tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2332545140480296642024-03-18T20:05:13.989-07:00Ernest goes to AfricaMy trip to Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer, blogged. The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-44026132524511928512016-01-22T10:38:00.000-08:002016-01-22T21:22:14.538-08:00Ernest Goes to Micronesia<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span></div>
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I last posted to my blog as I was nearing the completion of my 27 month assignment as a math teacher with the U.S. Peace Corps in Ghana, West Africa. Since returning over two years ago, the time has gone by quickly and I have easily settled back into my home in Virginia Beach and resumed teaching at Saint Leo University. <br />
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A few months ago the Peace Corps invited me to join a team going to the Federated States of Micronesia, a country whose land area is made up of 607 small islands in the Western Pacific. Our assignment is to assist villagers with typhoon damage restoration. This time for 6 months. So, on January 28th, I will board a plane and if on schedule, arrive January 30th on the island of Pohnpei. After a few days of briefings, I will move to the island of Chuuk and begin working with villagers living on the small, outer islands. </div>
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I am grateful for the opportunity to help and that my children are again supportive of "Dad's" adventure. </div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-15872905717274200612013-06-29T11:17:00.000-07:002013-06-29T11:17:18.665-07:00Reflections and Images<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The end of my service in Ghana is now just over 30 days away and I must begin looking at a plan for turning over my site and leaving. One of the superb leaders I worked for in the Navy never let us start thinking like "short timers." I can still hear, "We are not short timers, we will keep working until relieved, we will leave the work site orderly, and we will enjoy our success when we get home." Woe to the person who lost focus or began slacking off as we neared the end of deployment. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I still have numerous tasks to do and now with a replacement Volunteer scheduled to come to the school, I am often reminded of his demand. Without losing focus on the remaining days, these are some reflections and images on my time here:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Physically this has been a life altering experience. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2011 with my Language Teacher</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>May 2013 less 60 lbs.</b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Peace Corps doctor says I have likely improved my health and my Granddaughter said, "you sound like Papa, but you do not look like Papa!"</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>During an information session on preparations to return home, some Volunteers who had gone through the experience of returning told us that it may be more difficult to adjust to coming home than the adjustment to Ghana. I will find out, but how difficult can it be to hug my children and slowly enjoy a strawberry smoothie?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Why did I do it? Reflecting on joining the Peace Corps, I can only say there was not a single reason. It seems like God's providence allowed a number of circumstances that provided me the opportunity: good health; supportive family; personal circumstances; need for change; another challenge; a feeling of loneliness; an opportunity to serve. As a typical human being, I decided to join on <u>my</u> own and then asked God to bless <u>my</u> decision. Despite that failing, He has been gracious to me.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Did I ever feel like "packing it up" and coming home? Yes, once near the end of the initial 12 weeks of training, living in a Ghanian home, with the intensity of preparation to pass the required oral interview in the local language, and a nightly series of uncomfortable coughing spasms from the dust that interrupted my sleep. In addition, a sawmill located about 100 meters away began operating during the hours 11 pm to 4 am to avoid paying the electric bill. They had jumped the meter and so only operated at night. But I remembered, "Woe to the person who lost focus."</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>This a picture of my land lady who brought me the cough "stuff ?" in the middle of the nights that allowed me to get some rest. I am sure my coughing plus the sawmill had her entire family awake. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What were some unexpected things? It has been more challenging than expected. I missed my children even more than I had anticipated and decided to go home for a visit at the one year point. It was an excellent decision. I also found that I had to readjust the definition of success a couple of times. Measuring the retained knowledge of mathematics skills by my students was not sufficient, but inspiring them to work hard at their tasks, value education, and discipline themselves was a better objective. I already feel that twinge of missing them but know I still have the task of staying focused to prepare them for a strong finish for this academic year. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What do I feel best about? Certainly not my language skill, my lack of ability to remember all the names of a 120 students or to eat any Ghanian food from a kiosk on the roadside. It is an event for which I only made my fellow teachers aware. Operation Smile is a non profit with Headquarters in Norfolk, VA and known to me through my daughter Joni's volunteer work with them while in High School. They do amazing reconstructive surgery to repair cleft lips and palates and other facial deformities, around the world, for free. In Ghana, you do not see these children as they are often kept hidden and sometimes believed to have bad spirits. When I heard Operation Smile was coming to Ghana, I told the teachers of their amazing work and asked that they use our students to get the word out to the community of this opportunity. Two days later, a young mother came to the school with her very young baby, wrapped so that you could not see the obvious facial deformity. Using my cell phone a teacher immediately called the contact number and did all the work to set up an appointment and the possibility for corrective surgery. It all got done, and a month later the mother returned to the school with her son and their beautiful smiles. Life changing is hardly adequate to describe what had happened. I cried.</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The school girls mowing the school yard with cutlasses. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is next? Not sure of all the details, but I will work until the new Volunteer arrives, leave my site orderly, and enjoy being back home in the United States.</b></span></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-53969061145102280142013-04-27T16:10:00.000-07:002013-04-27T16:10:18.566-07:00It's about building capacity !<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Peace Corps Ghana is about building the capacity of the people to improve their own lives, not giving away stuff. I have heard words like that often during my 23 months here. Most of what I do, hear and see have been supportive of that approach. Teaching mathematics and computer skills in a small village's Junior High School has on the whole been a satisfying experience in building personal skills. Like many worthwhile but challenging jobs it will often go out to the extremes: from sheer joy to being humbled. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>However, family and friends have been faithful to help me in my classroom, with "stuff." I make sure the students know these are not gifts and are not from me, but from friends who want to see our class succeed. The pencils, erasers, pens, rulers, books and beautiful magazines are used as tools to motivate, encourage, and show the children that some one is interested in their success. Most of these items are available in Ghana, but I ensure they know who took the time to collect and mail them, how long it took to get here, and that my friends are interested in their education.</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A personal Thank You note</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Awarding a pen for using critical thinking skills in my math class has encouraged students to speak up and give it a try. Note pads and pens for perfect attendance are eagerly anticipated when the new term begins. Team competition is more intense when a prize is awarded. The Headmaster presented each student with a new pen at the beginning of the end of term examinations to encourage students to do their best. A folder with an appropriate level reading book and magazines (National Geo graphics and Smithsonian) were presented to each of the 9th graders who are preparing for a standardized examination to determine their qualification for Senior High School. The exam is completely in English and the book and magazines are to encourage them to begin reading and improve their language skills. </b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpWKBKrg3c-QbVf31RCSs3BmIM4-hFf-u_gMKyCDz0oxwJfSq8U3RsOUBQuPMabP3PfSOmJV3AavPExSrJ1Pjfe_kBavejzpHp3nH-9IisfAixQFsuFxAs_ATT2JXAUYMPL7QGjqSPJo/s1600/SAM_1091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpWKBKrg3c-QbVf31RCSs3BmIM4-hFf-u_gMKyCDz0oxwJfSq8U3RsOUBQuPMabP3PfSOmJV3AavPExSrJ1Pjfe_kBavejzpHp3nH-9IisfAixQFsuFxAs_ATT2JXAUYMPL7QGjqSPJo/s320/SAM_1091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New blue pens on test day under the mango tree.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Thanks for helping me with some stuff. You are helping to make a difference, the students are benefiting and it's all about building capacity. </b></span></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-11884395981531710992013-03-25T10:49:00.000-07:002013-03-25T10:49:45.011-07:00Shopping Day at the Market.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtx-_3aZnXcNMhCaR6lnvgMwvWby7nsP7ul-4Cve7ChIeVfpBFGZ41EkypWwTVph-3MI8G2xmPYUi3AmDDQWaJPqKf3h-FySsxbYoy-AFJLYl2iN5S1sl3MypREoAxZhy0krOR5iIEZ9M/s1600/SAM_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtx-_3aZnXcNMhCaR6lnvgMwvWby7nsP7ul-4Cve7ChIeVfpBFGZ41EkypWwTVph-3MI8G2xmPYUi3AmDDQWaJPqKf3h-FySsxbYoy-AFJLYl2iN5S1sl3MypREoAxZhy0krOR5iIEZ9M/s320/SAM_1079.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got Onions !</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGFA5MO6L3RJ5-aY72au9zsQBNzBUhu-GX5PJWa0fVHO5bOHDD6RoOcm4hDmXl8MnnlDLFJx7wYVrqe64a5TK4yvKVkg4Add4BgJ5taMFXV9wujhu_7IvStp9cWrSto8BSvmTH9RKs8/s1600/SAM_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGFA5MO6L3RJ5-aY72au9zsQBNzBUhu-GX5PJWa0fVHO5bOHDD6RoOcm4hDmXl8MnnlDLFJx7wYVrqe64a5TK4yvKVkg4Add4BgJ5taMFXV9wujhu_7IvStp9cWrSto8BSvmTH9RKs8/s320/SAM_1075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the shoe sections of the Bend Down Boutique</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I live a 15 minute taxi ride (50 cents) from the largest outdoor produce market in Ghana. This is the center of the rich and productive farm land of the Brong Ahafo Region. I went shopping last Friday, the day after the peak market day for buyers from Burkina Faso to the North, Cote D' Ivoire to the West, Togo to the East and from all over Ghana. You can buy a single onion or a truck load. Today I bought some onions (bag, half the size of a volley ball, 25 cents) and dried black beans (2 cups, 50 cents) for my dinner of black beans and rice. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Besides produce, the market offers many other items for the shopper. The "Bend Down Boutique" can dress you from head to toes in a variety of styles. Very popular is the wide selection of sports wear, mostly team gear from European football (soccer), but also U.S. hockey, basketball, base ball and some American football shirts. