If you'd like to know a bit about what the UCC got up to this Summer then check out our Newsletter for June - August. If you click on the pictures then they will open up bigger for you to read.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Thursday, 20 September 2012
What one of our volunteers had to say
This lovely appraisal featured on the back of one of our recent (anonymous) evaluation forms. We have a good idea who wrote it though, so without mentioning any names, Thank You! and we miss you loads :)
"A friend and I spent a month at the UCC and we were made to feel at home immediately after being greeted by Laura at the airport, and were made to feel at home for the entire duration of our stay. Laura [Volunteer Coordinator], Brendan [Project Manager], Kirstie [Education Coordinator] and Bernard [our cook] were brilliant - it is clear that everyone involved with the project cares deeply for the children. To be part of such a wonderful group of people, doing such good things was an honour.
The children who live at the centre (Abu, Juliana, Asana etc.) are all beautiful children and made our time in Ghana even more special. Teaching the children every day at the school was tough at times, but incredibly rewarding. To see so many children so happy and enjoying being at school every day is an absolute pleasure. The kids asked for homework and would come running up to us the next day to show us their work. To see the progression of the kids, be it small or significant, was most rewarding.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the UCC to others. The people, attitude and ethos of the UCC is remarkable and I shall leave it with fond memories to last me a lifetime."
Tuesday, 4 September 2012
The Olympics: acrostic poems from Class 2
A few weeks ago, as the Olympics kicked off in London, volunteer Jess worked with the students in Class 2 to produce some acrostic poems based on an Olympic theme. The class worked together to come up with a word or phrase for each of the letters in the word 'Olympics' and then worked individually to illustrate the ideas. Pictured below is the work of Sandra and Delali. Old game
London
You compete
Medals
Practise
I will win!
Competition
Stadium
Peter: from mango tree to Moscow
 |
| Assistant Captain Peter (left) in 2004 |
 |
| Peter today |
"Billa took school seriously and he didn't leave us; he kept us [paying for fees] through JHS - my mum couldn't do that alone."
Peter leaves in two weeks to begin his studies at Tambov State University, one of the best medical institutions in Russia. He hopes to become a surgeon in the future and plans to return to Ghana to begin practise. Billa and Future Leaders are very proud of Peter and we wish him the very best of luck!
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Future Leaders Meme
Thanks to volunteers Abigail and Anna, we now have some pretty awesome memes for you to flood the internet with. If you want to share it on Facebook you can find the original post here.
Monday, 20 August 2012
Cooking with Bernard: Part 2
"From my experience, cooking is just making your own thing."
That's the advice of Bernard, the Future Leaders cook. It's volunteer Marie's last day today and she requested some cooking lessons with him so that she can prepare Ghanaian dishes for friends back home in Belgium. It's Bernard's birthday as well so we are cooking enough for some of his friends who are coming over.
Marie is learning how to make kelewele, jolof rice and egg stew, all Ghanian dishes that our volunteers love. You can make them too; they are all very simple to make and use ingredients you can easily find at home.
We usually have jolof with chicken and coleslaw as an evening meal, egg stew alone as lunch and kelewele as a snack. Kelewele also goes well with red sauce (you can find the recipe for that here).
Jolof rice and egg stew sauce all start from the same beginnings . . .
Ingredients (for 6)
1 onion, chopped
2 huge serving spoons tomato paste
salt
rosemary
bay leaf
mixed herbs
vegetable or palm oil for frying
Fry onion in lots of oil
Add tomato paste and a little water and mix well
Continue to stir over a flame until the tomato paste starts to brown
Add a couple of pinches of salt, rosemary, lots of mixed herbs and a bay leaf
To make jolof rice:
Add enough water to the sauce to cook enough rice for 6 people
Cover and leave for the rice to cook
To make egg stew:
Add 6 beaten eggs to the sauce, mix well and leave for a couple of minutes to cook
Cook enough pasta for 6, then mix with the sauce
Kelewele (fried plantain chunks)
Ingredients (for 6)
6 ripe plantains
4 cloves garlic
2 onions
5 inches ginger root
salt
4 fresh chilli peppers with seeds
vegetable or palm oil for frying
How much ginger and chilli you use depends on how hot you like it - this is how Bernard makes it. It's the same with the salt, Bernard uses a pinch per person but you could use less, or add it at the end. You could also add dessicated coconut, cinnamon, lemon juice to the blended mix - whatever takes your fancy.
Cut plantain in half long-ways, and then in to small chunks
Blend the ginger, chilli, garlic and onion with a splash of water in to a smooth paste
Mix the plantain and the paste with salt and leave for 20 mins
Deep fry the plantain in oil, then drain and serve hot
That's the advice of Bernard, the Future Leaders cook. It's volunteer Marie's last day today and she requested some cooking lessons with him so that she can prepare Ghanaian dishes for friends back home in Belgium. It's Bernard's birthday as well so we are cooking enough for some of his friends who are coming over.
