Kayla, Conflict Studies and Human Rights
Field Internship Country : Ghana
Canadian NGO : World University Service of Canada
Local NGO : WUSC Ghana
In the second semester of my third year of university, I had the privilege of participating in an internship program located in Accra, Ghana with WUSC, a non-profit organization. Ghana, situated in West Africa. Ghana is a nation endowed with a wealth of cultural and historical heritage. Prior to my arrival, I had gotten favourable comments about Ghana which heightened my anticipation for the journey. In the initial weeks of my stay in Accra, I was able to adapt swiftly. The facilitative nature of my surroundings and social circle made it easy. Ghanaians are very friendly and social so it made it rather comfortable for me to interact. It is very easy for them to approach people and start conversations.
I volunteered as a documentation and communications officer at WUSC's Ghana office, a Canadian non-profit. WUSC emphasizes sustainable development for women and youth. They provide excellent education and opportunity for underprivileged populations worldwide. They want to build a more varied, egalitarian, and sustainable world where all young people—especially women and refugees—can offer a good quality of living for their families, communities, and themselves. Its aims include educating refugees and displaced people, empowering women and girls, and fostering sustainable development via education.
As WUSC's documentation and communications officer, I develop and implement strategies to further the organization's purpose and objectives. I create and execute WUSC's program promotion communication strategy. To effectively convey WUSC's impact to stakeholders—volunteers, partners, and the public—write and edit press releases, blog entries, articles, and reports.
During my internship, I ran into a few challenges when trying to figure out what my role was in the organization. Even though I was given a particular role to undertake, I was surprised to find that I did not have quite as many obligations as I had anticipated. During the first couple of weeks, I had the impression that I had gotten a little bit off track. However, I gained a much better understanding of both the working environment and the tasks I was responsible for by simply asking questions. I also anticipated doing more work out in the field, such as working more hands-on, collaborating with local communities, and other such activities. Due to the fact that I worked in an office setting for the most of the time at WUSC, I was unable to get that experience. Editing and aiding with the stories of change were two of the significant projects on which I worked. A story of change for a non-profit organization typically involves a narrative that highlights the volunteer's impact on individuals or communities. It often showcases how the organization's mission and services have made a positive difference in people's lives. My primary focus was on these areas, which unquestionably gave me the impression that I had a greater number of responsibilities. Overall, my time spent working at WUSC was still beneficial because it gave me the opportunity to gain experience in a field that is highly relevant to my area of academic concentration.
For transportation within Accra, I use apps like Uber or Bolt. They are easy to use and I was used to using similar apps in Canada. I use them to go to work, go buy things or just to go out. The negative points I would say about commuting is the traffic and the driving. It is common to stay in traffic for an hour and it seems like there are no regulations when it comes to driving sometimes. After my arrival, I had the opportunity to explore other areas beyond Accra. In the company of other WUSC volunteers, I had the opportunity to travel to Ada Foah, a town situated on the southeastern coast of Ghana. The location was situated approximately two hours' distance from Accra. The Ada Foah beaches were very nice. The geographical location of the area is noteworthy as it is positioned at the confluence of the Volta River and the Atlantic Ocean.
I also went on a trip to Cape Coast. The location in question boasts a significant and noteworthy past and is renowned for its beautiful beaches and culturally significant sites. During the 17th century, Cape Coast emerged as the focal point of the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa, where numerous African slaves were abducted, traded, and transported to the American continent. The urban centre held a noteworthy position in the fight for sovereignty in Ghana.
During my stay, we had the opportunity to tour the Cape Coast Castle. Constructed during the 17th century, the castle served as a prominent hub for the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa. The castle has been repurposed as a museum, offering visitors the opportunity to partake in a guided tour that provides insight into the castle's historical significance. Additionally, visitors can observe the dungeons where slaves were once confined. Additionally, we ventured to the Kakum National Park. The park is situated approximately 20 kilometres to the north of Cape Coast and is renowned for its canopy walkway that provides an exceptional outlook of the tropical rainforest and fauna within the park. In addition, Elmina Castle was also among the places we visited. Elmina Castle, an additional historical fortress located in Cape Coast, was constructed by the Portuguese during the 15th century and subsequently served as a hub for the trading of enslaved individuals. Presently, the establishment functions as a museum and individuals have the opportunity to partake in a guided tour to acquire knowledge regarding its historical background.
The history of Cape Coast is characterized by complexity and multifacetedness, which has led to its often being perceived as sad or tragic. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge the fortitude and robustness exhibited by the individuals and society that have resided and flourished in Cape coast despite these adversities.