Wednesday 14 April 2010

Work at Last

Ok for those of you wondering if I am in Ghana to have fun or do some work here goes.

If you have read any earlier blogs you will know that I am out here to advice a network of NGO's - Coalition Of Volunteering Organisations Ghana (COVOG) on their Organisational Development.

I have been working closely with the Executive Committee on a number of areas of the organisation/network's development and have been planning and preparing for a two day conference, where I am to facilitate the consultation with the members.
So not that much! Ahh where are all my VAC mates when I need them. No to be fair they have been really helpful; I couldn't have done my work out in Ghana without the constant help from my friends and collegues in Cardiff.


The conference took place on the 25th and 26th March and we had a good turn out. They loved my wacky, creative consultation methods and even put up with me walking around bare foot as I was meant to be resting my foot.
I would say the two days were successful and I feel COVOG got a lot out of it. The report is available for anyone who wants a copy - well maybe not anyone, you have to be nice to me.
I also got interviewed by the media, both TV and newspaper and hopefully will be sent copies. So when I get back to Cardiff maybe my head will not fit through the door.

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Bolgatanga Experience

Finally made it to Bolgatanga, met up with Katherine and Laura for a drink on Commercial Street, in the Street View Spot. And what a view we have right over the open ditch. Which unfortunately did not see before I fell in. Yes that's right walked straight into an open ditch.





To be fair it was dark and I was on the phone. But these Ghanaian men are so strong one just got hold of my arm and lifted me right out.

Anyway we had to buy sachet water to wash of the gunge and what a sight I was. At that point we didn't realise the extent of the injuries.



At the hotel we had to sneak me into Katherine's room, luckily she had hot water and we managed to get some salt and do a hot salty water soak.


The foot just wouldn't stop bleeding the next day I had to go to hospital. To cut a long story short cause it took me all day in Hospital. To be told possibly broken toe, torn tendons and bruised ribs.
I thought I better leave Bolgatanga before I cause any more trouble and got the night bus back to Accra. I had to sit at the front and have my foot elevated all the way.