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Most items are sold from mats on the ground or from portable kiosks. In addition to the many vegetables and fruits; kitchen ware, woven baskets, dried fish from Lake Volta and the Atlantic, wooden furniture, a barrel full of assorted remote controls, cell phones, hard ware, beauty aids, toilet articles, farm tools, palm oil, cloth of all colors and types, a section of traditional religion stuff (bones, beads, feathers, etc) and much, much more. This day I even had one offer of marriage. All prices are negotiable and bargaining is expected .</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRw2tP8D_LyWhRAKeXsKbnZgJPl_I245fLRVA1H4kZLCFzTLaVJqSYg7gMCP2mMBQ-F2zBehUujYZD1mKZD46bn-keFcF3povUBEa-hArCJ7JOdPPbETpP67YKNHSGvrL25FGV7RfP70/s1600/SAM_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRw2tP8D_LyWhRAKeXsKbnZgJPl_I245fLRVA1H4kZLCFzTLaVJqSYg7gMCP2mMBQ-F2zBehUujYZD1mKZD46bn-keFcF3povUBEa-hArCJ7JOdPPbETpP67YKNHSGvrL25FGV7RfP70/s320/SAM_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tool Man</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>One of the few shops where all items are marked with the price is this place that sells plywood, nails, screws, glue and a few tools. During my stay in Ghana, I have purchased many items here. "Tool man" has taken a real interest in my project to repair school furniture and has become a friend that I stop to visit when I go to the market, even when I don't need anything. I love walking around a hardware store, but his shop takes no more than 10 seconds. Still can not help picking up a hammer to feel the weight or looking at his assortment of nails. His wife took our picture, the first time she had ever held a camera. She was thrilled.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The twenty two months here has not diminished or dulled the many sensations of walking into this intriguing place of business. </b></span></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-42702658129113251332013-03-08T14:50:00.000-08:002013-03-25T09:22:37.120-07:00Not to be Forgotten !<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Twenty one of the twenty seven months of my Peace Corps service in Ghana, West Africa have been completed and some thoughts of returning home are beginning to slip into my day. I do not want to get too far out front, as plenty of work remains; half of my second academic year at the Junior High School, marking and posting final grades and turning over my site to a replacement Volunteer or shutting it down. Many memories of these special times will go back with me, but some of them will likely fade as time goes by. Here are a few of the memories I would not want to forget: </span></b></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget the day of reporting to Peace Corps, Washington D.C. and the anxiety of waiting with 71 other Trainees, most a third of my age, for our 10 hours, non stop flight to Accra, Ghana. </span></b></span> <span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget the scope (this is how you will take your bucket bath) and intensity (you will be tested on your language skills) of the 12 weeks of training and the relief of being sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer by the US Ambassador to Ghana. </span></b></span> <span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at the Castle with fellow Volunteers </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget our piece of history by becoming Volunteers on the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps' very first deployment of Volunteers arriving at its first county site, Ghana. To commemorate the event we enjoyed an invitation to have lunch with the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Atta Mills at the Presidential Office and Residence, The Castle. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget the place where I taught Mathematics and computer skills for two yeas.</span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNRKgNPUHLvGZPxEBcY75qLZxtKY5gWD5KtmT4TGOHtnFaL3OVNiu1E9qOIKufRGE2L0d9lLLbgZ_ViU0iTemp55wLWZ6fTEAetwwWqcQh2y6UhUt2AZG1-yC9hJNEEYRQxP1sFuFvgI/s1600/SAM_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNRKgNPUHLvGZPxEBcY75qLZxtKY5gWD5KtmT4TGOHtnFaL3OVNiu1E9qOIKufRGE2L0d9lLLbgZ_ViU0iTemp55wLWZ6fTEAetwwWqcQh2y6UhUt2AZG1-yC9hJNEEYRQxP1sFuFvgI/s320/SAM_0791.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Junior High School Building</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget my students; curious, chaotic, energetic, loud, and full of promise for the future.</span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short US History lesson, July 4th.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIVKopZICgrZALdloUuIjDWU9ccGPYxnNYnG3uN_Gb6uUjRzwGmpTukFs36uzVEWw2kSkCiw6FpwuVq35gAa4ENu3rImZ9U6ILaZi19IvdYqT6dhH0JSph71MlhZtK3ZZa5S6pDiQf0Q/s1600/SAM_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIVKopZICgrZALdloUuIjDWU9ccGPYxnNYnG3uN_Gb6uUjRzwGmpTukFs36uzVEWw2kSkCiw6FpwuVq35gAa4ENu3rImZ9U6ILaZi19IvdYqT6dhH0JSph71MlhZtK3ZZa5S6pDiQf0Q/s320/SAM_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My host family coming home from Church</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> I will not forget the caretaker of the home where I lived and the children she took care of so generously. </span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the teachers' office and lounge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget my fellow teachers and the excellent leadership of the school's Headmaster. </span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real Champions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyMGH5bnmvnZPMM-t4LwanIh_5shy0hoywowSaLFbfHyt0sbzjJoU_cxVn7WwTKpkwfuhi0nJM3xo-fFvdxM3ORMATDHxxof82GI4FODx3Pca8xZMdCXhLtLnabyKVbxz0VPIyV0gkEQ/s1600/SAM_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyMGH5bnmvnZPMM-t4LwanIh_5shy0hoywowSaLFbfHyt0sbzjJoU_cxVn7WwTKpkwfuhi0nJM3xo-fFvdxM3ORMATDHxxof82GI4FODx3Pca8xZMdCXhLtLnabyKVbxz0VPIyV0gkEQ/s320/SAM_0779.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the Village Chief on Boxing Day</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7rR1tXaNmzeGPZKxTkOaCOiKVMLSKguH80IU9mj43ZgZ2ylO4EGbo4oM_2uIxQoz58C1uD6jE-Ti-N23oMe_z65VbZ52S5JHy4OWlHiaox82BpriSn93dJP65Oz4Qk-FFLPz_7JI3fY/s1600/SAM_0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7rR1tXaNmzeGPZKxTkOaCOiKVMLSKguH80IU9mj43ZgZ2ylO4EGbo4oM_2uIxQoz58C1uD6jE-Ti-N23oMe_z65VbZ52S5JHy4OWlHiaox82BpriSn93dJP65Oz4Qk-FFLPz_7JI3fY/s200/SAM_0961.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schools over, let's go home</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget the
school's girls soccer Team. Although they lost in the tournament, they
played with more determination and passion for the game than any of the
other teams. They are winners!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I will not forget the children</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I will not forget the love and support from my three children which allows me the opportunity to have this unique experience. </b></span> </span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-63974474343740560322013-02-01T16:13:00.001-08:002013-02-01T16:13:27.895-08:00Encouragement<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZts-MpOfQ444YotVwmSSC1UbXO6fqvCRLGhdmzvuXhsd2IUFDIzWN0bjO0uTSrIfTu8E8H6AyEFnzE00No2FtNBwME4T1lbla3RnHxEf2axIlIytbp78Kbh6HziuD64Wi7rqRdGlXiI/s1600/SAM_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZts-MpOfQ444YotVwmSSC1UbXO6fqvCRLGhdmzvuXhsd2IUFDIzWN0bjO0uTSrIfTu8E8H6AyEFnzE00No2FtNBwME4T1lbla3RnHxEf2axIlIytbp78Kbh6HziuD64Wi7rqRdGlXiI/s400/SAM_0929.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Form 2 (8th grade) Science Class</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The school year is now 4 of its 16 weeks into the second term. In mid- December the season changed from hot to hot and dry with the annual Harmattan winds blowing from the Northeast bringing beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but dust, grit and dirt everywhere. The wild fires have begun which only adds to the unpleasant air quality. It is very hot at mid day. The rains are due to start again early March.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5HJNW3aEgtaq6KZBvejyb1h-UM6-0jR_UyijDMpzm80xeQW5MYj4rs7MeIcU2xwCNWiZFwXBt6LJTWCn3alvFN3xLPyplrAu535-nzlXC0pFEkQM1Te7a8Oq-fH4CItDdUw6rJ7_5to/s1600/SAM_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">When I arrived in the Village 17 months ago and immediately began teaching at the Junior High School, I discovered that the chairs and desks you see in the picture must be provided by each student who is also responsible for the care. However, some departing students had just left their broken furniture at the school and a sizable pile of derelict pieces were in the store room. Looking for an after school project, I asked the Headmaster to allow me to attempt to repair some of the pieces and offer to students who may not be financially able to buy a desk and chair. He was somewhat skeptical, but when I told him I did not believe I could make them any worse, he agreed. During the past months I have enjoyed learning how to repair some of the pieces and when completed have turned them back to the school for student use. With some purchases in the local market, the help of my children and purchases during my visit with them last August, I have accumulated an assortment of hand tools which now makes it easier for me to disassemble, repair or replace parts, and then glue and clam to reassemble using screws instead of nails. </span></b></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5HJNW3aEgtaq6KZBvejyb1h-UM6-0jR_UyijDMpzm80xeQW5MYj4rs7MeIcU2xwCNWiZFwXBt6LJTWCn3alvFN3xLPyplrAu535-nzlXC0pFEkQM1Te7a8Oq-fH4CItDdUw6rJ7_5to/s1600/SAM_0679.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5HJNW3aEgtaq6KZBvejyb1h-UM6-0jR_UyijDMpzm80xeQW5MYj4rs7MeIcU2xwCNWiZFwXBt6LJTWCn3alvFN3xLPyplrAu535-nzlXC0pFEkQM1Te7a8Oq-fH4CItDdUw6rJ7_5to/s400/SAM_0679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some furniture waiting for repair</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> Last December during the end of term exam, I noticed a young student taking her exam while attempting to hold one of the legs of her desk in place with her knees. After finding a replacement desk, I told her to bring the desk by my work room and I would attempt to reattach the leg. My first job for a specific student. Since then four other students have come by with their pieces and asked that I attempt a repair. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I believe most folks and certainly Volunteers are encouraged when they can provided a service of value. Yesterday, going out the door early in the morning on my way to school, there was a broken chair sitting outside on my porch. No note or identification, but for me a clear confirmation that I could be of service to one of my students. I was encouraged. Still do not know whose chair, but I'll get it ready.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I am looking for a student or person in the village who might like to learn something about this work and maybe other types of wood working tasks. He or she gets the tools.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-32361228316541289312012-12-27T14:38:00.001-08:002012-12-28T11:20:39.670-08:00Walking thru the Village to School<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq3ZsHPVZQsPrkzahWM4s8pwCLw_jBZ8XxTaBOrnaqtZ0hrr2ASJXF1rkPNEWaDaaFETzJEAfCvPyoIpmDthgmIuSKuJxorTcB4nLer49hNiUg7e_aknP0kKmOERFrdl7UtCNzMgy41c/s1600/SAM_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq3ZsHPVZQsPrkzahWM4s8pwCLw_jBZ8XxTaBOrnaqtZ0hrr2ASJXF1rkPNEWaDaaFETzJEAfCvPyoIpmDthgmIuSKuJxorTcB4nLer49hNiUg7e_aknP0kKmOERFrdl7UtCNzMgy41c/s320/SAM_0733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the highway into the morning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA728R-2Qyy3epK7aFeuuH5znyxkiEQOy_FRVjGtBctIX5pxV88WcoQ_0RqCC2v6ApQcdEdHXsivhncU2dns0TpkKcd9UpGVimDUA9Fgf_5JizZOC6EAMbxMtObYhRtU3b3EH_SOBZXw/s1600/SAM_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA728R-2Qyy3epK7aFeuuH5znyxkiEQOy_FRVjGtBctIX5pxV88WcoQ_0RqCC2v6ApQcdEdHXsivhncU2dns0TpkKcd9UpGVimDUA9Fgf_5JizZOC6EAMbxMtObYhRtU3b3EH_SOBZXw/s320/SAM_0746.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast food breakfast spot</td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first term of academic year 2012-13 is completed. Experience is indeed a wonderful teacher as I felt more comfortable in the classroom this second year. The desire to inspire my students to earn and value an education and to gain self confidence and discipline has increased. </span></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have included some pictures along my route to school each day. Classes start at 7 AM. I am usually out the door at 6:30 for the 10-15 minutes walk. This is a farming Village and although the road looks empty there is plenty of activity. </span></span></b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaS_kZNzXCLmHFLJWe3o7QqFQLpVN5-exY1xbzd33s1s3_UL7YAy3LE9kbgYKienxmRyTIJvRRp05Y65Vsm9xVk3Foi5UalSPINZCRwkC3KUelBVu9cuP4hd9pPtYyOiruyg0q-Rxlp4/s1600/SAM_0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkaS_kZNzXCLmHFLJWe3o7QqFQLpVN5-exY1xbzd33s1s3_UL7YAy3LE9kbgYKienxmRyTIJvRRp05Y65Vsm9xVk3Foi5UalSPINZCRwkC3KUelBVu9cuP4hd9pPtYyOiruyg0q-Rxlp4/s320/SAM_0721.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The road to the Primary and Junior High Schools</b></i></td></tr>
