My report from the street children project in Ghana

I flew with my girlfriend to the street children project in Ghana. Late in the evening we arrived at the Student House. The first day was exciting. Every day we explored the area to get an impression. We survived the first power outage. The orientation week was really good for acclimatization. We were there from the end of February to the end of March and never thought that time would go by so quickly. Cold Germany and then hot Ghana – that was an extreme difference.

Our accommodation in Ghana

When we drove to Mama Mina, we were able to get to know the children right away. Everyone pounced on us and started braiding our hair. The children played and learned in a beautiful large garden. We waited for our sleeping place, an apartment almost next to Mama Mina. Once there, we let our room and everything around it work on us. Of course, the standard is not the same as in Germany, but you get used to it.

The first two weeks were exhausting because the heat didn't let us sleep. The food at Mama Mina was really spicy, which was unusual for us at first. But after a while you get used to it. Weekend trips and bucket showers.

On the weekends made wonderful trips to Cape Coast or Ada Foha. Palm trees like in the Caribbean and something completely different than at Mama Mina. We also had the first bucket showers and water failures there. In hindsight, it's a funny experience.

The volunteer work in the street children project

For the last two weeks we were able to really work with the children by teaching them numbers, letters and colours. It is sometimes very sad that many children do not know what color things are or do not know what numbers and letters are, even though they are 9 years old. But we did our best to make a success every day.

Conclusion to my stay abroad in Ghana: An unforgettable experience!

The last week went by too quickly. We didn't want to leave the children, the country and the people again. But no one can take that experience away from us. On the one hand, it was heartbreaking to see how children have to go out into the streets after school to work, women earn their living between cars with water and snacks, how unfortunately homeless people have to sleep outside at night or just knowing that toiletries, dairy and sweets are luxuries. On the other hand, it was nice to see that these people don't lose their hope and smile. A great emotional experience.

Voluntary work in the RGV street children project in Ghana, Julia J. 19.04.2017