Let Us Shine

Gerry Foy,

Glasgow University Graduate

"Visiting Kpandai is something which will stay with me for the rest of my life...It didn't take me long to settle and I felt as though I was welcomed in as if I were one of their own."

Visiting Kpandai is something which will stay with me for the rest of my life. Having had some experience with teaching children English in Japan, I was keen to develop this skill and help out as best I could at the LUS school. Luckily, the girls were incredibly well behaved and you could tell that they know they are lucky to be at the school, free of charge. It didn't take me long to settle in with the people at the school and I felt as though I was welcomed in, as if I were one of their own.

The second day at the school was the 6th of March, Independence-day (Ghana gained their independence on this date in 1957 - even the volunteers learn at LUS). We marched with the girls into the centre of town and it seemed that everyone from the town was there. Each school marched in-front of judges and winners were decided. LUS won the march for their category and it was a wonderful day, all the girls were incredibly happy.

A couple of days after Independence day was my 23rd birthday. The girls blew-up balloons and stuck them outside my bedroom. I received over 50 birthday cards which is the most I have ever received for any birthday. That night I was treated to a beer. The toilet and shower facilities are all anyone could ask for. You're given a large bucket of water for your shower in the morning which is more than enough. The best thing about the water is that the sun naturally warms it to a perfect temperature to wash in .

We began to sit in with the girls during class to see what the teaching methods were and how the girls were at picking things up. Some time was spent in each class and the teachers at the time were, Emanuel, Solomon, Ernest and Christopher. All of the teachers at the school were very welcoming and it was enjoyable to discuss subjects such as beliefs, morals and, of course, football. Just like here, some girls are more intelligent than others. However, some showed real potential and I know they will go on to do great things. The way the girls conduct themselves around the compound is excellent and a very stable hierarchy has been established which can be enjoyable to watch at times.

I am a keen footballer and was introduced to the girls as the "football coach". After school, I would organise small tournaments of 5-aside. All of the girls love football and are always wanting to learn and improve themselves at the sport. Being welcome is felt not only in the school but in the entire village. Many evenings I would meet with the local football team in town and play football with them. Everyone is keen to let you know that you are welcome and I made some good friends I am looking forward to seeing again.

At night I often read books such as Roald Dahl to the girls, reading one chapter and then quizzing each girl on what I had just read. It's amazing how much the girls know about the western world, even though they do not have the same things. One night I suggested that the girls put on a "Kpandai's got talent" show which was very interesting. The girls, sang, danced and even put on a couple of short plays. The school has quite a lot of land and grows its own crops. It was good to help out with the farming and to get my hands dirty for a change. It's great to see the girls work together as a team as they do it so well.

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Phone: +44 (0) 845 638 3225 Fax: +44 (0) 845 638 3228 Email: info@letusshine.org

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"Having spent 10 weeks in Kpandai I feel that I had the opportunity to experience the true spirit of the school. Hawa's work at the school is great and the meals are absolutely fantastic. All of the girls enjoy being there and really want to help and assist you in any way possible. "

If anyone would like more information about coming to visit please contact us on volunteer@letusshine.org