Hi all. I will try to wrap up my experience since my last update which was Monday before we went CUA for our final debriefing.
Once we were all dressed in our best Ghanaian attire, we hopped in three taxis to make the trip to the centre of Accra and CUA House. The board room was once again air conditioned. Laurie T was busy wrapping gifts that were to be presented to CUA staff and I was able to use some of her wrapping paper for a gift Larry and I were presenting to Frank Eduah (former Deputy General Manager of CUA). Frank was with Larry and me for our trip to the Volta Region and looked after us so well we wanted to show our appreciation. As with the first meeting @ CUA, there were speeches, responses and the CCA coaches presented our reports and recommendations to all present. What came as a complete surprise was when all the coaches were presented with plaques of appreciation from CUA for our contribution to the coaching program. I look forward to seeing mine on one of the walls in my office very soon. To wrap things up, we all posed for a group photo.
Then, it was all over. We mingled around for a bit as the CUA staff went back to their jobs. Now all we had to do was spend our last evening in Accra and plan our last trip to the market for last minute shopping, get ready for the airport and go.
We had discovered a Chinese restaurant called Dynasty on our 2006 trip that we all wanted to go to. When we arrived, the sign said “closed” so we were a bit sad. We were then told by people mingling about in the parking lot that we could go in. There was that strange “closed sign but open” marketing plan again! We got our usual table as it was the only one that could accommodate all of us. One of the things we liked about this place was when the waiter brought ‘round hot moist towels for us to wash our hands with. Very luxurious indeed!
After another wonderful meal, we walked slowly down Osu (the name of the street and the name of the area of Accra). We stopped in shops that we had wondered about but had not gone in before (things like the Woolworths Men’s store that sells bread at the front counter and wine and spirits at the back of the store along with trendy men’s clothing). We stopped to look around in grocery stores and convenience stores and basically take one last look at Accra @ night. We had all had a very big day and we knew that the next day was going to be busy so we all headed back to the Central Hotel for the night.
When I awoke on Tuesday morning, everything I did would make me think, “this will be the last time I ***** “. Very melodramatic! We had gifts to buy for friends and family back home and a short time to shop so we had breakfast and away we went. The market sellers were just as aggressive as before and at times too aggressive so we would have to be very firm with them. I have gotten a bit better at the bargaining that is expected but I must say that I have not gotten comfortable with it. I was in one shop that had many drums along the floor. We were in such close quarters that the owner knocked one of the drums over and it landed on the top of my foot causing me quite a bit of pain. I didn’t complain but I did point out the raised mark and the bruise on the top of my foot when I was trying to get a better price on a couple of thumb pianos: )
With our shopping done, the next job at hand was to pack everything and get ready for the ride to the airport. It was going to be a 30 hour trip so we all wanted to start out as fresh as possible. I know that I was not the only one who was not looking forward to long pants and shoes and socks.
Much of the CUA staff came to say goodbye at the hotel. The drivers who had been with us since we arrived three ago were the last to say goodbye. Everyone had been so wonderful to us, I’m sure there will be correspondence that goes on for years to come.
Next, hurry up and wait.
We did a lot of waiting over the next 36 hours or so. We waited to board that plane in Accra, we sat in the plane for an hour or so in Lagos, Nigeria, we waited for a really long time in the airport in Frankfurt (this is where the coaches split up and all went our separate ways to the different regions in Canada) we sat in the plane before take off for an additional hour and a half before we began the really long flight from Frankfurt to Toronto, we waited, picked up our bags, rechecked our bags in and waited some more in the airport in Toronto, got on a (what seemed to be) small plane to go from Toronto to Regina. We arrived in Regina just before 7 pm and we were all very surprised to see that it was not dark yet! We were all happy to see our families who had come to pick us up. We were also glad to see that all our bags had arrived with us. I think out of the 4 Saskatchewan people traveling to Regina, I still had the farthest to go that night, 3 hours to Carnduff, so we were anxious to get on the road. We all said one more goodbye and went our separate ways.
