Cans of Worms

Hello!

As far as learning styles go, I am definitely a hands on learner. I am currently studying International Development and Globalization- which can be a difficult program to get "hands on experience" when learning in such a developed country like Canada. With that being said, I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to travel abroad and volunteer. My favourite part about working in the developing world is seeing the books come to life. I have read about poverty and corruption and the inefficient governments, but it is all coming to life right before my eyes. It is a beautiful thing to recognize- but also a very scary thing. I absolutely love learning, and one of the reasons I chose to work with education is because I think learning is such a beautiful thing. But being able to see everything I have learnt in school come to life right before my eyes has definitely brought about some difficult questions.

I have seen, and somewhat lived, in poverty. I have seen inefficient and ineffective government systems. I have seen child labour. I have seen and heard child abuse. I have dealt with poor water facilities. I have witnessed poorly operated schools. Not only have I seen a number of development issues, but I have also felt a number of feelings. While being in Ghana, I have felt like a minority. I have felt oppressed. I have felt insecure. I have felt unsafe. I have felt vulnerable. I have felt disrespected. I have felt as a woman in a developing country feels all the time. What I have seen and felt doesn't even compare to what the average person goes through on a daily basis in the small town of Damongo, Ghana. Now, the purpose of this particular blog is not to worry you, or to tell you how amazing it is to see school come to life, but it is to tell you how my experience has opened up a huge can of worms.

I have another year (and possibly a semester) of university in order to complete my undergrad in International Development and Globalization, and my minor in Public Administration. Once I graduate, I have many choices- I could graduate and start job hunting, I could continue school and get some certificates to accompany my degree, or I could do something that I never even considered- a masters.

Lately I have been highly considering a Masters program. Last week we put on a workshop for Child Rights for Headmasters, Girls Clubs Coordinators, and several community members. After workshop I realized a sudden spark of interest in human rights and law. If I do a masters I want it to be something really important, but also something that touches on every aspect. Human Rights does that. It touches on food, shelter, health, and education- all in one! We put on the workshop and I ended up disagreeing with some things mentioned, and it really got me thinking. Are right cultural? No. Absolutely not. However, here in Damongo, they believe that certain things (like child abuse) is simply just part of their culture. But it goes against the right of a child, so how is that possible? I have definitely had a change of heart in terms of furthering my education and am seriously considering something related to Human Rights in the future!

I added my minor this year, not realizing its significance. I wanted something to accompany my undergrad and chose Public Administration out of the blue. After working with the government in Damongo, I realized how incredibly important it is. I have actually gone through my notes a couple of times to help me with my evaluation report. Public Administration focuses on the government and how systems operate. It looks at issues like accountability, conflict of interest, ethics, etc. Everything I have learnt in my course so far has played a part in my internship. One of the more prominent examples is accountability. There is little to no accountability in the Ghana Education Service in Damongo. The schools are rarely monitored and nobody gets in trouble. The teachers or headmasters may not even be at school and nobody knows. There is definitely a lack of accountability as nobody is responsible for anything. It is a broken system that needs some serious work. However, I have learnt so much about how inefficient and ineffective a government can be, especially one with as little funding as Ghana's (particularly the Northern Regions). I am so happy I chose Public Administration as my minor and think it can definitely help me in my future endeavours!

Lastly, I have considered being a teacher. I would absolutely love to teach overseas. At first I wanted to do it for myself and get experience, but now it has become to much more than that- it's about the children. Many of the teachers here don't want to be teachers, they just need to make an income. Therefore, many teachers are not motivated. Some don't go to schools, others go and don't teach... and then of course you meet the few who absolutely love it! It breaks my heart to see so many children go to school and not have the quality education that they deserve. It also makes me think about the children out of school. Many parents don't send their kids to school because they need/want them to work. To be honest, sometimes I don't blame them. I mean, why send your kid to school when they aren't receiving quality education anyways? It has definitely been something I am considering! I want to give children their right to quality education! Perhaps someday :)

It is safe to say that this internship has opened up a huge can of worms. My interests have drastically changed and I am now considering options I never even thought of! It has been an incredibly experience so far and I cannot wait to see what else sparks my interest! Maybe I'll want to work with elephants? Who knows! My next post will be about my trip to the Mole National Park!

Also, new blog on the Students Without Borders webpage! the link is at the top of my blog or click here

I also posted a blog on the University of Ottawa's website earlier this month, the link is also at the top of the page! xo

Until then,

Lots of love!

Bianca