Journalism - GHANA Volunteer Stories

Ania Neuman

Law and Journalism in Ghana - Ania Neuman

As a Law and Philosophy student I undertook several volunteering projects during my studies. I always was passionate about helping others and benefiting the community as well as learning new skills and facing a challenge, hence Projects Abroad voluntary law and journalism placement in Ghana fulfilled all my objectives.

On a sunny day on 21^st of August 2005 I flew to Accra to live with a local host family for a month and undertake two individual placements, the former was situated with a multi-media company called Creative Storm and the latter took place with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative based by the British Council.

During my first internship I worked on the concert production for "Africa Stands Tall Against Poverty" which was staged in conjunction with Make Poverty History campaign. I dealt with various office duties including burning CD's, administration, created spreadsheets, worked as a backstage crew and I was a part of the VIP area, ensuring adequate services to all the artists and invited guests during the concert. Throughout the second placement I researched the Law of Inheritance in Ghana, both in a surrounding law firm and at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana; I actively participated in policy making discussions, amending sample legislations on marriages in Ghana and attended a workshop at the Africa Institute for Development Management.

My experience in Ghana was life-changing and eye-opening. A month in Ghana had a vast impact on my judgements and thoughts about Western Africa, its inhabitants and their daily trials and tribulations. The lack of clean drinking water unveiled one of my strongest concerns, it was striking to see young children trading on the streets and selling water sachets, instead of going to school to learn. Initially upon my arrival I witnessed a real culture shock, mainly due to the infrastructure and transport and of course I needed to get accustomed to being the "white" person, as seeing someone of my skin colour was rather rare.

However, after a few days and a supporting sightseeing tour which was issued by one of the Projects Abroad staff I commenced feeling accustomed and more comfortable with my new surroundings. Having had a chance to taste and live the lifestyle of the locals, eat their food and live their life, I began appreciating things which in Europe are under appreciated. Drinkable and hot water from the taps was something I missed most, as we did not have hot water in our host family home.

I would recommend a voluntary placement in Ghana to any law student, not only because of the valuable legal experience which one will gain, but because of a real life experience of a very diverse lifestyle and culture, seeing that people can have very little and still beam with radiance and hold a wide smile on their face.

Ania Neuman