I told stories all the way home and was very, very, very glad to go to sleep in my own bed.
It has been two days since I have been home and I almost have my house back in order. I find my mind drifting back to where I was last week or the week before. It seems like a dream.
I’m not sure how I want to end this blog. I hope I have given a good description of my trip, my experiences and my feelings. I do look forward to going back to Ghana sometime in my future. I hope to see again many of the people I have met. Seeing the changes one year can make in an organization and a country is truly amazing. I wish everyone the best of luck who take on the CCA Coaching assignments in the future and I hope to read their blogs to share in their rich experiences.
Until next time……………………………………………………………..
Marcia
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Artifacts from the 1600’s @ Asoto village mountain cave.
Community elders from Asoto village.
Women cleaning fish on the beach @ Lake Volta.
“Rustic” power pole!
Ebenezer new CU premises.
This is the water heater I was so happy to see until I realized there was no hot water pipe coming from the tank!
Larry and I were presented with Volta Region Kente Cloth robes by the Jasikan CU board. We were called the Queen Mother and King!
Larry and I were given credit for bringing much needed rain to the Volta Region!
What can I say? This was one very cool looking bug!
Monday, February 19, 2007
Saturday morning arrived a bit overcast. I got up early to have breakfast with Gene, Barry and Sammy before they went on their great adventure, which included meeting more than one Chief and ceremonies involving at least one bottle of schnapps!!
After they left I walked along the beach alone. I looked out to sea and thought about all my experiences over the last couple of weeks. Each credit union we visited was completely different than the previous one but they all had one thing in common. The staff and boards were very interested in what Larry and I had to say. At times I felt overwhelmed that these intelligent, educated people were looking to me for advice and assistance.
There were times when we would have a simple suggestion that was met with such gratitude. At times, one manager or board member would show us a policy or form they had created, asking for our opinion and upon review, we could not make it better it was so well thought out. When we would present our reports to the credit union boards and staff, the questions we were asked really showed us that they understood where we were coming from and were so excited to move the credit union system in general, and their credit union in particular, forward.
I thought of all these things as I walked along the beach, picking up shells to take home for my daughter's art projects. The beach was very, very clean so shells were few and far between.
Because this will be the end of this technical assignment, I do not know when I will return to Ghana, unlike last year when I knew I would return in 12 short months. The group of 10 coaches, and our "handlers" (from CUA and CCA) as I like to call them, have become more like family than co-workers. I will miss them all, but not right now.
I was the official welcoming committee when the rest of the group arrived from Accra. All the coaches and several interns (university graduates spending 6 month terms working in Ghana with the credit union system) showed up at lunch time. After huge hugs all around and a few quick stories of their trip, we were presented with a wonderful buffet lunch of western and Ghanaian food. After lunch which involved a great deal of catching up, the big waves called us and we spent some time trying not to drown or swallow the salt water. Let's just say that nobody drowned. A couple of Ghanaian women that had been part of the "Women's Mentoring Project" a two years past came for a visit. One of the women had stayed at Margaret's CU so they caught up on old friends. I am reminded once again that it is a very small world.
We are all going to CUA House now to present our final reports so I will say "until later................................"
Marcia
After they left I walked along the beach alone. I looked out to sea and thought about all my experiences over the last couple of weeks. Each credit union we visited was completely different than the previous one but they all had one thing in common. The staff and boards were very interested in what Larry and I had to say. At times I felt overwhelmed that these intelligent, educated people were looking to me for advice and assistance.
There were times when we would have a simple suggestion that was met with such gratitude. At times, one manager or board member would show us a policy or form they had created, asking for our opinion and upon review, we could not make it better it was so well thought out. When we would present our reports to the credit union boards and staff, the questions we were asked really showed us that they understood where we were coming from and were so excited to move the credit union system in general, and their credit union in particular, forward.