Marie is learning how to make kelewele, jolof rice and egg stew, all Ghanian dishes that our volunteers love. You can make them too; they are all very simple to make and use ingredients you can easily find at home.
We usually have jolof with chicken and coleslaw as an evening meal, egg stew alone as lunch and kelewele as a snack. Kelewele also goes well with red sauce (you can find the recipe for that here).
Jolof rice and egg stew sauce all start from the same beginnings . . .
Ingredients (for 6)
1 onion, chopped
2 huge serving spoons tomato paste
salt
rosemary
bay leaf
mixed herbs
vegetable or palm oil for frying
Fry onion in lots of oil
Add tomato paste and a little water and mix well
Continue to stir over a flame until the tomato paste starts to brown
Add a couple of pinches of salt, rosemary, lots of mixed herbs and a bay leaf
To make jolof rice:
Add enough water to the sauce to cook enough rice for 6 people
Cover and leave for the rice to cook
To make egg stew:
Add 6 beaten eggs to the sauce, mix well and leave for a couple of minutes to cook
Cook enough pasta for 6, then mix with the sauce
Kelewele (fried plantain chunks)
Ingredients (for 6)
6 ripe plantains
4 cloves garlic
2 onions
5 inches ginger root
salt
4 fresh chilli peppers with seeds
vegetable or palm oil for frying
How much ginger and chilli you use depends on how hot you like it - this is how Bernard makes it. It's the same with the salt, Bernard uses a pinch per person but you could use less, or add it at the end. You could also add dessicated coconut, cinnamon, lemon juice to the blended mix - whatever takes your fancy.
Cut plantain in half long-ways, and then in to small chunks
Blend the ginger, chilli, garlic and onion with a splash of water in to a smooth paste
Mix the plantain and the paste with salt and leave for 20 mins
Deep fry the plantain in oil, then drain and serve hot
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Feedback on the UCC from the University of Ghana
The University of Ghana send some of their international students from the USA to volunteer at the UCC on their free days. The programme Director Kwasi has written the following write up for Future Leaders, for which we are very grateful and happy to share with our followers:
"International students under the sponsorship of Council of
International Educational Exchange (CIEE) who come to study at University of
Ghana, Legon for either a semester or a year have been undertaking internship,
volunteer and community service projects at Future Leaders Underprivileged Children's Center at Teshie Camp 2 here in Accra for close to 3 years now.
I serve as the Resident Director of CIEE here at University
of Ghana and I am proud to say that every student we have placed at Future
Leaders have had a really rewarding and transformational experience. The
student interns, under the supervision of officials of Future Leaders UCC, have
had a better understanding of the Ghanaian educational system, and are able to
compare the educational systems of the US and Ghana. The experience and
opportunity has made student interns want to pursue their education degrees and
work with marginalized in society as they have learnt that there is potential
in every human person, especially children, and that given the right
opportunity, tutoring and guidance these children become better persons and
will contribute to the growth and development of countries like Ghana.
We at CIEE here at University of Ghana are grateful to
Future Leaders UCC for the educationally transforming experience they give our
student interns."
Kwasi Gyasi-Gyamerah
Resident Director
CIEE Study Centers in Ghana
Office of International Programmes
CIEE Study Centers in Ghana
Office of International Programmes
University of Ghana
Recipe for Plantain Parties
It's like a party in your mouth, and that's why it's every volunteer's favourite dish: Bernard's special Plantain Parties. Here's the recipe for you to try at home; you should be able to find all of the ingredients outside of Ghana.
For the plantain parties (for 4 people)
Plantain, ripe - 6
Onion, chopped - depends on how much you like onion!
Eggs, beaten - 2
Plain flour
Salt
Oil
Mash ripe plantain
Add eggs, onion and a few pinches of salt and mix well
Slowly mix in the flour until the batter becomes quite thick
Deep fry in oil
For the red stew (not so sure on the quantities here - try it by eye)
Oil
Tomato paste - lots!
Beans, cooked (pick your favourite variety, we use red ones) - 2 big cups (maybe a couple of cans of tinned beans; you can also use baked beans)
Chopped onion - 1 big one
Seasoning (1 bay leaf, a big pinch of rosemary, a big pinch of salt)
Fry the onion in a good amount of oil, then stir in three heaped tablespoons of tomato paste
Stir over heat until the tomato paste starts to brown
Add the seasoning and beans
Cook for a few minutes on a low flame until heated through
Any feedback from those who have tried this would be appreciated!
For the plantain parties (for 4 people)
Plantain, ripe - 6
Onion, chopped - depends on how much you like onion!
Eggs, beaten - 2
Plain flour
Salt
Oil
Mash ripe plantain
Add eggs, onion and a few pinches of salt and mix well
Slowly mix in the flour until the batter becomes quite thick
Deep fry in oil
For the red stew (not so sure on the quantities here - try it by eye)
Oil
Tomato paste - lots!
