Author: Jorneybaldwin

Stigma plays a critical part in the want for mental health services in Ghana. I did not realize just how much of a role stigma plays until I was able to see it firsthand. 

A Bit of Backstory:

I’m all about adding interesting experiences to my life. This means I love doing things that create memorable stories to share with my friends, family, and future children about the fun and crazy adventures I embark on. One thing you might not know about me is that I don’t enjoy going on dates. However, my friends convinced me to go on a date with a bartender who had asked for my number here in Ghana. Initially, I wasn’t planning to go, but I decided to take the plunge—for the plot.

The bartender picked me up, promising to teach me how to make jollof, a traditional Ghanaian dish. He mentioned that he was from Ga, about a 20-minute drive from where I was staying. I made sure to share my location with friends and headed to the city of Ga. As we got closer, I started feeling nervous. I rarely go on dates; in fact, I’ve only said yes to maybe two in my entire life, so going on one in a foreign country was quite daunting. My palms were sweaty, and I felt uneasy since I had never been in this area before. The bartender assured me that everything would be okay and that I was safe, but his words didn’t completely soothe my anxiety.

When we arrived in his town, he mentioned that I was going to meet someone very special to him. This unexpected twist made me even more nervous, as I hadn’t anticipated meeting new people. He led me into a small house where I met Granny, his grandmother. She was in her 80s or 90s and only spoke Ga, the traditional language of the Ga people. Unfortunately, I didn’t know any words in Ga, having only learned a bit of Twi, the language of the Akan people. I felt anxious. Granny was kind and tried to communicate with me, complimenting me as the most beautiful girl she’d ever seen (in a mix of English and Ga).

As we were talking, Granny suddenly started rocking back and forth and praying. I’d never seen anything like it; it was almost as if she were speaking in tongues. The bartender looked at me intently and said, “Don’t worry, it’s the Holy Spirit.” Knowing how deeply religion is intertwined with culture here, I was curious about his explanation, though a bit unsettled because I thought we were just going to make jollof, haha.

He explained that Granny was a prophetess and a type of medicine woman. While we have medicine men and women in Native cultures, this was different from what I was accustomed to. He told me she had healed many people and then started talking about how one of his friends had attempted to sacrifice him a few years ago using black magic, but his granny put a curse on the friend, leaving him “crazy and naked on the streets.”

What. Does. That. Even. Mean??

At this point, I began to dissociate. More and more people came into the house to greet Granny and thank her for helping them, some of whom she hadn’t seen in over 13 years. They all spoke about how she had cured them of mental illnesses and credited her as the reason they were alive today. I told the bartender I had a 9 p.m. curfew, so Granny prayed for me, and I headed back home. 

The next day, when I went to work at the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights, I shared the story of my “date” with my coworkers Isaac and Dorris. I love talking with them, and over the past few weeks, we’ve had many unique and engaging conversations. When I described my “date,” which felt more like a fever dream, they began explaining the connections between black magic and the influence of Christianity on the Ghanaian people. Everything started to make more sense to me. 

Role of Education 

Isaac explained how education plays a crucial role in understanding healthcare, which makes perfect sense. As people become more educated about the importance of healthcare and how it functions, they tend to rely less on prayer alone. This shift leads to a greater demand for assistance beyond traditional and spiritual methods. However, due to the lack of education about healthcare and the limited resources available in Ghana, many people turn to prayer as their primary option. It is the only easily available and accessible option for many Ghanaians.

Health education is not well integrated into schools in Ghana. As a result, generations of families are not teaching children about different health needs. While families are the most significant protective factor in an individual’s life, there is sometimes limited room for growth in understanding modern medicine and the need for various types of assistance.

Christianity and Black Magic

Religion is an integral part of culture, and the key to providing mental health care in Ghana is connecting traditional and spiritual medicine with modern practices. This is important to consider, especially considering how beliefs in African black magic directly impact communities. When someone has a mental health issue, people often attribute it to a curse from a “Juju man.” A Juju specialist (also known commonly as a Juju-man) is someone who uses black magic to help individuals achieve their desires: fame, money, gifts, or love. Juju itself is used within West African countries, such as Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Click here to read the Cambridge University Press’s article “The Superstition that Dismembers the African Child: An Exploration of the Scale and Features of Juju-Driven Paedicide in Ghana,” which goes into depth on why Juju is practiced. 

