Hello again Sisters,
This is yours truly writing from the North of Ghana. As I was saying in my last letter to you, that fateful afternoon of February the 20th was a blessed one. I had this rare opportunity of a free afternoon that I really maximized and visited the crocodiles at Paga as well as the Nania Pikworo Slave Camp.
After driving for barely five minutes from the Paga Crocodile pond we saw the sign post that read Pikworo Slave camp. In fact, we did not see the sign early enough so we by passed the turning and had to do a U turn. On parking we walked towards a summer hut where we had noticed the presence of people. Apparently the two young men under the summer hut had spotted us earlier and were expecting us to make a stop. (In fact the older one at the end of the tour told me that he thought we had aborted the plan to see the place when he saw us making the U turn.)
On approaching the summer hut I noticed an information board so that was the first thing I did. It had basic information about the camp and a request to all visitors to ensure that they take a receipt for the payment of the necessary entrance fee. (Oh my gosh, I just helped corruption, I forget to take a receipt) So I approached the young guys who heartily welcomed us. The lead tour guide suggested that we take a seat under the hut and listened to the story of the camp before we set of for a tour around. So a very heart retching story was told with as little interjection as possible.
Nania means “a place full of cows” which depicts the dense vegetations where herds and herds of cows come to graze, while Pikworo means a place surrounded by rocks. This is a slave camp that played a major role in the slave trade in Ghana. The slaves who were kept here finally ended up either in the Elmina or Cape Coast castles. The slaves had to walk all the way first to Salaga, then onwards to the two exit points of Cape Coast and Elmina, which was the point of no return for most of the slaves. Visiting the camp and hearing the history can be so emotional. One wonders how man can be so inhuman to man.
The story goes that a native of Nania made friends with a Burkinabe and a Malian (Remember Nania is quite close to the Sahel regions) and told them about this wonderful God who made stony plots of land that could be turned into a very profitable venture. Do you know what he had in mind? The trade in humans, thus began the woes of the community of Nania and its neighbouring towns and villages. The town of Nania was strategically placed between the great slave market of Salaga in Tamale and the countries in the Sahel belt. This discovery of the rocky plot was also ideal for their plans for it had some essential elements such as a spring that could serve hundreds and hundreds of people.
Then it was time to take a tour of the place. The first sight that was pointed out to me were these huge trees where the slaves were tied when they were brought in. To prevent the captured slaves from running away they were chained and also tied to trees. We then moved on to the springs within the rocks that provided the much needed life saving water for the slaves. This spring it is said provided all the water needs of the camp, for drinking and cooking. I am wondering, were slaves allowed to take baths? I forgot to ask my tour guide who appeared to be well schooled on issues of the slave trade. We then had to climb to the top of one of the rocks to see the artificially carved bowls in the rock where it is said that the slaves clambered around to take their meals.
Legend has it that when a slave rebelled that slave was given the task of carving a bowl which is oblong in shape and shallow enough to hold enough food to serve about three people out of those hard rocks. The only tool you had was another stone which you had to rub against the rock. This is a very tedious and soul wrenching task in the hot sun. In any case I was told that food was a scarce commodity and that the slave masters were not prepared to waste their money feeding the slaves so they were given just enough food to sustain them till they were sold.
I then had to climb higher to see a natural made “instrumental” rock. Yes, you heard me right, a rock that gives you different sounds when you strike the different parts of the rock with a smaller rock. It is unbelievable but true. While we were still on the rock I saw two locals climbing up one of the rocks,I was wondering to myself, what are they up to? Apparently they are local modern day griots who sing and drum on the stones to entertain visitors. So when we got to this wonderful musical instrument there they were, perched comfortably ready to perform. After my tour guide had asked me to listen to the sounds emanating from the rocks, he politely said to me, “these are local musicians who perform for visitors, we do not charge you for their performance but it is traditional to place some money on them during their performance”. I was not surprised, it happens in most communities including my own beloved Akropong Akwapim. When the fontomfrom performers are at work you always show appreciation by giving them money. So I quickly reached for my purse and said to myself “she who pays the piper calls the tune therefore I must make good use of the music and drumming”. I turned on my dancing shoes and did a good jig for about 10 minutes, all by myself up there high up on some tall rocks on a clear windy afternoon with the sky and a few stray birds as my audience. The drummers were generously rewarded.
