1. TAKORADI 2010

2. About Me McMaster University graduate (Honours BA Political Science 2007) 10-week Ghana project was internship component of post-graduate certification at Humber College (International Development 2010) Limited international experience

3. About our project 5 Humber students Workshop facilitation Focus: United Nations Millennium Development Goals Approx 5 weeks in Takoradi followed by 5 weeks in Koforidua

4. Takoradi

5. Accommodations: Worker’s College

6. Power usually worked but be prepared to bucket shower 50% of the time Laundry: get a set rate at the beginning Try to eat there if possible Noise carries so you might want to bring earplugs

7. Workshops

8. YMCA Workshops

9. OIC Workshops

10. Workshops Speak slowly and clearly in simplified language Ask students to repeat instructions Be interactive! Keep on top of workshop activities (pre-tests and post-tests) You will have to adjust to changing schedules

11. Ghanaian Culture Importance of greetings Invitations: if you invite someone, you pay for them! Attention from men Comments about personal appearance Talking to everyone

12. Community Integration Go for walks Learn some Fante Don’t be afraid to ask questions Ask students about Ghana and Takoradi Attend Church, weddings or funerals if you are invited

13. Trips

14. Cape Coast Castle is a must-see Kakum Canopy Bridge Busua: beach within 30 mins (20 cedi cab ride or cheaper tro-tro ride) African Beach Resort: swimming for 12 cedis

15. Food Red-Red Groundnut soup with chicken

16. Group Dynamics Keep the lines of communication open Don’t gossip University roommate rules Keep an open mind Give people personal space Know the signs of culture shock and how people might react to it Share the workload and work-related responsibilities Consider pooling money for shared expenses (ie. Toilet paper, taxis, water)

17. Challenges Food (eating out constantly) Workload Cross-cultural communication Water and Electricity Laundry Ghanaian time Knowing what a fair price is Technology Mail into Ghana Religion Sundays

18. Recommendations Don’t be afraid of street food (yam, plantain, pancake) Don’t be afraid to say no Ask students if they understand and have them repeat instructions Learn some Fante and don’t be shy about speaking it Pack as much as you can as a group (ie. Books) Split the workshops Go to KQ! Research Ghana as much as you can Read our recommendations from our Final Report Talk to Fred and Augustine Tell your bank you are leaving, and follow-up!

19. Recommendations Go to Church if you are invited Journal or Blog Buy a mosquito net from YCI (if available) Work with the Rotarians Opportunity to network with young professionals We were introduced to a tailor Had the opportunity to attend a Ghanaian wedding

20. Custom-made Clothes!

21. Things to pack Safety pins and rope for your mosquito net, 3M hooks 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner Day pack for day trips! Afterbite Extra memory card or USB stick – beware of viruses Laptop if you have one! Sleep sheet Bradt guide – we found this very helpful Hand sanitizer: you often won’t have water! Crystal Light/fruit bars/comfort food Water bottle Extra notebook and pens …Most things are available in Takoradi

22. Contact Me! E-mail: devonhamilton2@hotmail.comdevonhamilton2@hotmail.com Facebook: Devon Hamilton My blog about pre-departure preparation and life during project in Takoradi and Koforidua: http://www.devongoestoghana.wordpress.com http://www.devongoestoghana.wordpress.com Lisa’s Blog (you will meet her in January!) http://www.lisadalimonte.blogspot.com http://www.lisadalimonte.blogspot.com