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<i><b><br /></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Children in school uniforms are waiting for their bus or joining the line with other villagers to get a quick breakfast snack. This stand sells take away porridge in a plastic bag (chocolate, sugar, water and soft rice or maze) and fried bread made from yam flour. A little like corn bread and delicious. The students and teachers are always ready to snack at anytime during the day and vendors stop by school frequently selling oranges, nuts, frozen yogurt, and more fried bread. </span></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Off the main street (highway) I take a right turn down a dirt road to the Schools. To the left is the Village Park, soccer field, and behind the bright blue wall on the right is a beer garden. The playing field is very much like the road, with only sparse grass, and hard as concrete when dry, but red soup when it rains. The large building on the far left is the Catholic Church. Football (soccer) is a passion of Ghana and most activity slows when a match is going on as everyone wants to watch and help the coach manage the game. </span></span></b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iPRVfRxojzpwlL_OkBgJOGjhBfI3XCQExtMGl-OyE8VEYqHvebCceRMHhkm-gWw4GX7AziG64NCeD23i9K_o8I8dMhyphenhyphenxLzgupo5GRZjCBjdtJr0FW01BOqdeJwUGLvNPEyN_vGex7A0/s1600/SAM_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iPRVfRxojzpwlL_OkBgJOGjhBfI3XCQExtMGl-OyE8VEYqHvebCceRMHhkm-gWw4GX7AziG64NCeD23i9K_o8I8dMhyphenhyphenxLzgupo5GRZjCBjdtJr0FW01BOqdeJwUGLvNPEyN_vGex7A0/s320/SAM_0724.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Getting water and the latest news</b></i></td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Near the end of the road I pass a water point. There are four bore holes (water wells) in the village and most house holds must visit frequently. </span></span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is a gathering place where relaxed communications happen and villagers can catch up on the news. </span></span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">I doubt there are many secrets in the village due to these spots. </span></span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I am fortunate that the young woman who lives in the house where I stay fetches the water when necessary. It is not an easy chore so I have learned to conserve.</span></span></b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04FehhhlZHJ6wYSxyaMQcsT_W7jvjqh6dVkHOAsYAoImU8M_LuexSpcPlXdL2CL47uvOKuqoryfRy-717kIexiuFgQTUJmqVnpjVIcE63mpNkyiPD3kEdR-IolIfiDNTdWdXMGbJj7nY/s1600/SAM_0751.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04FehhhlZHJ6wYSxyaMQcsT_W7jvjqh6dVkHOAsYAoImU8M_LuexSpcPlXdL2CL47uvOKuqoryfRy-717kIexiuFgQTUJmqVnpjVIcE63mpNkyiPD3kEdR-IolIfiDNTdWdXMGbJj7nY/s320/SAM_0751.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Teachers Grading End of Term Exams</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2klWtm792a8DTJ3hzDYIZZ33-VvtRP5ApTqVbQlrNLT5JC6aBM9-2VT2QhAMgrtzOGnwBg_UyVTd41aL54OAAFsz1hJnbTJN6AhhzjsnQFGyMqXel8tc9gW-xhekYapFxDD7Deeutuc/s320/SAM_0752.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Study Hall for End of Term Exams</b></i></td></tr>
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<i><b>End of the school day is at 2 PM. Students assemble, take down the flag that reminds them to be alert to risks of HIV/AIDS, and head for home. I teach a section on HIV/AIDS education every other week as a part of the computer skills and mathematics classes. </b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHEFwQ-wDe16klAgQjHlCpd-kcgXjcDqD1dvd1k_uYr-3Eg3FFGDO_43mhy_NRs_v9h2sQ1c2rzzJlHmW0OEmtQkqcB3gs2N7OnAZObA5lQn4tNfdM11AqmQIbbcweVYFDDth3_AzOMo/s1600/SAM_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHEFwQ-wDe16klAgQjHlCpd-kcgXjcDqD1dvd1k_uYr-3Eg3FFGDO_43mhy_NRs_v9h2sQ1c2rzzJlHmW0OEmtQkqcB3gs2N7OnAZObA5lQn4tNfdM11AqmQIbbcweVYFDDth3_AzOMo/s320/SAM_0756.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>HIV/AIDS Alert Flag</b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztUZfYqBlSHQR-kh3JeBIVMlLY60UzABImGXd-vbSyFcqvU2i5LH3ltMKS7JTeHgEkCnhnR0_M2MIl2w9UGZhZJYm2JgY7G0xckDpcjRwi9xnzUMREcMinpdxGxPnBFu57BSwEGmaIEY/s1600/SAM_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztUZfYqBlSHQR-kh3JeBIVMlLY60UzABImGXd-vbSyFcqvU2i5LH3ltMKS7JTeHgEkCnhnR0_M2MIl2w9UGZhZJYm2JgY7G0xckDpcjRwi9xnzUMREcMinpdxGxPnBFu57BSwEGmaIEY/s320/SAM_0753.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Under the Mango Tree for Dismissal</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSAv27sq5KEVIHomvohQ59wXbYPK3PHKQ_5YmZqlDEbYY_es1iYKw3cFIlvSaISRhLGsIBdk-IypWoHP90TJZPQlE5qxUp1lHdujgqiMoklnVmamCKwz9ajbPJ4u8FO7V3GXQe90fp4Y/s1600/SAM_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSAv27sq5KEVIHomvohQ59wXbYPK3PHKQ_5YmZqlDEbYY_es1iYKw3cFIlvSaISRhLGsIBdk-IypWoHP90TJZPQlE5qxUp1lHdujgqiMoklnVmamCKwz9ajbPJ4u8FO7V3GXQe90fp4Y/s320/SAM_0754.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Going home. </b></i></td></tr>
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<i><b>Many students go home, change out of the school uniform and head for the family farm or help around the house. There are few recreational activities after school such as organized sports or clubs. I have opened the room where the school's two computers are located to give them some free time to practice what they learn in class. However, like many teenagers, they love to play computer games or listen to music. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>On my walk home I can take care of some business; get a haircut, shop at the market, buy some items at the mini-mart, load some call time on my phone, or get a snack of fried yams. The dry season begins in early November, so on most days I just want to get home and out of the blazing sun.</b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuAG5xAv_ownVyaOZYscM2iyDxWkvFGB2SLUO3cvLtq_Ui1DpZEiCn9kAWfr4H_hcjMq8CieblOOTZ9gu7pz6xQNeKKs8S-GPWqo63HDvg1uamkyru05n5QetXACJwZFsKCoybs9Bp70/s1600/SAM_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuAG5xAv_ownVyaOZYscM2iyDxWkvFGB2SLUO3cvLtq_Ui1DpZEiCn9kAWfr4H_hcjMq8CieblOOTZ9gu7pz6xQNeKKs8S-GPWqo63HDvg1uamkyru05n5QetXACJwZFsKCoybs9Bp70/s320/SAM_0740.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The barber shop. Haircut, $1</b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbVIt_1Z-ge5BE3MUGxxDKNQUXFA05pEUIe4VXN4BtfxYJKrh5KAoUdF6yxCvFm0wcko0KBfwXgcrdpi-6WECmXp7A3sfnUXZ1yS65zW1AL6vd527OGjneXGwkQOG74GHyG9EImLIQzs/s1600/SAM_0731.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbVIt_1Z-ge5BE3MUGxxDKNQUXFA05pEUIe4VXN4BtfxYJKrh5KAoUdF6yxCvFm0wcko0KBfwXgcrdpi-6WECmXp7A3sfnUXZ1yS65zW1AL6vd527OGjneXGwkQOG74GHyG9EImLIQzs/s320/SAM_0731.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The Village Market. Fresh eggs, 20 cents each</b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE82VSnhiCaMpdgNpRal3n4A7Luy4X6bvbGkb76cE1IperTUWNZbCdc1YADNL3Yd5tHDQ7cz5gLpfSmBy3SLYQH0JJi-QO1GbRO0WIvexbOhCbxlrsxyTDVdUCg63RyfMf7oRBBhgkMyo/s1600/SAM_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE82VSnhiCaMpdgNpRal3n4A7Luy4X6bvbGkb76cE1IperTUWNZbCdc1YADNL3Yd5tHDQ7cz5gLpfSmBy3SLYQH0JJi-QO1GbRO0WIvexbOhCbxlrsxyTDVdUCg63RyfMf7oRBBhgkMyo/s320/SAM_0749.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>From Soap to Fresh Water</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwwW3GzK7SctywTMvJ9xxZW-h1kMNAiBDlo22lEihB-_3GzhtWfpkNHU9ldI6adhO1GYBa93z-26Ldv5SNek_u-L_44jfYz1IKgqSPGsq4Qm0OsutsNhcdFi9p5NWi0Kj7NDt1E4tEqI/s320/SAM_0741.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The Phone Store, 20 minutes call $1</i></b></td></tr>
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<b>The Village has a number of these little businesses and when possible I like to shop here rather than the large market city 15 minutes away.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOalibsUff9pzlNP5sigM4zHY3QrWFEDfUXix0R2Vsktd2SVDBvrgDHpFFkWvzwL2AKDQ3Zf3j4tEO4YFYiCkLud1LZo_7cJTK3XFQtCx0CxQRATTow-pATmOA6Yw19acA_5CDUBvYsE/s1600/SAM_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOalibsUff9pzlNP5sigM4zHY3QrWFEDfUXix0R2Vsktd2SVDBvrgDHpFFkWvzwL2AKDQ3Zf3j4tEO4YFYiCkLud1LZo_7cJTK3XFQtCx0CxQRATTow-pATmOA6Yw19acA_5CDUBvYsE/s320/SAM_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fast Food Stand with Some Fresh Hot Peppers Drying</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<b>In less than a year I will complete my service here and leave for my home. Unless I move into a large city, I will likely not experience anything like walking to work each day, seeing and greeting familiar folks and taking care of some of the daily tasks as I move from home to work and back. I think I will miss that.</b></div>
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<b>Thanks for taking some time to share what my school day looks like. I continue to enjoy excellent health and am eagerly anticipating the remaining two terms in this school year. </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsRaipQkwN88SN8AZDkprpEegKb0njyGML_S5shs-_B_fJE0QSk6ReNRF8Zqx8L1rVGK5_ZQ6QT0TXa_Rk0MyW_jk2p1eFRqIsa6uZcIWnUkbfR4dR7h1vTRIIqN2TAy2A9uWClkXsjY/s1600/SAM_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsRaipQkwN88SN8AZDkprpEegKb0njyGML_S5shs-_B_fJE0QSk6ReNRF8Zqx8L1rVGK5_ZQ6QT0TXa_Rk0MyW_jk2p1eFRqIsa6uZcIWnUkbfR4dR7h1vTRIIqN2TAy2A9uWClkXsjY/s400/SAM_0775.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hope you have a wonderful 2013</b></span></td></tr>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-58172169153946916192012-11-12T10:32:00.000-08:002012-11-12T10:34:41.402-08:00Farmer's Day 2012<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">December 5th is a National Holiday in Ghana. Farmers' Day was instituted in 1984 after a severe period of drought and the reduced crops the previous year that caused food shortages in Ghana. It was decided to recognize the hard work of the country's many farmers and the day became a National Holiday in 1995. Each year during the run up to that day, events are held around the country to select District and then Regional candidates for the honor of being recognized by the country's President as the Farmer of the Year for Ghana. </span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_dI8gCIFx3f3_rEa4Ba7tN1uWz-lDxnyrY4iXPCpu-x_EqP4dMIDNOD2cablKPhfGUZ14JSnuZJ_Y2F400JU4fieQuF_frFtXlC2tEp1kKyy3PWSDMaFrlJFyGw8Rys_DaOlVRK6ASY/s1600/SAM_0702.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_dI8gCIFx3f3_rEa4Ba7tN1uWz-lDxnyrY4iXPCpu-x_EqP4dMIDNOD2cablKPhfGUZ14JSnuZJ_Y2F400JU4fieQuF_frFtXlC2tEp1kKyy3PWSDMaFrlJFyGw8Rys_DaOlVRK6ASY/s400/SAM_0702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The display of prizes</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This year the District selection ceremony was held in the village where I live. School was dismissed in the afternoon so that we could attend. Produce from the farms, along with the prizes for the selected farmers were displayed. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Prizes increase in magnitude as each level of competition is reached. At the District level prizes were; bicycles, motorbikes, beds and mattresses, farm tools, fertilizers, etc. At the National level; the grand prize has included a pick up truck, and even a house along with being a recognized celebrity, all carried on national TV.