By Admin1 (admin) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 8:46 pm: Edit Post |
In Ghana I was placed in a very remote village called Sampa, which is located on the border between Ghana and the Ivory Coast
In Ghana I was placed in a very remote village called Sampa, which is located on the border between Ghana and the Ivory Coast
Peace Corps
During my last years in college, I was having a difficult time deciding what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go in my life. One day I happened upon a flier for the United States Peace Corps and I immediately knew it was for me. I sent away for an application and after a lengthy interview process I was accepted in the spring of 1995. One year later I was on a plane for Africa to begin my adventure.
I decided on the Peace Corps for 3 reasons. First of all, I felt that the experience I gained could help me strive toward my goals in education. I thought, correctly it turns out, that with an experience in education outside the US, I would develop a unique and better understanding of the educational system inside the US.
Secondly, I felt that after having a wonderful education of my own and being afforded every opportunity I could have ever wanted in my life that it was time for me to give back. I had a sincere desire to help people of the world less fortunate than me. I knew that the Peace Corps was a great way to do this.
Lastly, I knew that there was so much more of the world out there for me to see. I wanted to see different places and experience different people. After doing research into the Peace Corps, I realized that volunteers are immersed into the culture of the people. I felt that this was a unique opportunity of which I wanted to take advantage.
After accepting my invitation to join, I was asked to serve in a country in Western Africa called Ghana. In Ghana I was placed in a very remote village called Sampa, which is located on the border between Ghana and the Ivory Coast. It is small and isolated. In the village there in no running water, and no telephones. The roads are all dirt and there is limited electricity that may run up to 4 hours on a good night.
My assignment was to teach Science and Mathematics to native Ghanaian high school students. The experience was wonderful beyond words. I taught full time in many subjects ranging from basic mathematics to calculus; from general science to physics. I taught to some of the smartest and most wonderful students I've ever met. They truly understood the intrinsic value of education even though some had never even been out of their village.
The people of the village survive mostly on agriculture and trade. About 25% of the population spoke English well enough that we could converse. The language barrier was often the most difficult part of my stay.
I went to Ghana wanting to be a teacher and learned more than I could ever hope to teach in my entire life. I thank the wonderful people of Ghana and the Peace Corps for providing my with this opportunity and sharing themselves with me.
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