tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236753688183845462024-03-13T14:08:53.798-07:00Superior CoachingFollow Lennie and Scott as they spend the next three weeks learning from and sharing knowledge with credit unions in Ghana and MalawiKatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08487057210397225765noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-33571821560551120412011-02-11T10:32:00.001-08:002011-02-11T10:32:34.482-08:00Scott's Adventure in Malawi!<h3 class="post-title entry-title">Our time in Rumphi </h3><div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Time to catch up on Malawi!</span></u></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, it was quite a two week period for me in Malawi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For starters, there was no access to the internet for the 10 days spent in Rumphi so, with apologies, I will try and bring you up to date in one posting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not an easy task.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heading North</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With my co-coach, Brad Schultz, we headed north out of Malawi at the start of week one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive was a long and tiring one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roads were reasonable but in Malawi, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">everyone</b> walks along the roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highways, dirt roads, foot paths, whatever – anytime, day or night, someone is walking along the roads, and it makes driving hazardous at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was also much to see in the way of villages – in all parts of rural Malawi the villages are all made of mud bricks, heat fired to harden them and thatched roofs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a husband was well to do he might have built his bride a home with a sheet metal roof but those were certainly not in the majority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of transportation, people rode or walked bikes everywhere too and normally had them loaded incredibly heavily with bags of maize cobs, bundles of firewood, long lenths of construction lumber – whatever they needed to get them home, the bike would carry it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU47EPdHbfI/AAAAAAAAB0o/4zU4k9OyMO8/s1600/P1070022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Women are also the ones who do most of the carrying of everyday goods, always well balanced on their heads as this pic shows. The highway is the villagers main access to some semblance of an economy, too. Depending on the time of year, and the area of the country in which the villagers live, there are different things for sale at roadside - women and children would stand for hours, raising their produce to attract the drivers attention. Mangoes, potatoes, huge forest mushrooms, fresh fish - whatever they had would be on display. These fresh mangoes caught the eye of Swanzie, our driver, and she and Brad hopped out to purchase some.</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU49yrk_qOI/AAAAAAAAB0w/vzOMb8IG-UA/s1600/P1070057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU49yrk_qOI/AAAAAAAAB0w/vzOMb8IG-UA/s320/P1070057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We even met one farmer who had tied a live pig to the back of his bike and was taking it home for a feast!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Mpa4OOxI/AAAAAAAAB1g/tQcTLDJwlwo/s1600/P1070500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Mpa4OOxI/AAAAAAAAB1g/tQcTLDJwlwo/s320/P1070500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stopped in Mzuzu for one night and carried on into Rumphi the next morning.</span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Phindu Community SACCO:</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We call them Credit Unions, they call them SACCO’s – same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Our first stop was Phindu SACCO where we met with Board and management. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5ALgRSunI/AAAAAAAAB04/mtAZqRyHJm4/s1600/P1070145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5ALgRSunI/AAAAAAAAB04/mtAZqRyHJm4/s320/P1070145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">L-R are pictured Swanzie, our driver and Business Development Officer for MUSCCO, Brad, my partner, Patrick, the Acting Manager, SACCO President Peter, Director Matthias and myself</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Right behind the SACCO - and I mean, <strong>right behind</strong> (not one inch of land seems to wasted in the country, a widowed woman lived with her five kids - we counldn't resist and went back to see them and hand out Canadian flag pins that they just loved to get.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the northern region, where Rumphi is located, the greatest majority of people are small plot farmers with tobacco as the main crop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As country’s world wide are encouraging their people to stop smoking the price farmers can get for tobacco has slowly been dropping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Rumphi, poverty is endemic and the members must borrow on an annual basis to finance the planting of this years crop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the price tobacco commands on the auction floors is too low the farmer/member can’t make enough to pay off his debt to the SACCO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This leaves him in a very tough spot the next spring when he has to start again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also leaves the SACCO in tough shape because they have to carry loans for another full year or they have to write off the debt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was probably Phindu’s biggest issue as a cooperative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the course of the 3 days with them, we spoke with many members and non-members about the tobacco reliance issue, we even visited a farm first hand to gain a better appreciation for what they go through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5C8J2SJvI/AAAAAAAAB1E/dHCOoGZ7D1c/s1600/P1070244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5C8J2SJvI/AAAAAAAAB1E/dHCOoGZ7D1c/s320/P1070244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The farms owner, Harrison Mhango, is pictured centre with Acting Manager Patrick to his right as they look over Harrisons crop of tobacco. He remembers well when a 100 kg bale of tobacco would fetch MWK$40,000 on the auction floor - today the price is closer to MWK$5,000 - a level below which he says he could not afford to grow any longer. <strong>By the way,</strong> MWK means Malawian Kwatcha, their unit of currency. MWK$5,000 is worth about Canadian $27.50 <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every member of the family works, too. Below is Harrisons wife (R) and his Sister-in-Law (L) preparing tobacco leaves to be hung for drying.