Nsutam – a small village in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Less than 1000 inhabitants. Just one street. Heat. People sitting in front of their little houses. Young kids calling you when you pass by. Goats and chicken crossing the way. No running water. Basic conditions. A bit hidden behind some houses and a row of trees: laughter of kids, people waving and running towards you when you come back, again some goats and sheeps, a meadow and two buildings. One private school and an orphanage. For me this was my home for three months. 

It’s about leaving the luxury of Western society and city live behind and being part of a completely different kind of life for a period of time, including experiencing the living conditions and the culture. 

It’s about being aware of challenges people in the rural Ghana are facing every day but also getting to know the amazing solidarity: sharing though having little. 

But what to do there? The exercises and options are diverse. The room I stayed in was part of the orphanage so I supported and took care of the children. This includes things like helping with the homework or just paying attention and being there when needed. Besides staying at the orphanage I worked in the school, supported teachers in their lessons and took over if necessary. Furthermore a farm including a small factory belongs to the home where sometimes help is needed, too. The good thing is that I was always accompanied and never forced to do a certain work but had to chance to choose and decide on my own according to my abilities and preferences. 

I always felt welcome and safe and everyone took good care of me in case of questions and daily in general issues to make sure that I’m fine with my stay. This includes the kids, the teachers and the adults taking care of the orphanage, although the language might be a small barrier sometimes because of the local language Twi being much more common than English. For example the foundation sent a letter of invitation to me which is needed for applying for a visa and the transport from the airport was organized as well. 

Discovering the country at the weekends is also possible when staying in Nsutem. The local public busses, the so called trotros, can be found all over the country which makes it easy to travel for example to Accra, Cape Coast or some National Parks.

Living together with the people and sharing the everyday life is an unique experience that I don’t want to miss. You learn many things about how to see and think about different issues. That’s why I advise to everyone to leave the own comfort zone of western life for discovering and experiencing something new that will definitely be different from what you expect. Live without every day’s luxury. Talk to people who grew up in another society and culture and get to know them. Support and help. Create some unforgettable moments for the kids living in the orphanage. Learn about living under different conditions. Taste African food. Be part and not just watch from the outside.

Jessica Neumann

Germany

If you’re thinking about joining the project for a period of time and you have any questions about my stay, the project itself, the foundation or advantages of coming to Ghana directly through the foundation instead of a volunteering organization (for example the cost aspect) you can contact me, of course for free.