Friday, January 21, 2011

Training in Ottawa...

We finished our cultural training in Ottawa, I'm sure you are probably wondering just what exactly is cultural training?  It was a great experience and we learnt so many things and I had a real Ah-Ha moment as did some of my fellow coaches that I would like to share with you....

We watched a video of a lady from Nairobi and she told her story...of growing up middle class in Nairobi and going off to University in the States  and her roommate was surprised that she spoke English (even though English is the official language of Nairobi) and that she knew how to even use a stove....what she found was that everyone she met assumed she was poor and uneducated since she came from an African country. 

Her message was not to tell a single story as the media often only portrays one side of a story and we need to make sure that other stories are told as well.

It caused me to pause..... ........ ........

and think of my own preconceptions that I had of the people of Ghana and I realized that I too had done the exact same thing!

AH-HA!!!!

So here's my promise......

to try and find the real stories of Ghana and its beautiful people and to share those with you!

Wow!! I have to tell you that message really touched me......deep inside......

Who knew I was  going to learn so many things about myself on this adventure?!

I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am to have this opportunity to be making this trip.....and to think it is only just beginning!!

Me Dasi!!

Heidi :)

3 comments:

  1. I guess it's kind of like some people think Canadians all live in igloos!!
    Have a safe trip!

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  2. Hi Heidi,

    I think we had this chat just before you left (on the verge of tears in our eyes), that you will discover a lot about yourself while you're away.

    There is a lot to be said about great listening skills. Enjoy the journey!

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  3. Heidi...you have reminded me about something I had forgotten about - there are so many good stories that you will hear about that are much more authentic about the Ghanaian people than what you see on the Amazing Race and in the media. Wait til you learn about Ghana time.....forget about your watch....I look forward to your next post!

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