Blog written by Adam Hansell: Passionate Akaa Leader and Volunteer – College of Wooster 2014
It’s been a little over a year since I last visited the village of Akaa, but not a day goes by that I don’t think about the villagers, the school, and especially the kids. I never could have imagined making such strong connections with people from across the globe, whose language, culture, and upbringings are so different from mine. However, I have realized that it is not the evident differences that have contributed to the connections all of the volunteers have formed with the villagers, but rather the less obvious similarities that we all share with them. For instance, my love for soccer was shared by everyone in the village, and I was able to establish connections and form lasting relationships through playing, talking about, and enjoying the game on the dry green grass in Akaa. I find it incredible that something as simple as a soccer ball can help lead to such strong attachments and bonds to people, but such is the beauty of human nature.
“…strong and lasting ties that transcend letters, words, numbers, and colors.”
Another similarity that other volunteers can certainly relate too was our love and enthusiasm for learning and education. Despite the massive language barrier between the volunteers and the villagers, these shared sentiments allowed us to communicate and connect with them in a way in which language wasn’t needed. The fact that the children were so enthusiastic about learning allowed us to share our own enthusiasm for education, and while our lessons weren’t always as successful as we planned, we were able to form incredibly strong and lasting ties that transcend letters, words, numbers, and colors.
As I sit here writing this piece, there are twenty-odd hand written letters sitting in front of me that were sent following the passing of my dad in April. The first one reads:
Dear Adams, I am very sorry for losing your father. I wish you and the family love and prayer during this difficult time. May God give you strength. Love Wisdom, Asiafo Amanfro Community School
Each letter reads the same, bar the name signed at the bottom, but the words themselves didn’t. The fact that these children took the time to copy out condolence letters in a language they don’t speak meant more to me than any words could, and I can honestly say these were the most touching things I have ever received. The fact that these children with whom I’ve only interacted for four weeks had the capacity to influence my life so strongly shows the power of the Akaa Project and the bonds it creates between people who otherwise never would have met. I am planning on returning to Akaa this winter, and I can honestly say that I have never been more excited for anything in my life.
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