</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Produce from the farms of this District</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> In the picture the green items are bunches of plantains, larger than a banana and a staple food in</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> the village along with the large brown tubers which are yams and cassavas. Bright orange are cocoa pods. Also shown are tomatoes, corn, red hot peppers, eggs, okra, cucumbers, garden eggs and oranges. It was a colorful display of food along with the colorful dress worn by the women and men. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The event is sponsored by the local representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and was attended by many of the local political officials as this is an election year in Ghana.</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi979wMhtgj6ZofpKTU-TXZfItjIorqRH-ypw1Yy5RYhgxvZL7hnkydphb4a-8zSK7OvcVhf8eN9eYqrI0URpUt8_FBwo-x180kOxlXh44_ossGAKryEu_6B4ccyJrstbEJZsd9VsbSdVk/s1600/SAM_0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi979wMhtgj6ZofpKTU-TXZfItjIorqRH-ypw1Yy5RYhgxvZL7hnkydphb4a-8zSK7OvcVhf8eN9eYqrI0URpUt8_FBwo-x180kOxlXh44_ossGAKryEu_6B4ccyJrstbEJZsd9VsbSdVk/s400/SAM_0709.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village Chief makes an inspection of the produce and prizes</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Village Chief attended, gave his remarks and inspected the produce as well as the prizes. He is a highly respected leader of the village and its residents, a majority of them farmers on the surrounding land. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This year there has been some discussion about the date of the Farmer's Day events as it is very close to election day for Ghana's President as well as other political positions. The campaign is in full swing with lots of loud speakers making comments, plenty of posters and flags and the radio full of the latest comments by and for the candidates. As a guest I stay well clear of the campaigning, but it is an exciting time to be in Ghana and witness their political process at work. My fellow teachers hotly debate the issues and are proud of the noisy but peaceful process in Ghana. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> While I am the recipient of the tasty harvest of fruits and vegetables by the farmers in this District, much still depends on the local rain fall. I am thankful for the farmers and a good harvest as we head into the dry season.</span></b></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-41169952402393411462012-10-15T12:25:00.000-07:002012-10-15T12:25:21.181-07:00Welcome to my residence<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaSA7Bliv5LY4gHvoN6x2CrSgwgjLebYeFes-1mfQfO0daeHOVXasBx3q4UdYrx34B30fOZyqTPIqp2weatXI5g2U7U5CxhLY3o-LU_y0Vwv40jlSad1WAg0_f3vZcZ9B5RD3EtoGh0Y/s1600/SAM_0685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaSA7Bliv5LY4gHvoN6x2CrSgwgjLebYeFes-1mfQfO0daeHOVXasBx3q4UdYrx34B30fOZyqTPIqp2weatXI5g2U7U5CxhLY3o-LU_y0Vwv40jlSad1WAg0_f3vZcZ9B5RD3EtoGh0Y/s320/SAM_0685.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Area to receive visitors as you enter my three rooms</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Peace Corps Volunteers coming to Ghana are provided a place to live by the local community or agency requesting their assignment. "The identified housing should be modest and conform to the standards of the host community." Further, the Volunteer Handbook gives these minimum standards: "Volunteer accommodation must be located within a community and must be within sight and shouting distance of at least one neighbor. Private sleeping quarters, space for cooking and eating and access to an area to receive visitors in a traditional house, bungalow, apartment or family compound. Mosquito screening on all windows and entrance trap doors. A minimum of one window in each room to provide adequate cross-ventilation and light. Ceiling or roof made of wood/straw mat/felt/rubber, metal that protects the Volunteer from the effects of heat, rain and vermin. All doors and windows must be lockable from the inside. Additionally, entrance doors must be lockable from the outside. Bathing area and toilet facility with in 20 meters of the house. If shared, should not be shared by more than six people. Toilets and bathing areas must provide privacy. Minimum furnishing: one bed frame, one mattress, one table and chair. Accommodation must always be accessible by one of the following, a 4 wheel drive vehicle, a canoe or a motorbike."</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pODoe2bdU6TflxcU7-92vW2GWXyd_I8sdFOV6Vmviw2KcMM_4A8ipKPYBoy3-N99mM7OHANnZxRb9JrtEex8GA9-sbo-fe7KCXEn2S85D7OQKF1XqR8OuS8vjm1RxZlRdL9tVYeSzRk/s1600/SAM_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pODoe2bdU6TflxcU7-92vW2GWXyd_I8sdFOV6Vmviw2KcMM_4A8ipKPYBoy3-N99mM7OHANnZxRb9JrtEex8GA9-sbo-fe7KCXEn2S85D7OQKF1XqR8OuS8vjm1RxZlRdL9tVYeSzRk/s320/SAM_0671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Provided bed frame, mattress and chair</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>My assigned residence in the community met these minimums when I arrived over a year ago. Since I teach at the local Roman Catholic, Junior High school, the Church arranged for my housing. I share the house with the owners niece and the two young children in her care. Thankfully, the house is accessible by a normal automobile, has electricity most of the time, in door toilet and bathing area, but no running water. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Like many of you, whether living in a barracks, a tent, a southeast Asia hut, a flat or an apartment, we are soon figuring out how to make our selves more comfortable and the accommodations more functional. Since the bedroom was empty except for the bed, I built the storage area you see in the picture to provide a place to hang my clothes and store other personal items. You can also see a piece of the mosquito net all Volunteers are required to rig and sleep under.</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPyOk-D-58EM5GIIR3zA3HIED9byrRgzkVDU0ioNp2rhVxYvSaMfzDl4n_VyMBar1YRJV6wp2v5Poro85xXmqJTcgtQ4p-16vbRqD10O46tXpWABhdkW4pFuykYAMB3yyeMWETXB7CWc/s1600/SAM_0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPyOk-D-58EM5GIIR3zA3HIED9byrRgzkVDU0ioNp2rhVxYvSaMfzDl4n_VyMBar1YRJV6wp2v5Poro85xXmqJTcgtQ4p-16vbRqD10O46tXpWABhdkW4pFuykYAMB3yyeMWETXB7CWc/s320/SAM_0697.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom counters for the kitchen</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The second room provided was totally empty. It has become the kitchen. You can see the counters and shelves are pretty basic, but are very functional. The caretaker of the house now believes I am a master carpenter. A purchased toaster oven, electric kettle and two burner gas stove allow me to test my cooking skills with local food from the market and shops. My loss of 59 lbs during the first year of service does not say much for any pie, cake, or pastry baking skills. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful in the market when in season; at the moment okra, tomatoes, peppers, some late corn and of course yams. Oranges, melons and pineapples are also available. I purchased a small frig with no freezer, but it keeps left overs and refreshing, cool water sometimes flavored with crystal lite. </b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiicAVNOS6wiNsCoY2VTqw_3DE2lXG5x19oD0h_2FzseRsUinXJdL4l1MamK_sIq5Rvd8WrhNmiANlQNY8v33elziPZEy2RyXi52FhbA-uIknQ0Og7csEQecn-nfoXefHZnQ8_ZRg0TM/s1600/SAM_0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiicAVNOS6wiNsCoY2VTqw_3DE2lXG5x19oD0h_2FzseRsUinXJdL4l1MamK_sIq5Rvd8WrhNmiANlQNY8v33elziPZEy2RyXi52FhbA-uIknQ0Og7csEQecn-nfoXefHZnQ8_ZRg0TM/s320/SAM_0679.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The school shop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The owner of the house allowed me to use a third room if I would repair the busted door and replace the screens on the windows. I use it as a work room, mostly for my Volunteer project to repair student furniture from the Junior High School where I teach. The furniture is pretty badly damaged by the time it comes to me, with larger and larger nails being used in an attempt to stiffen the chairs and tables to make them useable. I take all the nails out, repair and re glue the pieces, and use screws to make the piece more stable and then return to the student. I have learned patience, how to swallow the occasional curse word, and wish I could get them finished and back into use quicker.</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Hk2R-PyC9fw4RCnrjevBOIHPQUJ7JXBozZrZnnySimssF8-LXDehyphenhyphenhkyj1e-UMyf9m95bUPy9nD1RKP-1F0G2axzlpVlxUU4Xjsg80i-EEoWW6fNSftlUttg8zLV99abn-VZYxlY8e4/s1600/SAM_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Hk2R-PyC9fw4RCnrjevBOIHPQUJ7JXBozZrZnnySimssF8-LXDehyphenhyphenhkyj1e-UMyf9m95bUPy9nD1RKP-1F0G2axzlpVlxUU4Xjsg80i-EEoWW6fNSftlUttg8zLV99abn-VZYxlY8e4/s320/SAM_0687.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The terrace garden</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> In the back window of the work room you may see my other project, an indoor, mini-garden. Finally had to relocate from the back porch as could not keep the free range goat herds away. I am attempting tomatoes, avocados and pineapple. I definitely need some advice from the local farmers and have little chance for the Farmer of the Year Award this December. It does add something green to the house and I have enjoyed the challenge of working to keep them growing. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I am grateful for the provision of a comfortable place to live while I am assigned the task of helping to educate the children of the village. It has been an added pleasure to use my hands again to make my surroundings a little more functional and into a place that allows me to relax. </b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2pCNd9fM5Jxl6uKX2GQCbEvwcF6iA60-HyRfW8FH2PKTCMNypuU6R7JyS8WGhyuHbEOpbIWB7G0nTYw9Yh0l1x4ZOOG4zSBBtgyqYeMlwQGGWZC5pQ-2gj0_e9TzXVf_lAsA0P-sKGI/s1600/SAM_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2pCNd9fM5Jxl6uKX2GQCbEvwcF6iA60-HyRfW8FH2PKTCMNypuU6R7JyS8WGhyuHbEOpbIWB7G0nTYw9Yh0l1x4ZOOG4zSBBtgyqYeMlwQGGWZC5pQ-2gj0_e9TzXVf_lAsA0P-sKGI/s320/SAM_0682.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy shout out to the nearest neighbor</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The view out my back door to the closest neighbor. An extended family with lots of young children. Not a quit moment until night falls. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>As you can see the
living is simple. Before leaving for Ghana, it took me at least three months of hard labor to clear and clean my
home for renting, but I believe in much less three hours I could pack up my stuff
