Teshie School Project Volunteer Diary - Day 4
A report by ESB & ESBI Volunteers on-site this week at the Ghana School Project
Five of the Team Hit by Bug
Sadly a few soldiers fell this morning! Five of our team came down badly with the bug so the rest of us soldiered on! Many of us left standing didn't feel the full 100 per cent but once we got going we improved as the day went on. Happily the Teshie Five are feeling much better this evening.
Lights Officially Switched On
Today was quite an exciting day for us all. The official switch on of the lights at Cluster 6 took place at 14.30 hours local time. As well as this we had a major sandstorm for about an hour after lunch when the external painting had to be abandoned for a period. However, within the hour we were able to return to duty.
Competition Between the Task Groups
The feeling of camaraderie is fantastic and as people are now starting to see real progress spirits are very high. It is unbelievable how much has been achieved in four days. As well as that the banter has returned and there is much slagging between the individuals from the different business units and counties during lunch break. Competition has also seriously set in and a strong debate is ensuing as to who is working the hardest and whether the electrics or the painting is the toughest task. Personally I would have to say the painters win, hands down!
Bag of Crisps Causes Upset!
An unhappy little episode took place when one of our team, a Mr Brendan O'Connor, took a chair at lunch time and sat in the middle of the group to eat a bag of crisps he had brought from home. Needless say he was nearly finished off with a paint roller!
Night Stroll Highlights Poverty
On the cultural side we have ventured out at night to take a short stroll and it is disturbing to see the level of poverty we are seeing and the conditions that many of Accra's population have to live in. On a positive note the people are extremely friendly and pleasant and the children continue to amaze us with their strong messages of hope for their future.
Electrics Light the Way
Progress today: Electrical: The official switch on of the lights at Cluster 6 took place this afternoon and all on site gathered for the little ceremony. The biggest cheer came from the local people present. The job was completed by Team Squirrel (Brendan O'Connor, Alan O'Connor, Jamie Corcoran, Karol Connellan, Daragh Mulligan and Denis Mulcahy) with some assistance from the Rebels from Cork. The group are now moving to Cluster 4 where the piping has already taken place. The first fix on the Resource Centre has been completed and the second fix is 50 per cent completed. This building will be finished in its entirety tomorrow (Friday).
Sandstorm Delays Painters
Painting: External painting has commenced on Cluster 6 and the Resource Centre. Sandstorm today caused a slight delay. Internal painting on Resource Centre almost complete and will be finished early tomorrow. Preparation work and first coat applied to Cluster 4 today. This will be ready for a second coat tomorrow.
by Bernie Healy - Editor EM
