takoradi 2010. about me mcmaster university graduate (honours ba political science 2007) 10-week...

TAKORADI 2010

About MeMcMaster 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 project5 Humber studentsWorkshop

facilitationFocus: United

Nations Millennium Development Goals

Approx 5 weeks in Takoradi followed by 5 weeks in Koforidua

Takoradi

Accommodations: Worker’s College

Accommodations: Worker’s CollegePower 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

Workshops

YMCA Workshops

OIC Workshops

WorkshopsSpeak 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

Ghanaian CultureImportance of greetingsInvitations: if you invite someone, you pay for

them!Attention from menComments about personal appearanceTalking to everyone

Community IntegrationGo for walksLearn some FanteDon’t be afraid to

ask questionsAsk students about

Ghana and TakoradiAttend Church,

weddings or funerals if you are invited

Trips

TripsCape Coast Castle is

a must-seeKakum Canopy

BridgeBusua: beach within

30 mins (20 cedi cab ride or cheaper tro-tro ride)

African Beach Resort: swimming for 12 cedis

FoodRed-Red Groundnut soup with

chicken

Group DynamicsKeep the lines of

communication openDon’t gossipUniversity roommate rules

Keep an open mindGive people personal spaceKnow 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)

ChallengesFood (eating out constantly)WorkloadCross-cultural

communicationWater and ElectricityLaundryGhanaian timeKnowing what a fair price isTechnology Mail into GhanaReligionSundays

RecommendationsDon’t be afraid of street food (yam, plantain, pancake)Don’t be afraid to say noAsk students if they understand and have them repeat

instructionsLearn some Fante and don’t be shy about speaking itPack as much as you can as a group (ie. Books)Split the workshopsGo to KQ!Research Ghana as much as you canRead our recommendations from our Final ReportTalk to Fred and AugustineTell your bank you are leaving, and follow-up!

RecommendationsGo to Church if you are

invitedJournal or BlogBuy 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

Custom-made Clothes!

Things to packSafety pins and rope for your mosquito net, 3M hooks2 in 1 shampoo and conditionerDay pack for day trips!AfterbiteExtra memory card or USB stick – beware of virusesLaptop if you have one!Sleep sheetBradt guide – we found this very helpfulHand sanitizer: you often won’t have water!Crystal Light/fruit bars/comfort foodWater bottleExtra notebook and pens…Most things are available in Takoradi

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