The highlight at Zongo was an Assemblyman who "got it" - he helped up to organize the kids and participated throughout the entire program. While in Zongo, a predominantly Muslim community, I also witnessed the loving and joyful relationship that can exist between the leaders of the community and the children. I loved watching the not-so-stoic Imams giving pointers to the children and smiling and laughing at them as they crowded around to wash their hands.
It was equally amusing to watch the Imams (and Chiefs in other communities) laugh as they watched older teens and adults in the communities learn how to properly put on condoms... on plantains that is! This experience ran so counter to all the message that I had heard about Zongo, and more broadly, against the media images of Islam that are often shared through Canadian media.
Throughout the trip the students have been working on their passion projects - personal learning projects that had them talking to "average" Ghanaians as well as exploring themes that related back to their learning in Canada. Last friday they presented their projects back to us all in a community conference - it was amazing! I was so impressed by the level of learning that students were able to gain in such a short period with such a busy schedule.
Of course we also did some amazing ecotourism tours but right now lunch is ready (grilled cheese & avocado sandwiches! I've done a good job of rationing the cheese brought from Canada) so that will have to wait until the next posting. If the internet holds out that could come later today.