The story was told that the area surrounding the wondrous musical stone instrument was called the entertainment arena. Some of the slaves who were adept at drumming and singing were given the task of entertaining the camp inhabitants and the others were forcefully made to dance. The scenery was naturally set so that the musicians were up there and below them was a plain flat plot of land like a school playing field that could conveniently be turned into a dancing floor. My guide told me that most of the songs they were forced to sing were deceitful for the songs praised the slave masters for their good work and thanked the slave masters for giving them a good life. Some of the songs also addressed the slaves telling them how lucky they were for being among the lucky few to be captured and not to be worried because a good life lay before them. After such nights the slaves were given cola nuts as a reward and motivator.
We then descended and moved on to another large rocky platform which was an assembly point for the slave. It was here that the actual trading went on as if they were at the stock exchange. Directly in front of this platform are some high rise rocks where it is said that the slave traders stood and made their pick. I was told that on the day of trading all strong men were lined up at the assembly point chained while the traders stood on the tall rocks making their choices. When a person is chosen he leaves the platform and is lead to the ground below where the actual bargaining takes place. If you do not make it to this platform it meant you were not good enough for their purpose so you were condemned to stay in the camp till you passed on. A person who comes to the camp comes to a place of no return, you are never ever allowed to go back to your people lest you leaked the secret of the “masters”. It is on record that 20% of the captured slaves were women. It is said that the women were mainly used as hewers of wood, drawers of water, cooks and bearers of more people for the “masters” trade.
We then went to the sentinel, the tallest point on the camp. Here, the rocks have been neatly arranged one on top of the other; the sentinel is located at the edge of the range of those rocks. The rocks have been placed besides and on top of each other, there is a huge rock the shape of a neatly cut orange placed at the apex. My first reaction was, this is impossible, no group of human beings can lift and place these rocks one on top of the other especially to this height, so who or what did? Bulldozers and cranes were not available at that time, at least not in Ghana. So the big question is who arranged these rocks? The story about lava and other substances pushing the rocks out of the belly of the earth can hold for all the other rocks I saw at the camp but not this sentinel. Anyway, that is food for thought. My guide quickly climbed up to the top of the rock and invited me up. I was confused “should I or should I not”. It is always good to have an adventure to tell especially after I had woefully failed to scale the Tanoso groove rocks (In the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana, it is a must see and the butterfly and monkey sanctuaries are near by so you get a triple deal) some six years ago. I thought this was a great opportunity to redeem my image. This is not the broadly laid out types of rocks, this is kind of steep as if the rocks were purposely laid one on top of the other for that very purpose. So I started the climb. I conquered the first height, conquered the second, my guide was beckoning me I was contemplating which route to use, I chose to climb a nearby tree, as I approached the tree I said to myself “I better leave this adventure to the new school members” and that ended my adventure to be a sentinel for a minute, the adventure to re live the lives of the guards who guided the slave camps and the masters from rebellious slaves and raiding villages. The guards who risked their lives under the burning sun for twenty fours hours a day just to protect some people’s thirst for money and fame.
Just below the sentinel lay the mass graves for the unlucky ones who lost their lives at the camp. These were usually the lucky one because those who made the journey to the slave market at Salaga and died on the way did not have the privilege of a burial.
At a corner of the cemetery is the punishment rock. The rock is the size of a big stool, with a deep band at the very bottom of the rock. It is said that very stubborn slaves were made to sit on that rock facing the sun with their head lifted up. The sun in this part of the country can be bright and hot, and I mean scorching hot. Their feet are placed one on top of the other and tied to the rock, with their hands also tied behind them. That is not all, the unfortunate victim is beaten till his last breath then he is immediately buried by his colleagues, all in a bid to deter others from rebelling.