According to my coworkers, in Africa, those who engage in black magic often use sacrifices to achieve those desires. However, it’s important to remember that black magic always comes with consequences and that when you interfere with a spirit, whether human or animal, there will be consequences. These consequences vary from person to person, but typically, people get what they want, even though it is temporary. I was confused when I first heard about this, but then I thought about my experience at Granny’s house when the bartender said she had saved him from being sacrificed years ago.

My coworker, Dorris, is deeply connected to Christianity and has extensive knowledge of the Bible. I appreciate how much she has taught me and how she explains things when I have questions. She shared that one reason people in Ghana devote their lives to Christ is the protection it offers from black magic—by following God, they can avoid being deceived by the Juju man’s illusions. Dorris also mentioned that some Juju men use Christianity as a cover, posing as priests in churches. She even knew some by name, and Isaac agreed. They both explained that someone truly devoted to God could discern between a Juju man and a genuine priest because of their personal connection to the Bible and God.

Ghanaians and Mental Health / Health Care 

It’s important to note that, in Ghana, mental health is often viewed as something frightening. Many people do not include conditions like depression and anxiety within the spectrum of mental health; they associate it with more severe mental health issues, often described to me as “naked people on the streets,” which I’ve heard multiple times. 

With the Ghanaian belief that “nothing happens by chance” and that “many events are the result of curses or taboos,” it’s easy to see one of the main barriers to addressing mental illnesses and chronic health care. Family members of the patient often decide where they will receive care, aiming to find the best option for both the family and the individual. When it comes to mental health, the initial assumption is often that black magic is involved. However, after speaking with a few Ghanaians, I learned that they can sometimes distinguish whether a person’s condition is due to black magic or simply how life unfolded for them.

Choosing a Facility

When it comes to mental health conditions, there are mainly two options for individuals to consider: the Psychiatric Hospital (with only three facilities in the greater region) or a Prayer Camp. 

Psychiatric Hospitals

The Psychiatric Hospital is heavily stigmatized and also requires payment for services. While working at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital (APH), I’ve explored the reasons behind this stigma and the state of the facilities (more on this in next week’s blog post!). I spoke with Fati, the director of the Serenity Place at APH, who explained that many families abandon their loved ones at the facilities. Even after they recover, the families never return to pick them up, leading to overcrowding as these individuals have nowhere to go. The facilities are poorly funded, and from a glance, it can look like a scary place (as you might remember from my previous blog post, “The Culture of Care: The Accra Psychiatric Hospital and The Mental Health Authority.”)

Many families choose to leave their relatives behind due to the stigma surrounding mental health and their desire to distance themselves from the mental health issues. Even if someone recovers, people often believe that some trace of the “mental health issue” remains, which can still frighten others. Once individuals return to society after being in the hospital, there’s a belief that the mental health problem still lingers. In Twi, there is a proverb called “maxim,” which suggests that one cannot fully recover from mental health issues.

However, there are many areas in the APH where good work is done to help individuals feel and do better, often by combining spiritual and modern medicines and practices. Despite this, the stigma surrounding psychiatric hospitals and the associated costs frequently deter families from seeking help there. 

Prayer Camps 

A prayer camp is an alternative that many individuals trust more or can more easily afford. Although I have not yet visited a prayer camp and cannot speak from personal experience, I have discussed these camps with several of my coworkers. Isaac explained that people at these facilities often fast and pray to expel evil spirits, a practice rooted in the belief that mental health issues are solely spiritual. While prayer camps may be effective for some, they do not work for everyone. In the past (and possibly still today), some camps have resorted to chaining up their clients in an attempt to drive out spirits.

Despite these practices, many people in Ghana view prayer camps as a better alternative to psychiatric hospitals. The hospital’s medical procedures are less understood and often unaffordable, while prayer camps provide relatability with their spiritual approach. This preference stresses the importance of addressing mental health in a way that aligns with cultural beliefs and economic realities. 

Personal Reflections 

It has been fascinating to learn about the intersections between black magic, Christianity, and mental health care in Ghana. These connections are deeply rooted in religion, culture, and familial values, making it challenging to teach and advocate for change without effective education systems. When traditions have been practiced for generations, how do we encourage people to consider alternatives?

I believe there can be a meaningful connection between spirituality, religion, and mental health care. Still, there is also a critical need for scientific healthcare options to ensure that treatment is both safe and effective. During my time at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital (APH), I’ve observed that many staff members recognize the importance of integrating mental health care with spirituality. They have successfully helped their clients by combining both approaches.

However, the persistent stigma surrounding mental health means there is still a need to find ways to connect individuals with accurate information and positive support. Developing comprehensive education programs and increasing awareness can help bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and modern healthcare, ultimately leading to better outcomes for those in need. 

