church, gave his auditor’s report and certified that the records were accurate.

Now came the best part. It was explained to me that this is the one time during each quarter when anyone can stand up and say before the entire congregation what he or she likes or doesn’t like about anything at all regarding the church. Many persons came up. Each started by saying “Christ is Risen.” The congregation responded, “He is Risen Indeed”. Then, the natural Ghanaian oratorical skills began to flourish. Ghanaians are not a shy people, generally, and they speak their minds. Some comments were obviously critical; some were positive. Both men and women had their say. There was much gesturing, clapping for some, and much cross-conversation, laughing, vigorous arguments, etc. as people started to discuss among themselves in the pews. I’m not sure if anything was settled or if someone was writing things down...I imagine the leadership was paying attention. It was explained to me that this is in their church constitution since Ghana is now a democracy and so they have full participation by everyone.

Then suddenly it was all over. We enthusiastically sang “We Thank You All Our God”, plus another hymn and spilled out into the street, with much laughing and conversation. Suffice it to say, it was BY FAR the most spirited congregational meeting I have ever attended, and I’ve been to quite a few!

Another reason to go to church is that it doesn’t hurt to have several hundred people know you’re in town. I feel quite accepted and protected. It also gives me a chance to say a few words before the congregations about why I’m here and make the connection with local leaders. I say “few words” because my American-accented English is tough for them. Americans are rare here.

Mr. Bentil and I went to Friends Café to have lunch and discuss next week’s schedule. The only thing on the menu was a dish called “Local Food.” It was palm oil soup with two balls of rice in it and two balls of what I think maybe was the fat of something—beef maybe? I tried not to think about grasscutters. I courageously ate the liquid part of the soup, which was spicy and OK, and the rice. Maybe I’ll lose weight here!

Back to the hotel and a nice conversation with Jonas, the owner/manager. A good guy. Dinner was perch in sauce and two mounds of rice. Then a conversation with a fellow diner who is the Ghanaian equivalent of an FBI agent. He not only investigates crime but also policies that don’t seem to be working. The example he gave was if many students from a school are failing the standard tests, his job is to find out why. Interesting. Tomorrow I get to solid work. Bye for now. Maryanne from Axim, Ghana

From Afia Village to Axim Beach Hotel---some thoughts

2012-01-27T10:39:00.000-08:00

From Afia Village to Axim Beach Hotel---some thoughts. Some of this is quite personal, because many of my “readers” are very familiar with the places and people and may enjoy an update.

Accra seems to be one big construction site. One huge new-to-me building is painted entirely in multi-colored Kente cloth design. The new multi-lane highway heading north is finished on the north bound lane somewhat beyond Accra but when the south bound lane ends, everyone just travels both directions on the north bound, now a “three-lane-but-no-lane-marking road.” Yikes!

Tuesday am we headed west. Just outside Accra they are building a modern overpass---suffice it to say this is about the worst traffic nightmare imaginable, with voluminous clouds of thick red dust and no detours. People told me Accra was built for 400,000 people and now several people told me it has 4,000,000---can that be?

But, James, Mozova (his employee) and I left that behind and the tropical environment emerged with village after village along the road and people selling every imaginable product under small roadside stands with canopies. After a while, James mentioned it was almost 4:00 pm, and then began the search for a “roadside café” with a reasonably-sized TV so we could watch Ghana play in a World Cup qualifying match. We finally found one that was really quite small, but the best available, so everything stopped and I sat and watched the game with about 30 men, several being police or military men with machine guns slung casually on the back of their chairs. And Ghana won! So all was well.

Gas here is subsidized and costs about $4.00 per gallon. Ghana has oil now, and there is a lot of controversy about the government’s policy to end the subsidies in the near future---I was told it may be well above $5 US/gal. This is a country where the average per capita GDP is about $1000-$1200/year. People feel they should benefit from their country’s resources. We followed two huge Caterpillar earthmovers on the road---going to the gold mines west of Axim---another new economic development. It’s a little wild with oil, natural gas, gold...but how will this all translate into a better life for the ordinary folks?

Finally we reached James’ home in Takoradi. How fun to see Godwin whom James has taken into his home. He seemed relaxed, happy, at home. He whispered to me his best friend is Emmanuel, and he likes school. The family is amazed at his intelligence and proud of him. He asked if I could get his OLPC for him. Luckily I had one with me that I had taken back home to repair. He loves it and is very skilled. James’ house is secure so it won’t be stolen. Since Little James has one, the two boys will teach each other.

And how fun to see their 3-year old deaf daughter again! She is remarkable, too, fitting in well, outgoing, attending an ordinary nursery school while Mom takes baby sister Heidi to work in the Jamkay shop. I have given them three books I bought in Mt Vernon for early teaching of sign language. I hope they work at it.

And Elfriede will be 18 in May! She is excited about “getting enfranchised.” It took me a bit to understand she was talking about voting in the upcoming Ghanaian Presidential election! She is the leader of a Civil Society Club in her high school. They investigate problems in their community and compete with other high schools on presentations. They did a project on a Takoradi slum—they didn’t win this time, but they are sure they’ll win next time. The “national winners” get to make their presentations on TV! Her grades are excellent she says. They are also studying all the speeches made by candidates, etc. She read my Ashesi brochure and got excited about possibly going there to become an engineer.

Many of the day-to-day frustrations of family life remain for this middle-class family. The electricity was steady this time because it’s the “dry season”, but piped water is still not available most or maybe any of the time, although they live in a settled part of the city. They carry water in on headpans from a nearby spigot, which itself only runs at certain times. Imagine running such a household with no running water!

Anastasia dropped in. She has moved on from Quicken software for bookkeeping and now uses Quickbooks and keeps the books for a medical clinic! YES! She also set up a patient record system for the clinic. Then Barbara came round. She is taking courses to become an internet/network/ administrative systems specialist! YES! She took me to her home. I met her lovely Mom and siblings. THEN, Ariana called me! She has twin boys, 10 months old. She is home with them, doesn’t get much sleep, but sounded completely happy. She is thinking about starting a little bookkeeping business in her home when they get a bit older.” Yes, I am really proud of these young women and love that I maybe gave them a little boost with a practical skill!

Then further west to Axim, where the jungle really sets in. The huge rubber plantation some of you are familiar with has been TOTALLY bulldozed. It’s amazing. A Qatar company is cutting down all the trees, grinding them up into sawdust on the spot which flows into a container which is driven by truck to Takoradi port instantly. Meanwhile, new rubber trees are planted right behind the bulldozer. The trees are sixty years old and no longer produce rubber so they’re replanting the entire thing.

Finally we arrived in Axim. The Axim Beach Hotel is more elaborate than ever---Jonas seems to expand the place by the day. I’m in a very small little room, but nicely appointed with water, shower, fan---a new volunteer quarter in a sort of court---brand new. It was good to have a really nice meal tonight, looking at the sunset over the Atlantic, and a shower! Mercy has invited me to stay with her and also Bentil’s niece has offered to stay with me at WHH, so I’ll probably be leaving here soon. Bentil and I walked downtown and had lunch at Friends. It was nice to be greeted by folks along the way.

So tomorrow I start working with folks here, looking back, looking forward, celebrating what has worked and working together to fix what needs fixing...trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks for reading. Oh, and yesterday was my birthday, but it sort of passed without remark. I’m just very happy to be alive and able to carry on. No photos this time...couldn't get it together. Next time. Love to you all, Maryanne from Axim, Ghana

Visit to Ashesi University College

2012-01-24T03:34:00.000-08:00

James and I drove the long, rough road from Legon University area to Berekuso, home of the new, beautiful Ashesi University College campus. James and I met with Matthew Taggart, Associate Director of Development, and Maria Bankas, Admissions Officer, to discuss possible opportunities for Ashesi to connect with the Axim-Nzemaland area.

Ashesi was founded in 2002 by Patrick Awuah, a Ghanaian retired Microsoft Program Manager Patrick Awuah, founded this new liberal arts college in 2002. Ashesi’s mission is to train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa.

Ashesi is interested in reaching out to Nzemaland/Western Region. We arranged for Maria to visit the high schools in the area in March, as a guest of Western Heritage Home.WHH will work with Mrs. Bonku, headmistress of Axim All-Girls SHS and other headmasters in the area to facilitate the relationship.

We were especially interested in Ashesi’s “College for Ama,” a short-term summer program that brings impoverished adolescent girls to Ashesi camps for one week. Ashesi bases its admissions entirely on academic excellence. Students pay tuition on need-based system, depending on family circumstances. Some pay the full amount of about $3000/semester; one student currently pays about $100 for the entire year.

As a fellow librarian, I had a good conversion with Nina Chachu, the head librarian. She runs an amazingly nice little library. They provide access heavily subsidized access, thanks to a Ghana academic consortium, to the online journal and research databases familiar to academic librarians worldwide, such as EBSCO, etc.

We had a wonderful visit. I am so happy that James was able to be there, and meet with them, tour the beautiful campus designed by a Ghanaian architect using local native stone (extremely beautiful I thought), hear about their mission, etc. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bonku, headmistress of Axim All-Girls High School was ill and unable to join us. But, James tentatively arranged with Matthew another visit for the two of them. A wonderful day. Thank you Tom and Louise for facilitating this event.

Back in Ghana

2012-01-24T03:14:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
This is Maryanne Ward, here in Ghana on behalf of Ghana Together, at the increasingly expensive but still nice Afia Village Hotel. A long ways from Seattle---snow, ice, delayed flights...
I will use this News feature on our Ghana Together website to keep folks, esp. my family and fellow GT Board members informed about my to-ing and fro-ing here.

Our friend Frank Cudjoe kindly met me at the airport with my three huge bags with my 14 laptops and who knows what else, plus three small bags. Amazingly, the customs official guided me straight out between the two lines of people who were opening suitcases, etc. for the officers...into the hands of competent Frank and his friend the taxi driver.

Off we went to Frank and Anita's neat little apartment in the middle of Accra. One of our original Ghana team, Frank has benefitted greatly from his friend and mentor our Leif who helped him launch his computer career, and helped him get Microsoft and Cisco certifications, etc. Frank now works for MTN, a large telecom/cellular phone company. Anita and her Mom have a catering business, doing weddings, birthday, funerals--anything from cakes to groups of up to 500 people!

We brought "career-oriented gifts: SD chips, RAM memory, and serial cables for Frank; for Anita a high-quality manual can opener from Gretchen's in Mount Vernon (scarce and almost unknown in Ghana), and of course, books for little 18 month old Gejooba Sue (sp). Her Ghanaian name means "Monday-born".

Frank and Anita represent to me the "upcoming young adults" of Ghana---educated, trained, determined to better their lives. It was great to be with them. Anita the caterer prepared a special meal to honor me: rice, boiled plantain, palava sauce (based on moringa leaves), red spicy chile sauce with little slivers of beef, and a bottle of water. It was truly delicious.

