Arriving in Kpeve Tornu as a CorpsAfrica/Ghana Volunteer marked the beginning of an incredible journey of community engagement and growth. Located in Ghana’s Volta Region, Kpeve Tornu is a vibrant community with deep cultural roots and a breathtaking natural landscape, including the serene River Danyi meandering through beautiful mountains. As I began my integration, I noticed that common practices around the river and waste management could have long-term impacts on the community’s health and environment. I felt a responsibility to work with the community to raise awareness, preserve their natural resources, and build a foundation for sustainable change.
The first step in my journey was gaining the community’s trust and respect. A formal introduction to Torgbui (the local chief) and his elders was essential. This meeting allowed me to explain CorpsAfrica’s approach to community-led development and receive their blessing to proceed. Their openness and support were encouraging, signaling that they valued my presence and our mission.
After the elders’ endorsement, Torgbui’s representative introduced me to the head teacher at the local basic school. The school was eager to collaborate, and I shared CorpsAfrica’s mission and the benefits our programs could bring to the students. Together, we discussed topics I could explore with the students, such as environmental conservation and health. I also met with the staff at a nearby private school, where we set up a schedule for regular sessions with the students. Engaging with both schools became a cornerstone of my integration strategy and provided an ideal platform to share important messages with younger generations.
In one of my initial sessions with the students, we focused on the significance of preserving the River Danyi. Despite being relatively clean, the river faces threats from activities such as bathing, waste dumping, and even defecation nearby. These actions pose serious risks not only to the river’s beauty but also to the health of the community. To bring this issue to life, I organized a documentary screening on polluted rivers. The students watched scenes of degraded river ecosystems and discussed the health impacts, loss of biodiversity, and the economic burden on communities reliant on polluted water sources. By the end of the session, the students understood that their river, if unprotected, could face a similar fate. Many of them committed to changing their behaviors and spreading the message to their friends and families, eager to play a role in safeguarding their natural environment.
Beyond the schools, I participated in a weekly community meeting where I introduced myself and shared CorpsAfrica’s mission. This platform allowed me to reach a wider audience and receive feedback on their concerns. I also conducted house-to-house visits to understand their daily lives better, even helping with local chores like peeling cassava for “gari” preparation. These activities helped build trust and allowed community members to see me as part of their lives rather than just an outsider.
Reflecting on my first month, it’s clear that change happens gradually and through genuine connections. The community members of Kpeve Tornu have embraced my presence, and I’m encouraged by their willingness to learn and engage. This month’s achievements—gaining the support of the elders, starting environmental education in schools, and joining hands with locals in daily activities—have laid a strong foundation for the work ahead. I look forward to upcoming sessions on career guidance, climate change, and health awareness, and I’m hopeful about what we can accomplish together. This indeed could be the beginning of a lifelong impact.
Protecting the River Danyi and promoting sustainable practices are just the first steps. As I continue this journey, my goal is to foster a community-led approach where everyone plays a role in preserving their natural resources and building a brighter future for Kpeve Tornu. Stay tuned for more updates, and join us in supporting community-driven change!