Why did you decide to volunteer with Operation Groundswell in Ghana?
Sarah: I had just finished my first year of university and I wanted to experience the World. I didn’t want to learn about a culture through books, lectures and assignments. I wanted a first hand experience where I could live like the people, learn from them and gain a greater understanding of their culture. That’s when I found Operation Groundswell. They are an organization that allowed me to choose where I wanted to go and the amount of volunteer work that I wanted to do. Their large variety of programs made it easy for me to find something that suited me, and the trip leaders were able to answer any questions that I had. Overall, Operation Groundswell was my first choice because their programs met all my needs and their idea of “backpacking with a purpose” set the groundwork for my enriching and inspiring trip to Ghana.
What made this experience unique and special?
Sarah: My experience with Operation Groundswell was unique because it allowed me to completely immerse myself in the culture. OG allows you the live like the locals and to take in all the new sights, smells and people. This provides you with the groundwork and makes you realize that you are in a new culture and you have so many new experiences ahead of you.
The highlight of the trip was working with the boys at an orphanage in a town called Sandema. The community of Sandema greeted us with open arms and welcomed us into their lives without hesitation. We were able to learn about their daily lives, play soccer with the boys, and cook like the locals. OG allows you to just be present in a new community, and because of this you are able to discover a new country for yourself and learn from everyone that you encounter.
Overall, I gained an understanding of a new culture and with that I learned lessons that I will never forget and I know for a fact that I will live my life more fully because of the experience that I had with Operation Groundswell.