The Jerome Chandler Science Resource Center Full Swing!

2011-11-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

Oh Wow! Look at all this stuff!!

Eric Jim, JHS Science Center Supervisor and Students

In an Aug 14 news article (see below), we reported that Ghana Together, Western Heritage Home, the Ghana Education Service, and the Axim District Assembly are cooperating to create a Science Resource Center for junior high classes in Axim. The day has come and the Center is open for business!

Jerome Chandler, a retired college science instructor and Ghana Together board director, spent most of September 2011 in Axim working with Ghanaian science teacher Eric “Jim” Jimpetey Djan, Science Resource Center Supervisor, setting up the Center on the 2^nd floor of the WHH facility. Jerome produced a fascinating report with lots of photos which you can find on his “Fiziks is Phun” blog (see link at end of this article).

We talked with Eric via phone recently about how things are going. He said, in his calm manner, that “things are going smoothly.” Six schools are now using the Center for their first-level junior high students, with five more possible. Not all have science teachers in place at this time, which is the beginning of their new school year. Science teachers are scarce. Many are fulfilling their National Service requirement---not necessarily trained as teachers---which is required for all college graduates in Ghana.

At this point, 253 students/week are receiving hands-on practicum instruction for the first time. The children, accompanied by their science teacher, walk up to a half hour to get from their school to the Center. Two of the classes from Axim Methodist-Government and Dr. Bemish schools are very large---up to 70 students at one time. WHH and Ghana School personnel are in the process of setting up a One Laptop Per Child computer lab. When operational, the large classes will be split in half.

Eric says the biggest challenge is that schools must re-adjust their accustomed schedules. Math and English teachers are reluctant to give up any instruction time. The students spend about an hour walking to and from the WHH facility—a lot of time out of the day which, after all, begins at sunrise and ends at sunset, since Axim is nearly on the equator and few homes or schools have electric lights. So, he is working with the headmasters to smooth things out. It’s simply not financially or logistically possible for individual schools to have equipped science rooms, and Ghana nationally is emphasizing hands-on instruction in science and computers, so there is no lack of commitment. One of the schools is using the Science Center on Saturdays, when there are no other classes and the students can spend a longer time.

Eric himself has been teaching for six years. He completed his BSC in Electricals at the Ghana University of Education-Winneba/Kumasi Campus. As Science Center Supervisor he organizes materials, sets up experiments, works with individual teachers so their theoretical lessons and the practicums coincide, and generally helps not only the students but their teachers, too, who may have only limited hands-on experience themselves. He works under Mr. Sarfo Hayford, who is the curriculum director for science instruction in the Axim District, with 32 schools, including three senior high schools. The GES requested Ghana Together to help at the junior high level, specifically, as the age level with the greatest need.

The Jerome Chandler Science Resource Center occupies a large room on the 2^nd floor of the Western Heritage Home facility, which is reasonably centrally-located to the schools. The facility has piped water, working toilets, and electricity (most schools do not). WHH painted the room. Ghana Together donated funds for six large tables, 42 stools, a raised teacher’s desk, extensive shelving in a storeroom, lockable cabinet, some five dozen storage tubs for science materials, a computer projector, whiteboard, etc. All of the furniture construction was contracted out to local Axim carpenters.

We shipped 18 boxes of science materials that could not be purchased easily in Ghana. Miriam Quansah, Director of Education for Axim, worked with Ghana customs to facilitate entry without incurring import fees. A great many items were hand-crafted by Jerome (thereby modeling how teachers can fashion materials themselves). We hand-carried about 150 lbs in suitcases. Jerome wrote many lesson plans for teachers and students experiments, bound in 3-ring notebooks, with DVD versions included. Teachers can use these plans directly, because they are based on Ghana’s JHS science curriculum, and also as models for their own plans. We spent about $600 in Ghana on science materials available there (we always prefer to buy locally, if possible). In addition, we have delivered 52 One Laptop Per Child computers donated by folks all over the US.

Now, please take a few minutes to look at Jerome’s report---full of photos and just fascinating. While you’re reading it, remember that Jerome spent four of his early years as a science instructor and five as headmaster at St. John’s School in Sekondi, Ghana. After his retirement as a Science Instructor at Skagit Valley College, he traveled to Ghana with our team in 2006. He returned in 2007 to be honored by St. John’s at their 50^th anniversary celebration.

When we formally incorporated Ghana Together in 2008, Jerome was a founding member and continues to serve as a Board Director. He returned to Ghana in 2009 to conduct three weeks of workshops for Axim’s Junior High Science teachers. He dedicated much of his time in 2011 to creating the science room by buying or crafting materials, writing teachers’ instructions and student experiments, and overcoming the communication challenges involved between Mount Vernon and Axim! Then he spent September in Axim putting it all together.

We estimate Jerome has dedicated at least 15 years of service to Ghana, in one way or another! It is so fitting that Axim honored Jerome with a special ceremony, and named the room the “Jerome Chandler Science Resource Center.” Thank you for making Jerome's dream (and maybe that of quite a few children) become reality!

CLICK HERE FOR JEROME’S REPORT!!

Jerome receives a plaque from School Director Marian Quansah and Municipal Chief Executive Cobbinah

About the WHH Children's Home Phase-Out

2011-10-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is a long but important article. As many of you know, WHH phased out its Children's Home, as of mid-August this year. This article explains why. We hope you'll take the time to read it through. Thanks!

In December 2010, an official from the national level of Ghana's Ministry of Women and Children (MOWAC) visited the WHH Children's Home in Axim. The Home had been in operation since December 2007, caring for 25 or so children at any one time---some permanent residents and others taken in temporarily until their family's situation could be sorted out. The WHH Board, with Ghana Together's financial support, had already supported school costs for a good number of children at a nearby neighborhood school beginning September 2007, and by December had their facility ready to take in about 25 of the most town’s most vulnerable children, providing shelter, food, health insurance/medical care, and clothing.

The MOWAC official inspected the facility with positive results, recommending only a few improvements: raise the walls on the girls' shower from six to eight feet, build a small "lip" between the boys' shower and entry way to prevent water from flowing out, and build sturdy concrete steps to the volunteer quarters to replace a somewhat steep, slippery path. WHH made these improvements immediately.

However, she also shared with WHH leaders that a few months back--in October 2010---MOWAC adopted a new national policy called the "National Plan of Action for Orphans and Vulnerable Children." The "Care Reform Initiative" part of the Plan de-emphasizes reliance on care for vulnerable children in institutions in favor of moving towards family and community-based care services for children without appropriate parental care. The goal is to reintegrate the child with the extended family (called “kinship care”), and if possible, to find relatives who are able to create a caring and stable environment for the child. If kinship care cannot be provided, temporary or permanent care with foster families can still provide a good home and if there is no possibility of a family reunion, to find the child an adoptive home, preferably with a Ghanaian family.

She explained that while there are four certified orphanages/children's homes in the region, the Ministry had decided to consolidate and certify only one of them for institutional care going forward. It is located in Takoradi, a nearby city about 45 minutes drive from Axim. She offered to move WHH children to the Egyam Orphanage, as appropriate to the individual child’s situation. She also suggested that the excellent WHH facility could well be converted into a women and children's shelter serving the entire Western Region, and that MOWAC would certify it for that use, if the WHH Board was in agreement. It was subsequently made clear by Social Welfare officials that WHH would not be certified as a Children’s Home in 2011 and beyond.

The WHH Board met late January 2011. They spent the better part of a day discussing options, including whether to turn to legal counsel to advise them or to ask their local Member of Parliament to intercede with MOWAC on their behalf. But Ghana is a democracy, and the WHH Board felt they needed to support and follow national policy. And, so, the final consensus was that since this is a national policy, and unlikely to change, the best option was to petition MOWAC to let them continue their Children's Home operation until the children had finished their school year in mid-August 2011, and meanwhile to work with Social Welfare to find homes in the Axim area and prepare the children for this major transition. They believed the children would be better off staying in Axim, which after all is not a very big town and is familiar to the children. They could attend their current school. And, if they were in Axim, WHH folks could keep an eye on their situation.

The Board rejected the idea of turning their facility into a regional shelter, believing that their mission is to support Axim specifically, especially the care and education of children and youth. They decided rather to work with the headmistress of the new All-Girls Senior High School to turn the first floor dormitory section of their facility into a senior high girls' hostel, thus opening an opportunity for girls living beyond walking distance of the high school.

They also decided that regardless of living situations, they would continue to support the children’s education and health insurance costs, monitor school attendance and living situations in collaboration with Social Welfare, and invite the children to come to the WHH Facility to use the computers and enjoy occasional social activities.

Maryanne Ward, President of Ghana Together, who was in Axim at the time and attended the meeting, assured the WHH Board that Ghana Together would continue to help them with school and health insurance costs, and would support their efforts to develop their building for other worthy educational and community purposes. We are in this together.

The WHH Board comforted themselves by thinking back on all they had accomplished---the struggle to build the facility, the satisfaction of admitting the first children, the years of constant care and attention, and pride that these children, so lacking in everything when they first came to them, are now attending school at an age-appropriate grade level, are healthy, can read, write, do math, see to homework, cook, clean, launder and press their precious school uniforms, and even have some computer skills. One WHH Board member remarked that these are not the same children who came to them in 2007. They are robust, some are leaders in their school, and they are ready to go out now and help their families and their community. She recited the WHH slogan---"Making Leaders of the Least"---and remarked that indeed, these children are young leaders in the making.

During the months following that momentous meeting, WHH and Social Welfare held a number of kinship/family meetings. They arranged family homes for every child. During the April school break, the children visited their future homes for a week. Then, in mid-August, on one eventful day, they each received a packet of rice and other foodstuffs, tied their meager belongings into a towel, and were delivered by WHH staff Isaac Bentil and Barbara Davis to their homes. School started early September, 2011.

So, where do things stand as of October, 2011? Seventeen of the children continue to live in Axim, and are attending the same school as before. WHH, with Ghana Together's help, has made sure all are in school, tuition is paid up, textbooks are in hand, and attendance is monitored. The families provide food, basic care, and ensure school attendance, and nurturing and guidance, and we might add, wisdom in the ways of Ghanaian family life. WHH will provide health insurance. Mr. Bentil reports he often sees them on their way to school and enjoys their greetings.

James Kainyiah, Chair of WHH Board, and Isaac Bentil, WHH Manager, have each taken a boy with no kinship options into their own families. Four others have been placed in kinship homes in other parts of Ghana.

One of our American Ghana Together friends was in Axim for the recent Kundum Festival -- the highlight of the year for Aximites of all ages. She met most of the children, gave them each a flashlight (their homes in all likelihood have no electricity for lighting and flashlights are prized in Axim), and said they seemed their "usual robust selves."