and head for home.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Thanks for continuing to be interested in what I am doing here. It is my privilege to have another opportunity to represent our wonderful country. </b></span></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-3678239697985239092012-09-14T14:13:00.001-07:002012-09-14T14:13:56.736-07:00Pra! Pra!<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIZHfgns-9_YLYLAk8iq6DCiEzdPp223p9guxeXgJyfsi466wNrieBxmO4aJ0EYoeo20RHpiPHipTFbVOHzx9Bi6V9z2cPUmbXRhchsBbttGY5CdKwp3CxCW9UQLE7tqtQBauMei6LrY/s1600/SAM_0668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIZHfgns-9_YLYLAk8iq6DCiEzdPp223p9guxeXgJyfsi466wNrieBxmO4aJ0EYoeo20RHpiPHipTFbVOHzx9Bi6V9z2cPUmbXRhchsBbttGY5CdKwp3CxCW9UQLE7tqtQBauMei6LrY/s400/SAM_0668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>This is a very common sight in this part of Ghana. "Pra" is the word in the local language meaning, to sweep. In the town where I live, only the home of the Village Chief has a yard that has grass sufficient to keep trimmed. Most yards look like this piece of ground and are frequently swept.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>During the first week of the new school term, the students begin by cleaning up the area around the school building and inside the classrooms. These students are sweeping the yard in front of the school building, collecting the leaves fallen from the mango tree during the break. The short brooms are stiff strips taken from a palm tree, tied together and do the job very well. I use a similar broom to "pra" my bedroom, kitchen and work room. The caretaker sweeps the yard at least three times per week. Any grass, weeds, or branches that needed trimming is done using the cutlass (machete). Students are good at using both tools although extended use by an "old guy" can quickly put a strain on the back and arms. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The 2012-13 academic year began on September 4th and the first term will go until the middle of December. I am again teaching mathematics and computer skills. So far it looks as if the number of students in each class will be at least the same as last year, about 70 in the <br />Form 1 (7th grade) and 60 students in the Form 2 (8th grade). Even starting week three, not all students have come back as the second, but shorter wet season has begun and farmers are planting. Classroom management requires continuous attention and getting to know all their names is an extra effort for me. These two tasks plus staying healthy to allow me to come to school and teach: on time, every day, all day are my priorities for the academic year. If I am successful they will give me the opportunity to inspire. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I look forward to the new academic year and sharing some more of my experiences in Ghana. </b></span></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-73946837983117469232012-08-31T16:44:00.000-07:002012-08-31T16:52:44.258-07:00The Apprentices' Apprentice<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">September 1, 2012 begins the second year of my Peace Corps service in Ghana. Teaching mathematics and computer skills at a rural Junior High School has been a work which has required a full commitment. The 2012-13 academic year begins September 4th and I am anticipating my return to the class room to use what skills God has provided to inspire my students to continue their education. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">During my first academic year in Ghana, the Headmaster approved my request to take broken student furniture out of the classrooms, attempt to repair and return the pieces back to be used by students. In this school district the students must provide their desk and chair. When the Headmaster asked if I knew what I was doing, my response was, "no, but I don't think I could make them any worse." So after almost one year, you see in the picture the desk that is the first product of my efforts. I started with no tools except a handy "multi-tool" given to me as a going away gift. I quickly discovered that every piece of furniture had many attempts to repair by adding nails and then more, bigger nails. With limited tools to take the pieces apart, repair any broken parts, clue back, and use screws to strengthen, the process was a difficult and slow task without doing more damage. In time I located some hand tools in the local market as there is no electricity in my work room. Glue was easy, but almost gave up on finding some material to fill in the many nails holes and other assorted gouges and holes. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The young boy in the picture lives in the same house as I do, goes to the primary school adjacent to the Junior High where I teach, and spends some of his time watching my struggles. He loves to use the hammer and wants to constantly practice as I work to remove the many nails in the furniture. He goes by the name Yao, not his real name but the name given to males born on Thursday. The group of people known as the Akan are numerically the largest group in Ghana and regard a person's soul being linked to the day of the week they were born. Most Ghanians I have met know the day they were born and many use that designation: Sunday-Kawasi, Monday-Kojo, Tuesday-Kwabena, Wednesday- Kwaku, Thursday-Yao, Friday-Kofi and Saturday Kwame. There is also a set of names for the females. I have been frequently asked my day of birth.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I am pleased to have the company of Mr. Yao (Thursday born)while I work to get the furniture back in useable condition. He is curious, sees most of the tools as toys, but is eager to watch my slow progress. I am sure the Headmaster is still wondering if I know what I am doing and if he will ever see a finished piece. But the project is improving, I now have an Apprentice.</span></b></span></div>
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Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-10640934523246944482012-07-27T06:39:00.000-07:002012-07-27T06:40:56.793-07:00A Cultural Experience<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwHCs6EwQe9no5NkQWhoqwMPwON7vQkR2MQtFdshrqwwZXhmS1tbcKyOUdLPkkggKi-C9gXyqtarhSwpO_gnd27V0Yw-I7kGk1EFUuX2DmevQrLzLmDJjWhl7O0kbuWa43AYe4_jOOaY/s1600/SAM_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwHCs6EwQe9no5NkQWhoqwMPwON7vQkR2MQtFdshrqwwZXhmS1tbcKyOUdLPkkggKi-C9gXyqtarhSwpO_gnd27V0Yw-I7kGk1EFUuX2DmevQrLzLmDJjWhl7O0kbuWa43AYe4_jOOaY/s400/SAM_0643.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancers from the Islamic Junior High School</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;">N<b>ew sights, different sounds and intense smells, culture shock, cross culture experiences, challenges of language, cultural sensitivity, integration into the community, all part of the Volunteers' unique experience as we do our best to live and work in Ghana and make a contribution to its social and economic capacity. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>During Term 2 of the school year the Junior High students began practicing football (soccer) for three weeks in the afternoon followed by a "sports gala" that took them out of the classroom and into three days of intense competition to determine the Champion Team in the school district. I was told Term 3 would include the "cultural gala" and more afternoon classes would be missed as the students practiced singing, dancing, drumming, drama and story telling. The preparation started with a lot snickering, jostling and verbal exchanges as the students sorted out with the teachers insistence, who would represent the school in which event. Somehow it got done, and the practices began with less than a huge amount of enthusiasm except for the boys who all wanted to play the drums as loud as possible, even with no sense of the timing and rhythm required. For a few weeks it all seemed headed for a disaster with the teachers avoiding the practices if at all possible. But, led by the girls dance group, the students began getting serious about the performance and practice got more intense, even for the drummers who received stern looks of dissatisfaction from the female dancers.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>On the day of the gala which was scheduled to begin at 8 AM, I had already forgotten one of the first cultural lessons we Volunteers were taught, "do not expect that events will start as scheduled. Relax." Between 10:30 and 11 AM the judges arrived. I had no idea what to expect, but had my choice of seats at 8 AM so was in a good location to experience the gala. It was wonderful, over 20 Primary and Junior High schools participating, with beautiful traditional costumes and serious students ready to present a vivid experience of traditional singing, dancing, drama and story telling. </b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancers/math students from my school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Story Tellers</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ghana has a rich and diverse culture and I have only experienced a small portion, but look forward to discovering more in the months ahead. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I don't expect my experience to start on time, but am learning how to relax and be prepared to enjoy what I see and hear. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 78%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXBxnNxUZBShdldiKppHRf4EdRkh953MUczwGMw4r5eb9Wft_LElff0jhMhpLwOD2p-w1uLfwehnhf93qPReNbjPQ2SmqI5I-EV-VWHRvnou7S1QNc9emnYyKdmZZEjldnjHfi2asAQs/s1600/SAM_0637.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
</div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-53923281949853153122012-07-04T10:12:00.000-07:002012-07-04T10:13:59.867-07:00Proud to be an American<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>July 1st is a holiday celebrating the date in 1960 when Ghana declared itself a Republic. Since the 1st fell on Sunday this year, Monday was the holiday, so no school was held. Today was a normal school day, except in the middle of my mathematics class on probability, we took a break, I unfurled my American flag and we had a short U.S. History lesson. The students clapped and cheered and we took a moment to record the occasion with this picture. That was my celebration of our Independence Day; no parade, no cook out and no fireworks. But it was excellent and one I will remember. Hope your celebration of our treasured Independence was just as meaningful </b> </span></div>
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</div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-1367704036840406522012-06-21T11:49:00.000-07:002012-06-29T10:32:39.798-07:00Places and things of interest.<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe I am like many engineers and others who have an interest in things that have a unique size or shape, unusual dimensions, are one of a kind, or extremely useful or constructed in a clever way. <br /><br />I would like to share some interesting things I have found in Ghana: Lake Volta in the eastern part of Ghana, is the world's largest artificial body of water formed during the 1960's by the clay and rock Akosombo Dam on the Volta river. The electricity generated has been a real contributor to growth; another, Ghana is the country nearest to the spot some geographers call the center of the earth's surface, the place where the equator and the prime or zero meridian intersect. The location with longitude 0" and latitude 0" is about 380 miles directly south of the coast of Ghana in the Gulf of Guinea/Atlantic. Not useful or a tourist destination, just unique. I hope to visit Lake Volta and the dam, but will fore go a boat ride to find the unmarked spot on the ocean. <br /><br />Another, is shown in the picture. Called by almost everyone in Ghana "pure water" it is one half liter of safe drinking water in a thick, plastic bag or sachet. Easy to transport and stock, durable, adequate shelf life, sold in kiosks, stores, or from a basket carried on the head of a vendor in the market or at a bus stop, this is clever design and marketing genius. No bottle cap, just bite off one corner and enjoy refreshment almost any where. Sold individually for about 6 cents each or by a lot of 30 sachets in a strong plastic bag for about 3 cents each, they are affordable to most folks. No cartons and the bags of water conform to most available storage space. <br /><br />Down side, sometimes the water has an after taste and just like the plastic bottle, the disposal of the empty plastic sachet is an environmental nightmare. The empty sachets are small, just dropped or tossed out the window, clog up most drainage systems and are very unsightly. However, did not take long for the entrepreneurs to see that liquor could also be marketed in the same way, so vodka in a bag.<br /><br />I had not seen anything like this "pure water" until I arrived in Ghana. I am told by the teachers at the school the water sachets started appearing about ten years ago, are used in other African countries, but they did not know who had the original idea. Told me the machines to produce are from China. <br /><br />I would not be surprised if the Social Scientists and folks who study human behavior have plenty of cases to study as the people of Ghana adjust to new, interesting, unique and rapid changes in their country. Many adults have cell phones and have a great interest in the features. Almost every teacher at my school has up dated his/her cell instrument at least twice since my arrival one year ago. I have seen no "sit on the desk" type telephone. I am now noticing a few young people with cell phones, the first one appeared in my 8th grade class this term. At least half the houses in my village have a bamboo pole with a TV antenna attached, and I am told up to date video games are becoming available. The other half may not have electricity yet. Change will happen but the difference from my experience is the accelerated pace here. I saw my first cell phone almost twenty five years ago and it would have been a tight fit in a shoe box. First cell phone some students in Ghana see could have the features of a "black berry" or more.<br /><br />I believe my job is to help my teacher colleagues advance the quality of education in the village where I live and not let the wonder and thrill of gadgets and stuff over whelm the more important building of the capacity for a stronger society. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the way, I am told the largest tree in West Africa is in Ghana. Wonder where it is?</span></div>