I thought of all these things as I walked along the beach, picking up shells to take home for my daughter's art projects. The beach was very, very clean so shells were few and far between.
Because this will be the end of this technical assignment, I do not know when I will return to Ghana, unlike last year when I knew I would return in 12 short months. The group of 10 coaches, and our "handlers" (from CUA and CCA) as I like to call them, have become more like family than co-workers. I will miss them all, but not right now.
I was the official welcoming committee when the rest of the group arrived from Accra. All the coaches and several interns (university graduates spending 6 month terms working in Ghana with the credit union system) showed up at lunch time. After huge hugs all around and a few quick stories of their trip, we were presented with a wonderful buffet lunch of western and Ghanaian food. After lunch which involved a great deal of catching up, the big waves called us and we spent some time trying not to drown or swallow the salt water. Let's just say that nobody drowned. A couple of Ghanaian women that had been part of the "Women's Mentoring Project" a two years past came for a visit. One of the women had stayed at Margaret's CU so they caught up on old friends. I am reminded once again that it is a very small world.
We are all going to CUA House now to present our final reports so I will say "until later................................"
Marcia
Friday, February 16, 2007
Well, We had a good meeting with the manager and board of Npando Credit Union. It was soon time to head for Techiman. This was on Tuesday the 13th. The view on our way continued to be beautiful and lush with mountains all around and the occasional stream. We travelled up, and up some more to go through one village quite high in the mountains and then travelled quite steep going down in a zig zag pattern like the switchbacks in BC. At times we were traveling quite fast and my stomach did the "roller coaster" flip as we went up and down the hills.
As night neared, we received a call from the regional manager of the Kumansi area credit unions. He told us that because of a breakdown in security, it would not be wise for us to travel at night through the Kumansi area. Because he was a native to the area, we took his warning seriously and found a hotel in the next available city.
I felt very pampered at the plush hotel we found and had my first hot shower since the 4th of February, not that I'm keeping track or anything! We had our supper beside the pool and watched the bats swoop down and catch bugs for their supper.
The next day we planned to have breakfast in Kumansi. Because of road construction and the busy highway, this turned out to be lunch. Our vehicle was air conditioned so we were cool for the bumpy ride. Along the road, we looked out our window to see two white people travelling up the highway in the opposite direction and on bicycles!!!! It was very hot, even at 9:30 a.m., and with the big trucks with their heavy loads racing along the road both Larry and I mentioned that they would be in a very dangerous spot. Pedestrians and bicycles do not hold priority when it comes to those big trucks.
Once we arrived in Techiman, we were reunited with Gene (my Ghana partner from last year) and Barry who had been coaching credit unions in the Eastern Region. Their driver, Sammy, was with them as well. Sammy had been teaching Gene and Barry many words and phrases in Twi, the local language of the area. Gene was up to 18 words and could manage quite well. I will have to practice to keep up. We want to practice Twi, and of course the Ghanaians want to practice English. It is a lot of fun to try!
Ebenezer Credit Union manager Michael was there to meet us as well as board members, including the board chairman who put off his trip to Accra to spend time with us. It was such a happy reunion. I feel very much a part of the Happy Family that is the credit union system in Ghana. After having a lovely refreshment in the Dymn's Hotel Garden restaurant, we got to have a tour of the new location for the Ebenezer CU. When we were in Techiman, in 2006, the site consisted of a plot of land and a pile of bricks. They have come along way as they are probably 1/3 of the way to completion. We also went to the office of Ebenezer CU beside the market. The office has been renovated and it is now twice as large, has a television for members to watch while they wait, a separate office cubicle for the manager and another staff member to help with the increase in traffic. The staff at Ebenezer CU is so focused on their members it was such a pleasure to see. This will be why Ebenezer CU is well known in the area for being excellent!
