Ghana Together works with our Ghanaian friends of Western Heritage Home, a Ghanaian-registered and managed non-profit, to improve social, educational, and health conditions in Axim, Ghana. Together we accomplish projects, connect WHH to resourceful individuals and organizations, and create sustainable programs. We make a real difference to real people in a local, grassroots effort. Our website at http://ghanatogether.org tells our story.
Aug 11, 2009
May 21, 2009
Ghana Together Brings OLPCs to WHH Children's Home in Axim, Ghana
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#
Mar 12, 2009
Western Heritage Home Launches Remedial Classes for Senior Secondary Graduates at the WHH Academy in Axim, Ghana-Updated as of 5/11/09
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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
VISIONWHH 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.
Jan 6, 2009
WESTERN HERITAGE HOME REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2008
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.
Jan 5, 2009
Engineers Without Borders Approves Axim Clean Water System Extension Project!
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.
Oct 29, 2008
WHH Scholars Try Out New Computer Lab


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Oct 13, 2008
What a Difference Two Years Can Make!
Same Children April 2008
Sep 30, 2008
WHH Administrative Assistant Anastasia Amoo Starts Business School
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
Sep 22, 2008
WHH Girls Move Into their New Quarters
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!

Sep 12, 2008
Bellingham Teen Returns from Literacy Project at WHH Children's Home in Axim, Ghana


Aug 25, 2008
Western Heritage Home Scholars Honored by Manye Academy
Charlotte Armah, above, has been chosen as a sectional leader for next year.
Gifty Essien will be her compound's prefect.
Stephen Ackah was the best runner and best football (soccer) player.
Induction, Speech, and Prize Giving Day at Manye Academy
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.
Jul 14, 2008
Ghana Together Hosts Silent Auction at Alpaca Event
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.
Jun 21, 2008
Jun 19, 2008
WHH Scholars Participate in Child Trafficking & Labor Day


Jun 13, 2008
WHH Scholars Undeterred by Torrential Rain
Jun 6, 2008
Ghana Together Formed!!
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.
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