While this has been stressful for Western Heritage Home leaders (and we of Ghana Together looking on), we all need to remember that, like we ourselves in the US, Ghana has come to believe that children generally do better with families than in institutions. It will be a long transition, because Ghana has relied heavily on orphanages, often supported by international NGOs. But Ghana is working with UNICEF and others to transition children out of orphanages and into family homes where possible. For us in the West, this is common practice; for Ghanaians it's new and indicates their desire to adopt modern social practices.

As for our WHH Board friends, they will continue to support programs for kids and youth, based on their judgment of the best "bang for the buck." They are led by a couple of savvy, extraordinarily compassionate businessmen, a modern priest who leads a wonderful "youth service" every Sunday, and three very wise women who are leaders and know their community in and out.

As for our WHH Scholars, we’re pretty confident that with some extra support for school and health, they'll be OK. They will struggle---after all, they'll have to walk far for water, live in very close quarters, sometimes lack enough food. Life in Axim is not easy. But they will also have an increased sense of belonging and will add to their already strong arsenal of skills those needed to live in Ghana as it is today.

All of us---donors on our side, and WHH leaders on theirs---can be thankful that we have had the privilege of giving them a giant boost! We send them out with faith in their capabilities and our loving regard.

Junior High Science Room Coming Soon!

2011-08-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

It started with a suggestion from Sarfo Hayford, Science Curriculum manager for the Ghana Education Service, Axim-Nzema East District. "Why not build one really good science room for hands-on science education for junior high students from several schools?" He explained that there was no way that individual schools would be able to afford even modest science rooms now or in the foreseeable future. Well, why not, we thought?? Good idea!!

That was January 2010. We all went to work. In Axim, the Western Heritage Home Board offered a large room in their centrally-located facility. They painted the room, and arranged for carpenters to build tables and shelving.

The Axim District Assembly agreed to help with utility costs. American friends were their typically generous "donor" selves, bless them.

Jerome Chandler, Ghana Together's Science Project Manager, with his sidekick Rich Ward, acquired or built an unbelievable amount of materials, wrote experiments, and prepared teacher instructions. The Ghana Education Service found Eric, a local enthusiastic teacher, who will be the full-time Science Room Supervisor. And they are arranging the "timetable" for the classes.

Ghana Together has shipped 18 boxes of materials not easily procurable in Ghana, with 200 lbs more in suitcases, and with Sarfo purchasing some items there. All efforts are aimed at providing a practicum experience, based on the GES JHS Science curriculum, to enhance and complete the classroom theoretical training provided in their regular classrooms.

In September, Jerome will travel to Axim to work with Eric to set up the room, train the teachers, and meet some of the students. The science room will open September, 2011, in the Western Heritage Home facility for students from Axim's five government-funded junior high schools and their teachers.

We can't wait to see the photos! YES!!!

Stay tuned....

Hosting Paramount Chief Awulae Attibrukusu

2011-07-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy Rosemary Rawcliffe

Ghana Together had the pleasure of welcoming Lower Axim Traditional Area Paramount Chief Awulae Attibrukusu III to Northwest Washington, June 29-July 2. Awulae had spent the previous six weeks in California, participating in an intensive training program in Business Administration. His visit gave us a rare chance to visit informally with this dedicated African leader and return in small part the hospitality he always extends to us when we visit Axim.

While in the Puget Sound area, he met with Lawrence Tolliver, Sales Director for Boeing in Africa, South America, and Caribbean. He visited the Swinomish Indian Reservation in LaConner, WA, as a guest of Chairman Brian Cladoosby. He met with the Economic Development Association of Skagit County. Staff of the Mount Vernon Public Library gave him an overview of their children’s programs, since one of his interests is improving children’s services in the modest public library in Axim. He met many friends of Ghana Together at an informal Open House.

Awulae and Brian Cladoosby, Chairman Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

He toured the new Northwest Career & Technical Academy in Mount Vernon, which is funded by several school districts. Since Ghana Together is working with Awulae, Western Heritage Home, and the Axim School District to create a science room that will serve as a central resource for several schools, the Academy, based on a similar model, was of particular interest.
Awulae is the Paramount Chief of the Lower Axim Traditional Council. He is called “King” by his people in the Nzema Traditional Area. It is a hereditary position. Although Ghana is a democracy, it retains its chieftaincy system. Awulae is the Paramount Chief for over more than 40 villages, each having a chief who is under his authority. He also manages many hectares of traditional land on behalf of his people.

Awulae leads his people in all cultural traditions, presiding over the local “Kundum Festival” which has been celebrated by the Nzema people every September for centuries, with drumming, reconciliation, parades, and feasts.

Among Awulae’s recent community achievements is leading the 2009 establishment of a new all-girls high school in Axim, the second in the Western Region of some 2 million people. He has served as a founding member on the Board of Western Heritage Home since its inception in 2005 (the Ghanaian community-based non-profit we’ve worked with for about five years now).

He is President of the Western Region House of Chiefs, and currently serves as Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, advising the President of Ghana on traditional matters and development of resources on traditional lands.

He is active in managing the ramifications of the recent discovery of oil off-shore (Atlantic Ocean) in his area of Ghana (Nzema Lands, Cape Three Points). He serves on the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Board. He recently was part of a government-sponsored entourage which visited Trinidad-Tobago to work out business plans for establishing natural gas facilities in the Nzema area. He is involved in overseeing the development by an Australian company of gold mining on traditional lands in the area. He serves on the Board of Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited.

Most importantly, he is a true champion of his Nzema people---he sees himself as “representing his people”, as he said many times. We loved hosting him and he enjoyed meeting us and thanking the many folks who support our mutual projects in Axim.

With Ghana Together Board Members Tom Castor (Vice President) and Louise Wilkinson

With a few Ghana Together friends at Open House

Wow! Look At All Those Books!!

2011-04-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Mercy Ackah, Axim Librarian, unpacking the treasure trove of books for young children

Regina Lawler, Michigan Librarian, with books and learning materials she brought to Axim in 2010

Gaddiel E, Library Assistant, looking out from his library on top floor of the Community Center

Finally, thanks to a long chain of absolutely wonderful people---a dedicated church group led by a public service librarian with an energetic engineer husband, a gifted and generous young opera singer, a library assistant in Accra, a native Aximite now living in the US, a friend of a friend of a friend with a Ford Van, and a gifted librarian in Axim---there are approximately enough books in the Axim Library for one for each child from the “pre-school to first grade” age level. We don't know exactly how many children that is, but we're hoping we hit it about right.
Here’s the story! It’s a little long, but we think you’ll enjoy it!

In February 2010, Michigan librarian Regina Lawler visited Axim, along with her friend Maryanne Ward, also a librarian, and current President of Ghana Together. They visited the Axim Public Library and noticed how much improved it was, but also how incredibly few books there were for very young children---those just being introduced to reading—crucial in Axim where literacy is a top community goal.

The Axim Public Library has recently been moved into the upper floors of the Axim Community Center, thanks to major efforts of Axim’s District Assembly to repair the roof, set up shelving, clean and repair, etc. Also, the Ghana Library Board has staffed the Axim Library with a professionally trained librarian and two assistants. This dedication of local and national leaders to library services impressed us.

Regina was visiting Axim to see for herself the pre-school she, her husband Barry, and her church, St. Philip’s Episcopal in Rochester, MI had successfully completed. St. Philip’s worked with St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Axim to convert an old, unfinished storage shed into two lovely classrooms with plans for a third (now completed). But, although Regina and her team had also contributed books and learning materials to the Anglican pre-school, it became immediately apparent to her that, when told there are probably between 1200 and 1500 or so children in Axim in the pre-school to first grade levels, there was an acute shortage of reading materials for these children. We don’t know whether that estimate is true, but 1500 made a great target!

When she returned to Michigan, she and her church decided to fill the “reading material gap” in our favorite Ghanaian town! They turned to music, working with friends Sian and Mark Davis. Sian is a young lyric soprano on operatic and oratorio stages, having performed with the Chicago Opera Theatre, Santa Fe Opera, the Roma Festival Orchestra, Michigan State Opera, and many universities. Luckily, Sian has family ties to St. Philip’s church. Wow! What a concert she put on for family and friends at St. Philips! She called it “Songs for Stories” and treated her audience to songs from traditional Welsh to American Musicals and Italian opera. (Sian, are you reading this? Thanks a whole heap!!)

So, more folks donated funds. Books were acquired and shipped, and now at long last, have arrived in Axim! Arrangements have been made with Mercy Ackah, the professional librarian assigned by the Ghana Library Board to manage the public library in Axim. The Library will offer a “Story Hour” program, and also will provide a service to the local schools so that the children will be able to access the books at their schools. Access to books at that age is such a novelty that the library and schools will be teaching the children how to turn pages and handle the books including the children washing their hands before touching the books. Regina’s husband Barry has prepared temporary library cards so the books can be used immediately, while the more formal cataloging is done by the Ghana Library Board.

At the end of November, Isaac Bentil, the Western Heritage Home manager, traveled to the Osu Children’s Library in Accra and purchased, on St. Philip’s behalf, 150 books featuring Ghanaian children and stories. The goal was to buy multiple copies of every children's book we could find with a Ghanaian setting. Many more special books were bought from Rochester, MI merchants. Visits to book sales, second hand stores, and donations from personal libraries completed the project. All were carefully chosen by librarians or teachers of young children. They are culturally sensitive, new or almost new, and most are in English, with a few in French and Arabic. Ebby Mienza, a Ghanaian-American born and raised in Axim and who as a boy actually used the Axim Public Library himself, arranged the shipping. Ebby’s friend Ishmael met the container at the port in Tema, and a third friend—also from Axim but now living in Accra—generously hauled the books to Axim via his Ford van.

This project continues St Philip’s support of the Millennium Development Goal to address extreme poverty. The educational opportunities these books provide will make a significant long term impact on the lives of these children, especially girls, by enabling them to overcome their handicaps from impoverished uneducated homes, take advantage of the limited educational opportunities and break the cycle of poverty by providing better opportunities for their children. Regardless of their own educational background, parents in Axim are dedicated to educating their children, with the Ghana Education Board joining in by targeting 2015 as the year every Ghanaian child will be attending primary school.

Ghana Together, a US 501c3, works with our Ghanaian counterparts in Axim---Western Heritage Home--- to coordinate projects like this. We know the town well, assess the needs, connect US organizations to the appropriate partners in Axim, and in general leverage our own skills and resources with links to other organizations. Contact us for more information.

Internet Orientation Day at WHH

2011-04-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

Students and teachers from Nsein High School, and from Manye Academy and Augustina Junior High recently visited the WHH facility for their first taste of the internet (and of computers)! We love the concentration on their faces! These students have heard about email, social networking, and internet research. They want with all their young hearts to join their peers around the world.