This is certainly not a nice point to finish the tours but that was the last memorable monument at the camp, very depressing. Anyway it is always good to be reminded of man’s inhumanity to man so one can be even more determined to fight injustice. So dear sisters there is so much wrong in the world that we need not relinquish in our quest to ensure justice, equality and equity for women for every drop of good work goes to mitigate some of the pain and hurt being suffered by humanity. More grease to your elbows sisters and keep on keeping on. Till we link up again, cheerio
Your sister,
Beatrice
Friday, February 27, 2009
LETTER FROM THE NORTH I
Hello Sisters,
This is your sister writing to you from Bolga the Capital of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Please remember us in your solemn moments; it is hot and dry, scorching hot. Thank God for air conditioned cars and rooms otherwise I do not think I would have been capable of writing to say I am fine and enjoying myself, yes, enjoyment at its peak. Do you not know that it is a luxury to be on the field and have a half day free to do as you wish? Yes a huge luxury and today the 20th of February I decided to make use of that opportunity for it comes only once in a decade on the field.
First we started on a 32 km journey from my lodging place to Paga, a 45 minutes ride, I am sure you have already guessed my mission in Paga, to visit the much talked about crocodile pond. The first sight of the place does not make an impression. All you see is a pond with some cows grazing by, undeveloped land and nothing to catch your attention but, wait a minute, there are these young men cooling off under a summer hut. They quickly approached our vehicle and welcomed us in the friendliest voice you can hear away from home “you are welcome madam” I quickly respond “thank you young men, how are you doing?” “We are fine thank you madam” then they froze (about 4 of them) as if lost in words and thoughts, so I quickly picked up the conversation and told them we were there to see the famous crocodiles of Paga. Their faces quickly brightened up and assumed a kind of business look. “You are welcome once again” said the eldest who appeared to be the leader of the group. “You need to buy fowls and pay a gate fee”. My beloved sisters there is no gate, no fence, wall, nothing, it is a no woman’s land. Well, I thought, I will not argue and spoil my afternoon, remember this is a life time opportunity. A tourist will board a plane all the way from far far away just to come and see these crocodiles and if God has brought me into the vicinity I need to play it wise.
So I asked for the admission fee and the cost of a fowl. I was shown what looked more like chicks and told that those were the preference of the crocodiles. I was also told that I had to buy two fowls. Remember these are no mere crocodiles, not the type you come across in rivers such as the Nile and Mississippi. Once all business transactions were undertaken to the letter the young men picked up the fowls and asked us to follow them to the edge of the pond. Just when we got to the edge of the pond a much older guy comes running holding a fowl, says something in their local dialect and then one of the young men returns with the fowl he was holding (I guess this is called divide and share).Anyway that is none of my business I went to see crocodiles and not to meddle in the politics of the crocodile pond.
Just when we got to a safe distance from the edge of the pond I could see the crocodiles, there were at least three of them coming out of the water. Apparently they are attracted by the cry of the fowls. They came ashore and kept coming nearer and nearer till the distance started getting unsafe. (Remember crocodiles are amphibians). So the chief tour guide as we will call him hit the fowl on the ground and the crocodile lay as calm and docile as a baby. I was asked to hold the tail of the crocodile which I did reluctantly and unmajestically after mustering tons of courage. However I never was able to mount up courage to sit on its back as I was beckoned to do.
After watching the crocodiles grab the fowls and consumingr them in seconds I got a history lesson on why the crocodiles in the Paga pond do not harm the citizens and why the citizens do not hunt or eat the meat of the crocodile. I also got to know that sometimes the crocodiles could crawl as far as to the nearby homes unharmed and undisturbed. The crocodiles are always buried like human beings when they die. I was also informed that crocodiles are territorial animals and that they protect their territories and do not meddle in others territories, therefore to see different crocodiles at the pond you need to call them from different sections of the pond. It is believed that there are about a hundred crocodiles in the Paga crocodile pond and that the oldest is about 80 years.
After bidding my new friends bye we set off on our return journey and on the way we noticed something we had not bargained and planned for. Yes on that T junction is a sign post that read Pikworo Slave Camp. I would not miss the opportunity for anything, I had nothing else to do that afternoon and besides it is just 2 km from the pond, barely five minutes ride. What did I have to loose? Read about my adventure climbing and descending rocks in the village of Nania in my next blog. By the way, Nania is the village of the famous Ghanaian footballer Abedi Pele and in fact his family home is a stone throw from the slave camp of Nania.
I trust you are all well. See you soon.