</div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-26760239150831760612012-06-08T11:44:00.000-07:002012-06-08T11:49:10.018-07:00Year One done !<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"> <span style="font-size: large;">One year ago today I arrived in Ghana with 72 other brand new Peace Corps trainees. My experience in every way has been even more than anticipated. With no regrets I am preparing for the remaining fifteen months of service. This is a photograph of my maths class raising their hand and indicating the one year. Thanks again for sharing my adventure with me. </span></span></div>
</div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-43137663875291218192012-06-01T14:54:00.000-07:002012-06-01T15:01:35.799-07:00Yes, we got the whole load !!<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: large;">This road is less than 50 feet from my bedroom and goes north to the Ghana border with Burkina Faso and on to Mali and its famous city of Timbuktu. Except for the early morning hours between 1 and 4 A.M. when I am told there are armed bandits on the road, it is full of vehicles headed north and south with all kinds of loads; people, food, fuel, cashews, construction materials, animals, and an assortment of items the Ghanians call "pretty, pretty things." Like the bus in the picture, many vehicles are heavily overloaded and moving rapidly, a dangerous combination. The blue items on the roof are hard plastic water barrels and the yellow are what I call "jerry cans." Plastic, but identical to what the military used for hauling extra fuel or water. As this is the wet season, I am sure they are headed to a market.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have a blue water barrel near the kitchen and bath room areas in the house. When I arrived I went to the bore hole (well) to fetch water almost daily, using the yellow jerry cans. More than a couple of trips to fill the barrel. The caretaker of the house was appalled that others would see me hauling water and so insisted that she and her teenage daughter take care of that chore. She can fill the barrel with three trips to the bore hole, balancing a large container on her head with wonderful posture and grace. It is amazing. I am pleased that they will help me as I am the biggest user of water in the house. I always want the full bucket bath each evening, water to drink, cook and clean, wash my clothes, and use for the toilet. Now that the wet season has begun, when the rain starts it is all hands with available containers outside to catch the water from the roof. A few nights ago I was up early in the morning to quietly use the bathroom, and stumbled over an assortment of pots and pans full of water in the hall way. Woke the household. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: large;">According to the farmers, the full wet season is late this year. Maze should be well over four feet high, but is around 18 inches. We are now getting three to four very heavy rains in a week, mostly in the afternoons and at night. Some of the rain storms have lasted for hours accompanied by a real display of lightning and thunder. I am told there should be more to come. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure cuts back on the chore of fetching water. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: large;">On departure day from Washington DC, June 7, 2011, I posted my first blog about my new job. Time has been full and gone quickly. Thanks for your interest along the way. </span></span></div>
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</div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-53210831011345621612012-05-17T11:39:00.000-07:002012-05-17T11:46:37.446-07:00Sweet or Salty?<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first African colony to be granted independence in the post WW II era. Prior to that date the country was a colony of Great Britain called the Gold Coast. Beginning in the 1400's with the Portuguese, who were aware of the gold coming out of this area and moving north by caravan across the Sahara, thought it would be easier to get closer to the source of the gold by a sea route than attempting to control the caravans routes. Followed by the Dutch, Danish and English, the colony eventually became know as the Gold Coast. Gold is still one of Ghana's exports, but the photograph shows two that you may enjoy but not know come out of Ghana. On the left is a cocoa bean taken off a drying tray on my back porch and the right is a cashew fruit with its gray nut pod that I picked from a tree near the school where I teach. Cocoa is huge. Ghana is the second largest exporter in the world, most of the product going to Europe and the US for chocolate. Peace Corps volunteers are involved with Ghanian farmers in improving the logistics management chain of the cashew to expand that desirable product. </i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This is the end of the season for both crops, which are grown in groves on the hills surrounding the village and in other parts of Ghana. Lots of hand labor to harvest from many small groves, then sold to local buyers in the village, and on to larger cooperatives and exporters. </i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Like some other countries I have lived, Ghana is full of contrasts. All adults seem to have a cell phone and use it everywhere, frequently. Vehicles of all types are in abundance and have already overwhelmed the capacity of the roadways, particularly in cities, as well as the maintenance required to keep them up. Building construction is everywhere, some underway, others stopped and still others seemingly abandoned. Western styles are popular, mixed with the very colorful, traditional dress of the Ghanian women, and the noble looking robe worn on special occasion by some of the men. Seems little is thrown out as I have seen yards and yards full of used vehicle engines, next to yards full of auto doors. Never get bored looking out the window on a bus ride.</i></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I cannot afford a stash of chocolate or salted cashews at my house and certainly not gold. When you enjoy the beauty of gold or the delicious taste of sweet chocolate or salty cashews, hope you will be reminded of this interesting country where I live.</i></span></span></b></div>
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</div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-50227629989134766752012-04-24T06:23:00.001-07:002012-04-24T06:43:25.233-07:00Stayn' Alive<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>I am very grateful that my health has continued to be excellent since coming to Ghana. From the detailed selection process, through the demanding training and now well into my two years of service, the Peace Corps has been attentive to my health and well being. Peace Corps, Ghana has two Medical Doctors on staff, both have visited my site while traveling through the Region. Most of the circumstances at the school where I teach are mandated by the Ministry of Education, but showing up ready to teach each day is one that I have some degree of control over. For the first two school terms (30 weeks) I have been healthy and missed only 6 days of teaching and those were to meet Peace Corps' responsibilities. Many of my fellow teachers are not so fortunate and have absences due to sickness. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>For the first seven months of my service, I ate Ghanaian food, prepared by Ghanians almost exclusively. A few bouts of stomach distress, a few "no thanks" on seconds, and the loss of over 30 pounds are the outcomes of that period of my stay. I am told the loss of weight is common for male Volunteers in Ghana. Common for females to gain. Not sure of the reasons, but for me, I walk much more frequently, have had almost no sweets, drink a lot of water, do some exercise each day and it has been blazing hot. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Ghanian diet in the areas where we trained and now I live, is made up mostly of starch-based staples (cassava, yams, rice, coco yams, plantains) cooked in various ways and served with a soup that often contains fish or chicken and vegetables that are in season. It is filling, can be very spicy, and frequently tasty. Most often eaten using your fingers. Fruits and vegetables are seasonally fresh, not often served as a separate dish, but usually cooked in the soup or eaten as a snack during the day. Mangoes, avocados, pineapples, and papayas are currently sold all over the market and along the streets. However, I believe most Volunteers miss the variety and types of foods common in their region of the States. I know I do. My list varies from time to time, but today it would include: a cheese burger from Five Guys; roasted peppers from a restaurant near Pittsburgh called Ricco's; and crab cakes from almost any place along Chesapeake Bay. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> During my first school break in January, I completed the kitchen in the house where I live. From the picture you can see it is not elaborate, but sufficient. I started from a bare room, built the counters and shelves, and purchased an electric kettle, a small gas stove, a toaster oven and variety of plastic food containers. The stove pipe looking item at the far left is a water filter to allow safe drinking water from the well and rain water off the roof. First meal from the kitchen was packaged noodles and have expanded from there. I am holding a fresh pear (avocado) and poo-poo (papaya) that I will eat this afternoon. My attempts at guacamole have not been endorsed by the Ghanians, but I find it acceptable with some chips I found in the market. Add tacos to my list of food I miss.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Cooking is a time consuming deal for the Ghanian caretaker and her family as it is mostly done outside, over a wood or charcoal fire in a pot. Most things growing out of the ground are reasonable fresh or dried, but fish is dried and has not seen water for some time. At my house, the evening meal is started well before sunset and is eaten in the dark. Lots of pots and pans to clean up at the end of the day. Adjustments are made for the more frequent rains as we head into the wet season. Cooking for myself has also required some adjustment in scheduling my time as going to the market, preparing the food, and cleaning up takes a lot more time than in my kitchen in Virgina. I continue to be grateful for the pleasure of preparing my meals.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>I have two place settings in case you stop in for a home cooked meal. You are always welcome.</b></span><br />
