Day 1
We arrived at Heathrow and made our way through departures only to find our flight was delayed by one hour. We arrived in Casablanca about 10pm where slept or played ping pong until our 1.30 am flight. Everyone was out like a spark until we reached Accra at 5am and were welcomed by Mr Mitchell.
We had a hectic drive out of the city but were rewarded with a breakfast of sausage, eff and bread at a roadside cafe. Whilst there, we chatted to some local kids and James Rees took fright at some local street sellers.
A few hours later, we arrived at Ankwanda Junior High school to an amazing welcome of dancing and drumming. We shook hands with the headmistress and teachers, whilst all the school children gathered round to look at us. Everyone helped unpack and we moved into our new home for the next three weeks.
After lunch, we wondered down to the amazing, palm-fringed beach on our doorstep. We went for a ‘short’ half hour walk to Brenu, the next village, which turned into an hour’s trek! We were all pretty tired on arrival so bought some soft drinks and got a taxi back to camp. After a well-earned dinner, we turned in for our first night in Ankwanda.
Day 2
We woke up to the sound of the sea and knew it was going to be a good day. A breakfast of porridge readied us for the festivities ahead. Noise was building all around the camp and we walked past Mitchell’s tent to find the school band practicing for the welcome ceremony. Like the pied piper, they led us down to the village where the ceremony began with speeches and music. At the end of the ceremony, we were invited to join in the dance. Unperturbed, James Rees and James Berger gave the locals a masterclass in dance – let’s just say they were impressed! Unfortunately Mr Mitchell ruined things by attempting to bust some moves. Very embarrassing.
After returning to our village, we split into two groups: one went to market and the other with the village elders. We were shown around and, after a fortifying meal of carbs, we went to project site. Everyone knuckled down and started work, getting stuck in with plenty of elbow grease! We rounded off with a game of football which did not go well for us to say the least.