Exciting News!

Hello! How's life? Everything is well here. Mangoes are in season so I have been eating ridiculous amounts. Ghana has two-ish types of mango: the foreign and the local. That's what James calls them anyway. The "foreign" type are the big orangish-red colored ones, just like what you can buy in Kroger or Shop Rite or whatever. The "local" type are little bright yellow guys, about the size of baseball, which are much juicier and more fibrous than the foreign type. I'm talking like a 5 minute flossing session after you eat one.

ANYWAY!!! This post is definitely not about mangoes, so on to the good part!

Do you remember back in January, I wrote a post discussing my various goals for my Peace Corps service? Well I have some very exciting news! We're about to see two check marks on that list.

The grant proposal I wrote for the construction of new school building, which is to house both computer and science laboratories for Menji Agric Senior School.... WAS APPROVED! I applied for a Peace Corps / USAID grant called a SPA (Small Projects Assistance) Grant. There was a fair amount of paperwork to be done, but overall the process was really pretty simple! I guess rather than explaining the whole thing, I will just show you the proposal. So here it is!!

CONSTRUCTION OF THE MENJI AGRICULTURAL SENIOR SCHOOL SCIENCE AND ICT LABORATORIES

SPA GRANT PROPOSAL

PCV Betsy Ann Conway

Site Menji, Brong Ahafo

Counterpart James Kwadwo Tannor / 0209181534

Headmistress Jacintha Guribie / 0242168277

I. Project Summary

Located in rural western Brong Ahafo, Menji Agricultural Senior School (MASS) is home to a student body of 172. MASS offers two tracks of study: general arts and agriculture. Currently, every student in the school studies both integrated science and ICT. However, due to limited funding, the school has never been able to provide laboratory facilities for ICT or science. The students are currently studying ICT, biology, physics, and chemistry on a blackboard without any form of practical component. This project would greatly enhance the quality of education and academic experience at MASS.

II. Background Information

Located within the Tain District, the town of Menji is home to approximately 3,000 residents, most of whom are subsistence farmers. There are a few small businesses in the town, including a chemical seller, pharmacy, and a maternity clinic. Menji is about 10km from the Tain District capital, Nsawkaw, and about two hours from the regional capital of Sunyani. MASS has 172 students: 104 boys and 68 girls. The school offers two tracks of study: General Arts and Agriculture. Electricity is provided by the national grid. Water is supplied by nearby borehole.

III. Statement of Need

MASS is contained within a two-part building. The south building was constructed in 1992 and currently houses the Form 4 students, as well as the administrative block and the library. The north building is newer and currently houses the form 1, 2, and 3 students. The buildings are simple and bare, but safe and functional. The students are currently studying ICT, biology, physics, and chemistry in their regular classrooms on a chalkboard. The school is currently unable to offer any form of practical component in any subject.

The former head master, Adu Afram, identified the immediate need for improved facilities. The new and current headmistress, Jacintha Guribie, agrees with Afram's call for improvement. Without a science or ICT laboratory, compared to other nearby senior schools, M.A.S.S. is greatly lacking in terms of facilities. More importantly, without these laboratories in which to conduct practicals, the students' education is severely lacking.

Along with improvement of school facilities, the quality of education and thus enrollment would also increase. Furthermore, in addition to creating a better environment for students to learn, but this project would also make MASS a better place for teachers to teach.

IV. Objective

The school has identified the following specific objectives:

1. Primary Objective

1. Construct an addition to the school to house science and ICT laboratories
2. Create a proper environment for conducting practicals in the subjects of science and ICT

2. Secondary Objective

1. Create a stimulating, interactive learning environment for students
2. Improve teaching conditions by providing practical teaching facilities

V. Methods

After a meeting involving the school administration, the PTA, and the community education committee to review the project budget and time frame, the project can begin. First, the masons and laborers will work to construct the foundation and walls. Then, the carpenter may construct the roof and install the doors and windows. Then, the mason will lay tile in the ICT lab, as the electrician installs the electrical and lighting fixtures. The carpenter will also begin construction of new tables and chairs. Once all construction has finished, school staff and students will clean and paint laboratories. Finally, the school staff and students, will move the tables, chairs, and the rest of the equipment into the laboratories and perform a final cleaning.