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Fcm2U0qI/AAAAAAAAB1M/Gl9gbQhZYpA/s1600/P1070262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Fcm2U0qI/AAAAAAAAB1M/Gl9gbQhZYpA/s320/P1070262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They also grow maize, a staple food of Malawians, especially in rural areas of the country - Harrison was enjoying this cob!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5FEHaMoXI/AAAAAAAAB1I/KQtH72H7244/s1600/P1070257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5FEHaMoXI/AAAAAAAAB1I/KQtH72H7244/s320/P1070257.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even with depressed prices though farmers remember the good days and continue to believe prices will rebound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The SACCO will have to put a real effort into meeting with and educating their farmer/members about the prospects for future success. We met with the Board twice and the management three times in an effort to get a real handle on this issue, and others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By weeks-end we had developed an Issues/Recommendations presentation for them which they appreciated and, I think, took to heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like so many other things in life, it wasn’t that they didn’t know the problems and some of the solutions, they just needed to hear them from an outsider!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The expressed their appreciation for our visit by presenting each of us with a very detailed carving of the globe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very Cool.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everybody gets a weekend off once in a while....</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And we were no exception!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday, we had planned a much anticipated guided day at the Vwaza Marsh Wild Life Centre and what a day it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were picked up about 8:00 a.m. by our Guide, Vasco, who was an amazing source of information on every bird, animal and plant that we saw!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day started with a three hour hike through the bush around the marsh area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The marsh is, at different times of the year, a very shallow lake that the hippo’s just love and we saw quite a few of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They remain ata distance in the water, knowing we were close to the water (they sense vibration through the lake bottom from a long way away) with just their eyes and nostrils extending above the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also saw beautiful and graceful Impala’s, strong looking Kudu, wart hogs, cautious velvet monkeys, fun-loving and playful Yellow Baboons and a host of beautiful birds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Gx_noY0I/AAAAAAAAB1U/vJVGLZLt9pE/s1600/P1070454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Gx_noY0I/AAAAAAAAB1U/vJVGLZLt9pE/s320/P1070454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5HFoDGIZI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/IXgYHcVvBzI/s1600/P1070479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5HFoDGIZI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/IXgYHcVvBzI/s320/P1070479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A pair of Impala, top, and a Velvey Monkey, below. <span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also saw signs of the majestic elephants the Park attracts but with no success. It really was a wonderful day! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day, we ventured a little further afield as we wanted to see a bit more of the nation and specifically, Lake Malawi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had heard much of beautiful Nkhata Bay and it’s neighbour, Chikale Beach, to the south, pictured below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5NOLS51GI/AAAAAAAAB1k/3WnozKNmhEs/s1600/P1070536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5NOLS51GI/AAAAAAAAB1k/3WnozKNmhEs/s320/P1070536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> They were both quite beautiful, actually, and very busy with people (Nkhata Bay in particular).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The local market just blows me away – we’re there in the heat of the day – at least 27 C – and there sits a fish vendor with this catch of the day sitting in the sun.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Nure9bHI/AAAAAAAAB1o/2VtOm3fwhRU/s1600/P1070570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5Nure9bHI/AAAAAAAAB1o/2VtOm3fwhRU/s320/P1070570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We're told it doesn't create and specific problems but I don't know! Our drivers friend joined us this day and bought a fish to take home - to keep it cool, he tied it to the side mirror of the car where in waved in the sun, all the way home - and that was 2 hours!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5ebTmTv2I/AAAAAAAAB1s/A2uAQPxtjw0/s1600/P1070581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5ebTmTv2I/AAAAAAAAB1s/A2uAQPxtjw0/s320/P1070581.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Too gross but lots of fun, beautiful scenery too!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our second week!</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were working with a similarly short period of time this week too as we had to get to Lilongwe Thursday for debrief meetings with our sponsors and prepare for an early flight Friday on our way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We attended Rumphi Teachers SACCO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5e7sLvkQI/AAAAAAAAB1w/ZTehckkRlEM/s1600/P1070159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5e7sLvkQI/AAAAAAAAB1w/ZTehckkRlEM/s320/P1070159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Here we are pictured with (from left) Gift Nyirenda (Board Sec), myself, Ellina Zimba, Manager, and her daughter, Faith Akuda, Accountant, John Musamba, Chair of the Board, Regina Msiska, Vice Chair, Romeo Chawinga, Director and Brad. We're in front of their sole branch, a building they have built on their own, from their own resources, with no debt remaining. Very proud of themselves and their endeavour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5fO92JqVI/AAAAAAAAB10/hRb4lsjne8w/s1600/P1070162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TU5fO92JqVI/AAAAAAAAB10/hRb4lsjne8w/s320/P1070162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a very successful SACCO as their members are virtually all “professionals” – in this case, teachers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have every single teacher in their 12 northern zones as a member and, with payroll deduction, this has given them a real leg up on the competition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had recently adjusted their bond to allow more professionals<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in and have seen their membership – and therefore assets = increase in the range of 10% - staggering!