Another incredible trip to Ghana - this time to Pokuase, a town of 20,000, about an hour north of Accra. Pokuase is off the main road, rarely visited by tourists. The streets are mostly dirt, with huge potholes and occasional pavement. There are roaming goats, chickens, dogs, and many, many people. Despite its size, it feels like a village. The stalls in town are for the residents, and sell almost anything you might need.
My project was a community development project for WomensTrust, a micro-loan, education, and health care program in Pokuase. Through a generous loan from the Mayer Foundation, I went to work with the women in town, teaching them to crochet baskets and handbags out of recycled black plastic bags (called "rubbers") that usually end up littering the environment.
My three weeks there were incredibly full. Six to fifteen women showed up every day. It was like being part of an old-fashioned quilting bee, primarily in the Ga language. One of the first words I learned was "kamiami," meaning "not too tight, keep it loose," an important crocheting instruction. We became the KamiAmi Women.
My three weeks there were incredibly full. Six to fifteen women showed up every day. It was like being part of an old-fashioned quilting bee, primarily in the Ga language. One of the first words I learned was "kamiami," meaning "not too tight, keep it loose," an important crocheting instruction. We became the KamiAmi Women.
We talked about recycling, and making things of the highest quality. We traveled by tro-tro to Makola Market in Accra, to search out supplies down narrow winding aisles. We talked about starting a cooperative and running a business. We even got dressed up and "made market" in Accra - visiting some upscale tourist galleries who would like to have the crocheted bags on consignment. We talked, we laughed, we sang, and we crocheted.
During the last two weeks of my stay, I moved into Gertie's extra room in her family compound. (Gertie is Gertrude Ankrah, the Program Director of WomensTrust in Pokuase.) I became a part of their daily lives. Her compound is a conglomeration of small buildings or rooms, each one belonging to another family member or friend. Scooby is the dog. There are chickens and children tumbling in the dust. Always visitors. Everyone helps to take care of the babies. Every day was busy and full, dusty and dirty, and incredibly special. It was really sad to leave.
During the last two weeks of my stay, I moved into Gertie's extra room in her family compound. (Gertie is Gertrude Ankrah, the Program Director of WomensTrust in Pokuase.) I became a part of their daily lives. Her compound is a conglomeration of small buildings or rooms, each one belonging to another family member or friend. Scooby is the dog. There are chickens and children tumbling in the dust. Always visitors. Everyone helps to take care of the babies. Every day was busy and full, dusty and dirty, and incredibly special. It was really sad to leave.
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Escorted by two of the KamiAmi Women and a taxi driver, I arrived "home" again at Aba House in Nungua. We made art with the children, in preparation for their New York City gallery opening this fall. We ate Talk True's wonderful food. We painted, sang, laughed, and hugged. It was great to be back, even if only for a week.
Links:
Womens Trust
KamiAmi blog
Links:
Womens Trust
KamiAmi blog