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Great things we learned today
Posted by Kevin Salwen on 07.14.2010Share
Day two in the villages was marvelous. I won't do as much philosophizing tonight as I did last night but instead would love to share some of what we experienced and learned in the Ghanaian villages.

1. The villages are very proud of their World Cup victory over the US and we've taken our share of good natured ribbing. I played right into it by bringing a USA soccer ball as a hospitality gift and saying "now you can remember who you love to kick." It got a big laugh in English and Twi.

2. We spent some time today with several chiefs, one of whom had donated five acres of his family's land for the community farm and the epicenter building. Late in the conversation, Joan gave the queen mother a photo Joan had taken two years ago (during our prior visit) of the queen mother giving a speech. Up to the moment of Joan's presentation, the queen mother hadn't said a word, but her face lit up when Joan gave her the photo. I believe Joan might just be African royalty now. (Her maiden name is King remember.)

3. We met Vida today, who was unemployed until the Hunger Project came to the villages. Now she has a fish frying stand, sells water and is beginning a farm, all funded by a micro loan from the village bank set up through the epicenter. She has repaid her loan and is clearing about $150 a year, enough to pay her children's school books and uniform fees. More importantly, she is proud of her achievements and eager to do more.

4. Our most striking visual today was the contrast of a simple new cinderblock school building in Otaitro (no lights yet of course since there is no electricity, but a community can hope!). The building is the pride of the village, in large part because it replaced a thatched hut that reminded me of a sad old tiki bar, one in which school was cancelled in bad weather because there were no walls and a holey roof. This is progress.

More tomorrow. Thanks for being with us on the journey.



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