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TAKORADI 2010

TAKORADI 2010. About Me. McMaster University graduate ( Honours BA Political Science 2007) 10-week Ghana project was internship component of post-graduate certification at Humber College (International Development 2010) Limited international experience. About our project. 5 Humber students

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TAKORADI 2010

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  1. TAKORADI 2010

  2. About Me • McMaster University graduate (Honours BA Political Science 2007) • 10-week Ghana project was internship component of post-graduate certification at Humber College (International Development 2010) • Limited international experience

  3. About our project • 5 Humber students • Workshop facilitation • Focus: United Nations Millennium Development Goals • Approx 5 weeks in Takoradi followed by 5 weeks in Koforidua

  4. Takoradi

  5. Accommodations: Worker’s College

  6. Accommodations: Worker’s College • Power usually worked but be prepared to bucket shower 50% of the time • Laundry: get a set rate at the beginning • Try to eat there if possible • Noise carries so you might want to bring earplugs

  7. Workshops

  8. YMCA Workshops

  9. OIC Workshops

  10. Workshops • Speak slowly and clearly in simplified language • Ask students to repeat instructions • Be interactive! • Keep on top of workshop activities (pre-tests and post-tests) • You will have to adjust to changing schedules

  11. Ghanaian Culture • Importance of greetings • Invitations: if you invite someone, you pay for them! • Attention from men • Comments about personal appearance • Talking to everyone

  12. Community Integration • Go for walks • Learn some Fante • Don’t be afraid to ask questions • Ask students about Ghana and Takoradi • Attend Church, weddings or funerals if you are invited

  13. Trips

  14. Trips • Cape Coast Castle is a must-see • Kakum Canopy Bridge • Busua: beach within 30 mins (20 cedi cab ride or cheaper tro-tro ride) • African Beach Resort: swimming for 12 cedis

  15. Food Red-Red Groundnut soup with chicken

  16. Group Dynamics • Keep the lines of communication open • Don’t gossip • University roommate rules • Keep an open mind • Give people personal space • Know the signs of culture shock and how people might react to it • Share the workload and work-related responsibilities • Consider pooling money for shared expenses (ie. Toilet paper, taxis, water)

  17. Challenges • Food (eating out constantly) • Workload • Cross-cultural communication • Water and Electricity • Laundry • Ghanaian time • Knowing what a fair price is • Technology • Mail into Ghana • Religion • Sundays

  18. Recommendations • Don’t be afraid of street food (yam, plantain, pancake) • Don’t be afraid to say no • Ask students if they understand and have them repeat instructions • Learn some Fante and don’t be shy about speaking it • Pack as much as you can as a group (ie. Books) • Split the workshops • Go to KQ! • Research Ghana as much as you can • Read our recommendations from our Final Report • Talk to Fred and Augustine • Tell your bank you are leaving, and follow-up!

  19. Recommendations • Go to Church if you are invited • Journal or Blog • Buy a mosquito net from YCI (if available) • Work with the Rotarians • Opportunity to network with young professionals • We were introduced to a tailor • Had the opportunity to attend a Ghanaian wedding

  20. Custom-made Clothes!

  21. Things to pack • Safety pins and rope for your mosquito net, 3M hooks • 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner • Day pack for day trips! • Afterbite • Extra memory card or USB stick – beware of viruses • Laptop if you have one! • Sleep sheet • Bradt guide – we found this very helpful • Hand sanitizer: you often won’t have water! • Crystal Light/fruit bars/comfort food • Water bottle • Extra notebook and pens • …Most things are available in Takoradi

  22. Contact Me! • E-mail: devonhamilton2@hotmail.com • Facebook: Devon Hamilton • My blog about pre-departure preparation and life during project in Takoradi and Koforidua: http://www.devongoestoghana.wordpress.com • Lisa’s Blog (you will meet her in January!) http://www.lisadalimonte.blogspot.com

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