ONE
After an easy-going journey down to Heathrow in the glorious company of Mr Nigel Brown MBE, we arrived at the beautiful and luxurious opulence of Heathrow terminal 5. Check in was straight forward and before long, we found ourselves waiting in the departure area for the few hours that remained before take-off, eager to have our final fill of World Cup coverage before boarding. The flight was good, and overnight, seemed to go quite quickly – most students managing an hour or two of sleep (not much more though!). Arrival in Accra was early – 5.40am – the heat and humidity striking us as soon as we left the aircraft. For those that have been before, it was an evocative trigger of many African memories; for those that were new, an exciting foretaste of the weather that was to come. We were met by the Partner Ghana team and 2 giant safari trucks that would be our celebrity transport to Dutch Komenda. The trucks rumbled out of the bustling city, market places beginning their day and street sellers doing their best to entice us to buy. Soon we were free of the city, and the countryside began to open up – greener than England, rich in colour, and everywhere – building projects seemingly unfinished. There seems to be a propensity of starting something here, building perhaps the first storey, or even just the concrete frame and then leaving it. A breakfast stop brought a surprisingly British eggs, sausage and beans, washed down with cups of tea, and then we made our final approach to the village. Having stopped off at the Partner Ghana office to change money, we arrived at Dutch Komenda around lunchtime – the fastest and easiest door-to-door trip of any we have made here.
On arriving in a new place, one hopes to feel a certain sense of welcome – perhaps a handshake, even the offer of a drink and the exchange of small talk. The welcome that was afforded to us here was simply overwhelming. Literally hundreds of children running alongside the vehicle shouting and screaming, followed by an incredible display of partnership where the school had erected 4 flag poles – 2 bearing the British and Ghanaian flags – the other two having bespoke flags adorning them with the two school badges faithfully painted on to them. Dancers and drummers surround the vehicles and we were ushered towards a series of tents where we were seated as honoured guests and treated to performances and welcome speeches. It was truly inspiring and utterly humbling. Students were then introduced to their buddies, before we headed to the village chief’s palace for the formal welcome. They seem pleased that we have returned for sure and excited that we have brought the biggest team ever!
Lunch was followed by the pitching of tents and then a brief walk into the village and then back along the frankly stunning beach back to the school. There is no doubt that this week all of our students will work hard and cover themselves in paint, cement, and all other kinds of construction materials. However, there is some comfort in the location of this school work, just 60-70 metres from white sand, coconut trees and beautiful waves.
The heights of our happiness, excitement and joy could only be matched by the extent of the team’s tiredness from the journey, and it was with great pleasure that 4 happy teachers had all 26 students asleep by 7pm. Not a typical first night of a school trip!
TWO
As a church school, we love and are totally committed to prayer, worship and exploring our faith – surely these will all play a part in this trip. However, the extra early wake-up call of the church tannoy system driving around the village with passionate preaching and singing was probably not the best way to induct us into this way of thinking in Ghana – 3.30am seemed a little excessive even for the most committed of early-risers! Ironically the volume of this public broadcast dipped significantly once the time ticked on to a more respectable hour – but nonetheless – the point had been made – wake up, get up, and get yourself to church. No gentling endearing village church bells here!
Breakfast was welcomed and devoured, before students dressed in their finest (perhaps for the only time on this trip looking absolutely resplendent!) and we took the short walk down to the local Catholic church to begin with. This is the church that is partnered with this school, being Catholic in its identity, much like Emmanuel is teamed up with St Wilifrid’s in Wilford. We were welcomed warmly and much singing and dancing preceded a sermon which they graciously translated for us – the preacher giving the message in both languages simultaneously. Then we were invited to join a time of prayer – and Abbie E led the prayers on behalf of the team, while Mr Wolfe amused the crowd with his rather elementary efforts at giving some messages in Fante. More revision required!
We then headed on to visit another church, an Anglican church in the neighbouring village of British Komenda. These two villages are separated by a small lagoon – perhaps around 20 metres across, and a reminder of the juxtaposition here of awe-inspiring natural beauty and gut-wrenching poverty. The crossing is via a small canoe boat, where in groups of 5/6, our teams clung on, trying not to look too nervous, but ultimately internally quivering while the canoe rocked and rolled to the other side. Relieved to have survived, we then walked up the hill to a smaller Anglican church and it was a privilege to join them for the final part of their Communion service – a reminder of the global church – exactly the same Eucharistic prayer that will have been said across the world this Sunday. It was then time to head back to the school for a well-earned lunch and rest. The heat is stifling here – sapping energy even on the shortest of strolls. Apparently it is cold this week, but for us, it will do just fine!