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our recommendations for this SACCO largely centered around the potential change to a computerized system, marketing efforts, training etc..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a number of teachers who also farm and, where that is tobacco, there is some additional risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their biggest risk though is a threat/promise the government made to require all civil servants (which includes teachers) to have their pay direct deposited to a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>bank!</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless we can convince them the legislation should be amended as to what constitutes a bank and what the SACCO <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sees in its future, the credit union will be at serious weakness as.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished out work with Teachers and had a very positive closing presentation which, in many ways, they professed to support as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Starting the long trip home:</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had to leave for Mzuzu that same day, given the distances involved and the need for another debrief in Lilongwe with our major sponsors, the MUSCCO (Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives) before we left on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our drive down was probably one of the most stressful parts of this adventure as most “taxi” drivers are actually race car drivers in disguise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are also fairly immune to the complaining of tourists and just carry on with their excessive speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the open road, it’s not so bad but as you go through larger villages there are larger crowds – literally – on the road, kids, adults, animals – and the chance for a fatal accident remains high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless, we got into Lilongwe and had a most productive meeting with the local group. One of the things you often see are young men making a living taking people around town on their bikes - rain or shine, they have them sit on a little padded platform on the back while he pumps away! If there's a way to make a few Kwatcha, they'll find it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCatrZbKsew/TVV1tDfxcLI/AAAAAAAAB14/r0RXS2korlI/s1600/P1070632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCatrZbKsew/TVV1tDfxcLI/AAAAAAAAB14/r0RXS2korlI/s320/P1070632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">I've mentioned to several people what rural village or town "downtowns" look like - we saw this one on our way south from Mzuzu.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtR6PovLqTk/TVV16RSpIzI/AAAAAAAAB18/6iOrn97JhQY/s1600/P1070629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XtR6PovLqTk/TVV16RSpIzI/AAAAAAAAB18/6iOrn97JhQY/s320/P1070629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After meeting with local leaders we finally boarded our planes to begin the long journey home. The next stop was London, England where the entire Coaching group together with CCA staff met for the formal debrief before heading home. A long day of conversation, discussion and analysis as we contributed what we could to ensure the program was every bit as successful next year as it was this.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx_eMjIMaGo/TVV5KGZ96lI/AAAAAAAAB2I/5QRg6fs6uag/s1600/P1070795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jx_eMjIMaGo/TVV5KGZ96lI/AAAAAAAAB2I/5QRg6fs6uag/s320/P1070795.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">CCA's Kati Clark is seen here helping the Malawi Six assess their work from the past two weeks. Of course, there were a few hours for fun and once the day was over people headed out to whatever caught their fancy. In our case, that was The Tower of London and London Tower bridge. Both were beautiful in the rapidly darkening night.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyaw9rFuzsE/TVV5ieWVx_I/AAAAAAAAB2M/7sWhNpDwfh8/s1600/P1070804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lyaw9rFuzsE/TVV5ieWVx_I/AAAAAAAAB2M/7sWhNpDwfh8/s320/P1070804.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh06PG5hL-8/TVV52BWO4uI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/2SpDqUpZgGU/s1600/P1070823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sh06PG5hL-8/TVV52BWO4uI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/2SpDqUpZgGU/s320/P1070823.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Lennie and I found this obliging gent just waiting for someone to take his picture! <br />
The next day we headed for the airport for the final legs to home, happy for the experiences we have all been through but missing family and friends terribly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSNi2ZpX3oc/TVV4WrbQOTI/AAAAAAAAB2A/CWaN7lKZfeo/s1600/P1070840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zSNi2ZpX3oc/TVV4WrbQOTI/AAAAAAAAB2A/CWaN7lKZfeo/s320/P1070840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, not everyone made it through the check-in without problems - as Blake can so eloquently testify! After a couple of try's even he was let on the plane!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So, we're all home safe and sound, hoping we've made some small difference in a nation where poverty is rampant, hard work is the rule of the day and the people are warm, friendly and welcoming. We're all looking forward to year two!