The students are using One Laptop Per Child computers donated by North Americans who participated in the Give One/Get One program. Ghana Together receives them, does a "clean build", and repairs if needed.

These computers will be used for regular Junior High ICT (information/computing technology) classes beginning May 2011, the third term of the school year. Several of the junior high schools will use the WHH OLPC/ICT learning room. It is vital, because the students must pass ICT exams to qualify for Senior High.

The OLPCs are great for this purpose. Not only do the students learn basic computing "facts", such as keyboards, back spaces, screens, and what a computer actually is, but the machines have about two dozen "activities" loaded on them. The students learn math, writing, measurement, research--and yes internet use--- and so much more while using these machines. These "Activities" are the real strength of these computers---creative uses are endless!

Ghana Together's OLPC efforts fall in the "community program" category. Around the world, OLPCs are purchased by government education departments. We are pleased that we've introduced OLPCs to the Axim community. One school in Axim recently acquired about 30 OLPCs from their own Ghana Education Service, and we were delighted to provide that teacher with various guides, manuals, websites, etc. to help him use them to the maximum benefit.

A very special thank you goes to all the wonderful folks who donated OLPCs. You've made the day for a lot of youngsters!

Love Those Letters!

2011-02-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Ernestina read their new penpal letters!

Our Ghana Together penpal project helps the children of the WHH Children's Home make friends with us North Americans, and vice versa. Before long, it'll probably all be "globalized" with email, Facebook, and who knows what social media! But for now, the good old-fashioned letter works perfectly and receiving them is a highlight for the children. Children in Axim generally see few people from outside their Nzema East area. Thanks to Chief Awulae, the Children's Home does have a small TV, tuned to the Ghanaian "PBS" equivalent. But, the world is changing rapidly, and the letters help the children to connect to the rest of the world in a safe and friendly way. Thank you, North Americans, for your participation!!

Thank You Axim Community!!

2011-01-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

It takes a whole village (municipality) to support a community organization! Western Heritage Home, our partner NGO that coordinates multiple projects in the Axim area, enjoys the positive regard of the Axim community. Recently, Barbara Davis, the Home Mother, Isaac Bentil, the Managing Director of WHH and James Kainyiah, Chairman of the Board, tallied up the gifts received by the Children’s Home in the last few months from local churches, mosques, businesses, and individuals. Ghana Together is grateful for the mostly financial donations from Americans---simple to wire, easy in terms of customs regulations, and supports local Axim businesses. However, it’s really great to know that local folks are pitching in, as well.

We thought you might like to see the list! And oh, the frisbees are a gift from kind Americans---an exciting new sport for the children.

2 sachet of fresh taste, 1 bag of Rice, 1 tin tomato, 3bottles of oil, 1 box of biscuit, clothes, 2 fresh sachet of fresh taste, and 1 box of biscuits
Cloths (towels)
Pencils, drawing sheets, crayons, and calculators Toys, story books, dresses, panties, sandals, necklaces, color pencils etc
T-shirts and trousers
1 bag of rice, 1 box of soap, 2 packets of t-rolls
1 carton of milk, 2 bags of fresh taste
1 gallon of oil, 2 packs of toffees, 5 bags of water
Toothbrushes/Tooth pastes
18 shorts, underwear’s for both for both boys and girls
1 bag of 50kg rice, 2 gallons of cooking oil, 6 pieces of clothes for girls and 2 crates of eggs
2 bags of rice, 2 gallons of vegetable oil and 1 big tin tomato
1 bag of rice
19 eating bowls
1 deep freezer (for freezing fish)
Clothing
22 Books
Clothing and food stuffs
Food stuffs
1 carton of Chicken, Perfume rice, 1 gallon of oil
Rice, gari, Tomatoes, Groundnut paste
2nd-hand cloth
Rice, Biscuits, 2 cartons of drinks
Rice, carton of tin tomatoes
Water, bread, rice, biscuits, provisions, oil, soaps, etc.
30 Ghana cedis Cash
Gari, tomatoes, used cloths
Used clothes and shoes
Used clothes
Clothes, cocktail drinks (non-alcohol!! :)
Cloths
Shoes and used cloths
Crate of soft drinks/ used clothes
Soft drinks
Used clothes
500 Ghana cedis Cash (about $360 US)

New Desks For Anglican "A" Primary School

2010-10-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Students from Axim's Anglican "A" Primary School help carry into their school 50 new student desks. Western Heritage Home (WHH), with funding assistance from Ghana Together, presented the desks, two teachers' desks and two teachers' chairs. The school is running split shifts, due to overcrowding. However, two of the usable classrooms, with good roofs, could not be used because there were no desks for the children. Now at least 80 more children will be able to attend school all day, thanks to generous friends.

The desks were built by Mr. Francis Amokwaw, a local Axim carpenter with a shop near the school, at a cost of about $1400 US. Francis used native Ghana hardwood for long-lasting durability. In a note to Ghana Together, Mrs. Cecilia Nokoe, Headmistress, and the Rev. F.B. Dickson, Parish Priest, extended their thanks from the entire school and church. Isaac Bentil oversaw the project on behalf of WHH. Nana Adjow Sika II, Queen Mother of Upper Axim Traditional Council, lay leader in the Anglican Church, and WHH Board Member, assisted in the dedication of the desks.

The Anglican School in Axim is a "government school"---what we in the US would call a "public school." However, Anglican missionaries built the school early in the 20th century, and while the St. Mary's Anglican Church still owns the building, the Axim Education Dept runs the programs, provides teachers, and pays per capita amounts for each student enrolled. The "Methodist" and "Catholic" schools in Axim are managed under the same arrangement.

Ghana Together is delighted to be able to help WHH, a Ghanaian-registered NGO managed by Mr. James Kainyiah, Board Chair, and Mr. Isaac Bentil, Managing Director. WHH is a community-based charity NGO focused mostly on children and health.

Axim Muslim Community Celebrates End of Ramadan With Gifts

2010-09-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

The WHH Children's Home was delighted to receive 200 lbs of rice and two gallons of cooking oil, along with tomato paste and other food items, from the local Muslim community youth in celebration of the end of Ramadan. With both WHH scholars and staff as well as Muslim community members looking on, Mr. Isaac Bentil, Managing Director of Western Heritage Home, accepts these generous gifts from the Imam of the Axim Muslim community.

The WHH Children's Home is a community-based Home. It accepts children from all faiths, if it is determined that there is no reasonable "family alternative." We of Ghana Together, a US-based 501c3 non-profit, provide most of the funding for the daily operation of the Children's Home and other Axim projects helping children. We are so grateful for these gifts from the local Axim community and proud that the Children's Home merits the support of local folks. If you would like to join in this circle of friendship, from Ghana you can contact Western Heritage Home staff in Axim directly, or go to http:/ghanatogether.org for more information. Thank you!

Cooking at the WHH Children's Home: Gas Ring versus Coal Pot

2010-09-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

This past month, Western Heritage Home purchased a "gas ring" cooker to supplement or even replace the "coal pot" technology. Shown here is the new propane gas cooker and a traditional coal pot. The gas ring is a big improvement because it burns cleanly, eliminating the smoke inhalation that plagues cooks in Ghana. It also eliminates the need for charcoal, which is a big problem in countries like Ghana where forests are being depleted. The gas cooker itself cost about $50 US. There is a challenge because the propane to fill the gas cylinder is not always available in Axim. The staff will keep the coal pot and have charcoal on hand for those times when propane runs out and none can be purchased. The photo above shows the cooking process: large "head pan" for cleaning the fish or vegetables, coal cooker and small pot, and large "soup pot". The cooks typically sit on the low stools. The older WHH girls have all learned to cook; girls are allowed to help from the youngest age---in this case, helping to peel the shallots.

WHH Internet Cafe/Computer Lab Gets Air Conditioning

2010-08-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Mr. Isaac Bentil, Managing Director of Western Heritage Home in Axim, Ghana, oversees "Emma", the technican from Zain Corporation, as he installs an air conditioning unit in the WHH Community Learning Center's Internet Cafe/Computer Learning Laboratory. WHH staff entered the "Zain's Touching Lives" content, winning a complete computer lab, with ten desktops, software, peripherals, and the all important high-speed internet service. The AC will be operated only on an as-needed basis, to conserve energy.

The lab is up and running, with customers coming to use the internet and students taking advantage of beginning computer classes as they prepare for the ICT sections of their final exams.

WHH will also install a few webcams and headsets, so families can "talk" to each other long distance via internet. The internet cafe will be a new and needed link for Nzema families as they stay in touch with extended family members living in other parts of the world. Ex-pats who may be reading this might wish to remind their families in the Nzema area about this new service. Staff at WHH stand ready to help folks set up emails, learn the ropes, and get launched! There is a reasonable fee for the service.Any profits will go to buying food and school costs for the children who reside at WHH's Children's Home.

Ghana Together helped with technical advice and some equipment and software not readily available in Ghana. We're proud that the facility we helped build is being put to such good use by our friends in Axim.

We Lose Our Friend Leif

2010-06-14T09:51:00.000-07:00

In the early evening of June 12, 2010, Ghana Together and Western Heritage Home lost our dear friend Leif Pederson. In spite of doctors’ best effort, his life could not be saved. And so we must say goodbye to our brother who has been part of our Ghana Together team since its inception, first as a delegate on our first journey under the sponsorship of Global Citizen Journey, and for three years as a Ghana Together Board member, serving as Vice President of Technology and Planning. Leif also served as Advisory Member of the Western Heritage Home Board, our partner NGO working with us in Axim, Ghana. We thank God for Leif’s life, and ask comfort for his family and friends across the globe. For those reading this who may wish to send their condolences to Leif’s family and close circle of friends, we invite emails addressed to info@ghanatogether.org.

Leif K. PEDERSON Born Chicago, IL September 18, 1957; Died Seattle, WA June 12, 2010. Dearly beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle and member of both local and global communities.

Leif passed away peacefully at Harborview Hospital after suffering sudden, unexpected complications from surgery six weeks prior.

Leif attended the University of Illinois (Bachelor's degree Computer Engineering, 1979) and the University of California-Berkeley (Master's degree Electri cal Engineering, 1981). Highlights of Leif's professional life include 6 years at AT&T in Boulder, Colorado and 15 years as a high level manager at Microsoft. He has two US patents in his name.

Since retiring from Microsoft in 2003, Leif contributed to many global humanitarian causes, and was a founding member of Ghana Together, a non-pro fit organization that built an orphanage in Axim, Ghana and which helps the local community with educational and social needs.

Leif was an avid photogra pher, drummer, boater, music aficionado and radio enthusiast, and an aspiring physicist. He loved to travel, living in Sweden for a year and visiting dozens of other countries. He made lasting friendships all over the world.