With all my love
Beatrice in Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region of Ghana
This is your sister writing to you from Bolga the Capital of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Please remember us in your solemn moments; it is hot and dry, scorching hot. Thank God for air conditioned cars and rooms otherwise I do not think I would have been capable of writing to say I am fine and enjoying myself, yes, enjoyment at its peak. Do you not know that it is a luxury to be on the field and have a half day free to do as you wish? Yes a huge luxury and today the 20th of February I decided to make use of that opportunity for it comes only once in a decade on the field.
First we started on a 32 km journey from my lodging place to Paga, a 45 minutes ride, I am sure you have already guessed my mission in Paga, to visit the much talked about crocodile pond. The first sight of the place does not make an impression. All you see is a pond with some cows grazing by, undeveloped land and nothing to catch your attention but, wait a minute, there are these young men cooling off under a summer hut. They quickly approached our vehicle and welcomed us in the friendliest voice you can hear away from home “you are welcome madam” I quickly respond “thank you young men, how are you doing?” “We are fine thank you madam” then they froze (about 4 of them) as if lost in words and thoughts, so I quickly picked up the conversation and told them we were there to see the famous crocodiles of Paga. Their faces quickly brightened up and assumed a kind of business look. “You are welcome once again” said the eldest who appeared to be the leader of the group. “You need to buy fowls and pay a gate fee”. My beloved sisters there is no gate, no fence, wall, nothing, it is a no woman’s land. Well, I thought, I will not argue and spoil my afternoon, remember this is a life time opportunity. A tourist will board a plane all the way from far far away just to come and see these crocodiles and if God has brought me into the vicinity I need to play it wise.
So I asked for the admission fee and the cost of a fowl. I was shown what looked more like chicks and told that those were the preference of the crocodiles. I was also told that I had to buy two fowls. Remember these are no mere crocodiles, not the type you come across in rivers such as the Nile and Mississippi. Once all business transactions were undertaken to the letter the young men picked up the fowls and asked us to follow them to the edge of the pond. Just when we got to the edge of the pond a much older guy comes running holding a fowl, says something in their local dialect and then one of the young men returns with the fowl he was holding (I guess this is called divide and share).Anyway that is none of my business I went to see crocodiles and not to meddle in the politics of the crocodile pond.
Just when we got to a safe distance from the edge of the pond I could see the crocodiles, there were at least three of them coming out of the water. Apparently they are attracted by the cry of the fowls. They came ashore and kept coming nearer and nearer till the distance started getting unsafe. (Remember crocodiles are amphibians). So the chief tour guide as we will call him hit the fowl on the ground and the crocodile lay as calm and docile as a baby. I was asked to hold the tail of the crocodile which I did reluctantly and unmajestically after mustering tons of courage. However I never was able to mount up courage to sit on its back as I was beckoned to do.
After watching the crocodiles grab the fowls and consumingr them in seconds I got a history lesson on why the crocodiles in the Paga pond do not harm the citizens and why the citizens do not hunt or eat the meat of the crocodile. I also got to know that sometimes the crocodiles could crawl as far as to the nearby homes unharmed and undisturbed. The crocodiles are always buried like human beings when they die. I was also informed that crocodiles are territorial animals and that they protect their territories and do not meddle in others territories, therefore to see different crocodiles at the pond you need to call them from different sections of the pond. It is believed that there are about a hundred crocodiles in the Paga crocodile pond and that the oldest is about 80 years.
After bidding my new friends bye we set off on our return journey and on the way we noticed something we had not bargained and planned for. Yes on that T junction is a sign post that read Pikworo Slave Camp. I would not miss the opportunity for anything, I had nothing else to do that afternoon and besides it is just 2 km from the pond, barely five minutes ride. What did I have to loose? Read about my adventure climbing and descending rocks in the village of Nania in my next blog. By the way, Nania is the village of the famous Ghanaian footballer Abedi Pele and in fact his family home is a stone throw from the slave camp of Nania.
I trust you are all well. See you soon.
With all my love
Beatrice in Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region of Ghana
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Gender: The State of the Nation in Ghana
I have just been listening to the State of the Nation address by President John Ataa Mills of Ghana and there are three things he mentioned which are of interest to me.