</div></div>Scott Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930239231768294832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-37735327387509498592011-02-03T16:15:00.000-08:002011-02-03T17:05:18.656-08:00Our last day with Danwell Credit Union<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtQN_yCBXI/AAAAAAAAAIA/tCJsihudz44/s1600/IMG_2645%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569633565563553138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtQN_yCBXI/AAAAAAAAAIA/tCJsihudz44/s320/IMG_2645%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtOaCWTcPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/fhrB2N3Oy_M/s1600/IMG_2638%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569631573387735282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtOaCWTcPI/AAAAAAAAAH4/fhrB2N3Oy_M/s320/IMG_2638%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtNIrYLjhI/AAAAAAAAAHw/tHTd6CzPJYU/s1600/IMG_2585%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569630175652187666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtNIrYLjhI/AAAAAAAAAHw/tHTd6CzPJYU/s320/IMG_2585%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtMZMPn9uI/AAAAAAAAAHo/fb5wy4pXluA/s1600/IMG_2580%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569629359840949986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtMZMPn9uI/AAAAAAAAAHo/fb5wy4pXluA/s320/IMG_2580%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtLqFrmQgI/AAAAAAAAAHg/FzYrHQcfKlo/s1600/IMG_2579%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569628550625378818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtLqFrmQgI/AAAAAAAAAHg/FzYrHQcfKlo/s320/IMG_2579%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtK9WiI9pI/AAAAAAAAAHY/N52D3mcPhWU/s1600/IMG_2574%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569627782054999698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtK9WiI9pI/AAAAAAAAAHY/N52D3mcPhWU/s320/IMG_2574%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtKEcFcfCI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/deWRBaMc3Yo/s1600/IMG_2572%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569626804292713506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUtKEcFcfCI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/deWRBaMc3Yo/s320/IMG_2572%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Yesterday we did our final report with Danwell Credit Union. We had a wonderful time with the staff and Management. We were able to give them a few ideas that they were very happy with. After our meeting was over they presented us with beautiful African dresses, which we immediately put on for pictures. They also gave us talking drums and a few gifts to take home to our husbands. We really enjoyed our time with the Credit Union family and wish them all continued success with their community and membership. One of the great things we noticed at Danwell was every time one of their Board or Committee members entered the branch they would say in a very loud voice "Credit Union" and the staff respond "Happy Family". We did not notice this happening at any of the other Credit Unions that we visited, we enjoyed sharing in that with them. We headed back to Accra today and had to take the unfinished road again, I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt how clothes feel in a washer machine! Actually I believe today the clothes have it a lot easier than we did! We made it safe and sound and we are looking forward to our visit with CUA (Ghana Credit Union Association) in the morning. We will all be wearing our Credit Union cloth so I should have some great pictures to share with you then. It is hard to believe that our Credit Union visits are now over and we are getting ready for the long journey home. Until tomorrow Good Night from Accra. Lennie Hampton </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-57295948968467018572011-02-01T13:14:00.001-08:002011-02-01T14:48:34.736-08:00Another day with Danwell Credit Union<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiINvwKYTI/AAAAAAAAAHE/YXyYxPP_0pU/s1600/IMG_2557%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568850708981768498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiINvwKYTI/AAAAAAAAAHE/YXyYxPP_0pU/s320/IMG_2557%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiHR9sIaiI/AAAAAAAAAG8/3e6WRtENvk4/s1600/IMG_2540%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568849681930807842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiHR9sIaiI/AAAAAAAAAG8/3e6WRtENvk4/s320/IMG_2540%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiGQP5I5-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/W9XsszQke-Q/s1600/IMG_2544%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568848552945838050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiGQP5I5-I/AAAAAAAAAG0/W9XsszQke-Q/s320/IMG_2544%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiFSJRQa2I/AAAAAAAAAGs/Ris-EHbeeEw/s1600/IMG_2538%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568847486016056162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiFSJRQa2I/AAAAAAAAAGs/Ris-EHbeeEw/s320/IMG_2538%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiEFRVdcGI/AAAAAAAAAGk/5Sfn6QjF0BQ/s1600/IMG_2535%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568846165331243106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiEFRVdcGI/AAAAAAAAAGk/5Sfn6QjF0BQ/s320/IMG_2535%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiDEhKfKGI/AAAAAAAAAGc/WnBPxPXGkTw/s1600/IMG_2528%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568845052888688738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiDEhKfKGI/AAAAAAAAAGc/WnBPxPXGkTw/s320/IMG_2528%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiCKYcG4xI/AAAAAAAAAGU/yucnvi0drMM/s1600/IMG_2530%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568844054114263826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiCKYcG4xI/AAAAAAAAAGU/yucnvi0drMM/s320/IMG_2530%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiBIUQgGtI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ZOT_SjuyFw0/s1600/IMG_2524%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568842919120476882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUiBIUQgGtI/AAAAAAAAAGM/ZOT_SjuyFw0/s320/IMG_2524%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We had our 2nd day here at Danwell Credit Union and enjoyed every minute. We met at the main branch and then headed out to the Kasaam Branch which took us about 45 mins to get there. It was a beautiful village that is known for making Kente cloth. When we pulled up to the Branch the Chief of the village was at the Credit Union making his deposits as he is a member there. He was gracious enough to spend a few moments with us and shared some stories about his village, then he gave both myself and Kristin new village names, my new name is Amma, Amma which translated to a female born on Saturday. After greeting the Chief and getting some pictures Mrs. Philomenia the Manageress and Monica one of the Credit Union members took us on a walking tour of the village. It didn't take long before we had a following of children, they love to see the Abrunee (person with white skin) people, I had one little girl grab my arm so she could feel my skin. We stopped at several members shops and visited a few members that were weavers of the Kente cloth. The last shop that we stopped in we bought Kente cloth to bring home. The colors of the cloth were so beautiful and it was hard to decide which one to pick. On the way back to the branch we were invited by some of the village people to attend a gathering that was taking place with the family and friends of a village elder that had passed away the night before. After spending sometime visiting with them we said our good byes and headed back to the Branch where we spent a little more time with some members and staff. We then headed back to the city to the main branch. On the way back to town at the toll booth Emmanuel our driver purchased some pretzel like food for us to try. It was made out of ground nuts and had a spicy taste they were very good. Yesterday when we