Why did you join VoluntEars?
Wanted the opportunity to explore and mix with deaf people/use my sign language skills.
Why did you choose the Ghana trip?
Because the Nepal trip was cancelled that year and I love Africa & African people.
What were you looking forward to?
Waterfalls, swimming, signing, trying new food, meeting new people.
Were you worried about anything before the trip?
Wasn’t worried per say, but wasn’t sure of the accommodation set up.
What words would you use to describe your experience in Ghana?
Eye opening and exciting, great way to explore a new country, meet and make new friends.
What was your funniest or most memorable experience?
Seeing the boats out at sea all going in the same direction (for the nights fishing), as we drove alongside the coast road and when I saw it it was just WOW, what a sight to see! That was my special moment! I thought about each of the people on board and their role in their family life and their families waiting back home, the risks the fishermen were taking, the customers they would serve once back. Loved the fish market and walking around the boats in general and soaking up a different way of life compared to the UK industry.
What did you enjoy the most on the trip?
Every day had a moment where I thought ‘wow, I’ve learnt something there, seen something different, experienced something new’. Apart from seeing boats and fish market, I enjoyed learning about how the deaf schools operated/funded, learning about the children’s lives before they attend school, during school and once finished their education. Followed by the swimming/waterfall, botanical gardens. Ginger Power juice drink at the cafe by the sea was the most potent and delicious. I liked how the first deaf school was within walking distance.
How do you think you benefitted from the experience?
Definitely all the richer for it in many ways. Feelings of being very grateful for what we have in this country (even though folk moan) that we take for granted.
I was able to use my sign language skills to communicate with the new friends in the group (which I hadn’t really used in 6 months since changing jobs).
More travel experience in general and another potential opportunity to explore where I can look to support the teachers and children moving forwards with equipment/books all being well. I don’t think you can visit a place like that and not be moved to do ‘something’.
What did you like about the VoluntEars trip?
It was a really friendly supportive group. From my fellow travellers to Richard [VoluntEars Director], to Enoch (VoluntEars Ghana staff] and Samuel (interpreter). Our host families were friendly too. Good balance of volunteering and leisure time. Opportunity to contribute in a variety of ways.