Next we were on to see the new premises of Abosomenkatere Credit Union. Abosomenkatere means cameleon because they adapt to suit the environment, and they sure do. Their new premises was open for business on the 14th of November,2006 and since then they have had 300 new members. They still operate their office out of the hospital grounds but that will eventually come to an end. My next blog entry will have pictures, I promise!!!!!
The best development I have seen in the last year is the addition to Prosper Aforbu's (Abosomenkatere CU Manager) family. His first born daughter arrived on January 7,2007. She is named Nana (queen mother) after her grandmother who is the queen mother of her village. We were told by Prosper that in Ghana when a woman gives birth, she moves back to her parents home for a few months so she is able to be looked after well by her family. Prosper asked Gene and me if we would like to go to his wife's family's home to see his new baby girl. It was such a privilege to be given the opportunity and, as I said, I promise pictures next time.
On Wednesday, we were able to go back to Ebenezer CU and Abosomankatere CU to have meetings with each of the managers. Gene and I took taxis everywhere we went and it was like when we were there last year. The big difference I found was that Michael, Prosper and Sammy (the assistant manager of Abosomanketer CU) were so much more than colleagues, they were friends and family now. It was much harder to leave this time as I do not know when I will return to Ghana. I do know I will return, I have so much love for this country and its people.
Once all our visits were through it was time once again to hit the road! Our driver Sammy is very good at his job and we travelled at times very fast and at times very slow due either to traffic jams in Sunyani and Kumansi, or road construction at various times throughout the journey. We all thought that Busia Beach Resort (our destination) was in Takoradi so when we got there we were surprised to find out that we still had a way to go! We finally arrived in the darkness around 10:00 pm. The restaurant stayed open for us and we walked on the fine sand and in the ocean a bit. We let the waves hit our ankles and a big one got our knees wet. Our rooms are fabulous and the service is second to none. One of the waiters, whose name is Wellington, has a wise phrase for every occasion. "When God posts a letter to you, no postman will delay it!" I will try to keep track for future use!
On our way to Takoradi this morning, we came through many little market stalls very close to the hotel. We did not see them last night as they would have been closed and it was very, very dark. We will go back to the hotel and await the arrival of all the other coaches. I am starting to get sad at the thought of leaving this beautiful country and its wonderful people. But, I must set those feelings aside and enjoy all the experiences the next 4 days will bring. And, like I said previously, I PROMISE pictures next time.......................................................................Marcia
As night neared, we received a call from the regional manager of the Kumansi area credit unions. He told us that because of a breakdown in security, it would not be wise for us to travel at night through the Kumansi area. Because he was a native to the area, we took his warning seriously and found a hotel in the next available city.
I felt very pampered at the plush hotel we found and had my first hot shower since the 4th of February, not that I'm keeping track or anything! We had our supper beside the pool and watched the bats swoop down and catch bugs for their supper.
The next day we planned to have breakfast in Kumansi. Because of road construction and the busy highway, this turned out to be lunch. Our vehicle was air conditioned so we were cool for the bumpy ride. Along the road, we looked out our window to see two white people travelling up the highway in the opposite direction and on bicycles!!!! It was very hot, even at 9:30 a.m., and with the big trucks with their heavy loads racing along the road both Larry and I mentioned that they would be in a very dangerous spot. Pedestrians and bicycles do not hold priority when it comes to those big trucks.
Once we arrived in Techiman, we were reunited with Gene (my Ghana partner from last year) and Barry who had been coaching credit unions in the Eastern Region. Their driver, Sammy, was with them as well. Sammy had been teaching Gene and Barry many words and phrases in Twi, the local language of the area. Gene was up to 18 words and could manage quite well. I will have to practice to keep up. We want to practice Twi, and of course the Ghanaians want to practice English. It is a lot of fun to try!