1. The Ministry for Women and Children will be provided with extra financial resources
2. Gender centres will be established in each district assembly
3. The Women's Manifesto of 2004 will be adapted
I am especially excited about the last point because the Women's Manifesto of Ghana was compiled by our grantees Abantu for Development and funding from AWDF enabled translation of the manifesto into four local languages, Akan, Dagbani, Ga and Ewe. This (at least in my opinion) indicated that the advocacy work carried out by women has an impact over a period of time. This impact may not be easily captured by the time a donor report is due, but the impact occurs over time.
I also believe that advocacy by women's rights activists and women's right's organisations for political parties to choose a woman vice president is what led the current goverment whilst in opposition to declare that if successful during the elections they will ensure that 40% of their cabinet are women. Again, some fantastic work was done here by another AWDF grantee, Women in Law and Development (WILDAF). In a recent visit to congratulate President Mills on winning the highest seat in the land, WILDAF presented the President with a list of 500 competent women who can occupy positions in cabinet. No excuses allowed then.
My hope is that this will set a precedent for all political parties who will take even more progressive steps to ensure gender equality in Ghana.
Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Programme Officer (Fundraising & Communications)
1. The Ministry for Women and Children will be provided with extra financial resources
2. Gender centres will be established in each district assembly
3. The Women's Manifesto of 2004 will be adapted
I am especially excited about the last point because the Women's Manifesto of Ghana was compiled by our grantees Abantu for Development and funding from AWDF enabled translation of the manifesto into four local languages, Akan, Dagbani, Ga and Ewe. This (at least in my opinion) indicated that the advocacy work carried out by women has an impact over a period of time. This impact may not be easily captured by the time a donor report is due, but the impact occurs over time.
I also believe that advocacy by women's rights activists and women's right's organisations for political parties to choose a woman vice president is what led the current goverment whilst in opposition to declare that if successful during the elections they will ensure that 40% of their cabinet are women. Again, some fantastic work was done here by another AWDF grantee, Women in Law and Development (WILDAF). In a recent visit to congratulate President Mills on winning the highest seat in the land, WILDAF presented the President with a list of 500 competent women who can occupy positions in cabinet. No excuses allowed then.
My hope is that this will set a precedent for all political parties who will take even more progressive steps to ensure gender equality in Ghana.
Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Programme Officer (Fundraising & Communications)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
In solidarity: Eudy Simelane
I read on the blog Black looks (see http://www.blacklooks.org/)of the trial of Eudy Simelane.
Eudy Simelane was a lesbian activist who was found murdered last year. Her murder comes in the wake of the murders of other members of the LGBTI community in South Africa and many other parts of Africa.
My thoughts are with all those who suffer needlessly from bigotry, hatred and injustice.
May your souls rest in eternal peace.
Nana Sekyiamah
Programme Officer
Fundraising & Communications
Eudy Simelane was a lesbian activist who was found murdered last year. Her murder comes in the wake of the murders of other members of the LGBTI community in South Africa and many other parts of Africa.
My thoughts are with all those who suffer needlessly from bigotry, hatred and injustice.
May your souls rest in eternal peace.
Nana Sekyiamah
Programme Officer
Fundraising & Communications
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
ANNOUNCEMENT
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
April 2009
• Are you an Executive Director or manager of a non-profit organization
• Are you working in the NGO sector?
• Is your organization’s sustainability threatened by shrinking donor support?
• Are you in charge of fundraising and resource mobilisation in your organization
• Do want to enhance your skills in fundraising?
• Are you a trainer or consultant in fundraising and resource mobilisation for the non-profit sector?
If your answer to any or all of the above questions is yes, then this 20 days course organised jointly by GIMPA, the Resource Alliance (UK) and the African Women’s Development Foundation (AWDF) Ghana is definitely a must!
The Certificate in Resources Mobilization for Non-Profits course will equip you with critical knowledge and skills which when applied in everyday work situations will result in a significant increase in the effectiveness of your fundraising.
Come and learn from the experience of fundraising experts and donor agents. This is your organization’s ticket to financial sustainability.