Beans, cooked (pick your favourite variety, we use red ones) - 2 big cups (maybe a couple of cans of tinned beans; you can also use baked beans)
Chopped onion - 1 big one
Seasoning (1 bay leaf, a big pinch of rosemary, a big pinch of salt)
Fry the onion in a good amount of oil, then stir in three heaped tablespoons of tomato paste
Stir over heat until the tomato paste starts to brown
Add the seasoning and beans
Cook for a few minutes on a low flame until heated through
Any feedback from those who have tried this would be appreciated!
Jess's UCC Updates: Reflections from home
Jess, who volunteered at the centre for 9 weeks, has been writing updates throughout her placement at the UCC. Now she is back home in the States (via London for the Olympics!) but here are some excerpts from her final thoughts on her placement in Ghana.
 |
| Jess writing Olympics poems with Class 2 |
"I'm still trying to process exactly how I am feeling about everything I experienced this summer. So many "experiences of a lifetime" I can barely keep track...
This summer, I've acquired a much greater understanding for the 'undeveloped' lifestyle. The friends I've made are not people to pity but are people who just live with lower standards, not because they want to but because that's the way it is... If I could name Accra and Future Leaders UCC in one word, I'd say potential. The area of Africa I visited was bubbling with potential. Potential to be better.
I have taken the role as American Coordinator for [Future Leaders]. I will be heading to different universities throughout the nation, presenting about what I have done this summer and how it is such an incredible opportunity.
It really has changed my life. If any of you ever have questions or comments about what I've done or you feel the urge to get involved, feel free to contact me!"
Hannah's parting thoughts
Hannah finished her placement at the UCC at the end of June, after eight weeks of loveable (and often cheeky) Class 2 students, cashew nuts, mooning over baby goats in the street and a lot of giggles with the other volunteers.
Before she left she wrote a bit about her time here, which I've finally got round to posting up. Like almost all of the volunteers who come here, she left saying she would be back another year. I really hope she can make it back, she was a great teacher and a brilliant person to live with.
My placement at the UCC
"I didn’t really know what to expect when coming to Ghana , but I
ended up having an amazing experience that I will never forget.
 |
| Hannah with some of her Class 2 students |
This was my
first time travelling to a developing country, and it is truly hard to put the
experience into words. The people at UCC create a comfortable, kind and fun
environment as to make the transition from home to Ghana smooth. I found myself
immediately fitting in and feeling comfortable in the living situation.
Ghana as a country is incredible because of the laid back
and relaxed lifestyle, the awesomely positive and friendly people, the animals
roaming around everywhere (especially for someone like me who loves animals), the
many beautiful geographical areas to visit, and the loudest thunderstorms you
will ever hear.
My teaching experience was awesome. I had never done any
real teaching before, and it was great to have the opportunity. It was a
perfect progression to start with 1-1 teaching, and work my way up to teaching
a class. It was the most rewarding feeling when you develop a trusting
relationship with the kids and really feel like they respect you. The best
feeling was when I left the class to go get some pencils and when I came back
the children were all sitting perfectly trying to impress me.
Overall, my two months in Ghana were perfect. It was a great
introduction to developing countries for me and I think that was all due to how
Future Leaders UCC runs their centre and takes care of their volunteers!"
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
This Summer at Future Leaders UCC
UK Trustee Karen Tooley, who came to the UCC in July with three of her 6th Form College pupils, has made a fantastic video about Summer term at the UCC. You can watch it here:
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 3
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 3 (11/06/12)
One aspect of education
that breaks my heart is that there is no component for special needs students.
They are merely ignored unless the student's family or school can pay
1,500cedi ($800) for a teacher or 3,000cedi ($1,600) to be sent to a
specialized school. Right now, the school coordinator (Billa) is trying
to scrounge together money to hire a teacher. I work beside a special
needs student named Jennifer and it is so difficult to watch her time being
wasted as there is no one who knows how to teach a student of her caliber here.
There is also no system set up for these students after they finish
school. If their family passes away, these children will be completely on
their own.
This past weekend I
traveled to Cape Coast with another volunteer (Hannah) and the volunteer
coordinator(Laura). We lounged by the beach, had SHOWERS, and watched the
local fishermen work on the beach. We also visited Cape Coast Castle (the
slave fort). It was disturbing to learn the horrorific events that took
place in this beautiful castle. One cellroom they would take misbehaving
slaves to. After the room was filled with 60 people, they would close off
the room until each one was dead. No food, no water, and surrounded by
others around you who are dead and rotting. Absolutely revolting. I
am so ashamed of this history.
We spent one night in
the east of Kakum National Park. It was a rural area where there were no
other tourists. We got a tour of how the village produces mass amounts of
palm nut oil and cocoa beans. Then, we followed our guide through an hour
and forty minute trek through the rainforest. We arrived just as it was
getting dark to a tree platform 20 feet above ground in the canopy where we
spent the night. Listening to the sounds of monkeys, birds, and other
critters in the darkness gave me a feeling too great for words.
Breathtakingly beautiful.
Wow, what an amazing
week and weekend!
