Volunteer Vacation Testimonials - Ghana
"I taught in the schools and yes, I think the children enjoyed it and learned from it. It was very much a novelty for them though, as an "obroni" (their name for white person) you are somewhat of a mythical creature and they are so curious about you - I hoped that it did not distract from my teaching. Furthermore, I definitely think the more meaningful part of the program was not what I was able to teach, or donate, but rather the time and attention that I gave to each of the local people that I interacted with. From my language teacher, to the local women who taught me how to cook, to the elders who taught me music and dancing, and to each and every person and child that I met - the fact that I was there to learn from them - to learn their culture and language and traditions (rather than coming there as if I was some smarter-than-them American trying to "help" them) was much more meaningful to them and I think it was well received and appreciated by them." - Nicole Vasquez, November 2013
"Africa was such an amazing experience. The village that we worked at was wonderful. The people were so friendly and welcoming. We got to cook with the villagers, learn about their culture, teach the students and interact with everyone. The work was hard work but worth it. Although it was hot and challenging, it was so exciting seeing how much the villagers appreciated the work that we did in their village.
We worked in the village Monday through Friday and built a washroom for them. We learned how to fetch water on our heads, which was very interesting. It was amazing to see how much women and children could carry on their heads! We taught the children some of the games that we play over in the U.S. and it was fun to watch them try and learn and then play together with them. I loved how happy the kids always are. One day I asked a little boy if he was always happy.. He replied to me, 'Yes we are always happy. There is no reason ever not to be.' That brought tears to my eyes. These adults and kids are just happy with the little that they have. They were also so joyful when the washroom was finished. That, in turn, made us all so happy.
Saturday we got to explore a little. We went to the monkey sanctuary and got to feed the monkeys. Then we went on a 45 minute hike up a to a beautiful waterfall and all got to swim. Sunday we went to the village and said our goodbyes. They all sand and danced for us and prayed for us. It was such an emotional goodbye.
Ghana is a beautiful country. I am so blessed to have been able to experience Africa. It was such an incredible experience to volunteer like we did and made me want to go volunteer wherever possible! I encourage anyone to do this. It's so worth it! Africa taught me so much, especially to be more grateful. I will never forget this experience. Thank you Globe Aware and all the volunteers!" - Mandi Evans, November 2012
" I just wanted to email you and let you know that we had a really good time in Ghana. It was a great experience to work in the village and to work with the Globe Aware personnel. Everything went smooth and it truly was an experience of a lifetime. I plan on returning to Ghana and other parts of Africa because of this experience. Thanks again for all your help and coordination of this trip!!" - Kymberly Compton, August 2012
"The project was directly related to the needs of the local community. The project is sustainable and makes ongoing school improvement for village children possible. The children were eager to learn. With simple, direct instruction and lots of visuals, the students understood enough to learn their lessons very well. It offered a good reminder of how eager to learn children in some places are, while children in other places take their education for granted (....) Bright was an excellent cook and kept me well fed throughout the week. He observed carefully and adjusted meals to offer both a taste of local culture and provided meals to my liking."- Thomas Fassler, June 2012
"I consider myself a life-long learner and the world is my teacher as I take a break from the classroom during the summer. Winning the “Travel for Good Grant” through Travelocity this year helped me to get to Ghana to volunteer with Globe Aware. Now I’m in love again. With a whole village. I can’t wait to return to Mafi Tsati, a rural village outside of Ho, Ghana, approximately 4 hours from Accra (Ghana’s capital)—and I hope to return soon. My mission now is to do several things: 1) to raise money for a new school, 2) to raise money to buy Maxwell, the teacher I connected with in Mafi Tsati, a laptop with internet access, and 3) to return to finish a photo project I started, and hopefully publish a book about the women in the village.
"It’s been 16 years since I started teaching, and though I grow more passionate about my profession each year, I also want to continue my global connection—merging teaching and learning with travel. Perhaps as I find ways to return to Africa to be involved in improving lives there, I can bring other teachers—and maybe someday students—to improve our lives in return. Africa has changed my life in ways She will never know, and we—in our hectic, often myopic, western culture—have a great deal to learn from the amazing people in Africa." - Margit Boyensen, June 2012,
"I am very, very glad I went to Ghana with Globeaware. I would not trade the experience for anything. However, with a little more preparation and structure I feel like I could have made more of my time there. I am very interested in finding a way to get supplies to the schools in Jasikan as I feel those are tangible things that can be of immediate use. And, lastly I would just like to say how lovely, informative and helpful Bernard was. He is clearly very interested in helping his people and moving them forward. He makes a great "guide" and really made my experience there."- Carrie Tacla,