Leif is survived by his wife Sue Pederson and stepchildren Anna and Kevin Kaminski of Bainbridge Island, WA; two daughters, Kristin Pederson currently living in South Korea and Kelly Pederson of Woodinville, WA; father, Earl K. Pederson of Batavia, IL; brother Glenn E. and Mrs. Barbara J. Pederson and nephew Eric D. Pederson all of Sussex, WI.

Services will be held Friday, June 18, 2010 at 2:00 pm, at the Seabold United Methodist Church (of which he was a member), 6894 NE Seabold Church Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (206-842-3622). Dona tions in Leif's name may be sent to Ghana Together, 808 Addison Place, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 (GhanaTogether.org).

WHH Academy Opens New Internet Cafe - Sometimes MIRACLES Happen!

2010-04-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

Ariana Amarh Trying It Out!

Back in 2009, the Zain Communication Network advertised their "Zain Touching Lives" contest. Aspirants were invited to submit their "dream" with hopes of becoming the lucky winner. Ariana Amarh, WHH Business Manager, had a dream---yes she did! She submitted her “dream” essay on behalf of Western Heritage Home to Zain. And -- miracles of miracles -- she won the contest! And so, in late March, Zain representatives delivered the Touching Life program’s winning package to the WHH.

WHH received 10 computers and monitors, plus software and other peripherals necessary to provide broadband internet access. In addition, the Zain package included a bread baking oven, baking sheets, cake sheets, and necessary gas cylinders, plus flour and other ingredients.

Delivery day was a celebration! In the words of Barbara Davis, WHH Secretary: "We invited the prominent people in Axim, Nananom/Awulaemo (chief and elders from the two Traditional Areas) Students from Senior High Schools in Axim and Community Development Training Institute, Assembly Members from all the electoral areas, Media men/News men, Municipal Chief Executive, Information Service Department and the Board of Directors of W.H.H to grace the function of Zain donating package to the home.”

“Sky power FM Radio from Takoradi and Ankobra FM were present. They interviewed Mr. Isaac Bentil, Mr. James Kainyiah, and Winifred, a staffer from Zain who is in charge of package delivery. They were so happy to see the children in a very nice condition and healthy atmosphere. We also made mention of the internet cafe that we will start to operate very soon and the remedial class which was in progress.”

So, wonder of wonders! The Western Heritage Home Academy now has a modern high-speed internet café---Axim’s first! A bonus is that internet is also now available to the One Laptop Per Child computers used by the WHH children living in the Children's Home.

The Internet Cafe opened to the public on April 1. WHH will use the Zain oven to start a bread-baking business in their large storage building. They plan to sell bread on Sundays. The Café, Bakery, and Secondary Remedial Program provide needed services to the Axim community and revenue from them will be used by WHH Board to help support WHH’s children’s programs.

Ghana Together congratulates Ariana for her success! Maxwell Quarm, WHH computer instructor/technician, is working with Leif Pederson, Ghana Together Board member, to install Internet Café management software, and ensure correct setup of all the computers. Ariana herself, and Mr. Isaac Bentil, Managing Director, are making sure the business side of the program is running smoothly and securely.

Western Heritage Home Board Hires Managing Director

2010-03-14T10:37:00.000-07:00

As their programs expand and more of their mission objectives are being realized, the Western Heritage Home Board has recognized the need for an experienced locally-based leader. Mr. Isaac Bentil fills that need. Mr. Bentil has served on the WHH Board since its inception, In fact, he and James Kainyiah were first to recognize the need in the Axim community for a broad-based Ghanaian-managed non-profit (NGO), and together laid the foundation for what they dreamed would be a Children's Home.

Mr. Bentil will direct all WHH activities, including the Children's Home, Academy, Women's Economic Development, and Internet Cafe, and new programs that are developed as WHH pursues its mission.

Mr. Bentil has long been active in the Axim community. Known simply as "Bentil", he is the owner of Ben-Ben Enterprise, a printing business located in the heart of Axim Town, right across from the Castle. He is a leading layman in the Axim Methodist Church, and also in Methodist activities in the Western Region. He annually organizes the Kundum Festival, which traditionally celebrates Nzema culture through ceremony, dancing, and drumming, and which calls folks back to their family homes in Axim from far and near.

Mr. Bentil's oldest son has joined him in his business, leaving him time for his first love---working for the betterment of children, especially, and the economic, educational, and social development of the Axim community.

Ghana Together folks are very familiar with Bentil, because he was a Global Citizen Journey delegate during our first visit to Axim. As a WHH Board member, he has worked closely with our Ghana Together Board since our inception. We are delighted not only to welcome him to the new job, but also to congratulate the WHH Board on its successful three years of operation and steady success in realizing their mission.

Board members shown left to right in photo above are: Maryanne Ward, President Ghana Together Board and advisory member of the WHH Board; Father Paul Awuah (Axim Catholic Church); Miss Frances Polley (retired math teacher); Mr. James Kainyiah (Nana Kaku Bullu II, Chair and Founder of WHH NGO, owner of JamKay enterprises and Development Chief of Lower Axim Traditional Council), Isaac Bentil, Ariana Amarh (WHH Business Mgr), and Mad. Hajara Yakubu (Dir. Community Development Vocational Institute).

WE HAVE WATER!!

2010-02-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

Leif Pederson, GT Board member, and two plumbers from Breakthrough Plumbing (Axim business) discuss the in's and out's of how to get water into the polytank. At the recommendation of the Engineers Without Borders-Northwest team that worked in Axim late 2009, the plumbers installed the necessary pipes and materials to fill the tank with Axim city water. When the city water fails, due to rationing of water or power outages when the pumps stop running, the Children's Home now has a reserve supply to tide them over (with careful use).

The plumbing materials were supplied by the Koo-ooo-Koo business in Axim. Wilson Kwadam, Ghana Water Company manager in Axim, generously offered expert advice gratis. Patrick Kwofie, WHH staff member responsible for the WHH facility, shows proof that there really is water in the tank! The tank itself and stand were funded by a grant from the Mercer Island, Washington Rotary Foundation. Tom Castor, Mercer Island Rotarian and GT Board member, kept us all on track.

Long-range plans call for a rainwater roof runoff system. Meanwhile, the 21 children, WHH staff, Secondary School remedial students using the facility, and others will have at least minimal drinking/cooking/bath water during the dry season and frequent power outages. It took a long time, but by working together step-by-step, we got it done! Thanks to all.

SSNIT Donates Foodstuffs to WHH Children's Home

2010-02-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

Local members of the SSNIT office in Axim made a surprise visit to the Children's Home on January 24, bringing with them much welcome gifts of rice, oil, flour, and other foodstuffs. The manager of the office presented the gifts to Ariana Amarh, Business Manager of the Western Heritage Home NGO, who thanked him on behalf of the entire staff and children. The SSNIT is a state-sponsored pension system, similar to the Social Security system in the US. Ghana Together thanks them too, and welcomes their support in this unique partnership between Americans and Ghanaians.

We Host John Abugri, Axim-based Ghanaian Health Officer

2010-01-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

Ghana Together (GT) and Engineers Without Borders–Northwest Washington Professionals Chapter (EWB-NW) had the pleasure of hosting Mr. John Abugri, a Disease Control Officer from Axim, Ghana. John arrived in Bellingham, Washington on November 18, 2009. He financed his own travel expenses and we in turn welcomed him into our homes and shared our meals and our ordinary lives with him. W arranged meetings and experiences for him to learn all he could, focusing on the EWB’s ongoing water and sanitation project in Axim and on public health and sanitation practices here in our area. While here, John served as a consultant to the local EWB-NW team, which had recently returned from their fact finding mission to Ghana in September 2009.

John’s first “event” was a joyous social reunion with most of the EWB-NW and Ghana Together team members. John is well-known to all of us from our former journeys to Ghana. In fact, it was John who first requested and has been our partner for our Ghana Together “veronica bucket” project, which has placed 64 hand-washing stations in Axim schools. And, most importantly for his visit to the US, John had served as a vital resource to EWB-NW team while they were in Axim.

Since it was Thanksgiving week here in the US, work was put aside and John was treated to the gifts of the Pacific Northwest—Pike Street Market in Seattle, the Space Needle Restaurant, and a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with Jeanie Birchall’s family. Jerome Chandler took him to St James Cathedral in Seattle, and a visit to the Ballard Locks. Other enthusiastic friends took him to play in the snow on Mt Baker twice—the one big wish besides the EWB work for this son of tropical Africa!

Having been properly introduced to our Northwest culture and environment, on Monday, November 30, the serious work began. Ravyn Whitewolf, EWB-NW Axim Project Manager and civil engineer with Bellingham’s Public Works Dept and John met in her office, followed by a long work session with the entire EWB-NW team.

Together they reviewed their findings from the recent EWB project assessment in Axim, Ghana in September, 2009, in which John had participated. They laid out a plan for the next steps with the project. John agreed to be a communications conduit between the EWB-NW team and its counterparts in Axim. He was supplied with many maps and documents to deliver to the partners on the ground in Ghana.

Since part of John’s job is teaching disease control and sanitation in the Axim schools, and because he was formerly a primary teacher, he felt a visit to a typical American primary school would be helpful. GT Board member Barbara Gilday arranged for presentations in second and fifth grade classes in a Bellingham public school. In the 5th grade class, he was captivated with the thoughtfulness of the questions—particularly the one asked by a boy about why someone has not yet developed a vaccine against malaria. As a Disease Control Specialist in tropical West Africa, John battles the causes and effects of malaria daily, but he was surprised that an American boy was so knowledgeable and concerned about it.

In the second grade class, he played with the children and teased them, including inviting himself to breakfast with one boy, who quickly wrote his telephone number down for John to call his mother. The children loved him and we think maybe he loved them back!

On December 7, John met with the local Whatcom County Public Health Department. Ravyn Whitewolf presented a slideshow highlighting background information about health challenges in Axim, Ghana. This was followed by many questions and answers regarding health issues in both Bellingham and Axim. Later that day, accompanied one of the staff members, John observed field inspections. This was his other big wish besides the EWB work.

We are inspired by John---his determination to make life better for ordinary folks in Axim, his humble nature and eagerness to learn, his gentle ways. We know this visit was one of the highlights of his life and will inspire his work in every way. We have been privileged to have him in our midst.

First Student Completes Extensive ICT Course in WHH Computer Learning Laboratory in Axim, Ghana

2009-12-16T20:39:00.000-08:00

Ivy, seen here with her WHH ICT teacher Maxwell Quarm, is a very special lady! She is the first bona fide student to complete the Academy's newly launched Information, Computing & Technology (ICT) program. Ivy is a graduate of Badu-Bonso Senior High School in Agona (about 25 miles from Axim). It was her Father who urged her to register for the courses. He wants her to be computer literate and suitable for the job market, he says, and has been fully supportive of Ivy's determination. She will finish the course Friday this week!

