As I think about the tremendous adventure that I had in Ghana, I would definitely describe it as a remarkable journey that allowed me to help, teach, and most importantly learn from others. My final two days at St. Teresa’s Primary School were inspiring and rewarding. My students were filled with excitement to absorb as much as they could about communications technology and all aspects of the laptop. They were also so appreciative to have the chance to finish their art, stories, and have them hung on the walls of the their classrooms (CCS provided the tape!) The girls sang farewell songs, and the teachers gave me the most beautiful bananas on my last placement day. A blessing!
Before I left Hohoe, I had an interesting discussion with the Headmaster at St. Francis Primary School about the importance of exposing children to various topics in school including computers, technology, and information. He explained to me that it can be challenging to teach children beyond the basic subjects like Science, Math, and English because of the lack of resources and for various practical reasons. It made me wonder about the significance of offering each child the best education possible, mentoring them on ways that they can become stronger, healthier people - physically, mentally, and emotionally, and imparting hope for greater future opportunities. I asked him how valuable it is to ignite a “spark” of education interest with his students – regardless of economic/social status- to create a hunger to learn and strive for any dream that they may have – education or otherwise. He pondered this thought…I was quite uncertain as to what his reaction would be to my bold comments. Smiling, he offered me a job….I told him that I would love to join his staff, but I would miss my husband dearly and that I must return to my satisfying position with Lilly in the States. Very kind and unexpected indeed! He told me he would think about adjusting the curriculum to include more advanced ways to teach subjects that are not considered as important or part of the content norm.
When Lilly announced that they would send 200 volunteers abroad to help develop creative solutions to improve global health, I knew then that I wanted to serve as a Connecting Hearts Abroad Ambassador because of the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people: one volunteer placement, one person, one community at a time. It mattered to me that it mattered to Lilly to send employees globally to make this difference. What in fact happened to me through this CHA experience though was not just life changing, but life affirming. At Lilly we have the great chance now to generate meaningful discussions and ideas that could lead to the solutions that Lilly is looking for as the company develops unique ways to deliver better patient outcomes in difficult environments. One small action combined with other small action creates a tidal wave of movement. I have realized that we can all be a part of the “ spark” to make a difference - that we each can contribute in our home communities or give in some way to those abroad – we have so much to give and we are blessed to have so many opportunities in America. I am proud to work for a company that sincerely has wishes to improve lives, improve healthcare, and make a lasting difference. Whether it is through global hygiene education, donating $6 mosquito nets to save the lives of children from Malaria, offering immunizations for Typhoid and Yellow Fever, or supplying crayons and paper to schools with few resources, we can offer a helping hand. The incredible journey does not stop in Ghana – or elsewhere in the world – but will continue through dialogue and shared learnings.
I thank Lilly, the entire CHA staff, and Cross Cultural Solutions for making this exceptional experience possible!
xo Court
xo Court
