PACKING UP!!

A group of 7 GCJ Ghana Project Alums are returning to Axim in September. While there, we'll take in the Kundum Festival, a traditional gathering of the local Ahanta people, whose traditional center is Axim. Watch this Blog for photos!!

AND more importantly, we will particpate in the dedication of Western Heritage Home. We've worked long and hard on this building and we are looking forward to dedicating it and seeing it put to good use. We're hoping the children can be moved in in mid-September. Next goal is to raise funds to finish the second floor, put the community learning center's conference area to good use and develop the computer learning lab.

Meanwhile, Mr Browne-Umar, the Manye Academy's Executive Director is focusing on deveoping the science program at his school. Since the school has so warmly embraced our children -- our Western Heritage Home Scholars --, we have decided to pitch in and bring science equipment and supplies not readily available for purchase in Axim. Jerome, Suz, Jeanie, and Rich (shown), and Tom have gathered six suitcases of science equipment and supplies. Thanks to so many friends, esp. teacher friends, for their generous help. Mr. Browne-Umar is organizing an orientation and workshops with the teachers and work to coordinate these materials with the Ghanaian Dept of Education's science curriculum.

Wow, the ROOF looks GREAT

The Western Heritage Children's Home and Community Learning Center building is getting there. We're still short funds to finish off the second floor, but the first floor is just about finished, and will soon be ready for children to move in.

TOWN FORUM HELD AUGUST 7, 2007 in Axim

Congratulations to the Global Citizen Journey Ghanaian delegate alums (shown in planning meeting in photo) who on August 7, 2007 successfully hosted a followup Town Forum! By all accounts the meeting was a step forward for the folks of Axim. The District Chief Executive gave the opening remarks. Attendees from various sectors in the commnity attended, including representatives from the Christian Council, Fishmongers, Fishermen, Traditional Council, Market Women, Assembly Members, N.E.D.A., Farmers, Urban Council, Opinion Leaders, Secondary School Leaders, G.N.A.T., Health, and G.P.R.T.U.

According to one of the conveners, community participants openly shared their views, opinions, and concerns. Topics included the condition of the roads, sanitation and water, education, the condition of the Axim Landing Beach, and the use and sustainability of the new orphanage/community learning center.

Thanks to the first Town Hall meeting, held back in November, 2006, hosted by North American and Ghanaian Global Citizen Journey delegates, the local people were familiar with the process this time around, and according to particpants, the meeting went smoothly and was very helpful. Plans are afoot for another meeting next year as followup.