Abstract

While completing 500 hours of field work for my BSW, I was able to discover the major problems that were affecting rural villages in Ghana, Africa. Main problems found include: a rise in teen pregnancy, sanitation hazards, and lack of education on mental illness. These problems were determined through daily footwork of walking from village to village and interacting with community members. I completed a Community Assessment Survey which highlighted the above problems as key issues affecting the communities. During this experience I wrote weekly logs for my professor on what I accomplished that week and wrote in a personal journal everyday to reflect and capture all the moments. The purpose of my poster will be to inform others on both the hardships and strengths of these villagers and to educate people of projects and educational talks that I completed. In addition I will also discuss the awareness I gained from living with limited access to clean water, power and becoming the minority. I gained important insights on not imposing my American values and beliefs on the communities I worked with. Not only do I have a deeper understanding of this culture, but also a deeper appreciation to hold all cultures and their beliefs in high esteem.