Experiences: Ejura

A sneak preview of the goodbye notes left by past volunteers in the guest book at Ejura:

9 April - 15 May 2005:
Ejura…. I promised Luke not to write any cliches in here so here goes…

I arrived at the right time - the day electricity was installed and the day of Alison's birthday - juice and pizza - yummo! Besides meeting all the volunteers (9 at the time!) I was introduced to the two new family members - Hocus and Pocus - technically they are still unnamed. Hocus and Pocus were two orphaned kittens that Jeremy rescued from the bush. The mother had been killed because she attacked someone. Thus, she was thought to be possessed and to be a witch! Welcome to Ghana, but be aware of the witch hunts!

I have only been here a month and can't believe how quickly it has gone. No, I am not ready to leave but I have no choice. Goodbye tranquility, hello rat race!

Highlights…
-the cats (kittens) peeing on the peanuts that were made into peanut butter
-the best thunderstorms ever, leading to wet bed, and the flooding of the school
-the smuggling racket in KG - I lost 3 tubs of play dough in 1/2 an hour - hidden in pockets, mouths, down knickers, and passed out the window to siblings
-the KG child who decided to take all her clothes off in the middle of a lesson
-the absolute chaos of KG - after 14 years of teaching, nothing could prepare me for that madness
-Jeremy getting malaria and then a week later getting a tattoo at the market - has this guy a death wish?
-Kwame coming around at night, spending his time squashing bugs on the wall that are attracted to the light
-Christopher's priest impression - fist thrown in the air and "in the name of Jesus" said with such passion! I wonder what he'll be when he grows up!
-the exorcism at 'Deeper Life' on Sunday 1st May from 2am to 4am. "Blah, blah, blah, In the name of Jesus" slap sound, followed by a scream! At 3:03am my curiosity got the better of me. Walking in the darkness (crapping myself) I made my way there! Damn it! Closed doors! Not game enough to go around the side for a peep, in fear of getting nabbed and having the demons beaten out of me!
-bean scones… not quite as bad as they sound. Dada H says there are no mistakes in cooking, you just make up a new name for the dish!
-David overdosing on sugar bread, one loaf and four rolls in one day. Hello glue gut! I reckon that's what caused his ingrown toe nail.
-the day I did painting with P2, turned around to find them painting themselves and the wall
-in yoga, when Dada said to put your foot behind your ear. Hah, yeah right, my boyfriend would love that!
-the visit from the Education Guy - which gave us all a little hope that things might change in the future
-the days you'd turn up at school but the local teachers wouldn't, and how Douglas teaches full time without leaving his desk
-visit to the chief's house and swapping a bottle of Schnapps for a bottle of coke! At 90 years old the Schnapps must be pickling him.
-seeing a goat give birth at the ping pong table. One bleat and it popped out!
-Akosi nearly chopping his finger off while helping me cut coconuts. A trip to the hospital, a tetanus shot, antibiotics, and four stitches later he was on the mend…
-cooking with Dada H and swapping recipes - oh how that man loves sugar
-seeing the excitement on the faces of Mohammed and Eliasu's faces when I said I'd pay their school fees and how they turned up at my door at 6:45am ready for school! Just when I thought I hadn't made a difference here…

Enjoy your time here, despite your frustrations of teaching here. Maybe if teachers were paid more, they'd stick around a little longer - or even turn up! That would, in turn, make our role easier and more enjoyable. A school is only as good as its teachers, no matter how many 'new' classrooms or material resources you have! The school, with the amount of volunteers, money, and resources has the potential to succeed and be the best in Ejura, but won't unless things change. For the benefit of the children, let's hope they do. Cheers.

Tracy Harper

12 Jan - 20 April 2005:
One tiny chance to say a whole lot. Hummm. That was easily the fastest three months of my life. Almost every minute of it was incredible. There were certainly a few panicked moments when all I could think about was coffee, eggs, chocolate… and the obvious …garlic (or maybe something else not mentioned here). But these things aside there are few opportunities in life when you get to take time to read, time to write, time to think (obviously not about what to write in here, but…). So please enjoy each moment. Small things are such a treasure here and that's what has made this worthwhile. All the best.

Alison Snow
Canada

12 Jan - 20 April 2005:
EJURA DOs and DON'Ts

DO try to respond to every "Obruni" and "Namaskar" you hear on the way to town.
DON'T wave to people with your left hand. I found this out the hard way.

DO get to know one class really well at school. They WILL learn from you.
DON'T let that class be KG.

