Over the last two months, I have been writing a series of articles about my experiences studying abroad in Ghana. A few of these articles have been centered around the work I’ve been doing at the Peace and Love Orphanage in nearby Adenta.
I’ve spent many hours playing soccer with the kids, mending cuts and scratches, and talking about their stories. I’ve learned about where they are from, who their families are and why they are in the orphanage. I’ve also learned that these “children” have had to grow up a lot faster than the average American kid. These kids are tough. They have been through a lot, but they still manage to put a smile on my face with their silly antics and perpetual laughter.
Volunteering at Peace and Love has really made me realize the need for improvement among orphanages in Africa. Let me give you a description of the orphanage so that you can better understand what I mean. I get off the trotro at the SDA Junction in Adenta, and I walk about a mile down a dusty road before taking a left onto the street where the orphanage lies. I open the heavy, seldom-locked door and enter the front yard of the orphanage where I am greeted with hugs by beautiful, barefoot children.
I walk past the head madame, who is almost always sitting under the shade holding one of the three babies who live at the orphanage. I then enter the back yard, or play area, where the children are usually playing soccer or climbing the lone tree that rises out of the dusty ground.
If it’s close to dinner time, they wander around carrying bowls of food, reaching their hand into the bowls and eating without utensils. There are two problems with this picture. First, I’ve never seen a single one wash their hands. Secondly, the food they are eating, which is typically oats or Garri, is always lacking in nutrients children need in order to grow strong and healthy.
When you walk through the orphanage, the first thing you notice is that it’s dark and hot. There are very few fans throughout the building, and the layout does not allow for a much-needed cross breeze. The bedrooms consist of multiple bunk beds, some of which sleep three children. When I first came to the orphanage in February, there were no mosquito nets hanging above the beds. This is not a good thing to find in a malaria-infested country.
I was able to donate mosquito nets to them, thanks to a former Legon student who started a non-profit organization that distributes nets around Ghana. There are two kitchens in the orphanage. The kitchen inside is where you would find the fridge and cabinets holding donated bread and other foodstuffs. Another kitchen/shack is outside where the majority of the cooking is done over open fires. It’s not uncommon to find large tubs of cooked food lying uncovered in this kitchen. I have seen rats, roaches and lizards in this kitchen.
There are so many things I’d like to do to improve this orphanage, but unfortunately I’m only here for a couple more months. I can, however, improve their situation a little by providing them with some much-needed items. They need things like powdered milk, formula, diapers, electric fans, nutritious food, school uniforms, books and toys.
On Tuesday, April 29, Kappa Sigma will be holding a fundraiser in the Borchuck Plaza in front of the Sherrod Library. The money raised will go directly into my account so I can purchase the items that Peace and Love needs. I will record the prices for every item and post the prices on my blog.
I know college students are broke, trust me, I’ve eaten my share of Ramen noodles. But even if you can’t donate a lot of money, every little bit will count. If you’ve always wanted to donate money to those large-scale organizations that help the “kids in Africa” but were too afraid that you’re money wouldn’t really go where they claim, then come by the Borchuck Plaza and donate money to a reliable source. I have a reputation to uphold at the university where I attend and will not be using anyone’s money for anything other than purchasing items for these kids who I’ve grown to love.
The fundraiser will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesday. If anyone has any questions, feel free to e-mail me at overmyhead333@yahoo.com. Also, check out my blog www.kimberfoliblogspot.com if you would like to see some pictures of the orphanage.

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