Throughout 2010, Globe Aware volunteers will work in rural communities located in the Volta Region of Ghana. Communities here are predominately agricultural and subsistence communities. Local farmers grow cassava, maize, tomatoes, and some local vegetables like black pepper, garden egg, etc. Many are also involved in petty trading of fish, meat and foodstuffs.

 

It is into this environment that Globe Aware international volunteers will venture, with a goal of understanding the beauties and challenges facing many of the rural people of Ghana and West Africa as a whole.  One problem facing many schoolchildren is the lack of sanitation facilities during the school day. School children in rural areas must venture into the woods to use the restroom. This entails a lot of risk and an uncomfortable situation for the child which leads many negative consequences for the child and the community at large - urinating on him/herself, being bitten by a snake or ant, pollution of the environment, poor hygiene in the schools which aids in the spread of disease, distracted student bodies, and even bad odors which lower living standards for community members.

 

Students are also confronted with a lack of desks/furniture on which to write/work, and no place to enjoy meals during their lunch periods. With your help, these communities can provide washrooms & other amenities to help address many of these issues. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that by experiencing these conditions firsthand in a way that very few tourists do, you can be an advocate for support, and a partner in helping Globe Aware to spread awareness of the issues.