Tell
us briefly about yourself
My
name is Jessica. I am 25 years old. I was born and raised in Atlanta,
Georgia, USA. My favorite color is purple. My favorite food is
macaroni and cheese (yum!) with sandwiches being a close second. I am
often considered “old-fashioned” by my closest friends because I
enjoy things like swing dancing, snail mail (letter writing), and
antique hunting. I have a pet cat named Zippy who might as well be my
child. I have a large family - 6 of us in all. I seek out good
coffee, and I love elephants and reading. I have a passion for
education, and someday hope to be a certified primary teacher.
What
did you do back in the US before this volunteer?
Prior
to leaving for Ghana, I spent the last two years working with a
franchised Marriott property in Atlanta. I started as a front desk
agent in 2011 and was promoted to Front Desk Lead shortly before my
departure in 2013.
Why
Ghana?
I
chose Ghana very intentionally and for many different reasons. I knew
that I wanted to gain teaching experience, but these days you can do
that in most every country worldwide. I could have stayed in America
to do that. However, I knew that I wanted to experience and become
familiar with another culture, and I knew that I wanted to be removed
from my comfort zone. I want to be the type of person who can adapt
in any given environment and I figured that going to Africa was a
good way to accomplish that goal; I knew that it would be very
different from anything I had ever experienced. Prior to my decision
my cousin had previously spent the summer in Ghana, and spoke about
how much she enjoyed it. My French language skills are not strong
enough to be immersed in a French-speaking country, so I knew I would
pick an English speaking country. I also took current political
standings into place. While I wanted something that would challenge
me, and make me a stronger person, I wanted to be safe while doing
this. I knew that Ghana was an independent republic and had a stable
government. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I knew that while
I was doing all of the aforementioned things, I wanted to make a
difference. I wanted to help someone “do good”. It just so
happened that I made a connection with Pervita, which is based in
Ghana, and the rest is history.
What
are the highlights of your volunteer?
Taking the children from New Life Orphanage to
the beach, getting to know the children that I teach and
what they excel in, learning Ghanaian school games, and learning
simple Twi phrases.
What
have you learnt so far?
I
have learned how to teach in Ghana schools. I have learned how to
communicate in such a way that the children I teach understand (I
have had to adapt my speech to use terms with which they are
familiar). I have learned how to wash my clothes by hand. I have learned how
to take a Tro-tro (mostly). I have even learned to like beans!
How
are the children like; the ones you teach?
Currently,
I have 10 children in my class. They are full of energy and LOVE to
talk! They each have some area they SHINE in, but that varies widely
from football to math to drawing and everything in between.
What
are the differences between children in the US and the children in
Ghana?
Ghanaian
children have more freedom. For example, it is not uncommon to see
children walking alone to school or taking the bus alone. In America
you usually wouldn’t see that. Ghanaian children also have more
responsibility. It seems like they are expected to help wash, cook,
and clean among other things. For example, I did not do my own
laundry until I turned 10. Also, American children don’t clean
their own school every morning. Ghanaian children know from a very
early age that they do as they are told and that they should respect
their elders. This concept varies widely and is dependent on the
family environment and the moral influence of the home. For example,
some American children may be expected to act one way at school, and
have another set of standards that they adhere to at home. These are
just a few examples though.
Mention
something you will miss when you leave Ghana.
I
already know that I will miss the people I have come to know. My
friends. My Pervita colleagues. The children I teach. The children I
will begin teaching in June. They each have already become such a big
part of my life, that I know it will be hard to leave it all behind
come November.
Please CLICK HERE to become a volunteer at Pervita Foundation
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