HCC Volunteer Experience

Ben Wise: 2005 to 2006
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During his volunteer time in Ghana, Ben Wise documented his experiences on his blog www.ghanarama.blogspot.com. He described his day-to-day adventures with honesty and enthusiasm. Here are some excerpts about his experience at HCC:

" Let me start by saying that the kids are by far the best part of being here. When I come home they will be what has had the biggest impact on me, and in 10 years they will be what I remember most fondly of my time here... "

" I have always imagined that the best things I can do here are projects that will last beyond the time that I leave. For example, if I set up a library system and teach the kids how it works, then that will be here for years after I am gone...Not to downplay the importance of wider scale projects, but if I don't set up a library system, then it is likely that the next volunteer will. If I am able to really connect with a few of the boys at the centre and shape the person they grow up into, then that will have a much more profound impact that cannot be duplicated by someone else. "

" No matter how much I try, I will never be able to fully capture the amazing spirit that is in each of these children and the centre as a whole. It really is something that has to be experienced, and I have to keep reminding myself of how lucky I am to be getting this experience. "

Check out Ben's blog for the full content of his postings and for his many other stories, reflections and insights on life and work in northern Ghana.

Ben has maintained his connection to northern Ghana through his own NGO, Step by Step Africa. Please visit www.stepbystepafrica.com to read more about his project work.