DO get to know the other volunteers and have just as much fun with them as you do with the kids.
DON'T get to know the other volunteers so well that you are sad to leave them (like I have).

DO find a favorite kid and treat them that way. The other kids won't mind.
DON'T share your favorite with another volunteer (things could get ugly).

DO enjoy Dada H's juice and let him know it.
DON'T drink more than five cups and don't believe him when he says his record is eleven.

DO laugh and joke with Mahadev even though he acts so serious. It's just an act.
DON'T laugh and joke too much with Kwaku. He acts like he's joking but takes things very seriously.

DO make a record of everything Dada H says. It 's all unique and you'd be surprised what you'll forget.
DON'T make a record of everything Dada S says. You couldn't possibly have enough time for that.

DO enjoy your time with the boyz in the hood. They will become your actual friends.
DON'T try to organize fun days for these boyz (this should also be a DO). The rest of the neighborhood might get in the way "a little.'

DO play lots of table tennis.
DON'T get mad when the kids start beating you.

DO be generous with your plastas and toffees.
DON'T give plastas to kids who don't need them of toffees to kids who don't share them.

I DO thank Dada Shivesh, Dada Harinath, Kwaku, Mahadev, and Madamme Acosi so much and
I DON'T want to leave them.
I WON'T forget them.
Ejura has been amazing. I thank the volunteers for sharing the experience and making it better. Namaskar!

Erin Fudge
Canada

Sep 2004 - April 2005:
There's nothing like mangoes in the morning. I arrived in Ejura over six months ago with the promise of mangoes each day. The mangoes came into season five and a half months later.

Despite the 30 or so kids screaming and playing all day long, Ejura manages to be one of the most peaceful places I've ever been. As Westlife would say, it's like "flying without wings" and I know that "I'd swear it all over again."

I'm going to miss all the boys too much. A big shout out to Maxwell, Simone, Kwame, Christopher, Hakim, Anyass, Hamidu, Majid, Belal, Ali, and the many others that come around the house.

The legacy that I would like to leave behind is as follows:
-toilet paper placed over the top knob in the volunteers' washroom
-the "slap and pound" greeting at the school
-naming the volunteers' quarters at Namaskar house "The Bruni Zone"

Another shout-out to Akosi and Kwaku. They are fantastic help - and hilarious. Ask Kwaku if somebody should call a plumber… you'll. like the answer.

Thanks to all the volunteers that were here whilst I was here for making it a blast.

The last shout-out goes to Mahadev and the Dadas. Mahadev - you're a genius. Dada H - Oh Baba, this life will never end. Dada S - thanks for the stories.

Matt Snow
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sep 2004 - April 2005:
I have enjoyed the ever changing atmosphere of Namaskar house as the volunteers come and go, class schedules are rearranged, and as the seasons change. Because of these and other reasons each volunteer has a slightly different experience. As for me, my ups are too many to name and have already been said by past volunteers, and my downs are not what I will remember, but I am thankful for both. As time passes inevitably some memories will last while others fade, perceptions will distort and all the while Ejura will be changing and growing as I remember September 2004 to April 2005.

I have absorbed so much about the culture here and yet there is so much that I have missed. The conversations that I heard only as sounds and not as meaning because I didn't learn enough Twi, what lives were being lead on the other side of the walls of the homes I always passed, what was happening to my left as I looked to my right, and I will never know what Ejura or Ghana looks and feels like to a local who has not come from the unique childhood that I have had in my small corner of the Earth in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. What I am thankful for is knowing that my experiences here have changed me in ways I believe I will not fully understand until I am once again back home.

This town, to me, has been a collage of smiles, 'Akwaabas', 'Namaskars', and 'Obronies.' Of children running in every directions, laughing, fighting, playing, crying, of weathered homes and open fires, green plants and mango trees. Of morning sounds of Baba Nam Kevalam, cockadoodledoo, maaaaat, baaaaah, waaaah!, hahaha, and creek, clunk, shup, shup, shup. Of broken English, soft smiles, and strong hands. Of relentless sun and water bags, rapid lightning, and O'Ryan's Belt. Of Dada Haranath's creative phrases, his selflessness, his passion and his love. Of Dada Shivesh's sentence structure, his excitement, his thoughtfulness, his determination, and his stories and explanations, his stories, stories, stories. Of the boys' hard work, their jokes, their games, their pranks, and their giggles. Of the school's craziness and laziness, lessons planned and lessons winged. Wondering animals, roaming children. Of machetes, lanterns, tro-tros, flip-flops, fire flies, crickets, and of time that passes both slowly and quickly.

