“I always wondered why somebody didn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody” – Lily Tomlin
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Sheetal and I discussed the possibility of volunteering around mid November 2009 and by the end of January 2010 we were on a plane headed to Africa. It happened just that fast!
Sheetal came across a non-profit organization, Village Volunteers, which offered opportunities in Nepal, Kenya, India and Ghana. The choice was simple. Ghana, since both of us had never been.
Two weeks prior to our departure we decided to raise donations. Pleading for donations was something I was not comfortable with – especially those giving money. The plan was to see what the greatest need was once we arrived. In hindsight – it was blind trust in the both of us but, if we were going all the way to Africa it was our objective to do everything possible to “give”. Within a few days we were inundated with donations.
In addition to collecting donations, I had a sudden idea to purchase a video camera. I never owned one nor was I inclined to taking videos. Thought it’d be a nice surprise for my family, especially my dad, to capture a few videos of us in Africa. It ended up being one of our best investments – besides the flashlight!
To summarize:
- bought school supplies and visual aids to teach and work with the children,
- threw a dinner party for the children and let them pick the menu – they selected a dinner of CHICKEN and RICE,
- along with medicine, art supplies, clothes and a soccer ball that a few of you sent with us.
BUT OUR BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION to the orphanage was:
- a platform and plumbing connections to connect a 10000 liter water tank,
- built a chicken coop, donated 60 chickens and feed for 3 months so that the kids can add protein to their diet and created an opportunity to earn extra income for the Orphanage.
Below is a personal Thank You note from our program director and father to all these children:
Dear All,
I am happy to inform you that Ryvanz-Mia family has received all gifts and money sent to the through Sweta & Sheetal which is your contribution to the welfare of our orphans by setting up a chicken coop for the orphanage with the money sent.
We would like to thank you sincerely on behalf of all the children beneficiaries of this sustainable project.Mama Esi and I always dream of such projects for the kids and we are very excited about it.It is something so dear to our hearts for the kids too.We kindly ask you to continue with the good spirit and even beyond.We have since build a chicken coop with 60 chicken awaits maturity stage.We assure you all of good care for this project.
Finally we would like to thank you all for your support and encouragement as we also continue with our humanitarian services at the orphanage.
Thank you.
Venunye Djentuh (Director)
