I returned from an exhilarating trip to Ghana just a few weeks ago, proud to have begun building Hope for Ghana’s second school, Kpevenu School of Hope, and thrilled to see what Hope for Ghana’s first school, Mason’s School of Hope, has become.
The foundation of Hope for Ghana is the faithful, loyal, hardworking team of workers that I have put together over the years. It is their blood, sweat and tears that continue to create hope and opportunity in villages that are in dire need of education. Masons, carpenters, a steel bender and plumber displayed a commitment so rarely seen in this world, and this is the reason a foundation, floor and building structure up to the lintel level were created in just a matter of weeks. A local community proudly joined this team, as the village of Kpevenu shared ownership of their own future. 4 classrooms, a library, toilets and septic tank, access to clean water, and solar power are coming to a village that has no electricity or running water or nearby school.
Visiting Mason’s School of Hope every day reminded me why I am in Ghana. A beautiful school that had been inaugurated only 5 months earlier was now blessed with the joy of children filling its classrooms and library. The vision of a motivated headmaster sets the tone in a school that is striving to be a model school in Ghana. An excitement for learning is palpable in primary school children that are happy to show off their English and math skills at any moment. Kindergartners ranging in age from 2 to 8 years old reflect the desperate need for early education. Before this school was created these same children would have stayed at home since their parents couldn’t allow them to walk miles to the nearest school.
A record setting 450 pounds of donations were shared in Ghana thanks to the immense generosity of the Pittsburgh and New York communities including friends, patients, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Covestro. Clothes, shoes, first aid kits, sunglasses, book bags, school supplies, bible story books, soccer balls, vitamins and so much more have been dispersed in churches and villages to forever grateful Ghanaian children and families.
This is the picture of hope. This is the picture of opportunity. While words seem inadequate to describe the joy I witnessed in Ghana, these pictures reflect the love from so many around the world who share a vision of a better tomorrow for the children of Ghana. This is only a piece of the magic of my February in Ghana. There is much more to come. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me.