Here is my official plan
for my 9 weeks here in Ghana:
Week 1 - one-on-one
academic tutoring with nursery students
Week 2 -
one-on-one academic tutoring
Week 3 -
one-on-one academic tutoring
Week 4 - assist in
intervention classroom for students who are behind academically (not because of
mental disabilities but merely because of outside factors such as needing to
help the family at home)
Week 5 - teaching
assistant for Brendan (the UK program director)
Week 6 - teaching
assistant
Week 7 - lead teaching
Brendan's classroom
Week 8 - lead
teaching
Week 9 - lead teaching
I will also be working
one-on-one with Kirstie the educational coordinator to discuss how she created
the curriculum for the school. We will be discussing the differences between
Western/ European education and Ghanian education. I will also attend phonics
lessons with the other Ghanaian teachers.
The classroom experience
so far has been incredible. I work daily with the nursery students
teaching them letters, numbers, and word recognition. It has been
challenging to teach - both because I have never had to break addition,
subtraction, and word creation in such a simple light and because I am teaching
these kids in a language they are trying to learn (most speak Twi at home).
I'm greatly looking forward to working with a specific group of students
in a classroom at the end of my time here. It has been challenging to
have to split my time evenly among students during one-on-one time.
One aspect of education
that breaks my heart is that there is no component for special needs students.
They are merely ignored unless the student's family or school can pay
1,500cedi ($800) for a teacher or 3,000cedi ($1,600) to be sent to a
specialized school. Right now, the school coordinator (Billa) is trying
to scrounge together money to hire a teacher. I work beside a special
needs student named Jennifer and it is so difficult to watch her time being
wasted as there is no one who knows how to teach a student of her caliber here.
There is also no system set up for these students after they finish
school. If their family passes away, these children will be completely on
their own.
This past weekend I
traveled to Cape Coast with another volunteer (Hannah) and the volunteer
coordinator(Laura). We lounged by the beach, had SHOWERS, and watched the
local fishermen work on the beach. We also visited Cape Coast Castle (the
slave fort). It was disturbing to learn the horrorific events that took
place in this beautiful castle. One cellroom they would take misbehaving
slaves to. After the room was filled with 60 people, they would close off
the room until each one was dead. No food, no water, and surrounded by
others around you who are dead and rotting. Absolutely revolting. I
am so ashamed of this history.
We spent one night in
the east of Kakum National Park. It was a rural area where there were no
other tourists. We got a tour of how the village produces mass amounts of
palm nut oil and cocoa beans. Then, we followed our guide through an hour
and forty minute trek through the rainforest. We arrived just as it was
getting dark to a tree platform 20 feet above ground in the canopy where we
spent the night. Listening to the sounds of monkeys, birds, and other
critters in the darkness gave me a feeling too great for words.
Breathtakingly beautiful.
I could go on and on.
There is so much great stuff going on overseas. I believe I
captured the most important elements of my week. I hope your summers are
going splendidly and are also filled with adventures! Enjoy!
Love,
Jess
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 10
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 10 (29/07/12)
This
past week was absolutely wonderful. I taught all by myself in the Class 2
and maintained control of the classroom even while mayhem broke loose in the
other classrooms. Exam period just ended and we spent the week preparing
a presentation for Our Day. In Ghana at the end of exams, the students
have a day to themselves that turns into one big dance party where everyone
wears their Sunday best. It's beautiful. This year they added a
little structure and each class gave a presentation. Our class did a play
based on the story of Anasi the spider. They all wore spider masks. This
week, summer school begins. Apparently most of the kids continue going to
school. So, we continue catching up the kids at our school who are behind
in academics. This week I will be teaching a poetry unit.
This
weekend, we had Friday off from school. Laura, Marie, and I left early
Friday morning and checked out the Aburi Botanical Gardens, which had beautiful
trees and vegetation unlike any I've seen before! Then, we headed to the
first cocoa farm in Ghana and had a tour of how it is harvested. On
Saturday, we got up early and went to a glass bead-making workshop through
Global Mamas - an NGO that hires local Ghanaians to produce top-quality clothes
and other items. We went through the entire process - from smashing glass
to putting them in an oven to be fired. Then, we checked out the Akosombo
Dam in the Volta region. Lastly, we headed to Roots Yard, an incredible
hotel run by two incredibly kind Rastafarians. While there, we met two
Belgians who work for rich investors to create farms from scratch. On
Sunday we stopped by their banana plantation and got a personal tour from them.
So cool!
Hope
your summers are continuing to go well!
Less
than a week left in Ghana. So much left to do!
This
past week was absolutely wonderful. I taught all by myself in the Class 2
and maintained control of the classroom even while mayhem broke loose in the
other classrooms. Exam period just ended and we spent the week preparing
a presentation for Our Day. In Ghana at the end of exams, the students
have a day to themselves that turns into one big dance party where everyone
wears their Sunday best. It's beautiful. This year they added a
little structure and each class gave a presentation. Our class did a play
based on the story of Anasi the spider. They all wore spider masks. This
week, summer school begins. Apparently most of the kids continue going to
school. So, we continue catching up the kids at our school who are behind
in academics. This week I will be teaching a poetry unit. 
