What inspired you to go abroad?
One of my passions is traveling to all parts of the world, and as a part of my graduate thesis in 2016, I interviewed many volunteers who traveled abroad to help people in many capacities. I knew that I was going to follow in their shoes in the near term.
This captures it all for me
Why did you choose A Broader View (ABV)?
I learned about A Broader View (ABV) after conducting extensive research on for-profit and nonprofit organizations that link individuals to the many needs around the world. I knew I wanted to go to Ghana to work in an orphanage, and ABV connected my friend and I with a wonderful orphanage/school that we fell in love with.
What was your favorite part about Ghana?
The people...they have little and are so friendly! The children and orphanage staff were pure love!
What made your experience abroad unique?
1) Visiting a new culture/country, 2) Learning about a new culture, 3) Learning how little people can have yet they are so giving, happy, and loving, 4) We had a chance to experience the school graduation ceremony and festivities that was so wonderful, 5) We enjoyed a couple trips to see some special parts of Ghana.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
We couldn't have asked for more; they were wonderful in every way! Always there for us when we needed them or when we had any questions.
The children grab at your heartstrings
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
We spent most of our time at the school, teaching, testing, playing, doing yoga, etc. I wish I knew that they needed our time and help at the home that about one third of the children lived.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
After being provided with a delicious breakfast, we walked to the school to teach the children various subjects (in English). Some of the day was spent enjoying each other, playing, doing yoga (for their first time), doing art, etc. At the end of the full day, we might go to the market for food for dinner for the next day. They also provided us with a delicious (and filling) lunch and dinner.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Going to church with family members, playing and dancing with the children, doing yoga, visiting various sites in the country, going to the market for food/water/items for the children, learning how to cook Ghanaian food, etc.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
We had a small, but ample, building that was private and satisfactory for both my friend and I. We liked the location since it was next door to the family who took such good care of us, and an easy 20 minutes walk to the school. We also liked the privacy of having our own space.
Getting ready to feed the children on graduation day
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Be totally open to everything without any preconceived expectations. Do whatever is needed without any complaints. Just be there to help and share love.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
My heart remains with the people from this special orphanage. I continue to support and help them and am in contact with them almost weekly. I have a greater appreciation for life in general. They received so much more than I gave and continue to give.
What was the hardest part about volunteering abroad?
Learning that the people live a very difficult, hard life, and have so little - but are grateful for so much. The most difficult was seeing the wandering, homeless children who have nothing and no one, and knowing that I could do almost nothing for them.
What surprised you most about Ghana?
We were specifically located in Buduburam, a makeshift Liberian refugee camp, that is about 20 or so year old. Although I was told how welcoming and loving the people were, the reality is that it was overwhelming. The people are generally very friendly and the children pull at your heartstrings.
Honoring their ancestors during graduation
What is one thing you wish you would have known before volunteering abroad in Ghana?
I did so much research and spoke to so many volunteers that I felt very prepared. If I were to say anything, it would be more about the specifics of what we would be doing at the orphanage/school. I developed a job description and sent it to the orphanage director with the hope that he will share such details with other volunteers as early on as possible.
If you could volunteer abroad again, where would you go?
Although I love to travel the world, my plans are to return to the same orphanage in Ghana since they need so much support and I left a piece of my heart there.
Would you recommend A Broader View to others? Why?
Definitely, for all of the reasons noted above. This orphanage doesn't get a lot of help and they need it. They need volunteers and donors. Their needs are great and they are so appreciative!
