I’ve been assured by my UK Team Leader,
Edd, that the first days of placement are the hardest. And so far no ones been
taken ill, had an argument, or even fallen off their bicycle – so it would seem
we aren’t doing too badly.
My first few days on my International
Service placement in Tolon have been a mix of extreme highs and extreme lows. It
is the beginning of what is looking to be an incredible experience, but life is
simply so different to at home in the UK. At times it has been tough, but I can
already sense myself growing stronger and more resilient because of it.
Our team has an eclectic mix of personalities
and backgrounds, their skills ranging from accountancy to musical theatre.
Below you will find a summary from each team member, outlining their
motivations in getting involved with International Service, and their favourite
moments so far.
“I signed up to the ICS programme because I
love to help people in deprived areas. Also I love development work so this was
a great opportunity for me to go into it. My favourite moment so far has been
going to the enskinment of the new Chief of Vowqu, as well as visiting our
placement communities. Skills I’ve learnt so far include how to manage people
and their expectations.” - Caleb
“I wanted to be a part of International
Service ICS programme because I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity to be
a part of Ghanaian culture and meet new people. As a team leader I get the
opportunity to work with young people, linking the volunteers, International
Service and the partner organisation to deliver a project with sustainable
outcomes. My favourite moment was being asked to attend the enskinning of a new
chief and showing him my dad dancing.” - Edd
“I chose ICS because I felt it was the
right time to move out of my comfort zone, out of the classroom, to the outside
world, to impact and to learn. My favourite moments so far have been meeting
the communities we will be working in and also the fact we are placed in host
homes within the community. More so, getting to share ideas during office hours
makes me feel fulfilled. My placement on the finance team puts me on my toes as
I have knowledge of this and must be ready to give results. I have a strong
conviction that by the end of my stay in Tolon I will have built up my confidence
in anything I go on to do.” - Nasmah
“Living in Tolon has been the biggest
culture shock I’ve ever experienced. From being smothered by Ghanaian children
on the way to work to eating unheard of food (ever heard of ‘fu fu’?). I have
the most amazing, funny, welcoming, generous host family who have made my time
in Tolon so comfortable; I have really enjoyed the journey so far and hope the
next two and a half months are just as incredible!” - Alice
“I
am in a profession that deals with enabling people to have control over their
health and their lives. I have the dream of enriching my knowledge and skills
in human relations in society, capacity building and human empowerment. I also
hope to make friends from across Ghana and the UK. I hope that our team will
leave a legacy here in Tolon.” - Enock
“I
signed up to the ICS programme because I wanted to see the world from a new
perspective and experience a completely different culture to mine.” - Kawal
“I am a graduate of High School and
currently a compassionate supporter of international development and a
dedicated forest restorer. I hope working with ICS will aid me to gain
confidence and learn how to work cross culturally. I have played a great role
as a member of the transport team and hope to make more of an impact to have a
successful NFED and ICS goals achievement.” - Rahaman
“I applied because I wanted to make a
difference while seeing a new part of the world. My favourite moment so far has
been going into my selected community and attempting to dance with the drummers
and other village members. I have learnt to be adaptable, for example showering
using a bucket and using a toilet that is a hole in the ground.” - Nat
“I decided to join International Service
because I want to acquire new skills and also share the knowledge I have.” -
Ihsan
“I decided to do ICS because I wanted to
travel whilst being fully immersed in different cultures, while also make an
impact. My favourite part so far has been becoming part of a community, and
learning the local language Dagbani. Highlights have also included visiting
chiefs and taking part in community events.” – Kim
“I
decided to do ICS because I wanted to see a positive change in my community. My
favourite part so far has been my time in the office because I am learning a
lot from that.” - Gifty
“Living
and volunteering in Ghana for the past couple of weeks has been eye opening and
challenging to say the least. From drop toilets to cycling with bags of water
attached to my bicycle through the midday heat, new experiences have been
around every corner.” - Yasmin
“I
have enjoyed my time in Tolon so far, but what really scared me is the food we
eat and the journey to the communities we’ll be working in. In all I have found
the program to be very interesting and hope that it will bring a good impact to
the people in the district of Tolon.” - Elizabeth
For me, I chose to apply for International
Citizen Service (ICS) because I wanted to do something worthwhile and that
would push me out of my comfort zone before heading to University. I’m already
learning so much and know this experience will stay with me for a lifetime. My
favourite moment has got to be fetching water with the women in my host family,
and attempting to carry it on my head as they do. It was a great way to get
involved in family life.
Olivia
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