The RHC is back and ready for action! The entire team is now in the continental U.S. and we had our first meeting since the trip this past weekend. The Kekeli women are putting us to shame as they have met twice since our trip. They went straight to teaching their communities within the week of graduation and our departure!
I must say, this was our most successful trip yet. Reflecting on the success, I feel as though a major contributing factor were the new additions to the RHC and Kekeli groups. We have also hired a new field director, Georgina, who will be sharing the duties of monitoring the now 37 Kekeli women. David was very excited because “she has been riding a motorcycle for 17 years.” She fits in perfectly and not just because of her moto skills!
Teaching the new group of women was a true highlight of the experience. Or, I should say, watching the original Kekeli women teach the new. Christiana came prepared with her own visual aids to teach the women and gave a rousing challenge to the newest group to be better than the first. Even better were the fiery responses of; “just wait, we will!”
Our connection to this new group seemed to happen seamlessly. It could be for a few reasons but I am most inclined to think it was the general personalities of the women and really, Ghanians in general. One of the most captivating and astounding traits is their infectious laughter. They are so quick to laugh at themselves or anything else. When they are laughing at me, which is often, it is never malicious but it catches me and soon I am belly laughing with the rest of them.
A very exciting announcement is that we have decided to pay the original Kekeli women. They now have a job description with monthly requirements for teaching. They also have evaluation and data forms they have to complete for each teaching they conduct. Not only will this be great for continued motivation and sustainment of the program, but an excellent investment in the lives and hard work of these women.
We have a lot of great ideas this year and we are so happy to have your continued support and partnership working towards the betterment of health in the rural communities of Ghana. More so, your support of the women who carry out this work and remain committed to teaching their peers despite pressures of daily life.