The ICT teacher (PCV counterpart) will install the computers and accessory equipment in the ICT lab, while the PCV and other teachers organize the science lab.

VI. Action plan

No.	Task	Needed Materials	Responsible Persons	Estimated Timetable
1	Meet with PTA	None	PTA	April 2012
2	Meet with Community Education Committee	None	Community Education Committee	April 2012
3	Construct foundation	Blocks, cement, sand	Mason, laborers	April 2012
4	Construct walls, ceiling, and roof	Blocks, cement, sand, metal sheets, wood, nails, basic tools	Mason, laborers, carpenter	May 2012
5	Installation of doors and windows	Wood, nails, hinges, locks, louvers, basic tools	Carpenter	May 2012
6	Install electrical wiring and lighting fixtures	Wires, fixtures, light bulbs, basic tools	Electrician	May 2012
7	Lay tile in ICT lab	Tile, mortar	Mason (s)	May 2012
8	Build tables and chairs	Wood, nails, basic tools	Carpenter	June 2012
9	Clean and paint the laboratories	Paint, turpentine, brushes	PCV, teachers, and students	June 2012
10	Final cleaning and installation of equipment	Basic cleaning supplies	PCV, teachers & students	June 2012

VII. Budget

The project budget was prepared in Ghana Cedis (GH₵). All the final totals have been converted to US Dollars (US$) using a conversion rate of GH₵1.68 = US$1.00.

VIII. Requested Funds

Item	Quantity	Unit Cost (GH₵)	Total Cost (GH₵)	Total Cost (US$)
Roofing Sheets	8 packs	250	2000	1190.48
Roofing Nails	10 boxes	20	200	119.05
Felt	4 pieces	2	8	4.76
1/4 Rod	6 pieces	3	18	10.71
Nails, 4"	3 boxes	30	90	53.57
Nails, 3"	1 box	30	30	17.86
Nails, 2 1/2"	1 box	40	40	23.81
Nails, 1 1/2"	1 box	40	40	23.81
Plywood, 1/8"	60 pieces	13	780	464.29
Ceiling Buttons	15 pieces	5.5	82.5	49.11
Window Frames, 3-in-1	2 pieces	30	60	35.71
Double Door Frames	2 pieces	30	60	35.71
Louvre Frames, 8 blade	12 pieces	9	108	64.29
Louvre Blades	3 packs	41	123	73.21
Netting	1 pack	25	25	14.88
Burglar Proofing	4 pieces	70	280	166.67
Wood, 1x9	20 pieces	13	260	154.76
Wood, 2x2	40 pieces	4	120	71.43
Wood, 2x3	60 pieces	5	300	178.57
Wood, 2x4	100 pieces	6	600	357.14
PVC Pipes	15 pieces	1.5	22.5	13.39
Conduct Boxes, 3x3	7 pieces	1	7	4.17
Conduct Boxes, 3x6	10 pieces	1.5	15	8.93
Circuit Breaker	1 pieces	150	150	89.29
Circuit Boxes	5 pieces	1	5	2.98
Cable, 10m	1 piece	150	150	89.29
Insulated Cable, 1.5	3 rolls	34	102	60.71
Insulated Cable, 2.5	3 rolls	52	156	92.86
Gavy Switch, 1	3 pieces	5	15	8.93
Gavy Switch, 3	2 pieces	6	12	7.14
13-Amp Socket, 3x6	10 pieces	8	80	47.62
13-Amp Socket, 3x3	3 pieces	6	18	10.71
Earthrod	1 pieces	8	8	4.76
Ceiling Rose	5 pieces	1.5	7.5	4.46
Lamp Holders	5 pieces	1.5	7.5	4.46
Batting Fitting	4 pieces	1.5	6	3.57
Flexible Rose	4 pieces	1.5	6	3.57
Energy-Saving	5 pieces	0.5	2.5	1.49
Total			5994.5	3568.15

Requested Funds are 71.9% of the total project cost.