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</div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-37051182090888469042012-04-09T10:26:00.004-07:002012-04-09T11:58:39.553-07:00I go farm!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1RKtZGToUeDmQ9YNPOTPc12qzNMEMCYkM1OIQsJf23L7ZDEPXAiVBe4PIxWV0Hr8gEK-nGtzlgDxWW1-C29XB-QoyMFqUqtPH27lAikWJCoynUfQnoA9FNUu1b62hggtNi5Ggwhx99c/s1600/SAM_0544.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1RKtZGToUeDmQ9YNPOTPc12qzNMEMCYkM1OIQsJf23L7ZDEPXAiVBe4PIxWV0Hr8gEK-nGtzlgDxWW1-C29XB-QoyMFqUqtPH27lAikWJCoynUfQnoA9FNUu1b62hggtNi5Ggwhx99c/s320/SAM_0544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729455312080990050" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My village is in one of the most productive food growing regions in Ghana. The country's largest outdoor produce market is in a nearby city and serves buyers from all over Ghana as well as neighboring countries. Most of the villagers where I live are farmers. On arriving and hearing the phrase, "I go farm", in my mind I imagined the person heading to their residence, but it means exactly, "I am going to work my land."<br /><br />Today is the Monday after Easter and is a part of a four day holiday that starts on Good Friday. School is out. This morning the caretaker and her family announced, "I go farm!" Since it had rained through much of the night, the morning was cool, with moisture still in the air and an overcast sky, it was the perfect day to "go farm" with them. It didn't take long for me to know that did not sound like a good idea to them: we must walk far; it is going to rain; it is hot; it will be very late when we return; maybe next time. Not wanting to push the issue, I put down my cutlass and wished them a productive day. After grading some school papers, cleaning my room, and just puttering around, I decided to head out on my own and see who was farming.<br /><br />There are two dirt roads heading up the hills into the local farm land, one I had hiked before. So with my backpack, camera and plenty of water, I took the other road out of town headed to "farm." About twenty minutes into the journey, I joined the group you see in the picture. They are not on a holiday, walk about, but headed out "to farm", carrying containers of water on their heads, babies on their backs and the basic all around farming tool, the cutlass. I certainly amused them, first of all by just being there and most of all by my bad "Twi", the local language. When they headed off on a small side trail, I continued on the main trail for another two hours.<br /><br />Most of the farms are small plots of land, worked entirely by hand with mostly a cutlass and a sturdy tool that looks like a cross between an axe and a large hoe. A sharp cutlass is needed to farm as the "bush" is a ready invader and can quickly take over cleared area. During my four hours I did not see a large number of farmers, but each time I stopped, I could hear the slash of a working cutlass.<br /><br />Some farmers were harvesting cashews, a difficult task as they must wait till the cashew drops from the tree, pick it up, pinch off the nut pod that is just below the fruit and place in a bucket. From there the nut pod is dried in the sun, sold to a local buyer, and either exported or processed in Ghana. About 6 more steps are necessary, some by hand, before they are ready for consumption. Thus the price, even in Ghana.<br /><br />Other farmers were planting peppers (red hot), maze and cassavas. The trees along the trail were full of mangoes, avocados, papayas, and some other fruit I did not recognize, many marked with a red piece of cloth indicating not for sharing.<br /><br />Fours hours later, the time and water had gone quickly, met more residents of the village, saw and learned some new things, but did not use my cutlass or "go farm." Maybe next time.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-74956695277111327812012-04-01T00:43:00.005-07:002012-04-01T06:13:42.462-07:00A University of Florida Man Needs no Introduction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqrCbe0J9xwtgDdK9z08-FzR4-5pbFcrXlm04kUYYCl6tic9cyek_8XzHF79yjNJcuUwkpc7jrMMyC-ZaGsh7W7mT0ze2BWHs2KGdFxGTc8-YGs7_HS54pBL7mHp64lvyB__tWb2-j-A/s1600/SAM_0530.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqrCbe0J9xwtgDdK9z08-FzR4-5pbFcrXlm04kUYYCl6tic9cyek_8XzHF79yjNJcuUwkpc7jrMMyC-ZaGsh7W7mT0ze2BWHs2KGdFxGTc8-YGs7_HS54pBL7mHp64lvyB__tWb2-j-A/s320/SAM_0530.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726335938991407698" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">There are at least five graduates of the University of Florida in the current group of Volunteers assigned to Ghana. This person is not one of them, he is the Headmaster of the Junior High School where I teach.</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Normally more professionally dressed</span></span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">this day he came to work wearing a Florida Gator shirt not knowing I am a graduate of that University. Could not resist a picture of U of F's world wide fans. In the background you can see our school building and the chairs and table that are part of the faculty office and lounge situated under the mango tree.<br /><br />I enjoy working for this Headmaster as his primary interest for the school is providing an opportunity for the students to successfully complete an education and move on to Senior High and perhaps after to Technical School or University. He expects us to support him in that objective and demands discipline from the students and performance from his teachers. Although this assignment is a real challenge for me and at the end of most days am ready to sit in a soft chair and take on some refreshments, I am grateful for my fellow teachers and his leadership.<br /><br />We are just a few weeks away from the completion of the second of three 15 weeks terms making up the academic year. I continue to teach mathematics and computer skills. Except for the concepts and principals of mathematics, everything else is a new experience. The government school system is administered throughout Ghana by the Ministry of Education and even though the school where I teach is called the Roman Catholic, Junior High School, curriculum, term dates, teacher assignment, teaching syllabus and most other systems are decided by the Ministry. The village also has a Seventh Day Adventist school, an Islamic School and a Government School, all controlled by the Ministry. There are also private primary and secondary schools throughout Ghana.<br /><br />I am looking forward to the school break and perhaps some sightseeing. Let me know if you need a University or Team shirt or shorts as the market has a wide assortment. Go Gators !!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><br /></span></div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-83511405180713275622012-03-15T08:24:00.006-07:002012-03-16T12:10:38.681-07:00What Ever Happened to .........<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb92Nzc2yx9W2c0pUZD6HU0ehmMqui6sOwk32ZnMwpr-kOt4tSBgtzvFRKesi7l0khqmCm_gyoZrgWbVcj53GQo_y6Ek90nZPEE36RLrJ1KTqz1eSV_vJHOYcPvneiIOdz8FdGIf2LgA/s1600/SAM_0529.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb92Nzc2yx9W2c0pUZD6HU0ehmMqui6sOwk32ZnMwpr-kOt4tSBgtzvFRKesi7l0khqmCm_gyoZrgWbVcj53GQo_y6Ek90nZPEE36RLrJ1KTqz1eSV_vJHOYcPvneiIOdz8FdGIf2LgA/s320/SAM_0529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720199729706378002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">.<span style="font-size:130%;">..the New Year's gift of a live chicken from the Village Chief? It was delicious!<br /><br />...the Ghana Black Stars in the African Cup? The Black Stars lost in the quarter finals to Zambia who was the winner of the Cup. Ghana was third, a huge disappointment to their many fans.<br /><br />...the moto's, cars and trucks speeding through the village? A massive speed bump was built on the highway just in front of the house where I live. I am now adjusting to a whole new noise pattern as vehicles down shift, brake or skid into the bump and then hit the gas as they exit. It is safer in the village.<br /><br />... the small garden I planted on the back porch? The goats somehow got up on the porch and trimmed the grass down, sampled the onions, and attempted to eat the pineapple plant. A little prickly. Did not think the herd could reach it, so I am considering more protection before the rainy season crop is planted.<br /><br />...the building of a kitchen? I am now cooking for myself with more of a variety of foods. Trying to eat a little more American style to satisfy that immediate desire, but am anxious to begin cooking some Ghanaian foods. The caretaker of the house has promised to teach me the preparation of traditional foods.<br /><br />...the computer skills classes with no textbooks or computers? I have located two computers which had been put away for over a year due to misuse. In the picture you see two of the total of ten teams of 5-6 students each from the 8th grade. There are another ten teams of 6-7 students for the 7th grade. Crowd control and time on task are challenges to making best use of the equipment. The machines are set up in a small building that belongs to the Catholic Church, has electricity, can be locked and is a five minute walk from the school. Amazing how quickly my great satisfaction of going from zero to two machines was replaced by, "wow, how can I do this with only two, I really need eight more." I really am grateful for the improvement and the chance for the students to see and get a little hands on time. The Parish Priest and the Head master have agreed that I may offer an hour at the end of the school day for students if they wish to come to the lab on a volunteer basis. Are two computers considered a lab??<br /><br />A completed project or sustained progress has always been an encouragement to me and I find it even more so here. Needed materials are not always readily available, I may be one of only a few interested in working for a useful outcome, progress is often slow, so being persistent is a useful part of any plan. I have also been reminded that it takes more than a worthwhile mission statement to get me through a few days. While the Peace Corps has allowed me to do exactly what I volunteered for and in the great majority of situations I am aware of is doing something good for people who need assistance, I find I must sometimes rely on encouragement from family and friends, my faith, patriotic pride, or just a reflection on the agreement I made, to put some eagerness back into my day.<br /><br />Hope this updates most of the events that have been going on during my six months in the village and thanks for your encouragement and interest in what I am doing.<br /><br /></span><br /></div></div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-2752977418670014042012-02-15T08:03:00.003-08:002012-02-15T09:31:16.650-08:00From here I can go anywhere, almost!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdsrGnG04dDyFJO4Ef7VWP0Wl2n9-s79iDjYTjnQFRAIsTsYE0kTFiGCl39DxMdvYD4-e55XUdWDNJCdEKbQBJQun2YHYJDXk_f09AlxyT8yuZz-uPiS4Ha-gxuok8Qj0FuNO041_h5A/s1600/SAM_0522.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdsrGnG04dDyFJO4Ef7VWP0Wl2n9-s79iDjYTjnQFRAIsTsYE0kTFiGCl39DxMdvYD4-e55XUdWDNJCdEKbQBJQun2YHYJDXk_f09AlxyT8yuZz-uPiS4Ha-gxuok8Qj0FuNO041_h5A/s320/SAM_0522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709395629118142866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Ghana has an interesting and comprehensive ground transportation system that once you get on can take you almost anywhere in the country. After walking, bicycles and motorcycles the most common way to move around Ghana is by ground transportation. Volunteers do a lot of walking, some bike riding always with a helmet, but no moto's unless it is an emergency. Even being a passenger on a motorbike is the beginning of a fast trip back to USA. I walk a lot as I am restricted from riding a bike in the village since the only paved street is the heavily used highway and the Peace Corps has decided that is too dangerous, even with a helmet.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">This is a picture of the taxi stand in the village where I live. The blue kiosk is a lady's hair dresser and the palm cover spot is a place to buy fast food, mostly rice dishes, while you are waiting on the taxi or just need something to eat. It is also a place to get out of the sun. The small cabs, mostly Japanese or Korean made, wait until a full load is on board before departing, usually four adults plus the driver. I have never waited more than 20 minutes for the ride into the market city, takes 15 minutes for about 50 cents. Similar taxis go up and down the road about every 20 seconds looking for passengers by blowing their horns and slowing down. An array of hand signals allows you to indicate number of passengers and how far you are going. For me living at the far end of the village, it is easy to walk 30 feet to the road and signal a taxi, but I was told the Village Chief has established this taxi stand and villagers are to go there to take a taxi in order to support the continuation of the local service. So I walk to the stand.