Dream Comes to an End!

Hi Everyone!
This is by no means a cheerful blog. I know many of you have been wondering where I've been for the last month. The fact is, there are so many problems on the Buduburam Refugee Camp that I don't even know where to start.

This country is so political and corrupt, and as I've told you, it's going to get very dangerous in this country prior to the December 2008 elections. Tensions have hit almost a boiling point here, and daily there are army helicopters flying overhead. It is widely speculated that there will be a cout d etat in this country soon, and a violent one. Good thing I'll be getting out of here at the end of April.

This is effecting the Liberian refugees greatly as the current government doesn't give a damn about their welfare. President Kufour has even sent army and police on camp regularly to arrest all the men over 15 years of age, accusing them of being rebels used to overthrow the government. There are cases of beatings, rape and murder on camp that are not being investigated. There are reports of young children being murdered for sacrificial purposes. You have to be in Africa to understand the twisted and barbaric ritualistic traditions that still grip so-called prosperous African countries like Ghana!

So, being an International Volunteer with connections to the International world, the camp manager, a Ghanaian, has ordered me to never return to camp. It seems I pose a serious threat to the Ghanaian police's wicked control over the 40,000 refugees who call Buduburam home. They fear Internationals will talk to the outside world about the atrocities that are occurring on camp. Many Volunteers have fallen victim to this. Doctors, dentists, nurses, teachers, journalists have all faced harassment and even threats by the Ghanaian police on camp, and in particular the camp manager. Materials, including medical supplies have been confiscated by police and they have been handed out to Ghanaians, instead of the refugee population who so desperately need them.

So, to make things short, I no longer travel to work on camp. I'm totally heartbroken, because I have made an impact in the short time I was there. My Grade 5 class, the SMART KIDS, the Adult Literacy group and the NGO volunteers all miss the white girl who cares so much for them. But I continue to do my work from my comfy room at home. I must address the plight of my Liberian brothers and sisters to the world. After all, no country is ever immune to war. And when it hits, we all need wonderful and caring people like the ones I have met at Buduburam. I am so humbled to have met and worked with so many Liberians. They have all experienced so much trauma in their lives and yet they are some of the most warm and peaceful people I have spent time with. We could all learn a great deal from our Liberian brothers and sisters.

Peace,
Heather

Living My Dream!!

Hi to Everyone!
I wanted to inform you about the new blog address I have added to my list of web links; I have added the link to the PAN AFRICAN CENTER FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION. This is an organization that I am working with at the Liberian Refugee Camp here in Ghana and I have undertaken a number of roles with them. One of the most profound activities I perform at Buduburam includes teaching an Adult Literacy group of older men and women. These are refugees who have never learned to read or write until now. Absolutely priceless group of people. I have a blast with them! There's one particular old man in the group who is quite a brilliant learner. I can only imagine what this gentleman could have been had he had the chance to go to school as a child.

But the ultimate role I have on the camp is my work with former Liberian Child Soldiers. I AM SO PUMPED! This is my life's dream, and here I am living it. Now, these are no longer young boys however. They were recruited as Child Soldiers over a decade ago during Liberia's civil war and they are now in their late 20's and early 30's. A very dynamic group of young men and each with their own traumatic stories. The Pan African Center provides counseling, Peace Education and mediation for these young men. They also have their own Agricultural Project going that allows them to grow food for the local community. The farming project is amazing and it's quite an experience to see these young men working the land and cooking meals! I cherish my time with these boys!

And on Saturdays, I work with the SMART KIDS project. These kids fit their title for sure. Brilliant little minds, but once again, they all share traumatic stories. I lead them in creative writing, drama, spelling bees, news broadcasting, music, and a number of other activities. Wonderful group of children! And they all have a passion to learn about Canada!

I would like to share with you a letter from a student of mine from SMART KIDS. I had each child write me a letter explaining their stories and I had them ask me any questions they wanted to know regarding me and my country .

Here's what one young boy wrote to me:

Dear Heather:
By way of introduction I am James S.Momo Jr. I am 11 years of age. I was born in Ivory Coast in the year 1996 August. I am a Liberian. I have been on this settlement for 8 to 9 years,I say 8 to 9 years because May 28, 2008 will make me nine years. I am the Vice President of SMART KIDS. I attend the St. Gregory Catholic School. The school I attend is near my house. I am in the 7th grade class. I am one of the best students in my class. My hobbies are reading and studying. I love to play soccer. I don't like to fail in my lesson. Whenever I fail I begin to cry. The name of my parents are James Momo and Argbah M. Morlu. My father is in Liberia and my mother is in Ghana with me. I have three brothers and two sisters. I want to be a silver engineer. My happiest moment in my life was when I was awarded as the best student in my class. My question I have for you is does Canada have many Liberians? Do people die from hunger as we do in Africa?
Sincerely Yours,
James S. Momo Jr.

I shed a few tears reading all these letters. There are thousands more stories like this on the camp. Sure makes me reflect on how fortunate I am!