As I continue my journey in Ghana, I am inspired by the resilience and adaptability of the people I’ve met. The blending of spiritual and modern practices in mental health care offers a unique opportunity to create a more inclusive and effective system. By acknowledging and respecting cultural beliefs while also advocating for scientific approaches, we can work towards reducing stigma and improving access to quality mental health care for all.

Education and open dialogue are vital to bridging these gaps. By fostering understanding and collaboration between traditional and modern practices, we can empower communities to embrace a holistic approach to mental health that honors their values and enhances their well-being. As we move forward, I am hopeful that these efforts will lead to a future where mental health care in Ghana is accessible and respected.

The Elmina Church

Photo by: Tai Le

The National Quality Forum was a two-day conference that I attended with the Mental Health Authority. The theme was “Ghana’s Healthcare Quality Strategy—Efforts towards a Sustainable System for UHC, 2030.” The conference was about enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Ghana and health equity for all people. 

Many of the speakers at the conference echoed similar themes, primarily about “fostering a culture of continuous improvement.” They emphasized the importance of respecting all patients, promoting health care, and preventing diseases. A key point that caught my attention was the idea of involving patients in decisions about their own health. The need for individuals to advocate for themselves and communicate their needs to doctors stood out to me because it is something that the Native American community also struggles with because of years of medical mistreatment. 

I asked Nana how patients could advocate for themselves if they lack education about their health conditions or what they need to feel better. We had a brief conversation about the significant role education plays in ensuring quality care in the health field. While it’s crucial for patients to be the main stakeholders in their healthcare, they need specific knowledge to understand and articulate their needs. 

I believe social media can play a huge role in this educational process. For instance, the Mental Health Authority posts daily about mindfulness and wellness. Breaking down these posts to explain terms like anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation could help consumers understand their feelings and take proactive steps. I created a social media post about recognizing burnout and anxiety (examples below) for the Mental Health Authority’s page. Although this is a small step, it illustrates how organizations can incorporate education into their materials, benefiting all health organizations in teaching individuals how to advocate for themselves. 

Communication is the biggest barrier for people, so reducing these barriers through education is essential in empowering individuals to advocate for themselves.

Dr. Gilbert Buckle, a presenter at the conference, spoke about leadership and governance in healthcare quality, posing critical questions for individuals to consider: How safe is what you are doing? How efficient is what you are doing?

He emphasized the importance of balancing efficiency and quality. Often, due to the shortage of healthcare providers in Ghana and the high demand for medical attention, the quality of care falls short. This conference aimed to address how to improve quality while maintaining efficiency.

This discussion made me reflect on how burnout affects healthcare professionals and how these essential workers are treated and treat themselves. We see similar issues in the United States, including within the University of Oregon Health Services. Given the high student-to-professional ratio, how are these professionals taking care of themselves and preventing burnout?

Preventing burnout is particularly challenging in communities like Accra due to the significant need for medical services and limited resources. How can we address these issues to support healthcare professionals and ensure they can provide quality care without compromising their well-being? As someone who works in mental health and higher education, I still struggle to navigate the importance of self-care while actively wanting to take care of others—I can only imagine it is the same for these individuals who are in similar fields as I am.

When thinking about the history of neglect in health fields for Indigenous people, the people who are not experiencing burnout either have very good self-discipline or are not doing their jobs efficiently. We can only hope that it is the first option, but sadly, I struggle to believe that that is the truth for all situations. 

Throughout this conference, I noticed many connections between Ghanaian healthcare and the importance of religion. With 71.2% of Ghanaians being Christian and 17.6% being Muslims, religion plays a significant role in the lives of people in Accra. This influence can have both positive and negative impacts on healthcare services. ( Stay tuned for a blog post specifically about this! )

When it comes to mental health, many people prefer faith-based practices over traditional therapy. In the Native American community, parallels can be drawn regarding the importance of community and culture and the stigmatization of mental health. However, in Ghana, some faith-based practices involve harmful methods, such as chaining and beating individuals with mental health issues in an attempt to “heal” them.

Over the past year, working with Native American Indigenous communities has taught me about the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of connection, and the need for education on mental health concerns. These lessons are equally relevant in Ghana, where similar issues and needs exist. After the conference, I briefly spoke to a woman at the Mental Health Authority about this, and I came to the conclusion that it is important for mental health professionals to be able to incorporate faith-based practices to gain consumer trust while also being able to give them sufficient access to care and medicine as needed. One of the main barriers is trying to take away the ideation of neglecting people with mental health concerns, and thankfully, that is what the Mental Health Authority strives to do. 

