#5 Unique Christianville Educational Institute

The U.C.E.I. was the placement I had to volunteer at. I knew it was a school, but it is still a challenge since school systems can be very different from country to country. 

The first child I noticed was a little girl (18 months old) named Paula. I didn't know why she stuck out to me that much, but I immediately liked her! As time went by, I realized that little Paula looks like me when I was younger, from her appearance to her behaviour (strong willed) 

Left-Jaleesa, 2 years. Right-Paula, 18 months and Jaleesa, 25 years. 

The director mr. Appiah Kane was a very positive man, that looks like a cute teddy bear hihi. He had a lovely vibe, always happy and loves to smile. He gave us alot of freedom to do what we could do best. 

One of the best days at the placement for me is when we were in the Music lab. A 15 year old came in the room and started to play the piano. Another guy from the school was in the room and he started to play the drums. Eargasms! Such young boys and very talented, and they haven't even had music lessons. 

I also had another class, P4, and Mwana and I did some looming with them. They really enjoyed it and made some beautiful creations. 

And last but not least I spent time with kids from 4 to 6 years old. They were very smart and willing to learn. It was a joy to be part of this class as well. 

Guys I hope to see you soon again! Much love from me to you ❤️

#4 Cape coast & Elmina

Slave fort Cape coast & Fort Elmina

Unbelievable that people had to live under those inhumane conditions. Since entering a slave dungeon, my eyes were opened again. Our ancestors paved the way for us. Be thankful and be happy. Life the way we know it is good! 

               Elmina

            Cape coast

#3 Welcome to Ghana.

July 10th - 11th 

So after a flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Accra, Ghana-with a pitstop in Casablanca, Morocco- I can finally say that I have arrived! 

The pitstop was boring at first, but eventually we found a way to have fun. Our group leader, Aisha, had a portable speaker, so we danced and played music at the airport! 

Arrived at the hotel - Eti sen?!

Today hasn't been such a busy day we just played some games of introduction , so I am waiting when I have to bust my body. 

Until further notice.

#2 The Embassy

Friday June 20th.

On the way to the Embassy

This is the day the six of us planned to go to the Embassy. The Ghanaian Embassy is based in the Hague. We had to go to the Embassy to apply for our visa, and that is exactly what we did! All of us travelled by train from Amsterdam to the Hague. AND EVERYBODY WAS ON TIME!! You know meeting up in a group always goes wrong somewhere, but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't.

So we arrived in the Hague and we had to use a public transportation navigation application, because we were not very prepared regarding the route. We quickly found the Embassy though!

At the Embassy

We planned our day so that we wouldn't have to wait too long for the application of our visa. Up and go! Once we got at the Embassy I greeted the receptionist, but she was not very pleased to be working or maybe her throat was a little sore or something. I didn't know which of those options it was, but it was too much of an effort for her to say "GOOD AFTERNOON". I brushed it off, but another man came at one of us very rude some time later, but I was glad to see that he had some sense of humor. That makes life so much easier. I have to say, the people working at the Embassy that day didn't impress me whatsoever, because I thought they were rude in general.

Thursday June 26th.

On the way to the Embassy

Me, my music, the train and trams. Nothing special. I didn't have my FAB 5 with me, so it was kind of lonely, but I was a woman on a mission. Picking up the passports and the visa!

At the Embassy

-Me: "Goodmorning, I am here to pick up my visa, where do I have to wait and is there anything I have to do?"
*Another receptionist: "Goodmorning ma'am, you can take place in the waiting room and you will get the passports and visa as soon as possible. You will notice!"
-Me: "That was clear. Thank you!"

This was a breath of fresh air, because I was not hoping to see the rude receptionist from the first visit. Comme ci, comme ça. Once in the waiting room there was a friendly gentleman with whom I conversed for a short period of time before the employee came to drop off the passports and the visa. The employee told me that if I needed anything I just had to call him. Everything was fine, so there was no need for me to, but it was a refreshing experience, since the first visit was kind of rough.

I left the Embassy very happy that day!

#1 Who am I?

My name is Jaleesa Gefferie from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I turned 25 years on May the 17th and I am attending Leiden University to obtain my master's degree in Public International Law. I have been doing African dance for almost 4 years now and I'm still not getting enough of it. Ok, enough of the "formal" side of the introduction.

People often tell my that I have an angry face when I am being serious, but don't be scared. I am actually a very nice person and I am only serious when I have to be. I am very social and I love joking (and laughing) about the most stupid things.

"Fortune favours the bold"

Most people will tell you that I am a loudmouth, but hey I cannot fault them for saying that. I am the type of person that will get whatever she wants. Often I lack a bit of tact and I have a lot of sarcasm to offer, two things that I can work on. I have to admit that I am a little impatient as well, however, most of the time my direct approach combined with my impatience gets things done effectively! 

Anyway, what I hope to get out of this trip is a sense of a fulfilled self. Through helping others, getting to know more about my history, and by working with others. You will get to know me a lot better, having to survive with me for 3 weeks.