Course content
The courses content address critical issues including the following:
• Role and relationships of state, business and voluntary sector
• Public policy environment within which non-profits operate
• Main sources of non-profit funding and support
• Donor prospecting and research; donor motivations and trends in giving
• Ethics, accountability and transparency
• Effective Communications and resource mobilisation
• Basic introduction to databases
• Strategic planning, financial planning, monitoring and evaluation
• Managing self (self-awareness, time management, stress management) and others (suppliers, volunteers, staff)
Target Audience
• People working in resource mobilisation in the non-profit sector. They may be involved full-time or part-time in mobilising resources and may be paid or volunteers
• Trainers or consultants in fundraising and resource mobilisation for the non-profit sector
• Officials with responsibility for fundraising in public Institutions
Entry Requirement
• Applicants with first degree or its equivalent are preferred though completion of other certificate and diploma courses may be sufficient.
• Applicant must know how to use email and word processing and simple spreadsheet software.
• Applicant must have a minimum of one year’s experience in mobilising resources.
Assessment and Evaluation
• A combination of continuous assessment, exams and project presentation at the end of the course are used to assess students for the award of certificate.
• Participants must be regular in class for at least 90% of the course duration to qualify for the award of certificate.
For further information about the course, please contact:
The Assistant Registrar, Business Support & Executive Programs
GIMPA, P. O. Box AH 50, Achimota – Ghana
Tel: 021-42161 or 401681-3 Ext. 1082, 1076. Email: bsep@gimpa.edu.gh
Application forms are available our websit: www.gimpa.edu.gh or the Cash Office, GIMPA
AWDF Grant
AWDF has put in place a grant to sponsor qualified grantees to attend this course. However, successful grantees must be ready to cost share.
How to Apply for the AWDF Grant (important)
Individuals applying should submit the following documents
• Name of organisation
• Address
• Telephone and Fax number
• Contact person's name and title
• Application letter
• Applicant’s CV
• A one page personal statement explaining why you should be considered.
• A signed recommendation letter from applicant’s organisation
Important information
The process for selecting qualified applicant will be highly competitive and will adhere strictly to the entry requirements. No application will be reviewed without a signed recommendation letter from applicant’s organisation’s head. Please send both hard and soft copies of your application documents to the following address. Soft copies should be email to awdf@awdf.org
There will be cost sharing where necessary and selected applicants will be notified as and when necessary.
The Grants Administrator
The African Women’s Development Fund
78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon
PMB CT89 Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Tel/Fax: 00233 21 521257
Tel: 00233 21 521257
Email: awdf@awdf.org
Please note that the deadline for receiving all applications is February 27, 2009
Capacity Building Department
AWDF
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN RESOURCE MOBILIZATION FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
April 2009
• Are you an Executive Director or manager of a non-profit organization
• Are you working in the NGO sector?
• Is your organization’s sustainability threatened by shrinking donor support?
• Are you in charge of fundraising and resource mobilisation in your organization
• Do want to enhance your skills in fundraising?
• Are you a trainer or consultant in fundraising and resource mobilisation for the non-profit sector?
If your answer to any or all of the above questions is yes, then this 20 days course organised jointly by GIMPA, the Resource Alliance (UK) and the African Women’s Development Foundation (AWDF) Ghana is definitely a must!
The Certificate in Resources Mobilization for Non-Profits course will equip you with critical knowledge and skills which when applied in everyday work situations will result in a significant increase in the effectiveness of your fundraising.
Come and learn from the experience of fundraising experts and donor agents. This is your organization’s ticket to financial sustainability.
Course content
The courses content address critical issues including the following:
• Role and relationships of state, business and voluntary sector
• Public policy environment within which non-profits operate
• Main sources of non-profit funding and support
• Donor prospecting and research; donor motivations and trends in giving
• Ethics, accountability and transparency
• Effective Communications and resource mobilisation
• Basic introduction to databases
• Strategic planning, financial planning, monitoring and evaluation
• Managing self (self-awareness, time management, stress management) and others (suppliers, volunteers, staff)
Target Audience
• People working in resource mobilisation in the non-profit sector. They may be involved full-time or part-time in mobilising resources and may be paid or volunteers
• Trainers or consultants in fundraising and resource mobilisation for the non-profit sector
• Officials with responsibility for fundraising in public Institutions
Entry Requirement
• Applicants with first degree or its equivalent are preferred though completion of other certificate and diploma courses may be sufficient.
• Applicant must know how to use email and word processing and simple spreadsheet software.
• Applicant must have a minimum of one year’s experience in mobilising resources.
Assessment and Evaluation
• A combination of continuous assessment, exams and project presentation at the end of the course are used to assess students for the award of certificate.