Attending the National Quality Forum was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the challenges and opportunities within Ghanaian healthcare that I was able to connect directly to mental health. The discussions emphasized the importance of patient advocacy, the role of education in healthcare, and the delicate balance between efficiency and quality. I left the conference with a deeper understanding of the systemic issues faced by healthcare professionals and patients alike. More importantly, I felt inspired by the commitment of individuals like Nana and organizations like the Mental Health Authority to drive meaningful change. Moving forward, I am hopeful that by integrating education, leveraging social media, and respecting cultural and religious contexts, they will be able to create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that empowers individuals to advocate for their mental health needs.

Content Warning: The following blog post discusses topics related to sexual assault

Week one of our internships came fast and went even faster. On the first day, Clement, our amazing bus driver, drove each of us to our individual placements. Professors Leslie and Senyo accompanied us to meet the teams we would be working with for the next five weeks. I was incredibly grateful for their support, especially because my anxieties were high. A big shout out to Nadia, professor of biology and associate dean of DEI at the University of Oregon, and Tony, businessman and Nadia’s husband, for cheering us on as we got off the bus! I was the last one to be dropped off since my internship was the furthest from our accommodation in East Legon.

Day 1

The first day of my internship was overwhelming and hectic, to say the least. I had two placements: the Mental Health Authority (MHA) and the Accra Psychiatric Hospital (APH). Initially, we were dropped off at the MHA, but there was a miscommunication about where I was supposed to be and who was supposed to accompany me. We met a woman named Geraldine, who informed us that I was to be at the APH instead of the MHA on my first day. Thankfully, Clement waited for me and drove me to the APH.

Upon arrival at the APH, Senyo, and Leslie did not want to leave until we found the person I was supposed to meet (so grateful for them). We checked a few places, including the Public Relations office, which was locked. Senyo made a few phone calls, and, after what felt like an eternity, we met Dr. Peggy, a psychiatrist at the APH. Dr. Peggy informed us that the staff at the APH were on strike for the day, and she herself was on leave. They were not expecting me until the last two weeks of the internship. Despite the confusion, Dr. Peggy introduced us to a kind woman who had worked in the PR office for 13 years, and she gave me a tour of the facilities. Once we found her, Senyo, Leslie, and Clement were able to head out for the rest of their day.

From the front, the facilities looked quite normal. The APH is like the motel of hospitals, meaning it’s not an enclosed building; offices and wards are connected outside. However, once we ventured deeper, what seemed normal changed drastically.

Before I dive into my personal experience of touring the psychiatric hospital, I want to share a bit of history about the APH that I wish I had known beforehand.

Brief History of APH:

– APH is the oldest psychiatric hospital in the region.
– APH is of only three psychiatric hospitals in the country
– APH is known for an undercover journalist’s exposé (definitely check this out)
– APH has experienced multiple strikes over the years due to various issues, including the maltreatment of patients and workers.
– APH recently found a way to properly manage their waste, which had previously been done in a way that was harmful to all of the people in the facilities.

These are definitely things I should have researched before starting my internship. What would you call a journalist who didn’t do their homework? Unprepared and terrified. To be fair, the limited information I found online (mostly broken links and sparse reviews) wasn’t as helpful as I had hoped.

The first place we explored was Ward 3, which housed 30 men ordered by the courts to be there. These men were there for crimes such as rape.

~Wonderful.~

The lack of security was evident as we entered the ward by simply pushing open a gate. Due to the strike, I couldn’t get a full tour, but I wonder what I would have seen on a different day. Even with limited exposure, I was already overwhelmed and scared.

The conditions these patients were in were inhumane. This could be due to the lack of funding the hospital receives, but it could also be a result of various other reasons.

I did not see all of the patients, but those I did see were lying on the dirt floor and eating directly off it. It’s hard to imagine how anyone diagnosed with depression, schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions could find any relief in such an environment. It’s no wonder mental health is still so stigmatized; it felt more like a prison than a place of healing. However, the facility members that I did meet seemed to be there for the right reasons; it was just very sad to see the lack of resources all patients and workers had to deal with.

Some of the facilities were nicer than others, and all of the staff were very welcoming, which was helpful. There were three places that I felt comfortable within the facilities: The occupational therapy office, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation offices, and the laundry room (LOL).