WHH provided Ivy accommodations in the Women's Hostel on the 2nd floor of their facility, near the Computing Laboratory. Ivy prepared her own meals in the WHH facility's kitchen (thank you Kirkland Rotary for funding the kitchen!).Without this assistance, this computer training would have been beyond the reach of Ivy and her family. We congratulate Ivy on her major accomplishment and also Maxwell who has been with her every step of the way.

Starting with a small set of used laptops donated by Claudine and Mark Rubin of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Inc. (bless you!), the Western Heritage Home Academy has launched a Vocational Computer Learning Laboratory on the 2nd floor of its facility in Axim. The Lab is aimed especially at young adults who have finished school or at working folks needing ICT skills as Ghana's economy modernizes. Starting from humble beginnings with just two students, the Academy is now actively registering students and will be fully operational in January 2010.

Leif Pederson, Ghana Together's VP for Planning and Technology, has actively mentored this new program. Frank Cudjoe, a Ghanaian friend from Axim who works professionally in IT in Accra, has helped out during trips back to his family home in Axim Town. Pat and Bill Gick provided coordination and logistical support. Maxwell Quarm, an experienced ICT teacher, joined WHH in early Fall 2009. Maxwell has prepared a curriculum, and joins with Ariana Amarh, WHH Manager, in marketing the program to the greater Axim community. Maxwell also mentors the WHH Scholars and neighborhood friends with the One Laptop Per Child computers, aimed at the "little guys" (and bless you, all your OLPC'ers out there!).

WHH's dream is to create a center of excellence for computer learning in the Axim area. From these humble beginnings, their dream is becoming reality!

FIZIKS IS PHUN!! JEROME IS BACK

2009-11-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

Jerome Chander, retired Skagit Valley College instructor, conducted three week-long science workshops for Axim junior high science teachers. The classes were held in the conference room at the Western Heritage Home Community Learning Center. In spite of challenges---heat, humidity, overheated overhead projector, transportation difficulties---more than 30 young science teachers participated. The closing ceremony featured young women dancers, residents of the Children's Home, who had been practicing their traditional dances, complete with drummers. An unforgettable experience for all involved.

Jerome has put together a website with more photos and stories at
http://www.jeromechandler.blogspot.com/

Joana Goes to School

2009-11-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

Joana, the next to newest child to join the Western Heritage Home family, started school two weeks ago! This photo, taken on her very first day, obviously shows how much she loves going with all her "siblings" down the path to the Manye Academy where she is enrolled in the nursery class. Barbara Davis, the Home Mother, reports that she especially loves her new blue uniform---so proud to be just like all other children!

Joana was brought to the Home by her very elderly grannie some months ago, when her family situation became untenable. She has joined the Home at the request of the Nzema East District Social Welfare Department. Suffice it to say that we of Ghana Together feel a great deal of satisfaction that, thanks to the WHH Children's Home, dedicated staff, and support of friends, this precious little girl has a chance at life!

Western Heritage Home Hires New Manager

2009-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

WHH has hired Ariana Amerley Amarh as Manager. Ariana is a graduate of University of Ghana-Legon with degrees in sociology and history. Her prior experience includes work in sales and teaching, She did her national service in the Department of Social Welfare, Sekondi, as an Assistant Hospital Welfare Worker. Welcome Ariana!!

In the photo, Peter proudly shows off his One Laptop Per Child computer to Ariana while Barbara Davis, WHH Home Mother, works on the office computer in the background, with help from Eric. Twenty-two children currently are part of the WHH family. WHH also runs programs in senior secondary tutorial and exam preparation, vocational computing, and supports health and sanitation projects in the town of Axim, Ghana. Ghana Together partners with WHH and supports their work. For more about WHH, please see:
http://ghanatogether.org/HTML/About%20Us/About%20Us%20-%20Partners.html

Axim Welcomes Science Workshop

2009-09-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Our last post was about Jerome and Paul going to Axim, Ghana. This photo of the welcoming banner says it all! Meanwhile the Engineers Without Borders team arrived safely home yesterday. Soon we'll post a few photos of their work on Axim water resources.

Science Workshops in Axim

2009-09-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Jerome Chandler, Professor Emeritus, Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA will conduct three week-long workshops for 66 JHS science teachers in the Axim, Ghana School District. With the generous assistance of many friends, Jerome has assembled an impressive set of low-cost materials, mostly built out of ordinary household materials, to demonstrate the principles of physics. He is basing his workshop content on the Ghanaian Dept of Education JHS Science Curriculum.

For example, shown here is a portable tripod, used to support a pendulum, which he says "perfectly demonstrates the scientific methodologies of observation, measurement, and repeatability." Another innovation is the use of two ordinary "slinkies" at about $1.50 each, sewn together with copper wire, with which he can demonstrate all kinds of compression, and wave action, including surfs, tides, currents, etc. (Axim being on the Atlantic Ocean, this is very down-to-earth). He made a simple jigsaw puzzle to show continental plate tectonics, and has various other simple devices to show electrical currents, ultraviolet light, and other natural phenomena. Jerome found a good used overhead projector and assembled dozens of visual materials---creating them himself or through the generosity of Skagit Valley College Science Department. On each overhead transparency he indicates the exact spot in the Ghanaian Science Curriculum that contains the concept he is conveying. All of the materials will be left with the Nsein Senior High in Axim to be available to teachers throughout the district.

The workshops are an outgrowth of conversations between Ghana Together visitors to Axim, and the science curriculum leader there, Mr. Sarfo Hayford. The teachers asked us to find a creative teacher to help them figure out how to teach their curriculum with simple local materials they can afford---not a simple request in a severely strapped community, where the basic teaching materials are blackboard, chalk, and exercise book!

Jerome is accompanied by his son Paul Chandler, who will assist him and also work with the children at WHH Children's Home on One Laptop Per Child Computers and teach them how to play harmonicas!

The workshops are sponsored jointly by Western Heritage Home (Ghanaian NGO), and Ghana Together in conjunction with the Nzema East Education District-Axim.

Engineers Without Borders-NW Washington Chapter Heads to Axim

2009-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Two years of planning...countless meetings...numerous phone calls to Ghana (not easy given the erratic phone service and the unfamiliar accents!)...FINALLY, the Bellingham-based Engineers Without Borders Team is heading to Axim, Ghana.

Led by Ravyn Whitewolf, whose daytime job is working as a lead in the Bellingham City Engineering Department, the team includes 5 civil engineers, plus a professional surveyor. They are heading to Axim to work with the Ghana Water Company. Their mission? To work with Wilson Kwadam, Axim Water Company Manager and his engineers to assess the inadequate water supply now available to the city of Axim and formulate a plan for increasing it.

Ravyn also is a Ghana Together Board member. We are thrilled that we, together with Western Heritage Home, our partner NGO in Axim, are able to help with communication, lodging, transportation, and other logistical aspects for the EWB team.

The team has created a blog to forward news while they are in Axim. To learn more about their project and follow their progress, please click on:http://ewb-nwprofessionals-ghana.blogspot.com/

Ghana Together News: Daily Life at WHH Children's Home

2009-08-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ghana Together News: Daily Life at WHH Children's Home

Ghana Together Brings OLPCs to WHH Children's Home in Axim, Ghana

2009-05-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

It's a long story...
MIT Media Labs decided to design a computer especially for children in emerging countries. So was born the One Laptop Per Child computer. To jumpstart the program and introduce the computer, it was offered to Americans on a BuyOne/GiveOne program. Ghana Together suggested via blogs and news sites that some who had enjoyed their OLPCs for a year or so might want to donate them to the children for whom they were designed. And so, miracle of miracles, folks donated, and in April, three of our GT team brought 24 to Axim, Ghana and taught the children in the WHH how to use them. And further miracle: there were enough so each child had one of his/her own! Well, talk about fun...

Leaders in Ghana Together and Western Heritage Home are both so proud that we introduced these technological breakthroughs to out-of-the-way Axim where not much new ever comes to town! And if you're reading this, and have one sitting on a shelf...you get the idea.

But we won't go on and on. Would you like to see some photos? Click here and maybe a further miracle will occur and photos will actually appear!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/ghanatogether/GhanaTogetherBringsOLPCsToWHHChildrenSHomeInAximGhana02#

Western Heritage Home Launches Remedial Classes for Senior Secondary Graduates at the WHH Academy in Axim, Ghana-Updated as of 5/11/09

2009-03-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

Western Heritage Home (WHH), Ghana Together's Ghanaian partner NGO, has launched its second major program: The WHH Academy. The Academy operates on the newly finished 2nd floor of the WHH Children's Home/Community Learning Center facility in Axim, Ghana. Thanks to a grant from Boeing Community Relations (West Africa), there are two medium-sized classrooms and one very large conference room that can be divided, plus a small computer learning lab. Donations from family and friends of Ghana Together funded chairs, blackboards, and some tables. All were constructed by local craftsmen.

The FIRST initiative of the WHH Academy is the launch of a remedial program for Senior Secondary School graduates.

After a little more than a month in operation, 33 students are registered and are receiving remedial tutorial classes to prepare for their secondary school exams. These students have graduated from senior secondary school (equivalent to our US high school), and now must pass a set of rigorous exams to compete for a slot at university or polytechnic level. Most have taken the exams in a dozen or more subjects, and have passed many but not all. They typically study for up to six months to prepare for the second round. Currently, WHH is hosting classes in English, math, physics, biology, government, and literature. Others will be added depending on students' needs.

The program is the only one in the Nzema District, with population of some 150,000 in all. It is much-needed because only about 3% go on to to tertiary education from Nzema District. Until now, students had to travel to one of the major cities, an impossibility for most both in terms of distance and expense. Suffice it to say, this program is generating a lot of local enthusiasm. WHH has advertised by radio "jingles" throughout the Western Region.

The WHH Academy's aim is to be self-sufficient financially in terms of operating costs. Students pay 20 cedis per subject per "term"--about 2.5 months (about $15 US). Classes run Monday-Friday, 3:00-6:00 pm. Although many students are from the Axim area, some have come long distances, involving 3 hours or more bus rides. WHH has space for a women's hostel to accommodate up to 15 women in the WHH Facility, and has rented an apartment to serve as a hoStel for up to 15 young men. Students cook their own meals. Families sacrifice much to give at least one of their children this opportunity.

Teachers, called "Masters", are the most senior teachers from the local Nsein Senior Secondary School. Mr. Donald Kingsley Amokwaw, Senior English and Literature teacher, is the "Head" of the Masters, who work on contract, and coordinates schedules, etc. Patrick Kwofie, Asst Mgr of WHH, coordinates the program on behalf of WHH.

The Academy will add additional initiatives after the remedial program is well-established and running well. The WHH Board approved the following Mission Statement in early 2009.