Ebenezer Credit Union manager Michael was there to meet us as well as board members, including the board chairman who put off his trip to Accra to spend time with us. It was such a happy reunion. I feel very much a part of the Happy Family that is the credit union system in Ghana. After having a lovely refreshment in the Dymn's Hotel Garden restaurant, we got to have a tour of the new location for the Ebenezer CU. When we were in Techiman, in 2006, the site consisted of a plot of land and a pile of bricks. They have come along way as they are probably 1/3 of the way to completion. We also went to the office of Ebenezer CU beside the market. The office has been renovated and it is now twice as large, has a television for members to watch while they wait, a separate office cubicle for the manager and another staff member to help with the increase in traffic. The staff at Ebenezer CU is so focused on their members it was such a pleasure to see. This will be why Ebenezer CU is well known in the area for being excellent!
Next we were on to see the new premises of Abosomenkatere Credit Union. Abosomenkatere means cameleon because they adapt to suit the environment, and they sure do. Their new premises was open for business on the 14th of November,2006 and since then they have had 300 new members. They still operate their office out of the hospital grounds but that will eventually come to an end. My next blog entry will have pictures, I promise!!!!!
The best development I have seen in the last year is the addition to Prosper Aforbu's (Abosomenkatere CU Manager) family. His first born daughter arrived on January 7,2007. She is named Nana (queen mother) after her grandmother who is the queen mother of her village. We were told by Prosper that in Ghana when a woman gives birth, she moves back to her parents home for a few months so she is able to be looked after well by her family. Prosper asked Gene and me if we would like to go to his wife's family's home to see his new baby girl. It was such a privilege to be given the opportunity and, as I said, I promise pictures next time.
On Wednesday, we were able to go back to Ebenezer CU and Abosomankatere CU to have meetings with each of the managers. Gene and I took taxis everywhere we went and it was like when we were there last year. The big difference I found was that Michael, Prosper and Sammy (the assistant manager of Abosomanketer CU) were so much more than colleagues, they were friends and family now. It was much harder to leave this time as I do not know when I will return to Ghana. I do know I will return, I have so much love for this country and its people.
Once all our visits were through it was time once again to hit the road! Our driver Sammy is very good at his job and we travelled at times very fast and at times very slow due either to traffic jams in Sunyani and Kumansi, or road construction at various times throughout the journey. We all thought that Busia Beach Resort (our destination) was in Takoradi so when we got there we were surprised to find out that we still had a way to go! We finally arrived in the darkness around 10:00 pm. The restaurant stayed open for us and we walked on the fine sand and in the ocean a bit. We let the waves hit our ankles and a big one got our knees wet. Our rooms are fabulous and the service is second to none. One of the waiters, whose name is Wellington, has a wise phrase for every occasion. "When God posts a letter to you, no postman will delay it!" I will try to keep track for future use!
On our way to Takoradi this morning, we came through many little market stalls very close to the hotel. We did not see them last night as they would have been closed and it was very, very dark. We will go back to the hotel and await the arrival of all the other coaches. I am starting to get sad at the thought of leaving this beautiful country and its wonderful people. But, I must set those feelings aside and enjoy all the experiences the next 4 days will bring. And, like I said previously, I PROMISE pictures next time.......................................................................Marcia
Monday, February 12, 2007
Blog (via cell phone)
Subject line: Update for Marcia’s blog
Well it has been one week since you last heard from me. Internet connections have been scarce and we did not have cell phone coverage for some time.
We arrived in Hohoe Sunday afternoon. The hotel was run by a friendly woman named Hilda and her family. We were made to feel most welcome. The regional representative of the credit union met with us to welcome us, which is their tradition. We introduced ourselves, there were some small speeches and we shared a meal. This was explained as Ghanaian hospitality and over the next week we would have the pleasure of experiencing this many times.
Next is Monday Feb 5th. to Wednesday Feb 7th.
The first credit union we were at was Stazatan Teachers’ Co-op Credit Union. The premises were small and used well by the four young members who worked there. The chairman of the board looked after us very well. When we were not working we had meals in his home at his home compound. There were power blackouts daily and everyone, including Larry and I, learned to take them in stride.
