It’s officially summer in Ghana as the third school term came to an end last week. The exciting news from Keta, home of Hope for Ghana’s second library and computer lab, is that the children have been reading in the library and using the learning software on the computers every day under the direction of my Ghanaian friend and teacher, Desmond. When I left Keta in March Desmond said “This library and the computer lab are really going to help the children in so many ways … the children will have the opportunity to share ideas with their friends … also find information on the computer and use it to solve their daily problems and help them in their daily life. Reading is the best way for children to acquire knowledge, and so when you have books like this children interact with the books … it will help them in life and in their future”. Desmond couldn’t have said it any better. His statement alone could replace Hope for Ghana’s own mission statement.
This week Desmond wrote to me, “Good evening Dr. Steve. I can assure you that the library is in very good use. Even teachers use it in doing research and writing a comprehensive note to teach the children. Even as I am speaking we are on vacation but the kids are busily learning at the library and using the computers. We are indeed grateful to you and Hope for Ghana organisation. We cannot stop thanking you for your selfless service for humanity. God richly bless you in all your endeavors. We are so grateful.”
Hope for Ghana is thrilled that over the next several weeks there are 2 volunteers from Italy and Spain working in the library and computer lab in Keta. The wonderful work of these young ladies will enable the library to remain open during the summer and afford new learning opportunities to the children in the Keta community. More volunteers are being organized by my friend and child rights advocate, Platini, so that the library may hopefully remain open throughout the summer and on weekends.
My patients continue to want to contribute to Hope for Ghana’s mission. A few months ago I received an email from the mother of a 5 year old patient telling me that her daughter, Ashleigh, is dedicating her upcoming 6 year birthday party to Hope for Ghana to collect books and supplies for the children of Ghana. Her mother wrote “This year we have chosen Hope for Ghana as she was so impressed reading your emails from your trip. She is a reader and liked that you helped kids get to read and have a library.” A few weeks ago I received a call from 17 year old patient Alex who wanted to get involved with Hope for Ghana. He has since started a business selling his own photographs with some of the proceeds going to Hope for Ghana. These and the countless other contributions towards my mission continue to humble and overwhelm me.
Finally I can’t wait to return to Ghana this winter. I will continue where I left off in March, with an eye towards the future of bringing a third library to the Volta region of Ghana. Please continue to stay involved with Hope for Ghana’s mission to bring opportunity and hope to the children of Ghana through education. It has been your support in the past and your support in the future that will allow this mission to come to life. Please continue to share the word of this mission as I raise funds for the next library and computer lab in Ghana. Together the possibilities are boundless!
Thank you Dr. Steve. This library is helping the community alot. I have been with them since they've started using the library in the vacation. The reading skills of the kids are improving drastically. A volunteer from Italy is helping them in both English and French. Also the ICT lab is in the best use. The students are using it to sharpen their mathematical knowledge. Hope to update you.
Noel, thank you so very much for the update from Ghana. I am very excited to know that the library and computer lab are actively being used this summer, and I have no doubt that students will learn alot. I greatly appreciate your interest and continued involvement with the library. Hope to get plenty more updates from you. God bless.
Dr. Steve, thank you so very much.
You're welcome Noel. Keep the updates coming from Ghana! And continue to enjoy the books in the library.
Dear Dr. Steve, Volunteering with the kids this summer has been a wonderful and enriching experience and the library is a great place for them to improve not only their reading and comprehension skills but their knowledge and appreciation of a wide range of topics. This will undoubtedly stimulate their curiosity and help them achieve their potential. Thank you for making this possible. I look forward to hopefully meeting you in person in the future. All the best, Lucia
Hi Lucia, I can't thank you enough for all you are doing in the library and computer lab! Enjoy every minute in Ghana with the children ... I'm sure you're having an amazing time. Send pictures and videos when you have the chance! Safe travels and stay in touch.
Thanks a lot Dr. Steve, for the great work of yours has really helped and assisted our people here a lot. We all appreciate you.
I am so happy to hear that the children are enjoying the library and computer lab. I know they will learn a lot as long as they are encouraged to read.