I look forward to trying to find a town so beautiful, with people so friendly and hearts so big, somewhere else in the world, for the rest of my life. Thank you to all. Namaskar.

Kate MacLennan
Ontario, Canada

Jan - March 2005:
*Ejura, 19pm: It's already dark. Deeper Life just finished the prayings, boys are whispering in the background. I love the evenings, the candle light suppers, the showers in shimmering light, playing cards and chatting around.

*Ejura, 16pm: The biggest heat has gone. We're playing with the kids, Hakim and Anyass, Ali, Kwaku, Amidu,… they've stolen my heart.

*Ejura, 15pm: We're finished dinner. Dada Harinat joined us and I'm enjoying his metaphysical language, his wisdom, and his famous phrases: "Oh Baba, it will come. The rain will come."

*Ejura, 9:15am: I'm teaching French in P6. They're so enthusiastic, participating and some of them are really learning. Nice! But why have some classes not teacher at this moment? KG and obrunies was a bad match. They hardly understand English. They are crawling on the ground because they want to be picked up, and crying just for attention.

*Ejura, all the time: I want to thank the other volunteers, Dada Shivesh, Mahadev… for sharing their time and experiences with me. It was awesome guys!

Geraldine Mabbe
Belguim

Nov 04 - Feb 2005:
Oh Bubba… the time has come to disrupt the flow and leave this crazy, wonderful place. From the masses of laughing, crying, punching, kicking, pinching, falling, scabby, yelling, tree climbing, plaster engulfing, peeing while walking kids to Matt's keen eye on spotting the subtle differences between goats and sheep, I'll miss them all.

Many mysteries remain open to me. Like how Mr. Douglas manages to mysteriously appear with the school keys right as lunch is being served, or how Clement can spend an entire day at school yet physically never enter a classroom, or maybe just that one true mystery of Ejura - Christopher and Kwame! But mysteries they must remain it seems as my three months is up.

It has been a truly engulfing experience. Murari, Mahadev, and Kwaku Daniel - three of the best blokes I've ever met. The dadas - both have shown me kindness and caring beyond that of anyone but a mother. Their long tales around the dinner table ignite fits of deep reflection or broad grins of mirth, while their chunks of Dada wisdom thrown in at the most unpredictable moments are a sure cure for even the most jaded soul.

Michael Scoufis
Sydney, Australia

December 04 - Feb 05:
Ejura's unreal. The village-wide excitement about obrunies is so deceptive - you'd think you were the first white fella ever to set foot in Ejura, and the people are so sincerely welcoming. I'm sure my experience hasn't differed significantly from that of any other volunteer: amusement and amazement at the hospitality and generosity of the Dadas, incredible frustration at the relative inadequacy of the education system, attachment to a stack of beautiful kids, and a constant feeling that you're walking around a film set.

I've been so lucky to have perfect health during my stay and awesome volunteers to share it with. I'm sure I learnt way more from everybody here then they ever learnt from me, but if Christopher and Kwame can just remember, "ET go home," I'll be happy.

It's an absolute cliché and a consistent theme in this book, but Ejura has really been incredible, and (hopefully) unforgettable.

Suze Van Neegen
Sydney, Australia

Oct - Nov 2004:
So, as my time in Ejura is almost up, I am leaving with very good memories. Everyone in the village is very kind and welcoming which made me feel very much at home. You will never feel alone here or feel too much like an outsider. The hospitality and food here is great! Murari is a great cook and very nice and friendly. The Dadas are very kind and it was great to get to know everyone here. I love the surroundings - very beautiful! Even though there are kids constantly around and animals making noise, I still found it very peaceful here. Every time I went on a little excursion I was always looking forward to coming 'home.' The kids are great and always look out for you. Even though they ask for a lot, they are always willing to lend a hand. As for the school, it can definitely be a challenge. The kids are super cut, but paying attention is not their best quality. I suggest if you are planning any side trips here, definitely head to Bui National Park. Don't make the mistake of getting off the tro-tro at Domango Junctoin or you will find your free outdoor accommodation a little uncomfortable. Tamale is a great little city with beautiful cloth too and if you are hungry go to the little food stop at the STC station for some great cheap food! Nice shoes there also! So I'm off now, but good luck to everyone who comes here. It was definitely an experience I really enjoyed and will never forget.

