The Last Wave

The new wave has arrived. The last of JHR’s interns for Ghana have landed. The group of consists of 8 interns. 4 placed in media houses in Accra, 1 in Ghana’s second largest city, Kumasi, 1 in Tamale in the north of Ghana and 2 roving workshop facilitators, wrap-up report writers and JHR school chapter animators.

Doug Murray and I make the trip into Accra to meet the group, welcome them to Ghana and do a little networking. Just less than three months into my placement in Ghana, I am suddenly the experienced one with wisdom to share.

The group is excited, fresh faced and eager to get their journey underway. They remind me a lot of myself, Jessie and the rest of the previous wave. A little unsure of what they’ve gotten themselves into, but ready for the challenge.

I hit it off right away with Indica, one of the roving facilitators. She is well-traveled, quiet, thoughtful and very zen. I can see that she observes before acting, thinks before talking and takes people for who they are. I offer her my SKYY intern contacts to get her started on her school chapter duties, confident that she will treat them right.

Brennan, who happens to be Doug’s friend from CTV in Vancouver, also immediately makes an impression. Gregarious, funny and smart, he and Doug make quite the pair. Brennan is almost impossible not to like, and will have a great time in Kumasi.

Hannah, who will be working in radio in Accra, strikes me immediately with her sly wit. She’s from Halifax and you can tell. Friendly, personable, adventurous and very easy to get along with, I can tell that she will also have a great time.

Nichole, posted in Tamale, has brought her partner Shawn along for the adventure. The young couple is from a small prairie town. They exude a friendly, open spirit. I accompany them on a guitar shopping expedition and relearn the valuable lesson that if you find what you want, and it’s a good deal, take it because it won’t last.

I don’t get much of an opportunity to speak with Sophie or Allison. Unfortunately, Alison, posted to a radio station in Accra, is forced to visit the hospital with a suspected case of malaria. We rally around her and wish her well. It turns out to be just a respiratory infection. Phewf. Not a good way to start a new adventure.

Returning to duty is Kari, placed in a TV station in Accra, her third placement with JHR. She joins in the welcoming and is a great asset to the newcomers.

Also returning is Nick, who doesn’t participate in the orientation session for the new interns. He seems to be a bit of a mystery man. He is the son of a Ghanaian government minister, or so I’m told. I am intrigued and decide that I will investigate further and find out the story behind this JHR mystery.

The arrival of the new group is another reminder that time is not on the side of your humble writer. In a few short days I will have reached the half way point of my time in Ghana. It is with this in mind that I will endeavor to work harder and continue to make what little I have matter.