While we were working board members would stop by to meet us. They would tell us what they teach and invite us to their school. We did not get to visit any class rooms, but we did get to take part in a meeting with a group of teachers. We were also invited to the home of the school principle, the chairman’s boss, to be formally introduced to him.
We have been so fortunate this trip, to be invited to the homes of people we meet. When our work at Stazatan Credit Union was over, we presented our report to the board. Many people were present, including the principal of the school who is not a board member but is a member of the credit union.
The meeting began with formal introductions, and then the rain began. We spoke louder and then it rained harder. The building we were in had a metal roof, so you can imagine how loud it was. We finished our report as the rain stopped. The credit union presented Larry and I with gifts of kenta cloth from the Volta region. They told us that when gifts of cloth are give they should be worn, so, two women board members helped me with mine and the men helped Larry with his. Mine had a headdress, Larry’s did not. I was to be like the queen mother and Larry was to be the king. There is a trick to getting the headdress just right, so I will have to practice.
On to the next Credit Union.
Thursday Feb 8th to Friday Feb 9th
Cajabi Teachers Co-op Credit Union is a smaller credit union. The woman who is the board treasurer is named Madam Stella. When this credit union began Madam Stella did everything in the office and worked as a teacher as well. The credit union position was voluntary. Cajabi Credit Union now has three office employees.
I felt that the staff were nervous with us at first, but soon they were asking us many questions.
I have never felt such hospitality as I did here. We were able to help them with issues, based on our previous experience. We were fed very well, too well at times.
The meeting we had with them at the end of it all was less formal in the way that it was at the credit union, and all members of the staff were present. There were only four board members, so it was easier to talk and answer questions. And it did rain but not as much.
Saturday Feb 10th
Today we visited Asato, a local village that is home to a mountain that has a cave that is full of ancient artifacts from the 1600s. We climbed the mountain, climbed into the cave, and were able to see the wonderful items the ancestors had left. On our adventure we were accompanied by the village elders and a local drum band. It was amazing.
Sunday Feb 11th
On Sunday we arrived at Cando Kpando, and we are in our hotel now. This morning we went to visit Lake Volta to see the largest man-made lake in the world, and we were also taken to Lady of xxxxxxx (signal drop out) which has life size … larger-than-life Stations of the Cross. There was a church service happening at the time, and we were able to listen to the music.
Larry and I have just gone for a big walk around the town and we have seen many telephones, so we should be able to update the blog more regularly for the next couple of days.
I will finish for now.
Marcia
Subject line: Update for Marcia’s blog
Well it has been one week since you last heard from me. Internet connections have been scarce and we did not have cell phone coverage for some time.
We arrived in Hohoe Sunday afternoon. The hotel was run by a friendly woman named Hilda and her family. We were made to feel most welcome. The regional representative of the credit union met with us to welcome us, which is their tradition. We introduced ourselves, there were some small speeches and we shared a meal. This was explained as Ghanaian hospitality and over the next week we would have the pleasure of experiencing this many times.
Next is Monday Feb 5th. to Wednesday Feb 7th.
The first credit union we were at was Stazatan Teachers’ Co-op Credit Union. The premises were small and used well by the four young members who worked there. The chairman of the board looked after us very well. When we were not working we had meals in his home at his home compound. There were power blackouts daily and everyone, including Larry and I, learned to take them in stride.
While we were working board members would stop by to meet us. They would tell us what they teach and invite us to their school. We did not get to visit any class rooms, but we did get to take part in a meeting with a group of teachers. We were also invited to the home of the school principle, the chairman’s boss, to be formally introduced to him.
We have been so fortunate this trip, to be invited to the homes of people we meet. When our work at Stazatan Credit Union was over, we presented our report to the board. Many people were present, including the principal of the school who is not a board member but is a member of the credit union.
