SSNIT Donates Foodstuffs to WHH Children's Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.