I did not feel equipped with the right information to completely understand where my role would be, nor did I feel like I should be working closely with the patients without any knowledge of what goes on in the facilities and how patients are typically cared for. They were not asking me to help with patients, but with them being everywhere throughout the facilities, it would have been nice to know what to do if something went wrong. However, the regulations seemed quite strange to me. I wished I could have taken photos of the facilities, but due to patient privacy and the fact that patients were scattered throughout the facilities, it wasn’t possible, nor would I have felt comfortable doing so.

After the initial visit, I had very low expectations for what I was supposed to accomplish over the next few weeks. I was also trying to stay safe without fully understanding what was happening around the facilities. Although the staff tried to be transparent, there wasn’t any place that felt comfortable to me, and no one seemed to know what to do with me. After about an hour of exploring, I was told there was nothing else to do for the day and that I could go home.

Later that night, I was able to decompress with my roommates and professors about the day’s events. My hopes for this internship were low, considering the conditions of the facilities and the lack of communication between my two internship sites. Two questions resonated with me after my first day: What am I going to do here for four more weeks? Will I be safe staying here at this hospital for the next four weeks?

Day 2

Luckily, after my first day at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, I received a message to meet with Dr. Dansoa Nuamah (Nana) at the Mental Health Authority the following day. I was relieved to have more time to mentally prepare before returning to the psychiatric hospital and to plan what I wanted from that experience. It was challenging because I knew I couldn’t make a significant change to the status of their care in just four weeks. However, I recognized the importance of advocacy for better mental health services and saw the role I could play at the Mental Health Authority. 

Meeting Nana put me at ease. She is a psychiatrist and the head of the communications department at the Mental Health Authority. She apologized for the communication mishap the previous day, and we had an amazing conversation. Her insights and intelligence reassured me about the internship. Nana explained the connections between the Mental Health Authority and the psychiatric hospital, highlighting their efforts to advocate for sufficient funding and better facilities to provide the care patients deserve. 

Mental health in Ghana still lacks recognition, and Nana and I discussed the parallels between the Indigenous communities of America and Ghana regarding mental health. It was comforting to share common experiences and understand some of the challenges she mentioned, as Native Americans often face similar stigmas and inadequate healthcare services as those in Ghana. 

Meeting with Nana provided a valuable perspective on the broader context of mental health care in Ghana. Her explanation of the connections between the Mental Health Authority and the psychiatric hospital, along with their advocacy for improved funding and facilities, offered me a sense of direction and purpose for my internship. While it was clear that a four-week period was not enough to effect sweeping changes, the experience indicates the critical need for ongoing advocacy and reform in mental health services.

As I continue my journey, I carry with me a renewed commitment to advocacy and a deeper understanding of the systemic issues impacting mental health care. The insights gained from Nana and my time at the Mental Health Authority will guide my efforts to support meaningful change and improve mental health services.

I had the opportunity to attend an art exhibit at the National Museum of Ghana, organized in collaboration with the Compound House Gallery and the Accra Psychiatric Hospital. This exhibit, titled “Psy-tch,” featured the work of Jojo Abdallah, and the gallery was curated by Robin Riskin. It ran from June 29th to July 28th, 2024. The Mental Health Authority also contributed to this exhibit, and Dr. Nana Dansoah, from the Mental Health Authority brought me along to experience it for the first time with her.

What fascinated me most about this exhibit was its profound exploration of the intersection between art, culture, and mental illness. Abdallah, a talented Ghanaian artist deeply connected to his cultural roots, lives with schizophrenia. In his case, schizophrenia manifests as the creation of intricate, fantastical narratives that he perceives as reality. This unique perspective infuses his art with a raw and unfiltered authenticity that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Despite being a patient at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Abdallah has created stunning artwork that reflects his personal truths. The support he receives, particularly from the hospital’s occupational therapy department, has been vital to his artistic journey. This support allows him to blend various histories, some imagined, and intertwine different truths from around the world. Even though these narratives may not always make sense, Abdallah curates them into believable art as they align with his own perceptions of reality. Abdallah, who is homeless, will be using half of the proceeds from the exhibition to pay for his rent, underscoring the practical impact of the support he receives and the importance of this exhibit.

The exhibit featured a range of mixed-media works and paintings, each offering a unique glimpse into Abdallah’s mind. His use of vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and intricate detailing draws viewers into his world, inviting them to see reality through his eyes. Each piece tells a story, often layered with cultural symbols and personal references that challenge viewers to question their own perceptions of reality.

