My trip to Takoradi, Ghana
Karina Dellipaoli (Nursing)

I am Italian but was in the USA working as a nurse when I first got in touch with Work the World. At this point Africa seemed so far away. I wanted to do a professional work placement so had to be sure that WTW was ok with that...and of course they were very pleased to help me, in everything I needed. If there was anything I didn't understand I just asked and they were more than happy to help. Ghana was the perfect country for me going by myself, very friendly and really safe.

When I arrived in Accra, Prince (one of the local staff) was already there with his big smile, waiting for me. His hug immediately made me feel welcome and safe. We spent the first night in Accra and the day after travelled to Takoradi, my home for the following 3 months. My "obruni" time began then; with a nice trip on a local coach and Nigerian movies (you will love them by the end of the placement). Takoradi is very warm and "African", not a city, but quite busy which is what I really wanted to experience. We started with an orientation in town to get familiar with my nearest supermarket, the bank, internet cafes and the first Ghanaian meal in May's Spot: jollof rice and chicken which was super good but not as good as Ophelia's! Ophelia is the manager of the WTW house, the woman who took care of us, not only cooking, but with anything we needed. She is great!

After our orientation of Takoradi, the "big boss" (she hates when I call her this) Faustina and John the assistant manager gave their welcome and took me to the hospital to meet the staff I was going to work with. The Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital orientation was very helpful and it was very reassuring to travel there with them before having to go by myself! I worked at Effia-Nkwanta for 12 weeks, working with A&E and Male surgical. It was good to experience two different areas because I was given more of an idea of how the nursing is in Ghana, but my big advice is to not choose too many departments because it takes a bit of time for them to trust and know you, and changing too often just wastes your "hands on time". The chance to actually DO something is right there in front of your eyes, you just have to be ready to ask to help... be proactive, respectful and open minded! There is great opportunity to see patients with diseases that you won't see in your own country, it is a chance to learn and challenge yourselves. I learned a lot; the real last minute emergency with not too many supplies, how to improvise to help, how to suture and deal with death. As I was there for 2 months I was given quite a few responsibilities and was also in charge of the local students. The staff are willing to teach and willing to show you how nursing is in Ghana. Be there as a learning guest who can give experience and new ideas, but who is able to respect their job and method (even if it is at times far away from yours!) Some days were tougher than others because the healthcare system is so different and at times can be frustrating, but it was what I really wanted.

You will meet many friends in the house, people you can talk through your day with. I shared with my fantastic team both the tears and the good days, we laughed so much and they really took care of me when I broke my arm! We became like family. I also took part in the Fante classes which helped me in understanding my patients a little bit more, helped with feeling more included and more appreciated by my fellow nurses at the Hospital. Even at the market it was good fun exchanging a few words in the local language! Thanks Mr Arthur for the lovely and funny classes!

I took the chance to travel around quite a bit at the weekends, visiting different, fantastic places: Kokrobite to listen to an African drumming concert, Butre and Akwidaa for the paradise beaches, Kumasi where we met with the Ashanti king, Beyin and the amazing Nzuleso village, Kakum and the great Mole national park. I had an amazing time in Africa, and I do recommend Ghana and Work the World for this experience. The team is really well organized, they are always available and love their job, you will always feel welcome and in the right place.

The WTW teams were there through every step of my adventure supporting me and making sure I stayed safe and satisfied. I'm still in touch with WTW and I'll always be, they are part of my life now, and Ghana has been home for me. Enjoy Africa I am sure you will love it too!