Teshie 2!
In common with other trips to Ghana, this latest expedition contained all the emotion bonding and excitement of what has become known as ‘The Teshie Experience’.
Team bonding had begun well before the volunteers even reached Heathrow airport on the first leg of the journey to Accra, thankfully the travelling passed off without incident with people and baggage both arriving together.
The main focus of the groups work on this trip was a kindergarten and a technical school. Following safety briefings and site familiarisations, the group split up into teams covering electrical work, painting, IT and support services. There was, as always, plenty of friendly banter on the issue of ‘skilled’ and ‘non-skilled’ teams, with general agreement that all the work carried out had equal value in providing joy and hope to the children of Teshie.
The highlight of the trip was the ‘Grand Opening', which took place on the eighth day of the trip. ESB Chief Executive Padraig McManus joined local dignitaries, the pupils, staff and ElectricAid volunteers to officially open the kindergarten, which was completed on schedule. The local tradition of not making noise during the six week harvest period necessitated a new form of applause, ‘silent clapping', giving the ESB staff a new skill to take home with them!
Every day of the eleven-day trip had its own highs as deadlines were met and knowledge imparted. The IT courses provided new skills to the staff and pupils of the school, it was eagerly absorbed with much gratitude.
A power cut threatened to defeat the tight deadlines set by the project team but the high level of dedication and commitment saw volunteers beginning earlier and some working later, to ensure deadlines were met.
Thoughts of a selection of Teshie Volunteers
"Great satisfaction to see the complex shape up into a fantastic place for these kids. What a team of workers – brilliant!" Brendan O'Connor
"The whole ESB team were fantastic and the commitment of every single one was tremendous. It is amazing to see the progress made in two weeks and legacy being left to the people of Teshie." Jim Dollard
"The experience of seeing people from all over the company and the country coming together with a common objective is a powerful one which I will not forget. The pride, dignity and happy spirit of the Ghanaian people, despite some really bad conditions, is humbling and will be my abiding memory of a wonderful experience." Luke Shinnors
"A truly great experience with firm friends, making a difference for the children in Teshie." Majella McCarron
"In a time when people are moaning and complaining about the recession, this trip is certainly a leveller. The Ghanaian people are so friendly and always in good form even though they have nothing. Maybe we can learn from these amazing people. An incredible experience. " Brigid O’Grady
"Unforgettable! A privilege and a pleasure to be able to do something for the children of Teshie, in the company of a fantastic group of colleagues. Can I go again?" Maurice O’Connor