The meeting began with formal introductions, and then the rain began. We spoke louder and then it rained harder. The building we were in had a metal roof, so you can imagine how loud it was. We finished our report as the rain stopped. The credit union presented Larry and I with gifts of kenta cloth from the Volta region. They told us that when gifts of cloth are give they should be worn, so, two women board members helped me with mine and the men helped Larry with his. Mine had a headdress, Larry’s did not. I was to be like the queen mother and Larry was to be the king. There is a trick to getting the headdress just right, so I will have to practice.
On to the next Credit Union.
Thursday Feb 8th to Friday Feb 9th
Cajabi Teachers Co-op Credit Union is a smaller credit union. The woman who is the board treasurer is named Madam Stella. When this credit union began Madam Stella did everything in the office and worked as a teacher as well. The credit union position was voluntary. Cajabi Credit Union now has three office employees.
I felt that the staff were nervous with us at first, but soon they were asking us many questions.
I have never felt such hospitality as I did here. We were able to help them with issues, based on our previous experience. We were fed very well, too well at times.
The meeting we had with them at the end of it all was less formal in the way that it was at the credit union, and all members of the staff were present. There were only four board members, so it was easier to talk and answer questions. And it did rain but not as much.
Saturday Feb 10th
Today we visited Asato, a local village that is home to a mountain that has a cave that is full of ancient artifacts from the 1600s. We climbed the mountain, climbed into the cave, and were able to see the wonderful items the ancestors had left. On our adventure we were accompanied by the village elders and a local drum band. It was amazing.
Sunday Feb 11th
On Sunday we arrived at Cando Kpando, and we are in our hotel now. This morning we went to visit Lake Volta to see the largest man-made lake in the world, and we were also taken to Lady of xxxxxxx (signal drop out) which has life size … larger-than-life Stations of the Cross. There was a church service happening at the time, and we were able to listen to the music.
Larry and I have just gone for a big walk around the town and we have seen many telephones, so we should be able to update the blog more regularly for the next couple of days.
I will finish for now.
Marcia
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Good morning again.I woke up way too early this morning. I always get excited when I'm going on a trip! This is a trip within a trip so I am doubly excited.
Yesterday was a huge day! Our luncheon at Mr. Darko's home was wonderful. The food was incredible and the stories Mr. Darko told of his personal life were exciting and made me admire him even more. He told us all of the vision he had to start a school in Ghana and then we were able to go on a tour of the school. We also got to see the training facility CUA is building and the adjacent accomodations, all in different phases of construction. The traffic through Accra on a Saturday afternoon was like nothing I had ever seen (except in the occassional National Geographic television special!)At the end of yesterday, we said our goodbyes to the four of our group that were leaving at 6 am. The rest of us all travel out to our assignments at different times throughout the day. Larry (Carnegie, from the Maple Creek area) and I head out around 9 am. From here we go to Hohoe and will visit 2 credit unions from that base. I do not know the internet facilities there but I have been told they exist so you will be hearing from me soon....................................Marcia
Yesterday was a huge day! Our luncheon at Mr. Darko's home was wonderful. The food was incredible and the stories Mr. Darko told of his personal life were exciting and made me admire him even more. He told us all of the vision he had to start a school in Ghana and then we were able to go on a tour of the school. We also got to see the training facility CUA is building and the adjacent accomodations, all in different phases of construction. The traffic through Accra on a Saturday afternoon was like nothing I had ever seen (except in the occassional National Geographic television special!)At the end of yesterday, we said our goodbyes to the four of our group that were leaving at 6 am. The rest of us all travel out to our assignments at different times throughout the day. Larry (Carnegie, from the Maple Creek area) and I head out around 9 am. From here we go to Hohoe and will visit 2 credit unions from that base. I do not know the internet facilities there but I have been told they exist so you will be hearing from me soon....................................Marcia
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