WHH ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT

VISION
WHH Academy is initiated by Western Heritage Home (WHH), a Ghanaian-registered and managed NGO based in Axim, Ghana, to aid in the actualization of the dreams of our forefathers Dr. Anton Amo, Paa Grant, Kwame Nkrumah and others, insuring that the citizenry of Nzemaland in particular develop fully to lead the good life and that the Western Region in general continues to project its accolade “The best is in the West!”

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To provide a variety of educational opportunities and academic facilities for young and old.

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS
1. Offers remedial classes for secondary students so senior high school leave-takers can learn on weekdays and Saturdays
2. Provides information, advice, and counseling---health, academic, personal, and career---to youth
3. Through its Reading Institute, sponsors Reading Camps and Forums, and provides a basic library of reading education resources for everyone
4. Offers adult literacy and self-improvement education
5. Offers classes in computer literacy and ICT training

FACILITIES
The WHH Children’s Home/Community Learning Center provides state-of-the-art classrooms, a computer laboratory, a conference room equipped with conference-style seating, a career/business and literacy library and reading room, and a temporary hostel for non-residential students.

Ghana Together offers our congratulations and support to our WHH friends! We're so proud of them and of our own contributions to making this dream come true.

WESTERN HERITAGE HOME REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008

2009-01-06T17:36:00.001-08:00

On the 8th of December, 2008, The Adventist Church Pastor in Axim visited the Home. He went into prayers with the children including all the staff. His concern was how to build the children spiritually and he thought of organizing all the pastors and elders of various churches to conduct home prayers with the children on every Sunday.

The children are on vacation and they are all set in the home with their usual household chores. The children at times go to the cassava farm to weed under the young plants, the uprooted cassava are being replanted by the mother and the children.

Awulae Attiburukusu (Omanhene of Lower Axim Traditional Council, aka “Chief”) celebrated his 20th Anniversary on 14th December, 2008, at his Palace and he invited the Western Heritage Home children to the programme. He donated a 20”inch colour television to the children. A silver collection was made for the children and they had GH¢150.00.Emmanuella sang and it touched some of the chiefs and the congregation’s heart. She got an amount of GH¢ 51.00.

Three of the chiefs pledged to give the children rice and oil for the Christmas.
Mr. and Mrs. T have pledged to take care of Emmanuela Dein’s eye problem.
Mr. and Mrs. P from Takoradi have pledged to give the children 2 bags of rice and a gallon of oil.
Dassebre K, President of Central Regional house of chiefs will give 2 bags of rice, a gallon of oil and 200 cedis.

The-Omahene [Chief] of Cape Coast Traditional council pledged 2 bags of rice.

On the 21st of December, 2008, visitors from the U.S.A, relatives of Miss Polley, who an Axim retired teacher and Board member of Western Heritage Home, visited the home and presented 18 towels to the children and they all sang and thanked them in appreciation for what was given to them by the Couple.

Again all the staff and the entire members wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

A wall is being created with flowers as a hedge around the home on the 25th December, 2008, and it is almost completed.

Engineers Without Borders Approves Axim Clean Water System Extension Project!

2009-01-05T17:26:00.000-08:00

After a year of extensive research and compiling information, including resources from two additional trips to Ghana, an application to Engineers Without Borders for the Axim water project was made in September 2008. Acceptance of the project by a new Engineers Without Borders chapter called the Northwest Washington Professionals in Bellingham, Washington provided the final momentum for the submittal to take place. November 10, 2008 brought official word of approval of the project application with comments that the project scope “seems well-researched “ and that the “The project team seems well qualified to carry out this project. “

With the acceptance by Engineers Without Borders, fund raising for the project has begun in earnest. A grant application was made in December, 2008 that will fund about half of the project. In addition, the project design of the improvements needs to be developed and submitted for review and approval prior to traveling to Ghana for implementation. A team of EWB engineers from the Bellingham, WA area, led by Board Member Ravyn Whitewolf, is now working on the next steps in this exciting process.

WHH Scholars Try Out New Computer Lab

2008-10-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generosity of 1-800-Got-Junk? Inc, plus logistical and technical coordination by Project Reddot, Axxiom HealthCare Alliance, and Ghana Together, the WHH Children's Home/Community Learning Center now has a new computer lab outfitted with 8 refurbished laptop computers. They join the two desktop computers brought earlier by a Ghana Together team member.

The first class, taught by Barbara Davis, started Monday, Oct 27 with the older children living in the Children's Home comprising this initial "test class." Soon the lab will be open to youth and adults in the wider Axim community who desire to learn "vocational computing."

This is the second community development program launched by WHH in partnership with Ghana Together---the first being opening a Children's Home for up to 35 homeless and mostly orphaned children and ensuring their education.

What a Difference Two Years Can Make!

2008-10-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

We show here two photos of the WHH Scholars living in the Children's Home in Axim, Ghana. Two had to be "pasted" in, because they weren't present for the photo. The first shows the children in summer 2006. The second shows most of the same children in April 2008. Although the photos are not strictly comparable, the effects of nearly two years of plenty of nutritious food, regular school attendance, and the psychological security of having a stable home are dramatically evident!

Same Children April 2008

WHH Administrative Assistant Anastasia Amoo Starts Business School

2008-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

To our readers:

Below is an article written by Anastasia Amoo, who for 1.5 years has been the administrative assistant at the Children's Home. She has decided to leave to get further business training, and will continue to serve, she says, as a "volunteer ambassador" for Western Heritage Home and its programs in Axim. Anas, with her computer skills and compassion, was instrumental in launching the children's program. She deserves fulsome thanks. We think you'll find her article about her career, the school she will be attending, and her general comments very interesting. She is replaced by Barbara Davis, who will also be teaching beginning vocational classes in the new WHH Computer Learning Lab. We wish her well and will keep in touch. (comments by Maryanne)

About Anastasia and her career
Miss Anastasia Aba Amoo was born on the 5th of December 1982 in Sekondi an old coastal town in the Western Region of Ghana. She is the first born among a family of six (6) including her favorites personality being her Daddy Mr. Jimmy Amoo and her Mummy Mrs. Eunice Amoo.

She is good Christian and single started basic school in Naval Base from 1988-1997. Her secondary education landed her on the premises of Ahantaman Senior Secondary School (1998-2000). Her undying passion for technology made her enroll as a trainee on computer software at smart computer institute in 2001; this as well led her to practice Journalism with Good News FM Ghana Limited which for her was her life time experience in August 2002.

However her aspiration of working as a full time secretary was not lost but rather boosted after a good outstanding performance in NACVET on English language, typing and office practice in November 2004.

Since then Anastasia has gathered a high volume of working experience as a Secretary and Typist for the Commissioner for Oaths Accra, Typist and Secretary for Westlandes Company Limited, Ghana Railway Company limited, FABI-BRM Wood Processing Company Limited.

Anastasia has certainly placed the sky and even above it as her limit there is therefore the need to upgrade in her limit in her chosen career in order to really hit the sky. She has therefore in this wise decided to enroll in a first class Polytechnic in Ghana Archbishop Porter Girls Polytechnic on Ankaful Road in Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana. Her studies will last for two years after more knowledgeable in her field after a Diploma in Business Studies.

Gist about Archbishop Porter Girls Polytechnic – Elmina
Archbishop Porter Girls Polytechnic is a first class Polytechnic in Ghana. The school is suited on Ankaful road in Elmina. It is just about 45 minutes drive from Takoradi. The school is a Roman Catholic school which only Roman Sisters are teachers. They are very strict in every thing they do at the school. By the time one complete the course, one will be well organized, speak well good English, knows how to use your time, how to dress well as a lady, and how fast a secretary must be and being a good listener.

After you get admission to the school this is the letter the principal will write to all parents/Guardians.

Dear Parent/Guardian,
Admission to the two-year secretarial course
Your ward is welcome to the secretarial course in the above college. I hope she will have a happy and fruitful stay here, and will make the fullest use in every way of the holistic training she will receive.
However, there are so points to which I would like to draw your attention.
1. There are two courses going on simultaneously during the two years as follows (a) The secretarial course for all who gain admission, and leading to two GES certificate – Typing and stenographer, as well as internal college diploma. (b) The Diploma in business studies (DBS-Secretarial Option), for those really interested and who (i) have passed five (5) SSSCE/WASSEC subject, including English, before admission and (ii) show by the end of the first term/year that they have the necessary aptitude and application needed to successfully complete two demanding course together. As DBS includes 4 extra subjects, there will be an extra fee of GH30.00 per term for this course.
2. Only source of income is the student’ fees, and while the fees are kept as low as possible, it is essential for the smooth running of the college that fees be paid promptly. Fees should be paid by Bankers’ Draft only. This is important so as to avoid students carrying large sums of money to college. As well, students often refuse to hand up fees, or else divert part of the fees for their own use, and then ask permission to travel outside the campus, to unknown destination, claiming they are going for the rest of their fees.
3. The Administration will not ask your ward to pay any unusual levies without officially informing you, so ignore any such subject (or the cash to buy them), as these have been kept to the minimum. If it is confirmed that your ward is doing the DBS course, there will be extra books needed. However, each student will need some cash for stationery.
4. It is very important to show an interest in your ward’s welfare and academic progress and pay regular visit to her. Normal visiting times are 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 2:30 to 5:30pm; but parents/guardians only are welcome at other reasonable times. Also the staff is always ready to discuss your ward’s welfare.
5. As we firmly believe in discipline and moral training for life, we ask that you co-operate with the college in getting your to face up to the challenges of the course, and not drop out when faced with the slightest difficulty. As well, please see that your ward returns punctually on re-opening day, as the college wastes no time in re-commencing classes, and unpunctuality can seriously retard a student’s progress. As some students’ branch off for one or more night on their way to school. Please let her bring a letter of explanation and/or a medical certificate, if she is late returning. Also kindly avoid asking for or supporting your ward’s demands for extra exeats, unless the matter is gravely important

6. As the college has been built and maintained by the Catholic Archdiocese of cape coast, (with no assistance from government), for disciplinary purposes, we expect all students to abide by the customs and traditions of the Catholic Church.

7. Mobile phones are strictly forbidden during term time; there are land phones available on the campus.

8. Because it is a small college, the health of each student is carefully catered form, and we have several hospitals in the vicinity when required. If a serious health problem arises, you will be informed, so there is no need for her to return home for every little ache, or for you to come rushing to the college to see how she is.

Finally, the college has just begun two projects for its on-going development: (i) mechanizing the bore hole for ease of water supply: GH7020.00 (ii) building a two-story block to include classrooms, a computer laboratory and a library; total cost is GH213, 750.75. The funds we have so far generated fall far short of the total needed, so we are appealing to your generosity for any assistance you or others can give.

Thank you for entrusting your ward to the college, and I hope we will have a very cordial relationship with you during the coming two years.

I wish you God’s blessing on you and yours.

