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Mady and Aaron headed out to join us in Ghana last summer on a psychology and mental health programme – and have kindly shared their stories about their time there together!
First Impressions Of Ghana & Meeting the Team!
Mady:
When we first walked out of the airport, the first thing that hit me was the intense heat and humidity. Once we were picked up and on our way to Senya, the reality of the situation started settling in and we started to get super excited for what was yet to come.
The accommodation was nice, especially considering local standards, and I was pleasantly surprised to see queen sized beds. The heat and humidity was intense, and not what we were used to. We found it difficult to get to sleep because of the heat, but we eventually adjusted to it.
We visited the children’s home and were greeted so warmly by the children and the staff. Monica sat down with us and went over our itinerary with us, making sure that any of our questions were answered. This was very much appreciated
Romy (the other volunteer) was very kind and welcoming. She had already been in Senya for a few weeks before us, so it was nice that she was able to help us get settled in and adjust. I’m very grateful that she was willing to answer any of our questions and help us get into the groove of things.
Aaron:
At first, I was extremely overwhelmed and nervous. The culture shock set in almost right away, but once we were picked up by Eric everything started to settle in a little easier. Settling in was a really hard process. The culture shock was definitely a real thing. Not being used to having amenities that are often taken for granted at home was an extremely hard adjustment.
I was extremely overwhelmed with joy upon arriving at the children’s foundation. The kids met us with welcome arms and showered us with love and appreciation. Everyone made us feel extremely welcome.
Our other volunteer was awesome! Romy was excellent and always accommodating.
Psychology and Mental Health Abroad
Aaron:
Over our placement, we observed counseling sessions at the general hospital, did general counselling presentations for the kids at the home, and participated in a narcotics anonymous meeting at the Psychiatric Hospital.We were involved in attending counseling sessions and participating with patients in mental duress at the general hospital.
The psychiatric hospital was spectacular…. loved everything about it. We mainly focused on the rehab ward, occupational therapy ward, and psychology ward. Sitting in on counselling sessions is directly related to my study of therapy.
Mady:
Our first week at the general hospitals were interesting. At the general hospital, we sat in on a couple of counselling sessions for youth aged 12-16. Anxiety and depression were common.
At one of the hospitals we also sat in the psychologist’s office and listened to her counselling sessions with clients. It was cool to observe the differences between the Canadian and Ghanaian mental health care system. At the other general hospital, a woman named Esther came and taught us how to conduct mental state assessments. From Esther, we also learned how to built rapport with clients and gather history info.
I found our second week at the psychiatric hospital to be so engaging and informative. There were so many different wards to visit, so we always had something to do and learn. I am very thankful for our time at the general hospitals, but overall I found I loved the involved and informative experiences at the psychiatric hospital. I returned to the rehab ward twice, for both group therapy sessions and narcotics anonymous meetings. I really loved my time in the rehab ward and learned a lot. We got the pleasure to join group therapy sessions and narcotics anonymous meetings in the rehab ward. These were such powerful experiences for me, and opened my eyes to the possibility of me pursuing an education in addiction studies.
On my last day at the psychiatric hospital, I got the privilege to go to the women’s ward and meet with a few of the in-patients. Through conversation with one woman, I was able to conduct a mental state assessment, which was very insightful. I loved being able to apply the knowledge of mental state assessments I learned at the general hospital to real-life scenarios.
My main experiences that I keep talking about are either my time spent in the rehab ward doing group therapy and NA meetings, or getting to hang out with the women’ s ward and conduct a mental state assessment. The most educational experience is probably learning about mental state assessments and then getting to apply that knowledge with a woman staying in the ward at the psychiatric hospital.
The experiences gained in the wards and hospitals are invaluable. I feel like I am equipped with a greater understanding of how large of an impact culture has on mental health. I also learned about potential avenues to pursue in my studies, like addictions. To be able to have such an enriching experience at such a young age is something I am so deeply grateful for, and it just reaffirms my passion for my studies and career goals.
Community Outreach In Ghana
Aaron:
We went to a community outreach presentation about mental health awareness month at a local school. The community outreach is something I have learned a lot within my social work degree. The children were amazing…. The highlight of the trip. They were so fun to hang out with and they were extremely appreciative of everyone and everything.
