Hey everyone I'm Esra Sezer, a student from KUL and thrilled to share the start of our incredible journey with you. As part of the Ghana 2024 project with Edukados, we've embarked on a mission to extend St. Patrick's School in Kpando, Ghana. It's been a year of hard work and dedication, fundraising €10,000 through chocolate sales, events with Lionsclub, a GoFundMe page, a food festival, and even a boat party. It's truly heartwarming to see our collective efforts making a difference already. 

Our adventure kicked off on July 4th with an early start at Zaventem Airport in Belgium. Despite the morning rush and long queues, we managed to check in just in time for our flight to Rome. In Rome, during our layover, we couldn't resist indulging in some delicious Italian pizza before boarding our second flight to Accra, Ghana. The flight was smooth, and soon we found ourselves landing in the warm embrace of Ghana's tropical climate.

Stepping off the plane, the heat hit us immediately-a stark contrast to the cool Belgian weather we left behind. After navigating customs and retrieving our luggage, we braved the chaotic Accra traffic on our way to our accommodation. It was eye-opening to witness the driving habits in Ghana, where rules seem more like suggestions. Despite the traffic, we arrived safely and settled into our rooms, we encountered bad internet connections that made it challenging to reassure our families of our safe arrival.

The next morning, we were greeted with a traditional Ghanaian breakfast of eggs with scallions, bread, and freshly cut pineapple and watermelon-a delightful introduction to Ghanaian cuisine. Over breakfast, we struck up a conversation with Aissata, a French social worker also partnering with the EMO Foundation in Kpando.

While some of our group ventured out to exchange money and explore local cuisine, others opted to relax at the hotel. A spontaneous pingpong game and lively conversations filled the time until our delayed teammates returned with lunch and local currency. After a hearty meal, we embarked on a 5-hour bus journey to Kpando, enduring some challenges like a leaky bus roof along the way.

Arriving in Kpando, we embraced the local culture by spending our first night at

"Chairmans," a popular spot known for its Ghanaian music and energetic atmosphere. Despite our initial shyness, we eventually joined in the dancing, soaking in the vibrant rhythms of Ghana.

The following day, our local partner EMO Foundation took us on a tour of Kpando, where we explored historical sites like an abandoned German school and an old church. Later that evening, we returned to Chairmans for another lively night of dancing and celebration, fully immersing ourselves in the local festivities.

On the 7th of July, our focus shifted to St. Patrick's School, our project site. Visiting the school was a profound moment for us all, as we saw firsthand where our fundraising efforts and hard work throughout the year would make a tangible impact. The excitement was palpable as we geared up to start our construction work, eager to contribute to the school's expansion and enhance educational opportunities for local children.

Our first day on the construction site was both exhilarating and fulfilling. From breaking walls to outlining classroom extensions, each task felt like a step towards realizing our collective vision for the school. Despite encountering rain that disrupted our digging and cement work, we turned these challenges into opportunities for impromptu dance breaks, a newfound tradition within our group.

As we continue our journey in Ghana during the rainy season, we're learning to navigate cultural nuances and savoring every moment of this transformative experience. Stay tuned as we share more updates from our journey, celebrating Ghanaian hospitality, resilience, and the joy of making a meaningful difference in the community.

Until next time,

Esra aka Esenam (my Ghanaian name)