Ashley Peterson - Spring 2013

This semester’s group of interns consists of Chelsea Anderson, Dustin Evans, Karson Roberts, Rachel Drollinger, and myself, Ashley Peterson. We have been in Ghana staying in Abomosu for just a little of two weeks now. Up to this point we have loved all of our time here. This semester we are teaching classes for first time loan applicants in Ekorso, Akodom, and Wekpeti. We also have a group of second time loan applicants we are working with in Asunafo. Classes have previously been taught in Ekorso, Akodom, Asunafo and a number of other villages we are not in this semester. This is the first semester that Wekpeti has been part of the program. We are excited to bring new opportunities to the Wekpeti citizens.

Abomosu, our home for the next few months. 

I have been pleasantly surprised with the turn out and amount of participation in our classes. The individuals we are working with are anxious to learn and are not afraid to contribute during class. A number of them already have existing businesses and are looking for ways to expand. Most students are coco farmers, but there are also a number of students who operate stores or provide food to customers.

Sunset we witnessed while walking home. 

When we are not busy teaching our business students we like to spend some time at one of the primary schools here in Abomosu.  We have also recently visited a secondary school in another village that we plan to continue volunteering at during our time in Ghana and plan to start going to the local health clinic on a weekly basis. We are finally starting to get into a schedule and are all really enjoying our time here in Ghana. To really get into the African mindset, all the girls got our hair braided. We’ve attended some funerals and will be going to an engagement party this weekend for one of the teachers at the primary school. 

Our Braided Hair

Meet our current Spring 2013 Interns

Dustin Evans 

"The SEED internship places students in situations that are unfamiliar and challenging. I want to learn how to adapt to these situations on my own, with minimal outside help. I also want to learn firsthand the differences of starting small businesses in another country: the unique challenges, laws, and cultural differences, along with how the actions of these businesses can help improve the lives of everyone within a community." 

Rachel Drollinger 

"I am excited to serve the people of Africa through this internship... and open their opportunities through micro loans.  Coming to USU has been a window of opportunity and I want others in the world to feel they have a window of opportunity as well.  Helping people become self-sufficient and accomplish their goals brings so much happiness and I cannot think of a better way to spend three months."

Ashley Peterson 

"I am so excited to travel to Africa and experience the culture. Travelling is so much better when you get to interact with the locals. From this internship I hope to expand my business skills and gain an appreciation for the African culture." 

Karson Chad Roberts

"This Internship fits right in with my way of life and incorporates my interests and goals. I currently lived in West Africa for two years and fell in love with the people and see it as a huge opportunity to help people in that part of the world. Micro Loans in my eyes are much more beneficial and helpful than any other charity organizations."

Chelsea Anderson

"I am excited for this internship and experiences I will gain through it. My ideal career would be working for a NGO nonprofit group doing the type of work we will be doing. This internship is centered on empowering people and giving people the knowledge to better their lives, and I can't think of anything else I want to be a part of it.  Using my education to help other people grow and develop skills for success is ultimately what I am excited for..."