IX. Community contribution

Item	Quantity	Unit Cost (GH₵)	Total Cost (GH₵)	Total Cost (US$)
Cement Blocks	500 pieces	0.7	350	208.33
Sand	2 trips	120	240	142.86
Gravel	1 trip	100	100	59.52
Cement Bags	20 pieces	23	460	273.81
Iron Rods	12 pieces	15	180	107.14
Wood, Beam Boards	6 pieces	10	60	35.71
Workmanship, Electrical	1 unit	200	200	119.05
Workmanship, Carpentry	1 unit	300	300	178.57
Workmanship, Masonry	1 unit	300	300	178.57
Transportation of Materials		150	150	89.29
Total			2340	1392.86

Community Contribution is 28.1% of the total project cost

X. Monitoring and Evaluation

Photos will be taken before and after construction. They will clearly depict the project through all stages of the action plan. Also, students, teachers, PTA, and community members will be interviewed regarding their thoughts on the project. Receipts will be collected as record of funds spent and materials purchased.

XI. Supporting Data

A step-by-step photographic slide show of the construction will be submitted with the completion report. Testimonials from students and teachers will be included regarding how the construction has improved the quality of education at MASS.








So that's it people!  They've bought the sand and concrete for the foundation so far.  I will take plenty of pictures and keep you updated along the way. :)

A Visit with My Momma

One of the very, very special human beings from whom my genetic material is derived and more importantly from whom I have learned so much about life came to visit me here in Ghana.

My Mom!!!!!!!

Around 7 on the morning of Thursday, March 29th, Kayla and I sluggishly rolled out of bed. Kayla made coffee, while I helped myself to a few caramel Ghirardelli chocolate squares. In just a few short hours, I would be seeing my mother at the Accra airport. After a quick stop at the Ghana Commercial Bank, we headed to the airport to welcome my Mom to Ghana. We stood patiently in the waiting area, until finally, there she was - cute wide brim sun hat, gray rolly suitcase, and all! I ran to my Mom and hugged her for the first time in almost 10 months.

We exited the airport and walked over to where we could get in a cab. Mom said the flight wasn't bad, except her toes had swollen up like little sausages. I guess that is to be expected after 11 hours across the Atlantic. As we approached the main road, a taxi driver hollered out his window, "Where are you going? I won't charge plenty!" How refreshing, an Accra cabbie who was at least claiming not to rip us off!

"Kaneshie!" I yelled back the name of the station on the west side of town. "How much?"

"Ten cedis!" he replied. I think ten is probably a little high, but not too bad. Kayla and I looked each other, shrugged, and loaded in. Before mom had even shut her door, the cabbie was already on the move! Ghanaian taxis - and actually Ghanaian drivers in general - are notorious for perilously weaving through traffic, excessive honking, and passing on the wrong side and / or at very bad times.

We dropped Kayla off in Kanda, where she was staying at the time, and continued on the Kaneshie. Kaneshie is a station / market which is constant mosh of vehicles, people, and well chaos. Following is a diagram of the station. The green bubbles are vendors' booths (shoes, clothes, food, body care, anything you could possibly want). The yellow buildings are market/ store buildings. The red boxes are all vehicles (buses, cars, taxis, tro-tro's). And the blue box is the vehicle mom and I were headed for.

So after we elbowed our way down the sidewalk, we finally found the Cape Coast tro-tro. After I put mom in a seat and our bags in the back, I went out to buy some plantain chips. Plantain chips are the closest thing we have here to potato chips, so if you know me, I'm always after some! I bought our chips at 30 pesewas per bag (18 cents or so) and got in the tro with mom. The car filled quickly and we proceeded to have a rather smooth ride to Cape Coast.