<br /><br />Once in the market city, you are dropped off at a large, busy taxi stand, where you engage the longer distance transportation vehicles. Everything from large, luxury buses to the most common means of Volunteer travel, the "Tro-tro," In almost all cases the Tro's are increased seating, mini-vans or larger vans all re-fitted for max passengers. They leave in all directions from multiple locations in the city and like the taxis wait until they have every seat filled with a person and all the stuff you are bringing. Get in, get settled because that is how you are going to stay for the trip. I have seen some of the larger Tro's with goats riding up in the baggage racks. So by asking questions or knowledgeable trip planning you are able to go from taxi to bus, back to taxi or another bus, and throw in some walking until you reach your destination. Coverage to destinations in Ghana is pretty complete and the system amazingly works in moving people if you discount waiting time, transfer difficulties, break downs and sometimes having a stranger sleeping on your shoulder. However, this type of transportation has risks with frequent overloads, vehicle maintenance concerns, road conditions and many times very aggressive drivers. Peace Corps staff does not want Volunteers traveling at night because of the increase in those risks.<br /><br />Personal automobiles are rare in the village, most being light trucks or used as taxis. I am told no railways are currently operating in Ghana. And as I was writing, I realized I have not seen an aircraft of any kind since leaving Accra almost eight months ago. Big difference from the sky around Virginia Beach and its military presence.<br /><br />I have not done a lot of personal traveling in Ghana yet, but will look forward to seeing more of the country during my next term break in late April. I am certain it will add to the adventure.<br /><br /> </span><br /></div></div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-87805926504752111952012-01-28T11:35:00.000-08:002012-01-28T22:32:29.919-08:00Passion in Ghana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbCnd9oww6gUHl1rmDxIKS1Q6ka3wlfnw9WzV10vrlz2hqJSuTdKUtzwrrR7qO-X0rM6XmqPvanFiJSrPSfjz46P2AV2q3fK22l_LsLq3a1W5JSPhIPJQwfeOnJeJ1-kXf9Jh__UxWc8/s1600/SAM_0509.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbCnd9oww6gUHl1rmDxIKS1Q6ka3wlfnw9WzV10vrlz2hqJSuTdKUtzwrrR7qO-X0rM6XmqPvanFiJSrPSfjz46P2AV2q3fK22l_LsLq3a1W5JSPhIPJQwfeOnJeJ1-kXf9Jh__UxWc8/s320/SAM_0509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702770505561759698" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Saturday about 7:30 pm, on main street in the village where </span>I live. These residents are not waiting to get into a club, but are watching football (soccer) at a small kiosk that sells small house hold items</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> and has a TV</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. It is the Ghana National Team's second match in the first round of the African Cup. They defeated Botswana last weekend and are playing Mali this evening. The Ghana Black Stars are one of the favorites to win the Cup.<br /><br />I have not seen or experienced anything else in Ghana that reaches even near the level of passion that football does. Any object that is even a little round quickly becomes the ball by the young children and the match is on. Work stops and a crowd gathers to watch the Primary and Junior High school teams compete.<br /><br />The school where I teach has a team which is ranked in the upper quarter of the teams in the local Junior High School league. They practice and sometimes compete on a field that is uneven, half dirt and half grass, full of stones and goat droppings, the school porch sitting on one inbound line, and a old tree stump just to the left of one goal. The game is fast, straight ahead and physical. Players must strap everything on tight and bring their "black and blue" game in order to compete. They are "all in" and cannot wait to get the game going. Spectators are no less involved and disputed calls often result in a large number of fans on the pitch pointing fingers, yelling loudly, often not even involving the single referee attempting to control the match. I attended the soccer games my three children played, but they were not even close to this level of intensity.<br /><br />I am rooting for the Black Stars and it would be a neat experience to celebrate winning the Cup with the Ghanians. The village just erupted in cheers as the Stars scored their second goal in the match.<br /><br />I will also have the opportunity to be a witness to the election of a President of Ghana this coming December. Listening to the morning talk shows with the other teachers, it seems the campaign has begun and like the campaigns in the USA, will be competitive and full of passionate debate on the issues.<br /><br />Interesting times in my village and in the country of Ghana. </span><br /></div></div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-30884183074727512182012-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:43:35.384-08:00A weather report from Ghana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkihoqitYUDaUWh3XOmqbQqOQrf8iiLP5xTA-cjqr3TU4NEhHnEGys5FfVkLcq_t33hC_qJaVlgwMjMSH0FXx2MZuCBVcgRZJIk-THc3zxdcZCIskBUoc0vF9pdfhST1ixl3y64Ca0Rp0/s1600/SAM_0501.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkihoqitYUDaUWh3XOmqbQqOQrf8iiLP5xTA-cjqr3TU4NEhHnEGys5FfVkLcq_t33hC_qJaVlgwMjMSH0FXx2MZuCBVcgRZJIk-THc3zxdcZCIskBUoc0vF9pdfhST1ixl3y64Ca0Rp0/s320/SAM_0501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699372796705151874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.<br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />It is usually difficult for an amateur to capture the brilliance of a sunrise or sunset. This was my amateur shot taken this morning, just past 6:30 AM as I am walking to school for my 7 o'clock class. It is unexpectedly cool and you can see the two school girls in uniform ahead of me have added a jacket. The farming region of Brong Ahafo is almost two months into the dry season with no rain expected until late March, early April. Most vegetation is brown and very dry, except the large trees. Many wild fires springing up. The picture captures a little bit of the conditions of this season as a consequence of a phenomenon in this part of the world, the Harmattan winds off the Sahara far to the north east. Although it may look like smoke or fog, the reduced visibility and covering of the rising sun is the dust and grit in the air that has come with the dry season winds and will last until the rains begin again. Some spectacular sunsets, but also dust and grit settling everywhere, causing me respiratory coughing during the night and some serious "ring around the collar" during the day. One of the interesting aspects is that the mornings are now comparatively cool. Not sure why, but it may have to do with less daylight as a result of the overcast sky. I sleep under two sheets with socks on and many of the Ghanians are in long sleeves, sweaters, and coats early in the morning, but by mid morning it is what I expect of a day near the equator in Africa. I am told it will get much warmer and in the northern regions easily top 115 degrees F. <br /><br />School has begun again and the days and weeks are full and pass quickly. The "book" says I should be experiencing "over zealousness, homesickness, uncertainties about adapting, and intolerance of the host culture." So far so good in coping with those circumstances. Much of that I credit to you and your continuing interest in my new job and what I am doing with my time. My health is excellent and I am grateful for a supportive family and group of friends.<br /><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span></div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233254514048029664.post-38506873668204573112011-12-31T02:15:00.000-08:002011-12-31T03:40:17.588-08:00First Term School Break<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Il9CiDzPKppSL8ozAJnIcq-zi0HgZVka5fRb5wWo4f2IR7COP4K1iTuOHeMpZyspy9xFKEoR4khk7wVuivLIMgLhq34BVth68s8elB83S_K6kLvzCkK2XYfYinea-x9ey8xXbEBrR-E/s1600/SAM_0489.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Il9CiDzPKppSL8ozAJnIcq-zi0HgZVka5fRb5wWo4f2IR7COP4K1iTuOHeMpZyspy9xFKEoR4khk7wVuivLIMgLhq34BVth68s8elB83S_K6kLvzCkK2XYfYinea-x9ey8xXbEBrR-E/s320/SAM_0489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692241106948497106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Today is the end of the first week of the school term break and New Year's eve. I have used most of this week to work on some projects in the house where I live. We Americans just seem to have this urge to improve things or at least make more convenient or comfortable.</span> For me that has meant getting my kitchen up off the floor and fully functioning. That project was put on hold while I concentrated on the challenges of the school term, academic and administrative.<br /><br />The house owners brother who lives in the village has given me permission to use a third room in the house as a storage and work room. As you see in the picture, I am repairing an interior door that appeared to have the lock set force ably yanked out and that part of the door broken. I have installed a new lock set on the exterior door and replaced the torn mosquito screens and once the interior door is rehung, the room will be a more secure place to store things, including my hand tools. <br /><br />The pieces of furniture are from the school. On the first day of school, I discovered that the students must provide their own desk and chair. One of the expectations for classroom conduct that I shared that first day was, "Do not leave any of your things in the classroom at the end of the day" by which I meant no trash/notebooks/other personal items. At the end of the school day I noticed students carrying out desks and chairs and asked one of the teachers what was going on. Of course the answer was, "You told them not to leave their stuff!" Once I got that misunderstanding corrected, I found there were abandoned pieces of furniture in much disrepair left in the classrooms, some used by prior students unable to afford their own. When I suggested repair to the Headmaster, like a good leader he said, "fine you are welcome to give it a try." When he asked if I knew what I was doing, I could only reply "Well I don't think I can make them any worse." So, this will be my project in the new year. I hope to find a student that may like to learn furniture repair, but I'll try that after I learn. If you know of a book on Furniture Repair 101, let me know. Repaired furniture will be used by students without the finances to buy their own.<br /><br />Best I could tell from my village and the much larger market city close by, the Christmas season in Ghana is not close to what we hear, see, and experience in America. No lights, Christmas trees, wreathes, decorations, music, and all the commercial part of the celebration. Their celebration was on Boxing Day, I believe originating in Britain and celebrated the day after Christmas day. Lots of food and all the young children dressed in their finest to pay a visit to the Village Chief and receive some gifts from him. There was a noticeable decline in the population of free range goats and chickens in the village. That evening everyone dressed up and strolled through the village, visiting and talking to each other. That included the only white person in the village. I was invited to the local "Jam", but I believe wisely declined.<br /><br />Term break continues for another week. I look forward to another challenging term with great anticipation and with renewed care in how I give instructions to my students.<br /><br />All the best to you and your families in 2012.<br /></div></div>Ernie Everetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13942776718406185296noreply@blogger.com0