Psychology and Mental Health Programme in Ghana

My first impression of the Foundation was that it was full of joy and love. For the most part, I got on well with the other volunteers. I interacted lots with the children at the foundation. Particularly, there was one day when we managed to speak to some children individually after reading their files -- this was a very interesting experience, and I wish I could have done more of this to give the children a listening ear. I hope I impacted the children positively. I also sat in on counselling sessions at the Psychiatric Hospital and went to the local hospitals, as well as the traditional hospital. Perhaps more could have been done to inform me of what exactly I would be doing at the hospitals and at Becky's, so that I could prepare more. It is really so different from everything I have experienced before, and I hope to be able to be involved in improving these systems somehow in the future.

I completed clinic work, mural painting at the children's home, and leading a therapy session in the psychiatric hospital. Had 1:1 sessions as well with a few kids, and i would have loved more of that as well as group therapy time. I loved working with the children and bonding with the amazing team. It was a bit of a culture shock, especially experiencing cultural views around mental health. I got to do art therapy murals and counseling as well as psychoeducation - It helped me get my art therapy registration!

My impressions of the foundation was mostly positive. There was some room for improvement but I was highly impressed by the work being done on the school and the farm. The plans for further development were promising and showcased the organization's commitment to enhancing the lives of the children and the community. I had the opportunity to engage in one-to-one counseling sessions with the children, which was an incredibly insightful and meaningful experience. These sessions allowed me to connect with the children on a deeper level and provided them with a safe space to express some of the emotional challenges and heartaches they had experienced. It was clear that these sessions were highly beneficial both for the children and for me as a volunteer.My time at your foundation was an incredibly fulfilling and heartwarming experience. I genuinely looked forward to each day spent with the kids, and it quickly became one of my favorite memories from this volunteering program. I was deeply touched by the children's gratitude and enthusiasm. My time in the health clinic had both positive and challenging aspects. While the nurses were friendly and welcoming, and I appreciated their willingness to explain the circumstances, I did feel that the clinic was somewhat unorganized. There were occasions when we found ourselves waiting with little to do. It was evident that the lack of patients was a contributing factor to this issue. During our time at the hospital, I noticed that we had the chance to interact more with patients, gaining valuable insights into mental health in Ghana. This experience was not only eye-opening but also instrumental in our understanding of the local mental health landscape. I had the opportunity to participate in the community health outreach program, and I must say it was my favorite part of the entire volunteering experience. Interacting with the local community, reaching out to individuals in need, and providing essential health services was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to directly connect with the people we were there to serve and make a positive impact on their lives. I had the opportunity to participate in several outreach programs and field visits during my time in Ghana. The most educational and profoundly life-changing aspect of my volunteering experience was the time spent at the psychiatric hospital. Sitting in counseling sessions and witnessing the conditions and atmosphere within the wards gave me a true, unfiltered reflection of Ghana's mental health landscape. The educational value of this experience cannot be overstated; it provided me with valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by the local population. It deepened my understanding of the intricacies of mental health in Ghana and the urgent need for improved mental health services and support. On a personal level, this experience was truly life-changing. It broadened my perspective, instilled a deep sense of empathy, and ignited a passion within me to contribute to mental health initiatives and advocacy. It was an experience that will stay with me, shaping my outlook and future endeavours in a profound way I strongly believe that my placement in Ghana will significantly benefit my ongoing studies and career progression. One of the most valuable takeaways from this experience is the unique perspective I've gained into multicultural mental health. This placement has equipped me with a deeper understanding of mental health challenges within a diverse cultural context. It has provided insights into the cultural factors that influence mental health, as well as the variations in approaches to treatment and support. This perspective will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in my ongoing studies and future career in psychology or related fields. As I pursue my studies and career, I can draw upon the cultural competence and awareness I've developed during my time in Ghana. It will enable me to provide more effective, culturally sensitive care and support to individuals from diverse backgrounds.