A Journey of Growth, Culture, and Connection

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 A Journey of Growth, Culture, and Connection

It is hard to believe that nine weeks have already passed since I began my humanitarian mission in Ghana, in the small village of Kongo. My deployment as a volunteer gender advocate and women’s empowerment specialist is now drawing to a close, and as I look back on this experience, I am filled with gratitude, humility, and admiration for the people and culture that have surrounded me.

Time has flown by remarkably quickly. These past weeks have been filled with a whirlwind of experiences — moments of discovery, challenges, culture shocks, and countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. I have witnessed both the joys and the hardships of daily life here, and each day has taught me something new about resilience, community, and humanity.

From the very beginning, I made it my goal to truly integrate into the local community. I have worked to learn the language, built friendships with residents, visited schools, and collaborated with local stakeholders to promote gender equality and empowerment. Over time, the once unfamiliar rhythms of life in Ghana — the warm climate, traditions, local cuisine, and sense of togetherness — have become a natural part of my everyday reality. It now feels almost unimaginable to live any other way.

It has been an honor and a privilege to work alongside such capable and interesting individuals. The spirit of cooperation, creativity, and determination within the community has left a lasting impression on me. Visiting schools and engaging with young people proved both challenging and deeply rewarding, reminding me how essential it is to approach every initiative with cultural sensitivity and a deep understanding of local history, traditions, and lived experiences.

The collaboration with local NGOs has been invaluable. I would especially like to acknowledge Dino, whose thoughtful guidance and practical examples helped me communicate more effectively about gender equality, individual responsibility, and the importance of collective action for future generations. His presence has been instrumental in strengthening the impact of my work.

Big thanks go to MONDO and KoCDA for giving me the opportunity to undertake this mission. Although my stay was cut short, the lessons I have learned and the memories I have gathered are truly priceless. This journey has not only expanded my understanding of global development and social justice but also deepened my appreciation for the power of empathy, education, and collaboration.

As I prepare to return to Latvia, I carry with me a sense of fulfillment and an enduring connection to the people and places that have shaped this chapter of my life. I will certainly miss the warmth of the sun. This experience has changed me in ways that words can scarcely capture — and its impact will remain with me forever.




Pictures from my work in schools, where I talk about gender equality, why it is necessary, how to achieve it, and how we are all responsible for making this world a better place.

Photo from the event where solar panels were unveiled to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for students who want to study IT.
A photo from a meeting with students who receive study scholarships. During the meeting, we talked about their dreams, goals, and how to achieve them.

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