were at the branch I was given some Credit Union cloth and was sent to the seamstress next door to have a dress made. When we got back to the branch I went next door to pick up the dress and it is beautiful. We will be wearing them on Friday when we meet with the Ghana Credit Union Association. I will send pictures then. As you can tell from the pictures it was another wonderful day here in Kumasi. Maa ju (good evening) from Kumasi. Lennie Hampton</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-57282278545204053472011-01-31T10:58:00.000-08:002011-01-31T12:18:55.894-08:00Danwell Credit Union<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcX0bgymrI/AAAAAAAAAGE/IpSEUT4427Q/s1600/IMG_2511%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568445653772835506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcX0bgymrI/AAAAAAAAAGE/IpSEUT4427Q/s320/IMG_2511%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcW7BAVQxI/AAAAAAAAAF8/5vZ6U3a4L8g/s1600/IMG_2512%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568444667404829458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcW7BAVQxI/AAAAAAAAAF8/5vZ6U3a4L8g/s320/IMG_2512%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcUTZgkcCI/AAAAAAAAAFs/S81Jg82o_7M/s1600/IMG_2514%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568441787764469794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcUTZgkcCI/AAAAAAAAAFs/S81Jg82o_7M/s320/IMG_2514%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcTUO53vsI/AAAAAAAAAFk/UGMrBgJXCOY/s1600/IMG_2509%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568440702586044098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcTUO53vsI/AAAAAAAAAFk/UGMrBgJXCOY/s320/IMG_2509%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcVPZ-YwZI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Snc51NyciEw/s1600/IMG_2515%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568442818681684370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcVPZ-YwZI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Snc51NyciEw/s320/IMG_2515%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcSPaEk4FI/AAAAAAAAAFc/Uv6tfU8rHPQ/s1600/IMG_2502%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568439520172761170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcSPaEk4FI/AAAAAAAAAFc/Uv6tfU8rHPQ/s320/IMG_2502%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcRVIdefwI/AAAAAAAAAFU/UWaCE1NMw6I/s1600/IMG_2505%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568438519012949762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUcRVIdefwI/AAAAAAAAAFU/UWaCE1NMw6I/s320/IMG_2505%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I can not believe we are starting a new week here in Kumasi. For the next three days we will be working with Danwell Credit Union. It has one main branch and two agencies as they are called here, one in Kasaam and one in Boaman both of which we will be visiting tomorrow. We were at the main branch today visiting with the staff and working with the Manageress Mrs. Philomina Sarpong. Danwell has an assets base of $900,000.00 and is home to 2400 active and dormant members. They have 9 staff members and have complimented their lending products with a Micro Finance department as well. Here in Ghana they have savings boxes, which are strong boxes that are given to members to save money in, piggy banks have nothing on these! There is only one set of keys for the box and they are held at the Credit Unions. The members on a daily basis put money in to the boxes and once the money has gone in the members are unable to access the savings again until the Credit Union comes to open the box for them. The funds are then brought to the Credit Union and deposited into the members account. Danwell has 600 of these savings boxes out in the community. It is a great program and seems to work well for both members and the Credit Union. We were treated to lunch today by Mrs. Philomia and her husband Mr. K K Sarpong, we tried a local dish called Red/Red. It was a type of bean stew with chicken and fried bananas on the side. It was very good. The one we had today was very mild however here in Ghana if you order Red/Red you need to ask because apparently it can be very spicy! On our way back from lunch we were able to stop in and see a few Credit Union members at their shops. We had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Seth Koduah. Seth owns a sandal making shop which employs 9 people. When we asked him why he liked dealing at the Credit Union he said that the Credit Union is the best family he has. He told us that his mother was unable to help him with money so he went to the Credit Union to get a loan to help start his shop, and because he paid his loan back quickly he has been able to borrow a few more times to add machines to his shop to help with his business. He said he wouldn't have been able to do it without the Credit Unions help. His business is growing nicely and he is almost ready to expand into a bigger shop and he says he will be back to the Credit Union for another loan. It was wonderful to meet Seth and see first hand what a difference the Credit Union helps make. Seth is the gentleman in the orange shirt in my pictures attached. As the Credit Union cloth here in Ghana says "Join a Credit Union today the happy family". Well that is about all I have to share today as always I hope everyone enjoys the pictures and Good Night from Kumasi. Lennie Hampton</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-77577397042099927662011-01-29T13:46:00.000-08:002011-01-29T15:40:00.646-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSjiOEGPCI/AAAAAAAAAFM/lebFQbLHc-g/s1600/DSC00100.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSjL35uSEI/AAAAAAAAAFE/OH70R6n5GS8/s1600/DSC00101.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSi7itDOuI/AAAAAAAAAE8/WzUzummz6CI/s1600/IMG_2355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567754183148518114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSi7itDOuI/AAAAAAAAAE8/WzUzummz6CI/s320/IMG_2355.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSgb_O8VqI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-__avRmwLeQ/s1600/DSC00144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567751442027796130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSgb_O8VqI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-__avRmwLeQ/s320/DSC00144.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSgOokVj9I/AAAAAAAAAEs/QLknyxFm30o/s1600/DSC00143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567751212605214674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSgOokVj9I/AAAAAAAAAEs/QLknyxFm30o/s320/DSC00143.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSgDCynV6I/AAAAAAAAAEk/01XmY22lJLA/s1600/DSC00142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567751013485991842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSgDCynV6I/AAAAAAAAAEk/01XmY22lJLA/s320/DSC00142.