Mady:
It was great, the kids were the highlight of our week in Senya. The only downside is that we weren’t there for longer! At the school we presented on controlling emotions, personal hygiene, and how exercise promotes mental health. Gad, Monica, and Linda helped us setting up the presentations and facilitating discussion with the kids at the foundation. We also went to a senior high school where the outreach team presented on general mental health and wellbeing
The organization is very dedicated to their mission, and you can tell how passionate those involved are. I loved hanging out with the kids at the foundation! We played games and did some presentations with them. They have such wonderful personalities and really helped me settle into the culture.
Travels & Adventures In Ghana
Aaron:
We went to Kakum national park, Las Vegas Beach resort, Cape Coast Castle, Oasis Beach Resort, Kasoa Market, Museum of the first president in Accra…But we also made time to relax at our accommodation and play games. The people, markets, and forestry were amazing!!
Mady:
Most evenings we took it pretty easy because we were so tired. The days were full of activities, and the heat really took the energy out of me. Most nights after supper we would either play a game of cards or wari, then I would read, journal and call my family. A few nights and on the weekend in Cape Coast we went out to Oasis beach resort to have some drinks and unwind by the ocean.
We adventured Senya, went to the Las Vegas beach resort, went to Tom’s a couple times for dinner, visited Kakum Park and did the rope bridge, we frequented the Oasis beach resort in Cape Coast, and went to the Kwame memorial museum in Accra. Every day we were immersed in Ghanaian culture I fell in love with it more. The people are so kind and welcoming, and the country is just so beautiful.
Advice for future Volunteers
Aaron:
Fans are definitely needed! I would advise future volunteers to plan early as the process of visas, fundraising, vaccines, etc. is a lot. I would also advise people to bring a lot of their own snacks or food if they can as the Ghanaian food is most likely different that what most people are used to. Prepare early and do research about the area.
Mady:
I know everyone says it, but try your best to keep an open mind! Please take time for yourself and allow yourself to feel all the emotions that come along with culture shock and new environments. Definitely bring a notebook to your placements! I would also recommend bringing a mirror to use. I found hydration boosters that you add to water to be essential- the heat is intense and the last thing you want is to be dehydrated. I would also recommend bringing tea or instant coffee if you drink it, and any condiments or spreads you usually use. Easy snacks like granola bars were great to have at the placements for a little pick-me-up. A flashlight or small battery lantern can also be super handy during power outages and when using the bathroom at night! Again, keep an open mind to everything. Some of the experiences may not be exactly what you had anticipated or expected, but those unexpected adventures seem to be the most rewarding and eye-opening!
Parting Thoughts
Aaron:
The whole trip was an amazing experience, but having the overall opportunity to live in a new culture and experience a new way of life was truly life changing. The appreciation that people have within the Ghanaian region – it was life changing to experience a sense of community like that.
I believe it gives me an overall deeper appreciation of society outside of the western world. It also changed me as a person to recognize the things I have and be grateful for them. I believe this will serve extremely well on a resume but it is the personal aspects of life that this experience has provided me with.
The volunteering aspect was incredible…. we loved everything we did with the kids and hospitals.
Mady:
I don’t think I can express in words how amazing it was. Although I was only there for two weeks, I do feel like I made an impact by supporting the organization. The story and mission at the children’s home is so inspiring, and I really feel like being able to connect with some of the kids has made positive impacts on their lives.
These experiences are such a great opportunity to travel the world, while enhancing your education and interests – it’s truly the best of both worlds.
I’m not sure if I can pick a singular most life changing moment, because the whole experience gave me a different outlook on life. Meeting locals and experiencing the culture is truly something extraordinary. Again, I loved the rehab ward because it was so powerful hearing people’s stories and experiences. It really made me realize that we as humans are so much stronger and more capable than we will ever know. that kind of inspiration is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life My studies focus on the relationship between culture and mental health, so really everything we did aligned with what I’m passionate about. It was very interesting to listen to the counselling sessions and observe for example, how family-focused treatment is.
I definitely think more people should look into placements like this one. I have talked to friends about my experience and some will say ‘wow I’ve always wanted to do something like that’. I encourage those people to sign up! If not now, then when?
