Experiences: Green Pastures

Projects > Africa > Ghana > Green Pastures

Melissa Jhureea from Australia volunteered at Green Pastures for 6 weeks in September / October 2006.

My time at Green pastures will forever be etched into my memory. Coming to Ghana was definitely something out of the ordinary, especially for a girl travelling solo from the land down under. Prior to my departure my friends and family questioned “Why are you going to Ghana?”, “What are you going to do there?”, “Will you know anyone when you get there?”, “Is Ghana safe?”. Funnily enough, I couldn’t confidently answer their questions. My only knowledge was that I will be a volunteer at Green Pastures Primary School through Kidsworldwide and that a dude by the name of Gunadiish will be meeting me at the airport!! Apart from this knowledge, I didn’t know what to expect!!. I sometimes questioned myself if I was making the right decision and even at one stage seriously considered withdrawing from the project.

After the many unforgettable experiences in spending only a little under two months in Ghana at the Green Pastures project, I am so thankful that I didn’t withdraw my placement. My only regret being that my days at the project were numbered.

From day one until the time I am writing of these experiences, I have felt welcomed and at home. Gunadiish has been of great support especially prior to my arrival and the initial stages of my stay. He has been most resourceful. He gave me the keys to Ghana and is responsible for building the firm foundation, which I have built my many memorable experiences on. Gunadiish is amongst one of the busiest people in this world and I am amazed how he managed to find time to help me in the initial stages of my stay. Thank you.

Mr and Mrs Mensah have been so wonderful to me. They accepted me into their home as one of their daughters. They replaced my parents for the duration of my stay in Ghana and upon my return to Australia I will still consider them my “mother” and “father” in Ghana for the rest of my days.

My time at Green Pastures has been amazing. The school actually has green pastures, is well maintained and is a great learning environment for its children. It’s staff I have grown to love and I will miss them dearly. The children I love as my own and I only wish I could take them all home with me. I will certainly miss them. I am so happy that I have been able to help Green Pastures during my short stay. The pleasure has really been mine.

Whilst at the school I was able to work with various classes and age groups. My love for children has increased. In particularly, I taught class 5 and 6, which was a comfortable size group to work with, and was within my capacity. I taught them English, science and mathematics. I also was able to introduce a few new games to the school, Cuban salsa dance and some sweet church songs that they will use during worship. The children at Green Pastures are so humble, co-operative and eager to learn despite having limited resources.

The children have taught me so much. My experience in Ghana and especially at Green Pastures has humbled me to the extent that I will need to make a few changes to my life when I get back home. I will forever remember the good times at Green Pastures with thanks to Kidsworldwide.

Melissa Jhureea