Jacqueline's recap of her recent trip to Ghana!

"I was in Ghana and Akwatia from March 21st to 30th and made good progress.  I had a meeting with Mr. Bright Gavu who will be helping us with the land survey (his background and experience fits nicely with Jerry Nahas' expertise).  Bright will be talking to our project architect, Mr. Dawson, to coordinat the work. I met with Mr. Kafui Prebbie, Director of 1 ViLLAGE Group, and ICT organization located in Winneba, Ghana, which sets up educational programs in rural Africa.  We'll be partnering with them for all the ICT at the library - initially, a commitment of 10 computer stations. Also, Director of Google Ghana has offered to send a team to Akwatia to train the librarians and support staff in Internet use.

Tony a teacher at St.Rose Private Girls School, has talked with the local Akwatia radio station about ideas proposed by our Performing Arts Program Designer and Writer, David Wiener. 

We hope to hear soon from three radio stations (Accra, Akwatia and Tarkwa) to discuss plans and proposals for performing arts activities.  Radio and arts personalities who have expressed an interest in being involved include: Bernard Avle - Morning Show wiht Citi FM, Ahuma "Bosco" Ocansey - Programs Director of Joy FM, Wahad - Director of Akwatia station, DJ Nana King, and especially radio host Lexus Bill with Hitz 103.7 FM in Accra. 

Jojo Lemaire of Tarkwa's Cross Radio has a program called "Building Blocks", focusing on youth education; he is interested in doing some promotions, as well.  These radio professionals are eager to help raise awareness of our project and cover performing arts events, which is great news!

I had the opportunity to spend some time at the Rotary Club in Ghana (Accra-West Rotary) and they have expressed an interest in helping us raise funds for books, computers and educational programs.  If they are able to become active in doing this, they will be partnering with the Del Mar, California Rotary Club whom have also expressed interested in our project.

 Finally, I met with Mr. Ernest Obeng, an ICT instructor at Great Vision School in Akwatia, who is eager to help with our internet and computer-related projects; seems I am invited to enjoy his Mother's fufu on my next trip!"