Yours sincerely
Sr. Mary Rita O Mahony
Principal

WHH Girls Move Into their New Quarters

2008-09-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a generous grant from Boeing Corporation, and additional funds procured by Ghana Together, the WHH Children's Home in Axim, Ghana has completed a new wing---the "girls quarters." Not only will the additional space provide more privacy and security for the girls, but it will allow WHH to add up to ten more boys or girls to the 21 already in its residential program. Children who are temporarily or permanently lacking a viable family home can find a real home here. Staff conducts in-depth interviews with knowledgable persons, and works with the Nzema Social Welfare Department to assess true need.

The cost for each child averages at about $650 per year, which includes shelter, food, care, and school costs. Ghana Together accepts donations on behalf of these children and forwards all funds directly to WHH for their care.

Shown here are photos of Patrick Kwofie, the WHH Liasion Officer, finishing painting the floor, plus some of the girls trying out their new bunk beds with NEW mattresses and sheets!

Bellingham Teen Returns from Literacy Project at WHH Children's Home in Axim, Ghana

2008-09-12T14:26:00.000-07:00

Elena Robertson, a Bellingham, Washington high-school senior, has returned from a journey to Axim, Ghana where she conducted a literacy project with children in the Western Heritage Home's Children's Residential Program. She was accompanied by her Dad and was coached prior to her journey by a former teacher from Skagit County who has worked extensively with children whose first language is other than English.

Elena worked with the children to improve their English language reading and especially writing skills. English is the official language of Ghana, but these children speak Nzema or Fante as their first language.

Each child made a personal "book", made from discarded wallpaper sample books Elena brought with her. Paper is scarce in Axim. She also taught the children how to illustrate their books. For these children, who have had meagre schooling until they moved into the Children's Home in Dec '07, practice in writing is vital. Thanks to Elena, they had the opportunity to tell their own stories, express themselves in art, and sharpen their writing skills. And, they had a chance to get to know a kind and caring young American woman whom they will always remember. Elena is sharing her experience with friends and family, and incorporating her work in Ghana into her senior project.

Meanwhile, Doug, Elena's Dad, worked with the local soccer team to improve skills, assisted his daughter, and in general enjoyed getting to know this remote fishing town, which is poor in terms of material wealth, but rich in traditional Ghanaian culture, as exemplified in the photo of the man putting finishing touches on the new fishing canoe.

Western Heritage Home Scholars Honored by Manye Academy

2008-08-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Western Heritage Home is proud of all of their WHH Scholars who have overcome many hurdles to do their best in school. Some Scholars were especially honored by their school for their achievements. Thanks to their many friends in North America, we through Ghana Together have completely enjoyed supporting these promising students whose families need our help to care for them in the WHH Children's Home and support their education. WHH's motto is "Making Leaders of the Least". These youngsters are carrying out that dream!

Charlotte Armah, above, has been chosen as a sectional leader for next year.

Gifty Essien will be her compound's prefect.

Ernestina Ackah of Stage 2 was the 1st pupil in her class.

Peter Assuah also of Stage 2 was the 2nd student in his class.

Stephen Ackah was the best runner and best football (soccer) player.

Induction, Speech, and Prize Giving Day at Manye Academy

2008-08-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Anastasia Amoo, Western Heritage Home staff member, wrote the following article about end of the school year activities at Manye Academy [primary and junior high school]. All of the Western Heritage Home Scholars attend Manye, a regular school about a ten minute walk from the Home. We thought their American friends might enjoy reading her account:

On the 29th of July, 2008, Manye Academy primary school held induction and speech and prize giving day. The programme started with a processional hymm by the primary school students followed by an opening prayer by Rev. Elijah Donkor of Methodist church Axim. Nancy Otchere, pupil of Manye Academy said the school oaths. Mr. Joseph Johnston headmaster of Manye Academy primary gave the welcome address followed by a dance performance by the school choreography group.

Introduction of Dignitaries was also done by Miss Anastasia Aba Amoo of Western Heritage Home. They were: Honourable Henry Yankah, Presiding Member of Nzema East Municipal Assembly who was the Chairman for the programme in replacement of the Municipal Chief Executive, Honourable Joshua Kwadjah Ellimah [District Chief Executive], Rev. Elijah Donkor of Methodist Church Axim, Mr. Abugri from Esiama Nursing Training, Mr. Akomiah Assistant Headmaster of Nsein Secondary, Mr. Jacob Ola Adebayo Efunwule a Businessman, Mrs. Arthur Headmistress of Manye Academy Nursery and Kindergarten, Pastor Ofusu Mireku of Nsein Pentecost and Honourable Patrick Kwofie of Western Heritage Home.

Honourable Henry Yankah gave the keynote address: He first thanked Professor Nokoe for the establishment of Manye Academy and also the Senior High School (SHS) which will commence in September this year. He advised parents not to spend much on themselves but invest in their children’s education, he went further to advise parents not to sell their lands for rubber plantation. He said, planting rubber on non-fertile land will let the land gain its fertility again in some years to come. People in Western Region he said are selling their fertile land for rubber tree planting. He said, the fertile land cannot be used to plant food crops which may result in hunger in the country in the future. He asked farmers to use their land to grow more food. He advised that infertile land could be used to plant rubber to save the country from hunger.

He pleaded with parents to pay their wards school fees on time to avoid their wards being sacked. He concluded his speech by motivating the students to do their best by learning hard and avoid troubles.

Out-going prefect handed over their post to the in-coming prefects. Rev. Elijah Donkor performed the swearing in ceremony of the in-coming prefects. Two (2) of Western Heritage Home children were among them, they are Charlotte Armah as a sectional leader and Gifty Essien as a compound prefect. A song was done by Nancy Otchere to motivate the incoming prefects. Speeches were read by the out-going and in-coming prefects. Another dance was performed by the school choreography group followed by the giving of prizes.

Three (3) children from Western Heritage Home had the best prizes. Ernestina Ackah of stage two (2) for being the 1st pupil in her class, Peter Assuah also of stage two (2) was the 2nd pupil in his class. In sports, the 1st prize went to Stephen Ackah as the best runner and best football player. He was given a certificate.

The Chairman in his closing remarks congratulated everyone for making the occasion successful. Winnifred Abugri of stage six (6) gave the vote of thanks and the closing prayer said by Mr. Kpoli Mensah. The programme came to an end at 4:40pm followed by some group pictures and refreshments.

Ghana Together Hosts Silent Auction at Alpaca Event

2008-07-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

On June 28, 2008, Ghana Together was honored to be hosted by the Starr Alpaca Farm in Boring, OR at their Herdsire Showcase & Camelid Conclave. We were guests of Compass Rose Alpaca Farm owners Ken and Laura Slye, who donated breeding sessions with Marlon, their prize male alpaca. Proceeds from the silent auction went entirely to the Western Heritage Home Children's Program in Axim, Ghana. WHH owns and operates their children's home with 22 children in residence. The funds will be used to provide food, shelter, care, and school attendance for these homeless and impoverished children.

Ghana Together's Susan H, Ravyn W, and Maryanne W enjoyed getting to know all about alpacas and their wonderful and generous owners. The Starr farm is a beautiful setting. We are grateful for this opportunity and thank all those who helped us, esp. to Ken and Laura (and Marlon) for their support and genuine dedication to the children living in the WHH Children's Home.

Daily Life at WHH Children's Home

2008-06-21T23:07:00.001-07:00

WHH Scholars Participate in Child Trafficking & Labor Day

2008-06-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

On June 16, Western Heritage Home was among one of the selected institutions invited to participate in Child Trafficking and Labor Day. The event was sponsored by the Ghana Rubber Company Ltd. It was held at Manye Academy and was attended by older students, the Regional Director of Child Welfare, and other Social Welfare leaders. Some of the WHH Scholars put on a drama, written by Manageress Esi Biney.

The purpose of the meeting was to inform the children about the dangers of child trafficking and that forcing children to work on fishing boats, on farms, etc. not only prevents them from attending school, but also is illegal in Ghana. The children learned that helping their WHH family in daily chores, and helping their Home Mother is a good thing, but that work which is too hard physically, or keeps them from attending school, or is forced upon them inappropriately, is not good.

WHH Scholars Undeterred by Torrential Rain

2008-06-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

June is the wet season in Axim, and since everyone walks to school, attendance is a challenge. In spite of the sometimes torrential rain, WHH scholars are attending the nearest school, Manye Academy, daily. It's a short walk through the jungle, with a small stream to cross. The twenty children are residents in WHH's Children's Home. Ghana Together helps fund their support. They are catching up academically, are receiving after-school tutoring, and are enjoying the many books and learning materials provided by Ghana Together's friends and supporters.

Ghana Together Formed!!

2008-06-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Ghana Together is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed in 2008 by a group of North Americans from the Pacific Northwest who enjoy working in close partnership with Ghanaians to improve social, economic and health conditions.

We've been working together especially in the Axim area, partnering with Western Heritage Home, a Ghanaian NGO registered under the Ghanaian government and based in Axim, Ghana, to build a children’s home/community learning facility with computer training lab, supporting a program for orphaned children, and providing science supplies to a local public school.

We are active in simple but effective health and sanitation work, installing hand-washing stations in schools, and also providing HIV/AIDS awareness training.

We've used Appreciative Inquiry methods to train more than 1000 Ghanaians in individual and group goal setting and leadership skills. We have supplied Konongo-Odumasi Secondary School Library with about $20,000 worth of textbooks and other reading materials. And, we’ve helped DaasGift, a Ghanaian microfinance organization, train impoverished women in business skills.

During our two-year involvement in Axim, we’ve developed affection for the town, our many friends there, and for Ghanaian culture. The community has opened their hearts, their homes, and their warm and abiding hospitality to us. On our part, we have assisted them to meet their own goals and are continuing to do that. We’ve coordinated the financial and in-kind support of about 250 North American friends and families who have joined us in this modest, grassroots, people-to-people effort, based on mutual caring across international boundaries, personal knowledge, friendships, and ample cross-communication.

We have achieved a lot, but we and our Ghanaian partners have many ideas for how the educational, social and health conditions in Axim can be improved. We have visited Axim frequently, know the town and surrounding Nzema District well, and our ideas are founded on real needs of real people. As a new organization, we are launching new projects, and looking for potential ones.

Our website gives the complete story! We worked formerly under the Seattle-based non-profit Global Citizen Journey, which sponsored our 2006 Ghana Project. You can read the historical blog about those earlier activities, which we are continuing under Ghana Together.

The Ghana Together Board of Directors invites you to follow the postings to this blog, become familiar with our projects, and consider joining in as you are able. We are a very ordinary group of North Americans with no particular ideological or theological persuasion, other than that we enjoy working together with our Ghanaian friends to try to make life better in their communities. We invite you to share your ideas by emailing us at info@ghanatogether.org.