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

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