In the afternoon, it was time to begin inspecting the projects and this actually began with a review of what had been achieved over the past couple of years. We started by looking at the outdoor canteen area which was the first project that we did in 2012 – fantastic to see it still looking good, and in fact it now has a new iron roof which will be much longer-lasting. We also saw the School Shop, and the classrooms whose learning walls we have painted. We were also privileged to see the ‘Carol Fearria ICT Lab’ in action which is the project that we finished last year – looking fantastic. The final project we started last year was the teachers’ accommodation block which now has made fantastic progress, and is close to being finished. The roof is on, the plastering is all done, and the apartments have been fitted with a shaded veranda area which looks great. It was quite a privilege to see it all having unfolded over such a short space of time – and great for this team of students to see what had been achieved before we began to look at this year’s goals.
The first project is the teachers’ accommodation – the goal here is paint the whole block and kit it out with ceiling and electrical fittings in order for 5 teachers to live on site here in DK. Secondly, we have begun planning the library project – the school have knocked through 2 rooms to make a much bigger space, which is going to be amazing. Finally, we are going to be commissioning a school chapel – a classroom which is about to converted into a wonderful area for worship.
After dinner, we were treated to a fantastic bonfire experience – within minutes a giant pile of wood ablaze. Searing heat and then the drummers began to drum and the dancers began to dance. Our students were transformed in minutes from a polite British audience to a buzzing crowd of dancers – enthralled by the rhythms and atmosphere – dancing together under the stars – it was a happy group of students who went to bed that night, ready for the projects to begin in the morning.
THREE
Showtime. The reason we came – the projects begin today. We have never brought such a large group as this, and so the potential of the outcomes for the project are huge this year. We were able to split into 3 teams with Mr Skinner leading the Chapel project, Miss Jones on the Teachers’ accommodation and Miss Hutchings on the Library project. Students made a great start to the project work, collaborating well on designs and getting the vision for some really creative approaches to the work. The heat is a constant challenge, and the teams need to keep on taking on water all the time to stay hydrated – it is however in plentiful supply – in slightly strange highly practical bags/pouches each containing 500ml of purified water – once the students have acquired the technique for opening, it is an excellent experience.
As well as designing the library, and making shelves for the many books that we have brought to join the good stock here in DK, the Library team are also working on developing approaches to literacy, running a Paired Reading club for primary students in the morning. This scheme is a revelation to the school, who love sitting in the shade reading to our students who are excellent partners. For all those familiar with Biff, Chip, Kipper and the delights of the Oxford Reading Scheme – it has now made it to Ghana! Dr Seuss also provides much amusement – the tongue-twisting rhymes of Fox in Socks etc. a true challenge to all.
Meanwhile the teachers’ accommodation quickly takes shape, with students working quickly to paint the apartments. There are 5 teachers’ apartments, each with 2 rooms and a veranda. They have already been plastered and so the painting can begin. It is hard work, but the students make excellent progress, completing two of the apartments on the first day. They will certainly be very handy around the home when they get back – and can be used for all kinds of painting jobs by friends and family!
The Chapel project is to some extent the most blank canvas – just a bare classroom which is to be converted into a place of worship. The students quickly get a vision for the project and begin firstly painting the walls, while others in the team design an altar and lectern. A third team then begin work on some removable displays which are to be made of canvas painted, stretched over wooden frames reclaimed from damaged furniture. This will mean that the bible quotations that students make will be able to be removed when the classroom is turned back into a classroom for lessons. It is going to be quite a place once finished. During the day various shopping trips go out to the local town Elmina and the bigger adjacent city, Cape Coast. These are an eye-opening experience for all involved and a great time of haggling and negotiating had by all.
The evening time sees a trip to the beach for some, much needed showers for others – paint pouring down the drains from their splattered bodies! Darkness falls very quickly in Ghana – 15-20 minutes until complete blackness. Some students head straight for bed, others sit up playing cards in the team area – much fun had by all.
FOUR
Being awoken at 5.30am by a combination of Ghanaian radio broadcast and the utterly beautiful sunrise over the school is hardly a bad way to start a Tuesday morning. As the team arose from their slumber in their army-style mosquito camping beds, there was a great sense of satisfaction of a job well started and a community embraced. Even after just 3 days here, we feel completely welcomed and cared for, confident about what lies ahead and our contribution to be made – completely at home. The opportunity to serve is compelling and of all the groups that we brought here, this one is strong, committed, compassionate and kind.