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSfsmkT4EI/AAAAAAAAAEc/TEpUuncn5U0/s1600/DSC00141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567750627952681026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSfsmkT4EI/AAAAAAAAAEc/TEpUuncn5U0/s320/DSC00141.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSfaH_tExI/AAAAAAAAAEU/3Y_bUXJGsqw/s1600/DSC00131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567750310508434194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSfaH_tExI/AAAAAAAAAEU/3Y_bUXJGsqw/s320/DSC00131.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSe3sxTirI/AAAAAAAAAEE/5f4A6fKzgjA/s1600/DSC00128.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567749719084731058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSe3sxTirI/AAAAAAAAAEE/5f4A6fKzgjA/s320/DSC00128.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSfGFckbDI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FP2xk25vGsk/s1600/DSC00129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567749966226811954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSfGFckbDI/AAAAAAAAAEM/FP2xk25vGsk/s320/DSC00129.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSeoQ9vumI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Ha3BOuLvTBc/s1600/DSC00123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567749453922679394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSeoQ9vumI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Ha3BOuLvTBc/s320/DSC00123.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSeZ6-Z8UI/AAAAAAAAAD0/-nafmGryEIw/s1600/DSC00121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567749207501697346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSeZ6-Z8UI/AAAAAAAAAD0/-nafmGryEIw/s320/DSC00121.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSdPNo-q-I/AAAAAAAAADk/H0e7iQo4TqM/s1600/IMG_2480%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567747924021914594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUSdPNo-q-I/AAAAAAAAADk/H0e7iQo4TqM/s320/IMG_2480%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>As the Credit Unions are not open on Saturdays we had the day to ourselves to explore some of Kumasi and the surrounding area. Our Credit Union driver Emmanuel was gracious enough to take his day off, and drive us around to see some sights of Kumasi, we started the day with a trip just out of town to see where they make Kente cloth. Kente cloth or nwentoma as it is known locally is a type of silk and cotton fabric made of interwoven cloth strips and is native to the Akan people of Ghana. The cloth that was being made was beautiful and was done so on weaving machines that were spread through out the village that we were visiting. The villagers were gracious enough to demonstrate how they use the weaving machines to make the cloth it was absoultely remarkable. We then purchased some cloth to bring home with us. After we watched the cloth being made another couple of village gentlemen took us to visit their Cocoa farm. They pulled a cocoa pod from the tree and broke it open inside there were seeds that were white in color and were very silky feeling. You took the seed from the pod and chewed on it, however you did not eat the seed completely once the white silky coating was gone you spit the seed out. Apprently if you eat the seed it can make you sick. It was very sweet and not at all what I would have expected a cocoa seed to taste like. They were very good. Apparently once they dry them out that is when you get the chocolate taste and you are able to eat the entire seed. Ghana is known for it's cocoa and the wonderful chocolate that is made with it. After going to the farm we headed back into town where we were able to visit Emmanuels home where we met his two sons and some of his neighbours. We watched some of the women make bannok, soup and we met Emmanuels Grandmother. We then headed for some supper and found a place that made pizza and watched Emmanuel eat his first piece of pizza ever. We felt is was only fair as since we have been here he has insisted we try eating grass cutter, drink coconut milk from a fresh coconut, and eat cocoa seeds. He loved the pizza, can't say we felt the same about the grass cutter! Good night again from Kumasi. Lennie Hampton </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-67742599415572622832011-01-28T10:50:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:58:22.874-08:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMfOiaNAFI/AAAAAAAAADc/e2wVNljcU4k/s1600/IMG_2468%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567327898975404114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMfOiaNAFI/AAAAAAAAADc/e2wVNljcU4k/s320/IMG_2468%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMdvjtFzgI/AAAAAAAAADU/7FDshBjvS60/s1600/IMG_2464%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567326267235487234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMdvjtFzgI/AAAAAAAAADU/7FDshBjvS60/s320/IMG_2464%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMcxH7EKvI/AAAAAAAAADM/qYvz2Ak1jNc/s1600/IMG_2448%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567325194626018034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMcxH7EKvI/AAAAAAAAADM/qYvz2Ak1jNc/s320/IMG_2448%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMbq5WaCGI/AAAAAAAAADE/Y9PGWHrDPBo/s1600/IMG_2429%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567323988123322466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMbq5WaCGI/AAAAAAAAADE/Y9PGWHrDPBo/s320/IMG_2429%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMatJenloI/AAAAAAAAAC8/OPx6CJkfIdk/s1600/IMG_2428%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567322927300843138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMatJenloI/AAAAAAAAAC8/OPx6CJkfIdk/s320/IMG_2428%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMZk2z7rqI/AAAAAAAAAC0/dOUqFQVbU54/s1600/IMG_2421%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567321685339385506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMZk2z7rqI/AAAAAAAAAC0/dOUqFQVbU54/s320/IMG_2421%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMYlf2xXOI/AAAAAAAAACs/Byo71VTF2v4/s1600/IMG_2425%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567320596845518050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUMYlf2xXOI/AAAAAAAAACs/Byo71VTF2v4/s320/IMG_2425%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We had a revisit today with one of the Credit Unions that had coaches visit them last year, Ramseyer Co-operative Credit Union. We went over the recommendations that had been made and just touched base to see if they were able to use any of the recommendations that were made. We were very excited to find out that all but one of the recommendations had be implemented by the Credit Union and the last one they were still working on. It was even more rewarding to hear how much the recommendations made has helped them in their on going success. We wish them all the best with their new building plans. After we finished working with Mr. Kennedy and his staff we headed back to Tek University Credit Union that we had spent the week with as they had asked us to return on Friday so they could take us out to Lake Bosomtwe. Before we headed out to the Lake they took us over to visit the Student Savings Credit Union, it started off as the Pharmacy Student Savings program and they have now opened their membership up to other faculties. They strictly do deposits and withdrawals and spend allot of time working with and educating the students on the importance of saving. It is a very successful program. We really enjoyed visiting with them. We then headed out to the lake. It took about 45 mins to get there, and was worth the drive it was beautiful! We had lunch on the beach with the Teck University Board and staff, we spent sometime sharing stories and walking the shoreline and took some really great pictures. