The first thing that hit me as I stepped outside the airport in Accra, Ghana was the intense heat that is West Africa. Within minutes my clothes were soaked with sweat as the humidity clung to every inch of my skin. I was welcomed by my contact and his wife, and after a restless nights sleep in a dingy hotel, we made the six hour drive to Kumasi where I would teach sexual assault prevention to students for the next three months. I have to admit that the first couple weeks presented me with a very strong feeling of culture shock. Everything from not having running water in the house I stay in, to the overwhelming attention from locals, to the fact that I was almost constantly sweating, had me questioning my decision to embark on such an unknown journey. However after the initial shock, I was able to adjust to this new way of life and find a routine that worked. Three days a week, Joe (my coworker) and I go around the city to different private schools, and do a 40 minute presentation to each class of students between the ages of 10-13. Initially I was nervous to discuss sexual assault, especially with people who have never had a sex ed class in their lives. However after the first presentation I found that I was very comfortable, and the children for the most part were incredibly receptive to the information being presented. On Mondays and Tuesdays I help teach typing in a computer class, and then have free time in the afternoon. Everyone I have talked to is so friendly and welcoming which has made navigating day to day life much more enjoyable. So far my time in Ghana has helped me to appreciate aspects of my life that I previously took for granted, as well as help me recognize elements that could use some adjustments.
Siena
