JIM

As part of my induction to working as a volunteer here in Ghana, VSO ‘arrange’ a tripartite meeting between themselves, the volunteer and the work placement. ‘Arrange’ I say in inverted commas, there was more arranging on my part. I had an email from VSO asking me to find a venue, invite the Director of Education, the Assistant Directors, the Circuit Supervisors, Head teachers etc. Photocopy resources, I was assured that they would provide a snack for those attending. Adrienne advised me to check on the latter, so I emailed to check if I needed to arrange this too about a week before, no reply. Presuming that it had been arranged I emailed again to check, the night before I received a reply advising me to arrange a packed lunch for 20 people. How do you arrange chicken and rice for 20 people with 24hours notice, easy, panic, then ask one of the ladies in the office ! !

Having written up on a flip chart the objectives provided in the initial placement overview I received before I came to Ghana, I was ready for the meeting to begin. The meeting was due to start at 9.30am, by 10am three people had arrived. The remainder rolled in as the morning went on. The Director arrived at 10.15am and spent most of her time on her mobile phone. (mobile phones in Ghana don’t have a silent button or off switch ! ! or so it would seem.)

The Honourable Chief then arrived to greet the Director, along with his police escort. The meeting was halted and we all stood to attention.

The meeting finally got started at about 10.45am. After introductions, my objectives were reviewed, people split into groups and action plans constructed for the work I am to do over the next 10mths.(Although I think they think I’m here for the next 10 years) The meeting finished by 1pm and lunch arrived promptly and was enjoyed by everyone involved.

 A very productive morning by anyone’s standards.