My Ghanaian/ATE Experience

After arriving in Accra I was immediately surprised by the poor standard of living – I had seen nothing yet. Even so, I muttered words of complaint regarding the lack of quality in the 3* hotel we were staying in for a couple of days (taking into account that I have 5 years experience working in the hospitality industry). A few days of later, our journey up north to spend a couple of days with ATE in Lawra began. The roads were full of potholes, bumpy and extremely dusty, and the weather was so hot, that it was almost unbearable. A full day and a half of travelling later, we arrived in a scorching hot Lawra around lunchtime, and were greeted by Sarah, Habib and Gabriel. First impressions were better than expected; though this was probably because our resting place was the ‘best hotel in Lawra’. Lunch was great – cooked locally at the market by Patience (a successful business owner supported by ATE).

Patience and her children Michelle and Rainy

In the afternoon we began our tour of Lawra. Our first stop was to visit the Zambo weavers – 3 ladies who came to ATE looking for support wanting to set up a weaving business. I learnt that before they started their business, they had no income and “survived” only on the food they struggled to grow and find. They live in a small, rural community. I was also struck by the conditions they live in. This was my first taste of the real poverty and struggles that people in North West Ghana are facing. Since ATE began supporting the Zambo weavers, they have been able to start a profitable business which enables them to feed their family and send their children to school.

Outside the Zambo Weavers house

During our time in Lawra, we also visited Karbo primary school. The children were all very excited to see us and welcome us to their school. Many of the classes sung songs and danced for us. I was so pleased to see how excited and happy the children were in their learning environment – a sight which isn’t often present in schools here in England. As part of the tour of the school, we shared lunch with the children. Through ATE’s work at Karbo, they now feed 457 school children, which has in turn increased the attendance to 92% – up by 14%!

Cooking food at Karbo Primary School!

To summarise, this trip really opened my eyes and made me truly appreciate the home comforts and luxuries we are so privileged to have here in England – enough food for three meals a day, running water, air conditioning, working showers and electricity. It also made me appreciate the cool climate we have with four different seasons and plenty of rain. I was truly amazed by the work that ATE carries out in Lawra. Being able to visit and see the work they are doing was such a privilege. As a result, I now volunteer one day a week with ATE in the office – as I believe awareness needs to be raised about the severe poverty, education and special needs issues that people face in Ghana.

The children waving goodbye

I urge people to donate and support this excellent cause.

By Luke