Projects

In Dekpor, growing essential crops is a way of life. Pretty much every single family has a plot of land that either they own or lease because they need to produce their own food.  Crops of maize, rice, and cassava are the most popular--all staples in the Dekpor diet.

Yes, you've seen these in the past because multipurpose bowls are considered essentials for all families in Dekpor!  We went a full two years without running a targeted campaign, so it was high time in December 2022 to do it again.  Linda and Abraham were being asked by villagers if there would be a distribution any time soon.

From collecting crops and firewood, to being used for cooking, laundry, bathing and fetching water, the uses are many!

We are so lucky that there are many people who like to donate goods for us to ship! 

Yes, it is a lot of work, but goodness, just look in any distribution album to see the happy faces of the recipients!   

Actually, you may notice that some seem rather straight-faced.  Well, that is due to being entirely overwhelmed and also, culturally-speaking, it is considered rude to smile for such a serious event.  It takes some prompting to get most to smile!   

Last May, we received our first donation of kits so we could pilot their use. Since the response was very positive and the local nurses and female school staff are on board with us, we chose to jump right in. (You can check back to the 2022 Project page for more information.)

In December 2022, a Kits4Girls campaign was launched and we are extremely pleased that $4088 was raised!  How is this being used?

Upkeep is important!  We are most grateful that we can keep the school campus and town toilet facilities and Dekpor Central Shops looking good, thanks to a generous donation from Susan and Tony Anderson. The conditions in Dekpor truly make it difficult to keep the walls looking fresh. From the constant dust to the numbers of people utilizing all of the buildings, there is no wonder why they get dirty and dingy.

Torrential rains and heavy winds have caused a whole lot of damage to Dekpor buildings over the years.  Despite our best efforts to keep things maintained, during every rainy season, we end up with emergency repairs needing to be done.  With a huge sigh of relief, we were thrilled to finally find roofing nails in Ghana!  Yes, the reason that the roofing sheets pulled up so easily is that straight nails were the only thing available to us.

What a difference Austrian dentists, Dr. Karin Haas and Dr. Robert Haas, made in their very short time in Dekpor! They came late on a Sunday night and left very early on Tuesday morning.

Often called slides in Ontario, but referred to as easy wear in Dekpor, these are the economical local footwear of choice by our youth. Why? Easy to put on, last well, cheap, protect the feet.  Considering so many people simply have nothing at all, we chose to buy 200 pairs and outfit our apprentices and junior high students. As much as they are not what is "supposed to be worn" as part of a school uniform, they are certainly acceptable and far better than bare feet.

We never know what is going to end up in this album!  There are so many jobs that we accomplish, and every year we just add to the variety!

March - termites and wind destroyed one of our street light poles and the whole thing came crashing down. Thank goodness that Benjamin was in town and could do the repair!  New light installed...pole re-cut and secured.

We are so very grateful to Dr. Karin Haas and Dr. Robert Haas of Austria!  While in Dekpor for just a couple of days, they took the time to hold an educational session for our JHS 1 and JHS 2 students, give them all toothbrushes, paste, and dental floss, and screen for any concerns that would require further treatment. What an undertaking! Incredibly generous, they have pledged to cover the expenses of the students who will require treatment in Soga with the Ghanaian dentists.

This is the first time we've ever had international professionals help this way in the town!