<p>Okay so where do I start. Right. I have lived in Ghana for over six years. I can testify that Ghana is a safe country. It is one of the safest most stable countries in the whole of West Africa. Also, the eater will not be an issue unless you live in the rural areas. Accra, the capital of Ghana has clean water accessible in most areas. Unless you"re fetching water from the gutter or a stream, you will most likely not get any water born diseases. The people of Ghana are very friendly to foreigners too. Also, you mentioned how you might get an infected disease from Africans…okay, just like the US, there are hospitals here. People don’t just lie on the street when they are sick. I understand you want to do a medical brigade. I know many people doing volunteering programs of that sort, and as of now none of them have gotten sick. </p>
<p>I suggest you do more research on Ghana before you present this idea to your parents. With ample evidence and facts, I believe they will understand you. Please take note that other West African countries are extremely dangerous because of the Ebola outbreak. Ghana is at risk, but the government has managed to prevent it from affecting citizens for now. It’s also vital that you understand all these risks too. </p>
<p>Oh and Ghana is great for night life if that might be of interest!! Best clubs and awesome music. </p>
<p>While I no longer visit this site often since both of my D’s are well settled and at the end of their academic careers, I do feel the need to respond to this thread. I can certainly understand the position of the posters above, but I would like to write about my D’s experience in Ghana. </p>
<p>She attended a Global Brigade medical program in Ghana for 2 consecutive years. From everything she has told me and I have read, this program is very sensitive to the culture of Ghana and sends college students in many different fields to the villages. Business students talk to the villagers about microeconomics, ecologists about clean water, law students about human rights, etc. My D plans on a medical career, and worked closely with Ghanaian doctors in screening and treating patients, dispersing medications, and talking to the villagers about preventative health issues. They interviewed the locals re: their problems and concerns, and took that information back to the program to better serve them in the future. While she did not yet have formal medical training, she worked hard during the time she was there, and they saw and treated with the physicians over 1000 people during their clinic days. </p>
<p>I was also worried about the trip, but did research into the program and country, and felt as confident as I could that they were in a stable country and were aware of the medical and safety issues they would encounter. </p>
<p>Could the money spent have been given directly to those villages and ultimately been more beneficial to them? Maybe, but that discounts the lessons my D learned that I believe will benefit many other people in the future. In addition, there are many problems donating directly to those in need, and in fact even after visiting the country there are issues in sending financial aid to a specific family or village. In fact, for her senior paper she is planning on researching how the strong feelings of altruism that are experienced from “volunteer tourism” can be built upon on return to continue to support these communities in the future. </p>
<p>We are not wealthy, but I believe the money that she raised and we spent was worth it. She fell in love with the people of Ghana, and came back with a new perspective of the world and life in general that would not have been achieved if she had volunteered in a local hospital (which in fact she has already done). While the first visit may have in fact been partially driven by looming medical school applications- the second was because she fell in love with the people there and felt that she had made a difference. In fact, she is planning on returning for a longer stay after she finishes her medical training. I don’t know if these feelings will last through medical school, but I do believe it is unfair to universally discount the lessons learned or the difference made from these trips. </p>
<p>Are you serious?
Not to be disrespectful, but what planet does your parents live in, to ask such ridiculous questions?
Sounds like they will say anything to keep you out of there.
Well if you are still a minor and they are footing the bill, then you just have to abide by their rules. But if you are independent or your college foots the bill to Africa, then give it a shot… Many have gone and returned safely… not sure why they would be that discouraging.</p>
<p>Besides their argument comes off a bit ignorant.
There are worst conditions and place sin the United States than Africa, but people survive on basic sanitation, and personal cleanliness and precautions.</p>
<p>For others suggesting sending money, who is there to say that these people actually get to see and use this money?
Besides, money is not everything. There is more to life than money, like physical presence to show support.
It bothers me to see so much mis-information on issues like thie.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>