Cheri Corrigall
Victoria, B.C., Canada

Oct - Nov 2004:
To begin, here is a journal entry I wrote when I first arrived in Ejura:
"Finally… heaven. After only one day here, I know that when the time comes, I will have a hard time leaving. Lightning bugs and sparkling stars light up the sky, blurring the division between this world and another."

There is a kind of deeper peace that one finds here; the realization of how simple one's life can be, how little one really needs, and the acceptance of one's self, as is.

When I left Canada, my mom's last words to me were, "make sure you learn as much from them as they learn from you." Little did I know then that the lessons of kindness and teamwork they taught me would far outweigh the importance of colors and shapes flashcards, which I was teaching them.

I will always remember the day Rose, a neighboring girl, did my laundry for me when she saw I was having trouble. When she finished I gave her a book and a lollipop. 9 kids were there and Rose proceeded to bite the lollipop into 9 pieces, one for every kid and none for herself. We sometimes think we are coming here to educate and share the ways of our 'more civilized' country, when maybe all along, Ghana has it right already. I doubt very much if I would ever see a child in my country do what Rose did. So small a deed, so large a lesson. Sometimes the less one has, the more they give.

I'd like to thank the Dadas for their guidance and showing us the ropes.

Especially, I would like to thank Murari who is the epitome of generosity and selflessness. His meals nourished our bodies and his kindness nourished our souls! Kate, Matt, Jessica, Cheri, and I have been so lucky to have him around. Hope to see you in Canada one day Murari! We will help you in any way we can.

Kate and Matt - (if you read this) you have been amazing. I've enjoyed every moment of working, travelling, getting bitten, singing and dancing, nearly dying of dehydration, and laughing with you two. You represent our country so beautifully and I hope our paths meet again.

To future volunteers: good luck with the KGs! Hope you are OK with pee!

*Dindon was our kitten who was given to Namaskar House on Thanksgiving. Dindon is French for 'turkey.' He died of unknown causes when he was only 6 weeks old but we'll. Always remember him!*

Kari Grain
Kelewona, B.C., Canada

January 2005:
Ejura is a beautiful village. My time here was an experience I will never forget. The children are all so beautiful and kind. The Dadas are very hospitable. Murari was very welcoming. He is so kind and thoughtful. He's also a great cook. I'll miss his cooking! Kwaku's a great kid; he's always so helpful and I wish all the best for him and all.

Just wan express my gratitude to all at the house. You have all made me feel like a part of the family.

PS - the lockable drawers in the desks are actually very easy to enter - just reach up and over - so don't put all your valuables there.

Annie Edone
Texas, USA

September - October 2004:
Ahh, I guess it is my turn to share. I wish I could have had this book earlier so I could have written my experiences as they came. I have been in Ejura for almost four weeks now, and I really feel as if I have experienced true African, or rather, Ghanaian life. It wasn't until I had left Accra, and traveled to Ejura that I witnessed what I had pictured Ghana to be. As many of the other volunteers have written, life in the village can be frustrating at times, and there have been moments when I have felt completely alone. But then I would walk outside of my room, and see the amazing sky full of stars that are crystal clear, or go or a walk in the bush and look around at the never-ending greenness and know that I was having the experience of a lifetime.

Every volunteer here has come and shared something with this village, and Ejura has given each of us something even bigger that we will take back to our homes and keep throughout our lives. Whether it be a lesson of patience, or a new friendship, I know that I have already grown so much from this experience. The people in this house and the people of the town understand the meaning of living a full life! I have seen joy in every child's eyes, and it makes my heart soft to see a child who does not need material things to be able to play for hours on an empty stomach and still run after me from a distance just to say "Broni, how are you?"

Everyone at the house: Murari, Mahadev, Kwaku, Dada Harinat, and Dada Shivesh, have made me feel more than welcome and were always there to make me laugh or help me with lighting a lantern. I will miss awakening to their beautiful singing at dawn. The project here is very important and I have been lucky to have been a small, small part of it. I will go back to California and share my new knowledge of fasting by the moon, and the process of making tofu, and even better - soy milk! I have discovered a new lifestyle that I hope to continue throughout my life. I have met children that make me laugh just by their expressions (Kwame, Mariam in KG), and people who have shown me what it truly means to be a selfless person (Abigail). They say, "you never appreciate something until you leave it" - and as I am leaving Ejura, and the wonderful people at the "Namaskar House," I can understand. Peace to all, and thank you for you kind acts.

Blaire Fowler
California, U.S.A.

Experiences: Ejura

To read more notes left by the 2004 volunteers....