This
weekend, we had Friday off from school. Laura, Marie, and I left early
Friday morning and checked out the Aburi Botanical Gardens, which had beautiful
trees and vegetation unlike any I've seen before! Then, we headed to the
first cocoa farm in Ghana and had a tour of how it is harvested. On
Saturday, we got up early and went to a glass bead-making workshop through
Global Mamas - an NGO that hires local Ghanaians to produce top-quality clothes
and other items. We went through the entire process - from smashing glass
to putting them in an oven to be fired. Then, we checked out the Akosombo
Dam in the Volta region. Lastly, we headed to Roots Yard, an incredible
hotel run by two incredibly kind Rastafarians. While there, we met two
Belgians who work for rich investors to create farms from scratch. On
Sunday we stopped by their banana plantation and got a personal tour from them.
So cool!
It's
been an incredible 8 weeks. I'm sad it is coming to a close but thoughts
of seeing my friends and family are also exciting. So bittersweet.
Sweetening the deal is the three day trip to London where I get to hang
out with one of my good friends Matt and go to the Olympics! This summer
still seems like a dream. I have learned so much about myself, changed my
perspective about life in general, and figured out how to feel comfortable
traveling. I know how to plan what I want to do and do it. It's
quite a gift to be able to be travel and to be not intimidated to explore the
world by myself in the future.
Hope
your summers are continuing to go well!
Love,
Jess
P.S.
Attached is a picture with me and Class 2, a student looking snazzy for
Our Day, me putting molds of beads into the oven, the beads we made from
scratch and me on the
banana plantation.
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 9
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 9 (23/07/12)
13
days left until London.This past week, I celebrated my 21st birthday in Ghana. What a day it was. It began with special chocolate pancakes. Yum. During morning assembly, the students sang a beautiful happy birthday song to me. At this point I got so emotional I had to work very hard to hold back the tears at the thought of leaving these kids I have grown to love so much! One of the boys I've been working with, Nelson, presented me a gigantic card the kids had made for me. So sweet! Throughout the day, I received little presents from the friends I've made here. In Ghana, birthdays are not as highly celebrated as back in the US. The one major tradition they have is pouring holy water on the person. So, throughout the day I had many cups of water thrown at me.
The teaching experience this week has been incredible. The educational coordinator has been working one-on-one with me to improve my performance every day. In general, I tend to focus on areas I need to improve on and neglect attention to the areas I am better at. This is problematic because it means I improve in the areas I need to but also change my positive habits of teaching. With Kirstie's help, I've made many strides. I've come to realize that discipline is necessary to further the learning of the students. If a classroom is not under control, the students cannot learn to their highest ability. With this mindset I am much more prone to successful classroom control. With Kirstie's coaching, I've been able to identify the progress I've made in just a few short weeks. So cool!
Unfortunately, I've also gotten quite sick this weekend. The past 5 days have not been pretty to say the least. I'm finally feeling better and hope to be back in the classroom tomorrow.
I've attached a few pictures of from the afternoon school and my birthday.
Love,
Jess
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 8
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 8 (16/07/12)
And
the time keeps on ticking... 19 more days in Ghana!!!!
This
week was a big one for me in terms of teaching. I led phonics lessons
every day in class 2 and also ran the introduction and other random segments of
class - math problems on grouping, spelling problems, multiplication, and etc.
One day, Brendan could not attend class so I took over fully. I was
amazed! The kids all listened to me and it went incredibly smoothly!
It's been a week full of ups and downs in regards to teaching and I am
just so thankful to get this experience leading a class. It is definitely
going to make me feel more comfortable when I start working towards my teaching
certification this fall.
On
the weekend, one of my friends and I travelled to Kumasi - a city northwest of
Accra. It had a derelict European feel to it, definitely different than
Accra. We checked out a kente weaving village just outside the city as
well as the market directly in the city. The market was absolutely insane
and never ending. At one point we were completely lost, dodging our way
through the meat section and almost getting hit in the head by a man carrying a
plate of cow heads. Ew. On the last day we checked out the cultural
centre and I had an hour long painting lesson, which was definitely my favourite
part of the trip.
I've
attached a picture of a man working at a loom at the weaving village Bonwire
and me painting.
Love,
Jess
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 7
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 7 (09/07/12)
This
week our project director, Billa, told us the story of how Future Leaders UCC
was created. In 1998, Billa began teaching kids roaming the streets
under a mango tree. Through word of mouth, more and more kids began
arriving until there were over 80 kids sitting under the tree! After
teaching all morning and coaching soccer all afternoon, Billa would work until
11pm each night to pay for school supplies for the children. Many
criticized him for not using his college education to get a high-paying job,
but he did what he felt compelled to do; to make it easier for kids to get an
education that came from a background like his. He did not want their
path to be as hard as his was, so he gave everything he had to help these
children. 10 years later, he attracted the attention of a charity in England
and has built a proper school with over 150 children. I am in awe of
Billa. He still gives literally every penny to the kids. That is
the kind of person I want to be.
