Projects Abroad Témoignages

In June 2005, I spent three months volunteering with Projects Abroad in Ghana, teaching at two schools in the Akuapem Hills. I enjoyed my time so much that I decided that I would have to return to Ghana at some point in the future.

The following year, in March 2006, I took part in a local fun run to raise money for the two schools that I volunteered at. I managed to raise £1000, which was split between the two schools.

Then, in April 2007, I returned to Ghana for 10 days during the Easter break. It was great to see so many of the people that I knew from my placement two years earlier; the family I stayed with, the teachers and children at the school and so many of the local residents who I had become such good friends with. It reminded me of the warmth and kindness that the people of Ghana show to whoever may cross their path.

What pleased me the most though was to see the how the money I had raised for the schools had been spent. One of the schools, the Young Souls Academy in Mamfe, had built a whole new JSS (Junior Secondary School) block for the children to learn in. It was amazing to think that the money I had raised had gone so far and had provided better facilities for so many children. Alex, the school proprietor, even asked me if I would agree to them naming the new school block after me, an honour that will remain with me forever.

I will always remember the fantastic experiences that I had in Ghana with Projects Abroad in 2005 and am delighted that I have been able to help the children in Ghana further by raising funds for a new school block. I look forward to hopefully returning again at some point in the future.

Matthew Baker