...about her experience while volunteering in Ghana.

I had read about Africa in the news, seen documentaries about the poverty, atched National Geographic shows about elephants. I thought that I had prepared myself for Ghana, but as I settled into a home of Ghanaians, I realized how much I had to learn in such a short amount of time. I spent a few days at my new home before going to the primary school and realizing where my "real home" would be. As soon as I got close to the school, dozens of beautiful smiling children attacked me from every angle, some hugging me, or grabbing my hands and fingers, some shouting out things at me in their local TWI language. I was overwhelmed by their pure joy and anticipation in seeing me. I had never seen children like this before.

In the months to come, a strong bond between the children and I developed. It usually woke at 5 am, then rode my bike to school around 7:30 am. We played until school started and then, I would teach lessons in art, science, English and math to all levels. The children enjoyed my lessons because they were full of games and learning through doing, dissimilar to their usually dull textbook lessons.

After teaching, I played games with the children from my school and the surrounding schools until about 4 pm. After, I would ride my bike through town for an hour, then, go home, eat, and prepare lessons for the next day. Ghana is a place where you must compromise. The children always challenged me and made me ask questions like, "How can I teach art with so little supplies?" or "How do I control children when they are used to being caned?" or "How do I get children to stay awake for classes when they are running on so little food?"

In the end, it all worked out. The children inspired me to paint 6 large African styled murals in the class rooms. Through the children, I have learned so much and I don't think I could ever repay them adequately. They showed me how to play, love, and follow my heart.

Erika Wade