June 19 Outreach

We went on outreach today. We drove about an hour outside of the town of Chiraa to a very small rural community to give vaccines, weigh babies, and offer education. Once we arrived we had the formalities of meeting with the Chief and his advisers. In Ghana, the language is Twi. They say Akwaaba, which means you are welcome. Not in response to thank-you, but to invite you in. Like you are welcome to come in here. Anyway, the Chief said many times, "Akwaaba." They then took us on a tour of the area. Down to the river, through small villages, and the best part-the school. All of the children wear uniforms. The uniforms cost 4 cedis, which is about $1.20. If you cannot afford the uniform, you cannot go to school. It is very sad to see children in the village wearing very worn clothing because you know they cannot go to school. Such a small amount that would make such an incredible difference. That is one soda from the machine for us and for them it may be the difference between poverty and a better life.
Anyway, the school was so fun. The kids are wonderful. Full of smiles. We let them listen to their heart sounds with our stethoscopes. We taught them simple hand games. Even though it is in the very middle of the rain forest, the small school was teaching exponent math, fractions, religion, twi, and more. The children are so polite and excited about learning. However, I did learn they have to provide their own 'switch' to their teacher on the first day in case they get out of line.
They kids followed us down to the village where we gave immunizations, weighed the babies, and had a little outpatient clinic. They kept dancing around us singing, "Good morning, white lady' in Twi. Victoria Stephens was able to give a couple immunizations. Olivia had 3 marriage proposals. After we got home, we played soccer with some local 7-9 year olds. We were heartily beaten again, 4-8, even more humiliating they were playing in flip-flops and barefoot. We will have a re-do tomorrow. Great day!