Peace,
Heather

2 Blogs to Enjoy!

Hi Everyone!
Just to let you all know, I have posted two new blogs for you to enjoy. My Birthday celebration of course, and my Christmas holidays. However, to view my holiday blog, you need to scroll down a few blogs until you reach the one entitled, "Long Awaited Blog"

Hope U Enjoy!

Love Heather

African Birthday!

Hello Everyone!
Well, my first Birthday in Africa was an everlasting experience! For my 27th, Prosper and I celebrated in style. We had dinner at the famous La Palm Golden Beach Hotel. This is a gorgeous hotel right on the ocean, with many important faces having vacationed here, including Bill Clinton a few years past. Prosper had a local seamstress make two beautiful Ghanaian outfits for me – one a beautiful embroidered purple top and trousers, and the other a class Ghanaian print in a top and trousers. So we celebrated like a classic Ghanaian couple!

Dinner was an interesting experience! When push comes to shove, Prosper will always choose to eat his local dishes over my “obruni” food. So, we made the night a Ghanaian-Canadian celebration. Prosper patiently watched as I devoured my plates full of Continental Buffet and Pineapple Juice. After the staff sang me a Ghanaian “Happy Birthday “and Prosper paid the tab, we then took a stroll under the enormous palm trees over to “Ghanaian Village”. This is a section of the hotel that sits right on the sandy beach and hosts guests to traditional Ghanaian dishes. Prosper topped his plate up with goat meat, fish, banku and veggies. After dinner, we watched a live band and African dancers perform. Absolutely beautiful location for any celebration!!

So I have now been a guest at the two most posh hotels in Accra – La Palm and the Golden Tulip! Very pricey however!! Just to put it in perspective, a soda for me was 2 Cedi. Prosper’s Star beer was 3.80 Cedi. And the Continental Buffet was a whopping 32 Cedi. Not to mention the hefty price for a taxi to and from the hotel. So in other words, this is a place to visit once in a blue moon! Unfortunately, these are places most Ghanaians could only dream of visiting. The average person, making less than a dollar a day, would need to work over three months to afford the bill for our night out!



























All right, the Ghana Black Stars just scored a goal at the Nation's Cup! Ghana is hosting 15 other teams in the soccer championship. The streets are crazy here! They could rival Oiler fans during the playoffs! Totally awesome!

Take Care! Love U All!

Peace,
Heather

"Bye Teacha Heatha!"

Hello Everyone!
I know, I know! You are all eager to know what's going on here in Accra. But you know, the electricity situation is so-so at the moment. For instance, I had to travel just to try and post my blog, but it's not even working at the new and modern cafe. So better luck tomorrow I guess!

Well actually, tomorrow I am taking off! Absolutely no work! It's my 27th birthday and Prosper and I are going out on the town! I will be decked out in traditional Ghanaian dress! I can't wait! Prosper is taking me to La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. It's a gorgeous and tremedously popular spot in Accra! Very posh!!

Fantastic news!! The new school we are building (THANKS TO ALL OF YOUR DONATIONS!!) is coming together. The structure is up and things are looking awesome! I can't wait until it's all finished and I can work with the kids in the new classroom!

I have to share this with you - I came to the school for a visit, after not seeing the kids since before Christmas! I walk in and the children freak out! "Teacha Heatha" "Teacha Heatha" "Look at my shoes, look at my shoes!" They all love the new shoes I gave them for Christmas! As I am talking to people, one lady tells me that a plane flew over the school the day before and all the kids were waving and shouting "Bye Teacha Heatha!" They all thought I was on the airplane going home! So they were even more excited when I walked into the school! Lasting Memories!!

Alright, I better be off! The manager of the cafe is racking up on my Cedi here! Cheap in Canadian terms, but very expensive in Ghanaian terms! I will once again struggle to post pictures of everything! Come hell or high water, the blogs will appear! I promise!

Take Care, All My Love!

Peace,
Heather

Long Awaited Blog!!

Hello Everyone!
Yes, it’s been a long time coming, but I have finally posted a bunch of photos from the holiday season. It has been crazy busy here for me, and it’s only going to get busier! I hope you are all doing great and keeping active – mind and spirit!!

Fantastic news – the new school is being built as we speak! The structure is up and the kids are getting excited. I am going to have a painter come and design some pictures of classic Disney characters on the school walls. This will attract more families to the school and hopefully enrol more children into the program! I am so pumped! I believe this is the best way I can make a lasting impact in the community.





Many of you are asking how it is going at the Refugee Camp. I am not living on camp, as I have decided to stay in Accra and commute to Buduburam three days a week. Cheaper, and of course, I can`t be too far from Prosper!! I`ve only just begun my time at the camp. Having malaria twice over the course of the last month and a half has kept me rather drained. But I`m back in action and doing what I love!! Currently my busy schedule includes working with former Liberian Child Soldiers, teaching an Adult Literacy Program, and teaching a Class 5 group of students. To top it all off, I am Program Coordinator for Pan African Center and I am responsible for creating and distributing a camp-wide newspaper that addresses important camp information.

