Youth Group Visit

Is it only four weeks ago that we flew back to Ghana? It’s hard to believe - the memories of the Netherlands seem to have faded away.... although, there's been no lack of Dutch people here at the moment, as we’ve been hosting a youth group from the Netherlands - 22 men and women. They have worked very hard during the past two weeks. They have painted the 'Home of Hope' buildings, made a football pitch and constructed a house for the guinea fowl. They have done this together with the Ghanaian students who live at the hostel.

The completed football pitch

Working on the construction of the guinea fowl house

It has been a special experience and time of learning for everyone. For most of the Dutch people this visit to Ghana is their first experience of working and living in an African culture. For the Ghanaian students it is also their first experience of living alongside a group of Dutch people – it is hard to understand that the Dutch are really happy with two “bread” meals a day and to see that boys too can wash the dishes!! It has also been a time of learning for Abukari and I, as it is the first time we have had a team come and work with one of our projects. We have tried as best we can to make their stay a good one. Today, our guests will leave Tamale to visit some tourist attractions before they finally return to the Netherlands on Monday night. You can read more about their experiences (in Dutch) at: Sophie's travelogue and Sjaak's travelogue.

Today as a family we plan to travel to our house in Yendi - then we also will have finally reached 'home'.

Interaction between the Dutch and Ghanaian students

Joining in a cultural dance

Joining in a cultural dance