Rotarians of Ho, Ghana extended a warm welcome to two District 7910 Rotarians and four others in their people-to-people tour of Ghana, Togo and Benin in early September.
“The hospitality was tremendous. The people were warm and inviting. It was as if we had known each other for years. We all had the common goal of helping those less fortunate,” said Lita Verrier, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Bedford.
Photo: Ho and Massachusetts Rotarians and friends at the good-by brunch hosted by one of the members.
The Ghanaians threw a dinner party, hosted the seven travelers overnight in their homes, and regaled them again in the morning with a sumptuous brunch. They shared stories, laughter and songs during the events and promised to meet up again in Barcelona at the international convention in June.
A week before, two Ho Rotarians and met up with project leader Susan Tordella at the MacDellar Preparatory School in the Volta Region of Ghana to evaluate the needs at the remote school. Most of the students come from homes where parents are unable to pay minimal tuition, and about 40 students in the K-Grade 8 school of 180, come from isolated islands in Lake Volta.
“There are no government schools on the islands in Lake Volta, one of the largest human-made lakes in the world,” said Tordella, president-elect of the Littleton club. “Island children board at the school, their only opportunity for formal education, and follow a path to avoid subsistence fishing and farming with their parents.”
District 7910 awarded a $3,000 grant to boost the facilities at the school. The Littleton Club, project sponsor, gave $5,000 and the Nashoba Valley Club gave $500. A private foundation, Learning Up, contributed $1,500.
“The need is great in Ghana. Rotary recognizes education is a precious lifelong gift that builds stronger individuals, families, communities and countries,” said Tordella.
Photo: Rotarians and the school principal together after a tour of the campus and discussion of the priorities of the grant. From left are, Bob Williams of Ayer, Simon Awumey, Ho Rotary; Susan Tordella, Littleton Rotary; Mark Tillah, principal of the MacDellar School; and Priscus Ackon, Ho Rotary.
“The two-week tour of Ghana, Togo and Benin offered many memorable person-to-person and cultural opportunities to remind us all that we are part of the world-wide web of humanity. The Rotary connections were authentic and fun, as well as practical because they are planning to join the global grant for further improvements to the school. They provide priceless boots on the ground and local expertise to implement the project.”
To learn more about the Volta Vision for Education project and join the team for the global grant in the works, contact Tordella, susan.tordella@gmail.com, 978-856-2811. Susan will speak at your club, describe some of the students and challenges at the school, and share some fabulous photos of the journey. Reach out to Tordella if you are interested in joining the next small group tour of Ghana and the school.