I had the chance to speak with Robin Riskin, the gallery organizer, who provided further insight into the exhibit’s themes and the modern perspectives integrated into the artwork. Her explanations helped me understand how Abdallah’s work not only conveys his inner world but also challenges societal perceptions of mental illness. She emphasized the importance of seeing beyond the illness and recognizing the unique artistic voice that emerges from Abdallah’s experiences.

One painting, in particular, depicted an image of Jesus with two other individuals. In the biblical story, Jesus is an integral part of the scene. However, Riskin explained that Abdallah reimagined this image by placing himself in the position of Jesus, observing the story from an external perspective. Riskin noted that Abdallah often incorporates himself and his name into his paintings, reflecting his personal interpretation of reality. This reimagining challenges traditional narratives and invites viewers to consider alternative perspectives on well-known stories.

The experience was both enlightening and moving, highlighting the powerful role of art in expressing complex mental health experiences. It reminded me of the importance of supporting artists like Abdallah, whose work offers profound insights into the human condition. The exhibit not only showcased the resilience and creativity of an individual living with mental illness but also served as a powerful testament to the therapeutic potential of art.

(Nana’s husband, Nana, and Me!)

One of the things I was most excited about when traveling to Ghana was meeting the Indigenous teachers and children. It’s rare to see Indigenous-to-Indigenous connections highlighted in our history books. As I’ve mentioned before, a recurring theme in my blog posts is the concept of seven generations— preparing the way for those who came before and those who will come after us.

Visiting Anani Memorial International School (AMIS) and being welcomed by the children through dance was an absolute honor. These children, around ages 5-10, who are mainly orphans, recited words and quotes I didn’t encounter until my undergraduate education. They spoke with such poise and strength that I was moved to tears.

As an American, I was initially concerned about the school’s conditions. Many students were barefoot, the floors were dirt, and the temperature inside was significantly hotter than outside. How do these children learn in such environments? The answer lies in the community of people.

Community and culture are vital and inspiring for Indigenous people. Music and dance help us stay connected to others and ourselves, similar to the Indigenous peoples of America. A lack of community can hinder the educational experience. I’ve experienced this personally; despite having access to beautiful facilities and being enriched by some of the best people in my fields, not having a sense of connection or community in these types of spaces makes learning almost impossible. We can also see this throughout grade school: a strong community can make all the difference for a child. 

While I can’t speak to the social concerns that may happen at this school (like bullying or difficulty making friends, like some students struggle with at that age), each student can express themselves in ways their ancestors did ( through activities like dance and music) which is highly beneficial for Indigenous youth. Though I often focus on Indigenous people, I can’t stress enough the importance of community for everyone. We all want to feel like we belong, and the company we keep matters. Without it, life can feel pointless. But through culture, we are always connected and never alone.

We all know how crucial it is to move our bodies, but sometimes, I forget the joy of embracing dance until I’m in it. These students gave me something I was truly yearning for. I’ve been feeling tired and missing my family, but these children felt like family. They held our hands tightly and gave me the community I needed at that moment. The principal of the school, Kofi Anane, shared a quote that resonated deeply with me: “Connect to correct.” This phrase means so much, and reversing it to “correct to connect” also holds powerful significance. 

Connect to Correct: For me, this signifies the chance to address past mistakes by fostering connections and promoting education. By learning from each other’s lived experiences and sharing our personal stories, we can grow together.

Correct to Connect: Acknowledging and rectifying one’s actions, along with recognizing when to seek help, are crucial for building meaningful connections and enriching experiences. This self-awareness not only strengthens our relationships but also promotes personal growth and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

Personal Reflections:

This experience has been truly transformative. Witnessing the resilience and spirit of these children in such challenging conditions highlighted the incredible strength of their community. It has deepened my appreciation for how crucial a supportive environment is for learning and personal growth. I commend the teachers, staff, and faculty for their unwavering dedication to helping these children become strong, independent individuals. Fostering culture in various ways allows for meaningful self-expression. It was heartening to see culture being passed down, as this ensures it is never lost. When children are not given the opportunity to embrace their culture, it risks disappearing with the previous generation. 

I am deeply grateful to the community for welcoming me with open arms. Thank you to the teachers, the children, and the principal for sharing your world with me. Special thanks to the University of Oregon’s “Media in Ghana” program for facilitating this visit and making it possible for me to meet these amazing children. 

This visit has reinforced the importance of supporting Indigenous communities around the world. I encourage everyone to learn more about these cultures and consider how they can contribute to preserving and promoting Indigenous traditions. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply educating oneself, every effort counts.