Last
week, I began as teacher assistant in Brendan's classroom. Brendan is an
incredible teacher; he keeps classroom control while maintaining a fun
atmosphere. So happy to get some hands on classroom experience. Let
the learning begin!
Three
and a half weeks left! Ahhhhhh! Time is flying by!
This
week our project director, Billa, told us the story of how Future Leaders UCC
was created. In 1998, Billa began teaching kids roaming the streets
under a mango tree. Through word of mouth, more and more kids began
arriving until there were over 80 kids sitting under the tree! After
teaching all morning and coaching soccer all afternoon, Billa would work until
11pm each night to pay for school supplies for the children. Many
criticized him for not using his college education to get a high-paying job,
but he did what he felt compelled to do; to make it easier for kids to get an
education that came from a background like his. He did not want their
path to be as hard as his was, so he gave everything he had to help these
children. 10 years later, he attracted the attention of a charity in England
and has built a proper school with over 150 children. I am in awe of
Billa. He still gives literally every penny to the kids. That is
the kind of person I want to be.
His
story spoke to me like no other. I am determined to continue with this
project long after I leave Ghana; Billa suggested I become the American
Volunteer Coordinator and I think I will. I would love to continue
spreading the word, raising money, and sharing about my experience here.
Last
week, I began as teacher assistant in Brendan's classroom. Brendan is an
incredible teacher; he keeps classroom control while maintaining a fun
atmosphere. So happy to get some hands on classroom experience. Let
the learning begin!
On
Saturday, there was tennis tournament fundraiser for Future Leaders at the
British High Embassy. We brought a couple of the kids that live at the
school along as a treat. Watching them have their first experiences on a
trampoline, on the swings, and working on their swimming skills was beautiful.
Attached
is a picture of Bill and I under the first mango tree he taught under and the kids with their papier-mâché
balloons we made in afternoon school (which we will paint later this week).
Best,
Jess
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 6
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 6 (03/07/12)
This
week the two boys I have been working with, Nelson and Nakki, continued to make
steady improvement on learning the alphabet. Teaching is so full of ups
and downs. Sometimes, I am beaming with pride and some days I am scowling
with frustration. I sure have grown a soft spot for these two.
Starting
tomorrow I will be acting as teaching assistant in the classroom with Brendan.
I have worked with the staff to change around my placement in order to
continue working with the two boys. Unfortunately, I cannot do everything
and have decided to pass along the phonics work to another group of volunteers.
Hello!
4
and a half weeks left in Ghana. Wow. I am nowhere near ready to
come home.
This
week the two boys I have been working with, Nelson and Nakki, continued to make
steady improvement on learning the alphabet. Teaching is so full of ups
and downs. Sometimes, I am beaming with pride and some days I am scowling
with frustration. I sure have grown a soft spot for these two.
I
also worked with two groups in the intervention classroom on phonics.
It's been fun to help them connect the parts of words together with the
sounds we've practiced. There's nothing better than seeing them sound out
the word and then identify it! I really enjoy working with the older
students and helping them gain the confidence needed to learn to read.
Starting
tomorrow I will be acting as teaching assistant in the classroom with Brendan.
I have worked with the staff to change around my placement in order to
continue working with the two boys. Unfortunately, I cannot do everything
and have decided to pass along the phonics work to another group of volunteers.
This
weekend, I travelled with a small group of volunteers to Wli Falls, Tafi Atome
Monkey Sanctuary, and Roots Yard. This is my first weekend where a staff
member from Future Leaders did not come and it went very smoothly! It was
neat to lead the group from one tro tro station to the next and to eventually
get to the right destination. Wli Falls was the most beautiful waterfall
I've ever seen. It was incredible to stand under it and feel the water
coming down at such a high pressure it felt like ice pellets.
I've
attached a picture of Naki and I sorting out the alphabet (which he couldn't
recognize merely two weeks ago!) and me at Wli Falls.
Best,
Jess
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 5
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 5 (26/06/12)
Sunday
I went to church with Bernard. It was fascinating to compare Ghanaian
religion to what I've seen in the states. At the end of the ceremony,
they had me come up to the front and say what my name is, where I am from, and
what I was doing there. I felt very uncomfortable but am glad I pushed
myself!
I
have also been working hand in hand with the educational coordinator, Kirstie,
who has an incredible knowledge base for the British educational system, the
Ghanaian educational system, and how to implement a curriculum. She
is working with me on how to attach letter sounds to a movement and then how to
connect these sounds to help students with reading. She is working with
the Ghanaian teachers on phonics as well. 
Hey!
This
week I feel completely comfortable for the first time. I know what I'm
doing and am figuring out how to spend my time. I am beginning to take
advantage of the connections I have at Future Leaders UCC. Every week I
want to spend an hour with the girls who work at the sewing centre and the hair
salon downstairs. One night I learned how to make a traditional dish
called red red with our cook, Bernard, and also learned how to make a
westernized version of a plantain dumpling.