• Participants must be regular in class for at least 90% of the course duration to qualify for the award of certificate.
For further information about the course, please contact:
The Assistant Registrar, Business Support & Executive Programs
GIMPA, P. O. Box AH 50, Achimota – Ghana
Tel: 021-42161 or 401681-3 Ext. 1082, 1076. Email: bsep@gimpa.edu.gh
Application forms are available our websit: www.gimpa.edu.gh or the Cash Office, GIMPA
AWDF Grant
AWDF has put in place a grant to sponsor qualified grantees to attend this course. However, successful grantees must be ready to cost share.
How to Apply for the AWDF Grant (important)
Individuals applying should submit the following documents
• Name of organisation
• Address
• Telephone and Fax number
• Contact person's name and title
• Application letter
• Applicant’s CV
• A one page personal statement explaining why you should be considered.
• A signed recommendation letter from applicant’s organisation
Important information
The process for selecting qualified applicant will be highly competitive and will adhere strictly to the entry requirements. No application will be reviewed without a signed recommendation letter from applicant’s organisation’s head. Please send both hard and soft copies of your application documents to the following address. Soft copies should be email to awdf@awdf.org
There will be cost sharing where necessary and selected applicants will be notified as and when necessary.
The Grants Administrator
The African Women’s Development Fund
78, Ambassadorial Enclave, East Legon
PMB CT89 Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Tel/Fax: 00233 21 521257
Tel: 00233 21 521257
Email: awdf@awdf.org
Please note that the deadline for receiving all applications is February 27, 2009
Capacity Building Department
AWDF
Monday, February 9, 2009
Marriage is a waste of time for women
We recently benefited from a training day on Communication & Presentation Skills facilitated by AWDF’s Executive Director. Personally, my favourite part of the day was when we got to practice our presentation skills in a fun ‘Great Debate’. The motion was “Marriage is a waste of time for women”. I was on the team that was for the motion and judging by the reaction of the audience (AWDF staff); I think it’s fair to say we were the more popular side.
Some of the reasons my team gave in defence of the motion included:
1. Traditional expectations of ‘wives’
2. Loss of identity
3. Housework aka ‘wife work’
4. Sacrificing of personal/professional goals
Traditional expectations of wives included meeting expectations of ‘in laws’ – one of our colleagues will never forget having to make a spinach and seafood sauce for her visiting Father in law when she really had a pressing deadline to meet for her Master’s degree.
Our team also felt marriage often comes with a loss of identity. We (tongue in cheek) asked the audience what happens if you get married 5 times. Do you change your name 5 times?
Housework was one of our major points of contention. We all know its called house work but it might as well be renamed ‘wife work’. It’s usually the “wife” or female partner who has to ensure this work happens.
Sacrificing one’s personal/professional goals we felt could also be a consequence of marriage especially where women bear the main responsibility for child rearing.
On the other hand our opposing team spoke about the companionship and love within marriage advocating for a marriage which is more of a partnership where you get to share financial and other responsibilities. What are your thoughts? Is marriage a waste of time for women?
Nana Sekyiamah
Programme Officer
Fundraising & Communications
Some of the reasons my team gave in defence of the motion included:
1. Traditional expectations of ‘wives’
2. Loss of identity
3. Housework aka ‘wife work’
4. Sacrificing of personal/professional goals
Traditional expectations of wives included meeting expectations of ‘in laws’ – one of our colleagues will never forget having to make a spinach and seafood sauce for her visiting Father in law when she really had a pressing deadline to meet for her Master’s degree.
Our team also felt marriage often comes with a loss of identity. We (tongue in cheek) asked the audience what happens if you get married 5 times. Do you change your name 5 times?
Housework was one of our major points of contention. We all know its called house work but it might as well be renamed ‘wife work’. It’s usually the “wife” or female partner who has to ensure this work happens.
Sacrificing one’s personal/professional goals we felt could also be a consequence of marriage especially where women bear the main responsibility for child rearing.
On the other hand our opposing team spoke about the companionship and love within marriage advocating for a marriage which is more of a partnership where you get to share financial and other responsibilities. What are your thoughts? Is marriage a waste of time for women?
Nana Sekyiamah
Programme Officer
Fundraising & Communications
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