The face of joyful learning

I am on computer number 13 in Patase's internet cafe. Before me, written in black pen on the wooden desk which holds the monitor, is written: "Women are very wicked." Evidently the last customer had some serious angst to project. One can't help but determine religious undertones in many such strong comments from Ghanaians pointing out human flaws. Deviators, fornicators, sinners - the rapture seems to be soon expected in many quarters. End time service banners abound. I hope it is not a premonition for things to come following the Sunday general elections.

Students and teachers who are allowed and have registered to vote are moving out this evening and tomorrow morning to make their way home in order to cast their ballots on Sunday.

This evening I tuned into BBC's radio world service to catch worrying news regarding Jewish settler evictions in Hebron, West Bank, a city I lived and volunteered in with the International Solidarity Movement for about 2 months in the summer of 2007. Reprisals have already begun to occur for my friend Fawaz in Tel Rumeida district. Just 37 minutes ago he reported that his house was under attack from settlers.

So things get somewhat depressing when such news pours in and one is so far away and helpless to show solidairty apart from a message.

On a more positive note, photos of our Centre's students joy at receiving their copybooks below show how enthusiastic and willing they all are to utilise their talents.


Rita, Norah, Naomi and Agnes in the school assembly hall after receiving their notebooks, pens, pencils,erasers, and pencil sharpeners. These were bought from funds raised through our Christmas card project. The students are very motivated to learn numeracy and literacy and have been working hard filling up their copy books practising their skills this week. Thanks to all who bought the cards and supported the project.


Lydia, Lydia, Kwaben and Emilia putting their notebooks to good use in literacy class.