I spent an amazing six weeks in Kpando, Ghana during my transition from business school back to work.  My experience caring for the children at Ryvanz-Mia orphanage and teaching Primary 1 at Delta Preparatory School was one that I will never forget.  As a volunteer, I believe that I made a difference in the lives of these children and they made a very large impact on my life as well.

My first impression of Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage was that it was a surprisingly happy place.  Mama Esi (House Mother), Sister Charity (Staff Member), Faustie (Cook), and Venus (Director) have created an environment where these at-risk children are cared for and nurtured.  I felt welcome from the start (the kids were shy for about one minuteJ) and quickly eased into the daily routine. ..

I woke up around 5:45 am each morning to the sound of the children doing their chores.  The children were self sufficient for the most part, but I helped where I could – buttoning the shirt of a school uniform, giving reminders to grab their homework or lunch, or getting the sleepy-eyed moving.  I then led the group on the walk to school around 7-7:30 am, waving to the neighbors along the way.  I was lucky to have four of the children from the orphanage in my class at school and enjoyed teaching Math and English alongside their full-time teacher.  It was also great to have the opportunity to share American stories, songs, and games with the children.  They just could not get enough of The Wheels on the Bus and The Hokey Pokey!  When the children returned home from school in the afternoon (and on the weekends), I helped them with their homework and engaged them in different activities (e.g. coloring, sports, etc.) until dinner time.  To end each day, I read stories to the children or had them practice their reading before helping to put them to bed at 8 pm. 

With 15 children and growing, there was never a dull moment at Ryvanz-Mia!  Their energy was contagious.  I quickly learned that the most important thing I was able to give these little ones as a volunteer was love and attention.  I highly recommend this volunteer experience to anyone who is motivated to make a difference in the lives of the children in Kpando, Ghana.  If you are able to open your mind and heart, you will not be disappointed. 

Michelle Gezo

San Francisco, California

 Ryvanz-Mia Orphanage and Delta Preparatory School, May – June 2009

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