All right, enough text! Here's some pics!

Pics from the Christmas Celebration with my school kids! They were as pleased as punch! It felt so good! I had a couple of parents in tears!!

This is Kofi, the proprietor for Idea and Ideology. He is a dedicated volunteer and a wonderful friend!





















Prosper and I traveled to the Volta Region for Christmas! Gorgeous once again! We spent time with his family and friends!

A Continent of Demo'crazy"

Hello to Everyone!
I had a wonderful blog that I was about to share with you describing my holiday travels. But there are a number of global issues that have had an incredible impact on me over the course of the last few weeks and I feel compelled to discuss them. First there was Benazir Bhutto’s assassination that disturbed me greatly, and now the crisis in East Africa. I know many of you follow the news and I am sure you are up to date on what is unfolding in Kenya. However, if there’s one thing I have learned as a member of African society, it is that no news report can compare to actually living in these countries and facing these situations head on.

Let me inform you on the issue. Over 350 people have died and 250,000 people are homeless in Kenya as a result of the recent political elections. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has accused President Mwai Kibaki of manipulating or "rigging" the recent election. Now although this is a political election, there is a great deal of tribal undertones affecting this democratic process. You need to understand that in Africa, tribal affiliations outweigh everything. It doesn’t matter how intelligent you are, how honest you are, or the fundamental ideas you have to offer to democracy; what matters is the origin of your family name, and essentially which tribe you belong to.

Prosper and I have been following this very closely. In many ways, this event mirrors the images we all saw in 1994 during the Rwandan Genocide. Once again, like the Hutus and Tutsis, we are now witnessing bloodshed between the two majority tribes in Kenya, the Kikuyu (President Kibaki's tribe) and the Luo (Mr Odinga's tribe). What is so disturbing is the fact that Kenya was once the beacon of hope for the continent. Kenya’s peace and economic stability has long been something Africa could proudly boast. However, like so many before, we are now seeing this country follow in the footsteps of Somalia, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo, just to name a few.

Reports have indicated many horrific eyewitness accounts. Rape, looting, torture and killing are mentioned daily on news reports. One specific incident has left a disturbing impact on me. Over 50 people, mostly women and children burned to death in a church in Nairobi (Kenya’s capital). A mob trapped these people inside the church and then set fire to it. Journalists report daily that many civilians are trying desperately to speak Swahili (widespread language throughout much of East and Southern Africa) as to help mask their native language. This is so that the killers will not be able to tell which tribe they belong to. Another eyewitness report indicated 4 civilians being hacked to death in the streets. And killers have resorted to using water guns filled with kerosene to ignite people on fire. Mobs are even asking for the tribal affiliations of aid workers in order to eliminate as many of the minority as possible. Thousands of people have fled to neighbouring Uganda to seek safety. And a once vibrant economy has been shattered. People are starving to death because they cannot venture out of their homes to gather food from their farmlands.

I count myself extremely fortunate and I believe I had a guardian angel guiding me in my decision process before coming to this beautiful continent. You see, Kenya was a country I was seriously considering moving to. Mombasa, Kenya (you may recall the bombing on the U.S embassy in 1998) was an area I considered teaching at, and it is an area that is facing mass atrocities at the moment. But thank God I stayed clear of East Africa. You see, I am putting serious thought into writing my own book that brings clear some critical issues that all volunteers, travelers, missionaries, etc need to consider prior to coming to Africa. One of the first things I would highlight would be a warning to all travelers to stay clear of countries that are facing political elections. Africa has a deep history of violence in election years.

I cannot emphasize this enough – although I am in Ghana, the political situation in this country is quickly following in the footsteps of Kenya. Ghana is seen to the world as a peaceful and economically prosperous country, however this is not at all the case. You need to live here to understand. Ghana is as corrupt as any African country, and heading into a political year (Ghana’s political elections are in December 2008), we are seeing many similarities to war-ravaged countries like Rwanda and Sierra Leone. I fear for Ghana! President Kufour and other political aspirants are quick to praise democracy in Ghana, but this is only lip service. How can a democracy flourish when 70% of the population is illiterate, when the average citizen makes less than a dollar a day, when young men and women with Masters and PHD’s cannot find jobs because they are members of a minority tribe, and when members of government are dipping their greedy hands into the national budget?? As Prosper would say, this isn’t democracy, it’s demo’crazy’!!

I just hope that Ghana is quick to learn from the tragedy in Kenya. But as we have seen time and time again, Africans don’t seem to learn from history. It is something that boggles my mind. I have been studying the continent for many years, and it is evident that Africans cannot break the cycle. And as Kenya has reinforced to the world once again, it’s the people who suffer in the quest for political greed. As the age old African saying goes, “when two elephants fight, it’s the ground that suffers.”

I ask you to keep informed on the situation in Kenya, and the many situations occurring throughout Africa and the rest of the world. Remember, knowledge is the key to overcoming ignorance! We all must be active and well-read citizens of our world and we must always seek the truth. After all, this is what democracy is all about!

Until Next Time!

Peace,
Heather