LiA Blog week 4
My fourth and final week in Ghana marked the conclusion to an incredibly transformative journey. The week began with a deeply personal and reflective experience as I travelled with my uncle to Sekondi. This city, significant as my parents' childhood hometown, provided me with a profound connection to my roots. Walking through the streets and visiting places where my parents spent their early years gave me an intimate glimpse into their history and a deeper appreciation of my family heritage. Each site and interaction in Sekondi filled me with nostalgia, pride, and gratitude, reinforcing my connection to Ghana beyond the scope of my placement.
This reflective journey was followed by an equally reflective return flight to Accra. As the plane lifted into the sky, I pondered the rich experiences of the past weeks and considered how deeply they had influenced my understanding of leadership, community engagement, and personal identity. The aerial views of Ghana’s diverse landscapes reminded me vividly of the various communities, schools, farms, and healthcare facilities that had significantly shaped my time here.
Upon returning to Accra, my focus shifted back to completing administrative tasks at the Cocoa360 office. Thursday was dedicated to summarising and classifying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing my experience full circle from the beginning of my placement. The task reinforced my earlier learning and provided clarity on how Cocoa360's initiatives align with global sustainability efforts. This work was a fulfilling culmination, emphasising the importance of structured, goal-oriented strategies in fostering sustainable community development.
On Thursday, I faced the emotional task of saying my goodbyes. Reflecting on each interaction, from teaching and farming to community visits and administrative duties, made me keenly aware of the depth of relationships I'd developed. Conversations with staff, heartfelt exchanges with students, and collaborative work with community members had forged bonds I deeply cherished. Expressing gratitude and bidding farewell was both bittersweet and inspiring; it reaffirmed the impact of human connections built through shared goals and mutual respect.
During my final days, I revisited familiar locations, each imbued with memories of growth, learning, such as the office. I also recalled my first lessons with the students, and memory of visiting the farm. Thinking of these places where I had made an active contribution, reminded me vividly of the significance of each task and conversation. It was clear that every experience had played a crucial role in shaping my understanding of effective leadership and meaningful community involvement.
Reflecting at the week's end, I realised the comprehensive scope of my journey—from initial introductions and teaching, through agricultural insights and administrative contributions, to deeply personal explorations of heritage and identity. My Leadership in Action placement was not just an opportunity for professional growth, but a powerful personal transformation. As I left Ghana, I carried with me invaluable lessons in humility, resilience, community engagement, and a strengthened commitment to global sustainability and positive change.
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What an incredible experience to see where your family is from and get the privilege to experience life through your own senses. Your dedication to the SDGs and your community and the people you met along the way is admirable. I am so warmed to read about these fulfilling experiences!