Sunday
I went to church with Bernard. It was fascinating to compare Ghanaian
religion to what I've seen in the states. At the end of the ceremony,
they had me come up to the front and say what my name is, where I am from, and
what I was doing there. I felt very uncomfortable but am glad I pushed
myself!
This
week I am quite proud of the progress I've made with the new student. He
knows his letters from a - l. Before he knew nothing. I feel like a
proud mother. This week I will be working with him for half an hour every
day, then spend half an hour with another new student, and for the rest of the
time I will be working on phonics lessons with an intervention classroom for
students who are behind academically.
I
have also been working hand in hand with the educational coordinator, Kirstie,
who has an incredible knowledge base for the British educational system, the
Ghanaian educational system, and how to implement a curriculum. She
is working with me on how to attach letter sounds to a movement and then how to
connect these sounds to help students with reading. She is working with
the Ghanaian teachers on phonics as well. 
I
am amazed by how much the three staff members do here. It is neat to see
exactly how the small, grassroots organization is done. The three of them
take care of absolutely everything. Being a part of the behind the scenes
work, such as reviewing and editing the new website, has been an incredible
experience. I'm definitely learning a lot about non-profits!
I've
attached a couple photos of an adorable kid who insisted I take a picture
of him by the beach, and Bernard and I cooking, and me and a couple of the boys
serving lunch. Enjoy!
Best,
Jess
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 4
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 4 (18/06/12)
Some
of the fun things I've checked out in Accra this past week are the Makola
Cultural and Art Market. I took a drumming lesson and visited Nima (a
slum within Accra). In Nima, we checked out a French/English school and
met with a Togolese chief. It was fascinating to hear the story of his
people's emigration from Togo to Ghana and to hear more about the
immigration hub-cap of Accra.
Hello
again,
I
can't believe it is already week 3. Time sure does fly by here.
At
the end of last week and the beginning of this week, I transitioned from
working one-on-one with the nursery students to working one-on-one with an
older, new student. The adolescent boy just moved to Accra from the
eastern Volta region. He does not know his numbers, letters, and barely
knows English. Thus, it has been a major challenge to try to catch him up
with even the nursery students.
Some
of the fun things I've checked out in Accra this past week are the Makola
Cultural and Art Market. I took a drumming lesson and visited Nima (a
slum within Accra). In Nima, we checked out a French/English school and
met with a Togolese chief. It was fascinating to hear the story of his
people's emigration from Togo to Ghana and to hear more about the
immigration hub-cap of Accra.
This
past weekend, the four other program members and I travelled 3 hours
in a tro tro (an overstuffed van) and took a boat to a remote beach area where
the Volta lake and Atlantic Ocean meet. There was no one else at the
resort and it was incredibly relaxing to lounge in the sun, read, and journal
all weekend.
Still
loving life out in Ghana!
Best,
Jess
P.S.
I attached a picture of the welcome from the French/English school, Hannah and
I with the Togolese chief and children in his tribe, and of my drum lesson.
I
forgot to forward along the new volunteer website for Future Leaders UCC.
I am quoted on the home page and am in the first picture under 2012. :)
Neat
to be having such an impact out here!
Jess
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 2
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 2 (06/06/12)
Hey
all,
I
hope all is going well! So much has happened since the day I arrived.
I cannot believe it is only my fourth day. I am already beginning
to get adjusted to my new life in Ghana. I can honestly say I love it
here and I am so incredibly happy.
Right
now, I am sitting on the balcony, overlooking the Camp 2 area in Accra.
There is a slight breeze, just enough to cool me down in this 87 degree,
humid weather. I love it here. I am surrounded by palm trees.
I see women walking around with huge baskets of water, fish heads, fresh
fruit, and many other items on their heads in large bowls and on platters.
I hear the pounding of fufu in the distance (casava root pounded into dough
and served in soup). There are sheep and goats roaming the dirt streets. Merely
10 minutes ago I saw a little boy chasing a large herd down the street with a
stick. Yesterday I had two fresh, perfectly ripe mangoes from the fruit
lady. I might go get another one before dinner. It costs about a dollar.
Everywhere I look I see little children running around and playing.
Unlike in the states, the kids here roam the streets constantly. It is
not seen as neglect but merely is the way of life. It is like another
world here. A much more relaxed way of life where one is never rushed but
always has time to chat and have a long conversation.I really lucked out. My program is incredible. My peers are great traveling buddies and really understanding of what I am experiencing. This program is super ethical and truly all about the kids. I’m so inspired.