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. As always I really hope you all enjoy the pictures and Good nite from Kumasi. Lennie Hampton</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-14511581390908624502011-01-27T12:05:00.000-08:002011-01-27T13:02:44.428-08:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHdOG5KmUI/AAAAAAAAACk/_zfPfhvL4Ow/s1600/IMG_2412%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566973848844933442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHdOG5KmUI/AAAAAAAAACk/_zfPfhvL4Ow/s320/IMG_2412%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHcUWhzafI/AAAAAAAAACc/NMA1X-IrlJ8/s1600/IMG_2417%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566972856609499634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHcUWhzafI/AAAAAAAAACc/NMA1X-IrlJ8/s320/IMG_2417%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHbLAj07CI/AAAAAAAAACU/JSaAuYA27rQ/s1600/IMG_2409%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566971596581956642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHbLAj07CI/AAAAAAAAACU/JSaAuYA27rQ/s320/IMG_2409%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHaNK4j9aI/AAAAAAAAACM/Z5BQb2tRVVQ/s1600/IMG_2371%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566970534201390498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHaNK4j9aI/AAAAAAAAACM/Z5BQb2tRVVQ/s320/IMG_2371%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHZEDzshEI/AAAAAAAAACE/ZHuhd7yo0gY/s1600/IMG_2387%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566969278171481154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHZEDzshEI/AAAAAAAAACE/ZHuhd7yo0gY/s320/IMG_2387%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHYCxJvXII/AAAAAAAAAB8/09cncGv5uxQ/s1600/IMG_2383%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566968156472171650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUHYCxJvXII/AAAAAAAAAB8/09cncGv5uxQ/s320/IMG_2383%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>We finised meeting with the staff of our 1st Credit Union today, as their Board was not able to meet with us until 3:00 we took sometime to visit one of the local community schools. It was an amazing expereience we had some pencils and books that we left with the Head teacher that they were very grateful to receive. The childern were so thrilled to see us that their teachers where almost unable to keep them in their seats. Emmanuel our Credit Union driver also took us to see his community and his home. It was wonderful to experience both. We then meet with the Board of Directors and Management at Tek University Credit Union and provided them with our report. They were very happy with the report and the suggestions and recommendations that we made. Once we finished presenting the report the Board and Management presented myself and Kristin with traditional Africian dresses and head covers they are beautiful. We put the dresses on and had pictures taken with the Board and Management. Here in Ghana they have what they call Credit Union cloth that they make skirts and shirts and pants out of and one of the messages on the cloth is "one happy family" today this was very apparent as even though we live on the other side of the world today we stood together with other Credit Union employees and shared ideas and had our pictures taken. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures. From Kumasi Good night. Lennie Hampton</div></div></div></div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-5936377820744679182011-01-26T15:41:00.000-08:002011-01-26T16:47:02.139-08:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUDAWtXvNUI/AAAAAAAAAB0/6--JDN54tM4/s1600/IMG_2327%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566660635798746434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUDAWtXvNUI/AAAAAAAAAB0/6--JDN54tM4/s320/IMG_2327%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC_m02nP4I/AAAAAAAAABs/_jljPLaarqI/s1600/IMG_2341%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566659813173575554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC_m02nP4I/AAAAAAAAABs/_jljPLaarqI/s320/IMG_2341%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC-t9N5ruI/AAAAAAAAABk/DS7Vp0a7rIQ/s1600/IMG_2333%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566658836166192866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC-t9N5ruI/AAAAAAAAABk/DS7Vp0a7rIQ/s320/IMG_2333%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC9fGg2B0I/AAAAAAAAABc/Id3r7S24w8M/s1600/IMG_2299%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566657481451898690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC9fGg2B0I/AAAAAAAAABc/Id3r7S24w8M/s320/IMG_2299%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC8lzdv43I/AAAAAAAAABU/0W-Ui_zzDj8/s1600/IMG_2295%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566656497086096242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC8lzdv43I/AAAAAAAAABU/0W-Ui_zzDj8/s320/IMG_2295%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC7dOxoeyI/AAAAAAAAABM/EjY9aWFimlE/s1600/IMG_2253%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566655250286803746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC7dOxoeyI/AAAAAAAAABM/EjY9aWFimlE/s320/IMG_2253%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC6l3LdORI/AAAAAAAAABE/PeodRTaIVvk/s1600/IMG_2249%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566654299059861778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUC6l3LdORI/AAAAAAAAABE/PeodRTaIVvk/s320/IMG_2249%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Sorry I had not been able to up date the blog in the last day or two we made our journey to Kumasi and the hotel we were staying at was having internet issues, but it was all fixed today so here I am. After meeting with the Ghana Credit Union Association in Accra we started our journey to Kumasi. It was a 5 hour drive of which 2 hours was on roads that I couldn't even describe how bad they were, but we made it. We started working with our 1st Credit Union yesterday, Teck University Credit Union here in Kumasi. This Credit Union is somewhat more advanced than some of the other Credit Union's here in Kumasi largely due to their closed bond association with the University. Due to this relationship the University has designed a Banking System for the Credit Union which they also provide on going techincal support for, so life