This was my 2nd visit to Ghana and I knew it would be hot. What I didn't know was that it would be HOT! There was no escaping the heat and I led a group of 41 Semester at Sea voyagers on a road trip to spend 4 days at Semanhyiya American School in Senase Village.
The story behind this school is nothing short of inspiring. Basically, a guy named Fred Benneh Frimpong graduated high school but didn't have money for college. So, he moved to Accra and became a street vendor selling goods on the side of the road.
In 2009, a small group of Semester at Sea students asked him for recommendations for where to eat. He took them to a restaurant and showed them around Accra. That started the Semester at Sea connection. Future voyagers were given Fred's contact information. He started a tour company and began taking groups to Senase to visit the village town where he grew up.
The first Semester at Sea group visited in 2011. A voyager and her husband offered to sponsor Fred not only for his college education but also with building a school. He attended college at the University of San Diego. In 2015, a non profit was started and the school was built.
Semenhyiya American School opened its doors with 3 classrooms and 120 children. Since then the school has grown to include classes for children agers 2 years old through grade 4. This is a private school and the fee for one child is $120 per quarter (manageable for middle class families). Scholarships are available and all enrolled children receive breakfast, lunch, transportation to and from school, school supplies, and well-qualified teachers.
There are SO many wonderful things happening at this school! The children are precious and eager to learn and the atmosphere is positive and inviting.
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| Circle Market in Takoradi, Ghana |
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| Fabric Selections are Amazing! |
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| Showing pictures and giving out (sweaty!) hugs at the local government school |
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| The postcard + postage cost $1 USD |
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| Takoradi Beach Resort |
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| Not much sand or space to lay out but pretty and relaxing! |
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| Morning breakfast at Semanhyiya American School |
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| When traveling abroad, I am taller than most of the people who I encounter |
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| The site of children in a classroom learning |
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| There are 4-5 teachers in each classroom and they teach mostly in small groups |
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| Pounding Fufu |
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@ the government school.
It was unorganized and missing all school supplies
The children were full of energy + excitement |
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| Government School Library |
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| Government school + teacher |
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My hosts
Linda and Janet Benneh |
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| @ Semanhyiya American School |
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