Assignment Ghana via Achmea Foundation
Recently we, Clarissa van der Most and Serge van Verseveld, both working at the Internal Audit department, experienced an Expert Volunteer Assignment in Ghana through Achmea Foundation. We would like to share this special experience with you.
It all started with a call to apply for an assignment. No sooner said than done. In the learning environment new assignments come along continuously and this assignment seemed like a fantastic opportunity for us. In short, the assignment was to make a plan in cooperation with Miss Taxi Ghana to increase women's participation in the labour force and to develop a training programme. Our Dutch partner, NETICS, has developed a machine to construct drainage systems more quickly. The DrainUpGrader will soon be deployed in Ghana and the intention is to have women operate it. And yes, Miss Taxi Ghana is happy to participate.
Our trip to Ghana lasted 2 weeks in total. After the necessary preparations we boarded the KLM plane that took us directly to Accra, the capital of Ghana. Once there, Miss Taxi was already waiting for us. We had taken the weekend to acclimatise. An excellent opportunity to gain some first impressions of the new surroundings. A visit to the Black Star monument was one of the highlights.
The first week was characterised by many conversations. Of course with Miss Taxi, but also with some professors at the University of Ghana. We also visited several training institutes and talked to many women in prominent positions. We also spoke to women in the field.
After a full week with many interesting conversations, we went to the countryside of Ghana over the weekend. We settled down for the weekend near Elmina. A long walk along the beach brought us to the former slave fort. A visit to the fishing port and a market were also part of the trip. Apart from enjoying the totally different world, we were able to quietly work out all the conversations. After the weekend, we returned to Accra.
In Accra, we again had many conversations. One of the highlights was a visit to Gifty Anti, a famous Ghanaian lady who has her own talk show on TV. She would like to help with our project. After a total of about 20 conversations, including at GIZ, we returned home with a very good feeling. It has really broadened our horizons.
Once we get home, the project will continue. Soon we hope to submit the subsidy application together with NETICS and Miss Taxi Ghana to GIZ. Hopefully, this will have a very nice follow-up.
If you have any questions after reading our story or if you would like to broaden your horizon, feel free to contact us or the Achmea Foundation.
Clarissa van der Most & Serge van Verseveld
