Placement: Volta School for the Mentally Challenged

Cross Cultural Solutions waits to place volunteers one week prior to the trip to ensure that the most needed populations will be served. Today, I received my placement. I'll be working with children ages 4-mid 20 with autism, mental retardation (mostly down syndrome) and cerebral palsy. My program coordinator told me it was one of the harder placements, and not to expect a great deal of change while I'm there. I read a narrative from a previous volunteer who mentioned that the conditions are not very good, the children are malnourished and the hygiene is very poor.

My program coordinator has suggested that individuals at my site will be very curious and I should try to bring some photos or representations of my "daily" life. I'm not sure what to bring.. pictures of friends, family, and DC i guess. Dan suggested pictures of snow, which would probably be well received.

In this last week, I have to pick up my VISA and run around and buy last minute things.. sunscreen, bug spray, etc. I know next week will fly by!

Wish me luck in preparing!

Malaria and Yellow Fever

Ghana is less than three weeks away!

Today I received various immunizations, malaria meds, and picked up some dramamine for the long flight. All that's left to do is pack, obtain my VISA, and plan excursions!

I "met" another woman who'll be in Ghana at the same time. We're looking at Mole National Park, Wii Falls, Cape Coast Castle, and Kokobite Beach.

I'll be using this site to blog daily while I'm there about my experiences as a volunteer and to share pictures. :D