An amazing life experience.
This past February I traveled to Kpando Village to volunteer for four weeks at Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage and Delta Preparatory School.
The second I walked through the metal gates, the children stopped what they were doing and greeted me. I didn’t even get to the front door of the orphanage when my suitcases were taken from me to be sent up to my room.
I must say I was a little impressed by the state of the children and the orphanage when I arrived. As you have read, Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage is a privately owned orphanage with only 15 children. The living conditions for the children and volunteers were in far better shape than I had imagined. There was running water, electricity, beds for the children, filtered drinking water. The quality of care given to the children is great, thanks to Mama Esi and her helpers and this woman is truly remarkable for what she has done.
While she converted her house and started the orphanage with money out of her own pocket, it is because of people who volunteer that Mama Esi is able to continue to feed, clothe and care for 15 children.
It was amazing to experience a life that is slower than what I am used to in North America. Consumed by a world of celebrityism, materialism and plastic surgery it was refreshing to be in a country and village where worrying about whether there will be enough food to eat and having a roof over your head was more important than who drives the better car and who’s wearing what designer outfit.
The world would be a far better place if everyone had the respect, kindness, selflessness and faith that the people at Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage and Kpando showed me. These children and those who care for them and everyone I met during my stay were so grateful for everything and for having someone like me and other volunteers come and stay with them. In such a short period of time I felt like part of the family and became very fond of each of the children.
It can often be frustrating when you want to help everyone in need only to realize there is so much that one person possibly could not do it all. What is amazing is the perspective one gets after taking part in such an experience. The children and my time at Kpando changed my outlook on life, my perception of myself and those around me.
I am a much kinder, patient person because of them and I am driven to raise awareness to others of the issues that face the people I met during my stay. It is from those who volunteer who can make a difference, and hopefully volunteers past will encourage others to do the same.
If you are interested in volunteering at Ryvanz-Mia I definitely recommend talking to Venus the Director. He was very helpful in giving me information before I left and knows what supplies and such are needed for the home and children. Also, I strongly recommend getting to know Edward, also known as “Kudjo.” He absolutely loves meeting volunteers and he gives tours for people who are interested.
There is not much more I can say other than I hope you take the opportunity to come to Kpando, meet the children and hopefully make an impact on their lives as they have with mine.
Stephanie
Ontario, Canada