Meet a Past Volunteer
Meet a Volunteer
Judy Erimhan (ENGLAND)
Volunteer: Liberty Orphanage Home
Age: 39
From: England
Occupation: Interior Decorator
What made you choose RVO-GHANA ORPHANAGE PROJECT?
I got quick responses from RVO when I enquired, unlike some other companies I had enquired to, and quickly they were able to give me a lot of previous volunteers contact details, who all highly recommended RVO. The project was tailored to suit my wishes too. I also got a lot of assistance from Richmond before my departure to Ghana as I was organising many things for the Orphanage.
What AMAZED YOU?
The country is so different from England, yet I was made to feel very welcome and the children are more beautiful than you could ever imagine. You really do become part of their lives and they certainly become part of yours. People in Ghana are so lovely and helpful. With regards to RVO, they really did look after me and helped me very much, as I know I ended up asking them to do me a lot of favours, thanks Richmond I owe you big time..
Describe your placement experience.
I stayed at Liberty Orphanage for 4weeks, where I helped the Mummy and Daddy who run the orphanage take care of the children, do chores like washing the dishes and clothes and everyday I looked after the babies teaching them to brush their teeth, wash and get them dressed. I would also go to school with them and help the younger ones learn new things and sit and read stories to the children. Best of all was activities in the evening, sometimes just talking about comparisons between England and Ghana, other times songs and drawing.
What Cultural & Learning Activities did you take part in?
I had a few days out to a Lake and also to the National Park and Cape Coast to learn all about the culture and slave trade, this was really interesting and recommended. But living in the orphanage was such a good cultural experience, I would not have wanted it any different.
What do you miss most about your program?
The children without a doubt, each and everyone of them have a place in my heart, so much so I am returning in March as it just wasn’t long enough for me.
Why do you think other people should VOLUNTEER IN GHANA THROUGH RVO-GHANA?
They really did as they said they would and looked after me very well, from meeting me at the airport to always being at the end of the telephone when I had a question or needed them. I met volunteers travelling with other organizations who had not had the support like I had. As I had done a lot of fund raising and wanted to spend the money on particular things for the orphans, I really feel they gave me a lot of their time to help me achieve this.
Any advice for future volunteers ?
Travel with confidence with RVO, I always will (practical tips, UK people, same plugs sockets as us, use 50% deet for protection of mosquitos and a net)
what can you tell people about safety and security of volunteers whiles they are in ghana ?
I felt very safe, more than in England, but like any country, don’t leave things out for temptation. RVO were again so helpful getting me from place to place and keep me in the right direction.
what can you tell people about our hostfamilies ?
I stayed in the Orphanage but had my own room with a key for the door and electric. Mr and Mrs Manu known as Faustino and Gabriel made me feel very welcome and really do look after the children well. Their son Godbless is one very hardworking guy. At only 22, he helps run the orphanage, keeps the kids laughing and dancing, teaches at the school and is still trying to keep up his own studies, my full respect to Godbless. It was so lovely staying with the children, saying goodnight, sweet dreams was so special and seeing their happy smiles in the morning was just the best. I will treasure these memories forever.
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