4. Reflections on the New Year

It is now 2008. Pretty crazy, eh?
2007 was an amazing year for me, in more ways than one. I feel that of all my 21 years, 2007 was the best for my personal development as a person, as a leader, finding my passions, finding great friendships... everything.
It's hard to imagine a year beating 2007 but if any year could do it, it'd be the year I'm in Ghana, I imagine!
I don't believe in luck, but so many things really fell into place this past year and so many opportunities presented themselves to me that I'm very grateful for and appreciative of.
I'm really excited because Ashley, EWB's JF (who goes overseas for 4months this summer) is being placed in Ghana as well!! So I hope to be able to meet up with her when I'm in Ghana, what a trip that will be! My fellow DREDer (our undergrad program).

Unfortunately I still haven't received my WUSC package in the mail yet, but I will tell you some more about the seminar.
End of June I go to Ottawa for a week of training with the other Canadian Students, then we're off to Ghana until August 8th! In terms of funding, WUSC pays for all but $3000 of it.

To some, that seems like a lot that I have to fund raise, but I don't see it as a major challenge.
After all, I am, like most Canadians, VERY FORTUNATE and have amazing people in my life who I'm hoping will sponsor me. I have my first payment of $500 due next week- for that, I will be using my Christmas money, and some assistance from my Mom!!
I'm thinking that end of January/Beginning of February is a good time to send out my sponsorship letters; far enough from Christmas and bills, but not too far from further payments, and gives people enough time to think about it and research the seminar, read this blog perhaps!
After I have examined just how amazingly generous my friends and family are, I will determine any further Fund raising strategies to implement on campus!
So I'm a bit stressed and uncertain about this financial aspect of my journey but I'm confident it won't be too big of a challenge to overcome.
The next challenge is health: I have a travel doctors appointment next week to get all my shots and meds ordered in, book a physical etc, to stay as healthy as possible overseas!

Some info about Ghana: apart from it being an incredible county in West Africa, it's in pretty great shape; in regards to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, they are in excellent shape with a 0-5% Adult HIV prevalence rate, in stark contrast with countries like Zambia and Malawi with rates over 20%. Malaria rates are at 170 reported cases per 1000 people, with around 3000 people dying each year from Malaria. In regards to TB: 367/1000 prevalence rate.
All of this may seem scary to some- like my family members- but again, Ghana is in much better shape than other neighboring African countries, and tourism in Ghana is booming, as it is an English speaking country with [supposedly] friendly people and great food!
The population of Ghana is about 20 million, and the infant mortality rate is about 97 out of every 1000 births.

Life expectancy is just 55-58 years- imagine that in Canada? I'm sure all of us have some incredible, irreplaceable people in our lives who are far beyond 55.
Unfortunately around 40% live below the poverty line, majority of Ghanaians are Christians (63%), but many still follow indigenous beliefs (21%).
In regards to gender and education: secondary school attendance is 41% for boys and just 34% for girls. Literacy rates among grown men: 63% compared with just 46% for adult women- quite a clear inequality. Last crazy fact: the average income per person is $320 American Dollars.
Ghana is a pretty safe country with far less crime and conflict than many other African countries.
Hmm what else.. you can click on the map in my earlier post to see an up close look at Ghana and the two possible cities I'll be placed in (Tamale/Cape Coast)

I think that is all for now, don't want to bombard you with facts and stats!

Enjoy the rest of your holidays!
Looking forward to school starting up again on Monday!

Love Robin