has been made a bit easier for the staff and Management. The Credit Union has asked us to provide them with support in regards to deliquency and some savings product ideas. We have been working with the staff members Evelyn, Charllote, Johnson, Alex and the Manager Mr Audasi as well as the Board of Directors and Committe members. It has been wonderful sharing ideas and learning about their issues, it has been really interesting to see that our issues really do not differ that much from theirs, so we are all learning alot during this time we have together. We had the opportunity to stop in at a few other Credit Unions this afternoon just to say hello and received very warm welcomes, and were asked alot of questions. I have included some of the pictures I was able to take today I hope everyone enjoys them. From the African city of Kumasi, Medase (thank you) and Good night. Lennie Hampton </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-75313435103489092892011-01-26T15:31:00.000-08:002011-01-26T15:40:24.319-08:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUCvwSb3oDI/AAAAAAAAAA8/-Kciz83HZ0A/s1600/IMG_2231%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566642383547244594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TUCvwSb3oDI/AAAAAAAAAA8/-Kciz83HZ0A/s320/IMG_2231%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-75324619900774036082011-01-23T16:04:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:08:56.101-08:00<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTzCWd1K1II/AAAAAAAAAA0/ACY6-nDCOGE/s1600/IMG_2156%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565536930743637122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTzCWd1K1II/AAAAAAAAAA0/ACY6-nDCOGE/s320/IMG_2156%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-31940829094014387892011-01-23T15:59:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:08:56.109-08:00<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTzB8OvjCWI/AAAAAAAAAAs/eudinIK9NKA/s1600/IMG_2191%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565536480016927074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTzB8OvjCWI/AAAAAAAAAAs/eudinIK9NKA/s320/IMG_2191%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-65254585703215100182011-01-23T15:56:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:08:56.117-08:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTzA2EGuREI/AAAAAAAAAAk/cXpkbozSGUw/s1600/IMG_2164%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565535274570499138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTzA2EGuREI/AAAAAAAAAAk/cXpkbozSGUw/s320/IMG_2164%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-41050090571624049492011-01-23T15:51:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:08:56.124-08:00<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTy_1t4-TdI/AAAAAAAAAAc/Acy27WmRKH4/s1600/IMG_2154%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565534169095622098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTy_1t4-TdI/AAAAAAAAAAc/Acy27WmRKH4/s320/IMG_2154%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div></div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-39483512511812057762011-01-23T14:18:00.000-08:002011-01-23T16:08:33.645-08:00Greetings from Accra<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTy-szjL56I/AAAAAAAAAAU/dik495GxpEI/s1600/IMG_2150%255B1%255D"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565532916484401058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7d45KmD-djA/TTy-szjL56I/AAAAAAAAAAU/dik495GxpEI/s320/IMG_2150%255B1%255D" border="0" /></a><br />
<br /><div>We spent the day today taking a trip up to Cape Coast were we spent the morning with the local people on the beach. We played soccer with a group and watched as the elders of that group pulled in the fishing nets. They managed to catch a small shark in their nets and seemed to be very pleased about it. We took a tour of the slave castle which was very interesting, and sad at the same time. We then took a walk in the rainforest or more specifically should I say a walk ABOVE the rainforest. It was a canopy walk they called it and we walked across what you could decribe as a very narrow suspesion bridge 40 meters above the rainforest. I am happy to be able to say I did it and honest enough to say I was shaking so bad I could barely stand after we finished crossing the 8th bridge! Africa is amazig and we have been enjoying the sights and sounds, but we are all looking forward to getting to our Credit Unions where the work will begin. We have a meeting tomorrow morning with the Ghana Credit Union Association and from there will be heading out to Kumasi where we will be stationed and will attend the Credit Unions from there. I will sign off for now good nite from Africa!</div></div>lhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-36284565141328487352011-01-22T02:10:00.000-08:002011-01-22T02:17:06.967-08:00Here at lastWell after several days of intense training and two very long flights and some turbulance like I have never experienced before I made it to Accra. We landed last night at 9:00. When we stepped off the plane you walked into a wall of heat and humidity. We really couldn't see much as it was dark so we are looking forward to doing some exploring tommorow. Untill then Good nite from Africa. Lennielhampton65http://www.blogger.com/profile/16157993228040391260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-67534768387042213242011-01-20T07:59:00.000-08:002011-01-20T07:59:45.682-08:00Learning the Malawian Way.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TThamy1n6ZI/AAAAAAAABzU/QJwukhcrKtw/s1600/P1060904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3AqWq3HQZbM/TThamy1n6ZI/AAAAAAAABzU/QJwukhcrKtw/s320/P1060904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Scott Kennedy (2'nd from left), Superior Credit Union and Brad Schulta (far right), Horizon Credit Union, Saskatchewan spent several hours with Mathias Mbendela (left) and Stella Kasambara learning what life will be like when they travel to Rumphi, Malawi later this week. Mathias and Stella are native Malawians who provide assistance to volunteer coaches like Scott & Brad in understanding the intricacies of life in Malawi. Scott & Brad will be two of six Canadian Coaches travelling to Malawi to assist local credit unions in understanding options available to them for improving their credit union operations.Scott Kennedyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14930239231768294832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23675368818384546.post-76649517158338782772011-01-17T08:20:00.000-08:002011-01-17T08:33:41.772-08:00Lennie and Scott aren't shy when it comes to talking about their travels. Follow the link below to watch their Thunder Bay Television interview, which aired January 5, 2011!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tbnewswatch.com/video/20899/Credit-union-reps-head-to-Africa">Check it out</a></span>Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08487057210397225765noreply@blogger.com0