The End

At the beginning of this experience, we were supposed to develop an essential question that would guide our thoughts and questions through the trip.  After having weeks to reflect post Ghana, I realize that I completely selected the wrong question from the start.  I previously decided to find out how environmental degradation influences the incidence of disease and subsequently the academic success of students in Ghana.  What I found was that, just like in the US, most people in Ghana do not really understand the quality or source of their own resources, like water.  They are not fully aware of what environmental factors are impacting their lives.  Most people in Ghana and the US are so busy trying to make money, raise children, and run their lives they have little time or inclination to investigate environmental issues.  This question was in fact a total conversation killer throughout my trip.

There was however a topic that was enthusiastically raised over and over by many Ghanaians and was in fact the focus of my efforts and attention prior to my visit to Ghana.  Throughout our trip we were asked repeatedly to help the schools.  We were asked what we "intended" to do to help.  We were told that the schools needed books, computers, money, etc., etc.  Of course we knew before arriving that the average citizen and school in Ghana is not as fortunate with material possessions and technology as we are in the USA.  But we were not prepared for the expectation that we were there to provide for their needs.  Our understanding was that we were visiting Ghana to collaborate with educators, trade professional strategies, share lesson plans, and make friends and connections.  But it was a fortuitous change of focus, it lead me away from my previous inquiry and on to something more meaningful.  What is the best strategy to provide meaningful aid?.

Through other experiences I have learned that simply " giving" is not enough and if done improperly can actually cause more damage than good.  I think it is important to consider several things before offering assistance to anyone.  First, we should ask the recipient what they want or need.  Too often aid is based on what the donor imagines is best for the recipient and not what is really most appropriate in the context of the recipients culture and environment.  Secondly, it should be something that is truly meaningful and not gratuitous.  The gift should be of high quality and beneficial to the recipient.  Too often donations are the "leftovers" or rejects" of the donor.  This kind of giving amounts to simply dumping our junk on another person.  Third, the donation should be self sustaining or enable the recipient to make meaningful changes that will lead to a higher quality of life.

Service Learning is an important part of my science curriculum.  The experiences I have when traveling,  including my experiences in Ghana, shape and direct the projects I present to my students.  I will continue to work with Sam Agyapong and fortunately was able to also add a few more Ghanaian teachers to my list of collaborators.