The following day Mom and I visited the Cape Coast castle. So just for a little history FYI, if I remember correctly, the castle was originally constructed by the Dutch in the 17th century as a military fort. However, over the next few decades, it passed through a number of hands before ending in possession of the Brits, who used it as a hub in the gold trade. During the 19th century, the castle was used again for trading, but not for gold. Instead, it was used to hold slaves who were driven from their homelands in the north of Ghana as well as Niger, Mali and other West African countries to be sold or traded. Thus, it is now referred to as a "slave castle." Anyway, the tour was very interesting. Our guide, Justice, showed us everything from the dungeons, to the death penalty cell, to the the governor's quarters.

The following day, David escorted us to the monkey sanctuary, which lies approximately an hour north of Cape Coast. The crazy Dutch couple who run the place - Dennis and Annette - introduced us to Ebenezer, a young Ghanaian man, who would take us around the sanctuary. We saw a number of interesting species including patas, white nose, and green monkeys, as well as several non-monkey species including civet cats, hyrax, antelope, and some weird spotted pointy-nose weasel thing. We all got to feed the monkeys bananas!

After our tour, we sat with Dennis and Annette and chatted. Auntie Nell, their newest baby monkey played with toys over by the table.

The next day, Sunday, we made the big journey up to Menji. The kids still had 4 days of finals, including my chemistry and science exams. The trip up north, although 9 hours long, wasn't too bad!

For the next week and a half we just hung out. Mom got to come to class, meet all the teachers and students, walk around the village, meet my kids club (see picture below), and enjoy my normal day-to-day. I think this was the best part of the trip, because Menji is honestly my favorite place on this entire continent. Furthermore, mom got to meet James - my counterpart. Since he is one of my best friends, it was a big deal to me! She brought him an IU ball cap.

Other things we did that week: hung out out, chatted with people, played games (gin, backgammon, cribbage), cooked, spotted a pair of African grey hornbills, went to the market, ...

went on walks,

played with Roo (we were babysitting Richie's cat),

made cheese (no joke!) and put it on salads,

visited Adila's family in Sunyani (the two moms!),

attended church and had lunch with Millicent and Grace (James's wife and daughter),

and of course, one of my students slaughtered a chicken for us...

to roast and eat with jollof!

Finally, at then end of our wonderful week at Menji, we traveled south to visit David's site. After a few sweaty tro rides, we arrived in Mokwa in the Central Region of Ghana. The next day we went to see David in action at a meeting in Twifo Praso. A lot of various group leaders (the district education director, the police chief, etc.) came together to discuss various issues in the district. David introduced himself and explained his position as a Peace Corps volunteer as well as his current projects. A lot of the people were very interested in working with David!

That evening we went out for dinner... And in Mokwa, there is one place in particular you just have to go! An older, rather severe-looking woman owns a little place on the corner of town's main junction. You might her for a fussy old bag and her building for a crappy tool shed. But nope, no way, it's a great restaurant with a kind owner, who - by the way - makes some of the best soup in Ghana!

The following morning, we traveled to Koforidua for the annual "All Volunteer Conference," a meeting which includes all of the current Peace Corps volunteers in Ghana. We went from Mokwa to Praso to Cape Coast to Accra to Koforidua to Bunso. And I must mention, the tro ride from Accra to Koforidua took a very interesting route. And by very interesting, I actually mean an uninhabited one-lane winding dirt path through a mountainous jungle. I couldn't show you how we went on a map, but two very bumpy hours later, we made it to Bunso. Although the meeting lasted nearly all day for three days, I went out to dinner with mom every night and we stayed together in a very nice little house.

Monday morning, we left Bunso and headed to Accra, where we checked into the Airport View Hotel. Mom was scheduled to leave Tuesday evening around 10PM. We spent Monday and Tuesday just walking around Accra seeing the sites. We found a cute little shop ran by an adorable lady named Amanda, where Mom and I bought some fun souvenirs! Oh, and also we went to a little cafe were Mom got tea, I had a cappuccino, and we both had croissants! It was a really nice last two days together. Janers and I were very sad to part at the airport. But hopefully I will see her next Christmas (fingers crossed)!

And most importantly, Mom has visited and gotten to know the place I will call home for the next year and a half. :)

P.S. Thank you for visiting Mom!! I love you!