On
Tuesday I began my first day helping in classes. The academic system here is
incredibly different. Children only go to school from 9-12 or 1 on some
days. There is much less order. The focus is on rote memorization
rather than critical thinking. The level of student ability ranges
greatly. Sometimes the students understand barely any English, but most
of the students know their alphabet, numbers, and are beginning to learn to
read. I feel a bit overwhelmed about how much needs to be done and how
little I can realistically do. The children, however, make every day
worth it. They are wonderful and fully open their hearts to the
volunteers. They're teaching me a bit of the local language every day and
always greet me with big hugs, special handshakes, and by shouting out
"madam, madam, madam".
Unfortunately,
there are also some major struggles:
1.
an absurd amount of attention anytime I go on the streets
2.
the heat
3.
the smell of open sewers when I walk on the side of the street
4.
getting used to the CRAZY transportation system (they stuff approximately 24
people in vans called tro tros)
There
is so much to say. I could go on and on about my experiences here. How
challenging my first shower was using two pails of water, what it's like
drinking water out of bags, having ice cream come from a bag, seeing random
packages of biscuits with Obama's face on them, randomly seeing lizards and cockroaches,
etc. But, I will stop here.
Best,
Jess
P.S. I've
attached a photo of the view from my balcony and of me and one of my favourite
students (Sarah).
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 1
Jess from Maine USA, volunteered at the UCC for 9 weeks from this June. Jess was a fantastic volunteer, starting out teaching students one-to-one, working especially with two boys who arrived with no knowledge of the alphabet, reading or writing. Then she progressed on to whole class teaching, taking Class 2 lessons on her own at the end of her placement. She also spent time with our Education Coordinator Kirstie learning about our curriculum and how Kirstie worked to take the best from the Ghanaian and English curriculums to create the one we use in our school today.
Jess was a great volunteer who is missed by all the staff and children at the UCC. She has even offered to represent the UCC in the USA to promote the work of the centre and the volunteer programme which supports it, which is amazing!
Jess wrote weekly updates for her friends and family whilst she was at the centre; I've posted them here for prospective volunteers to get an idea of what the volunteer experience at the UCC is like.
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 1 (30/05/12)
Jess was a great volunteer who is missed by all the staff and children at the UCC. She has even offered to represent the UCC in the USA to promote the work of the centre and the volunteer programme which supports it, which is amazing!
Jess wrote weekly updates for her friends and family whilst she was at the centre; I've posted them here for prospective volunteers to get an idea of what the volunteer experience at the UCC is like.
Jess's UCC Updates: Part 1 (30/05/12)
Hey
all,
Summer has finally arrived!
I hope all is well wherever you are. As you know, the summer
holds many adventures for me. I am fortunate to have received
the Preston Grant through the Career Planning Center at Bowdoin. To
earn this grant I had to create a plan to serve an "underprivileged
community" in any part of the world. With this vague guideline I did
a ton of individual work to create a succinct, doable plan for the summer.
I connected with an organization in Accra, Ghana called Future
Leaders UCC, which serves a poor section of Accra named Teshie. Because
students have to pay for school supplies, uniforms, and transportation to
school many students cannot attend. This school was created because of
the large amount of street orphans roaming around in the La region (in the east
of Accra). The school takes in these students and assists them all the
way through college. It is a small organization made up of only 10 staff
members, so my help should be very beneficial. At the moment there is one
other volunteer named Hannah and seven more should be arriving throughout the
summer. I'm super pumped to be a part of this small, grass roots
organization and get a taste of international education!
I will begin by assisting a teacher in a classroom and slowly
transition to running my own classroom in the small 6-room school house.
I will also be working with the educational coordinator to assist with
curriculum development and helping out with after school art and soccer
activities.
Here's the organization's website if you want to learn more.
Love,
Jess
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Welcome to the blog of Future Leaders Underprivileged Children's Centre (UCC)
About Future Leaders UCC
Running for over 14 years, Future Leaders Underprivileged Children’s Centre is a free educational and sports programme based in Accra, Ghana. The UCC is a registered Ghanaian NGO, dedicated to integrating out-of-school youth into the formal education system and promoting vocational training for young adults at their sewing centre and beauty salons. The UCC is managed by the Ghanaian project founder, Billa Mamud, in conjunction with a registered UK charity of the same name.
The UK charity (also called Future Leaders UCC), provides volunteers and financial support to the Centre in Ghana. They exist to ensure that the Ghanaian project can continue to develop. Money from their Volunteer Programme and Sponsor a Child scheme goes towards the running costs of the Centre.
Once children graduate from the UCC the programme endeavours to place them in local government schools. Whilst the Ghanaian state schooling system is advertised as 'free', students must still pay fees to cover desk, classroom and textbook use, exams and registration and pay for a uniform and transport. The Akosua Foundation based in the Netherlands also runs a Sponsor a Child scheme which provides funding to send children in to mainstream education.
What will you find on our blog?
Here we will be posting about the project and about the school, the volunteers, and day to day life here at the Centre. To get regular updates from Ghana why not join our Facebook group here.
Find out more
You can visit our websites for more information:
www.futureleaders-ucc.org for info about the Centre
www.volunteerucc.org for info about the Volunteer Programme
www.stichingakosua.org for info about the Akosua Foundation
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