Hayley returns to Ghana (2008)

[Joe]

Very enjoyable to watch the videos from the 24th and 25th.

I am so proud to see Hayley making a difference in these children's lives.

[martindn]

Gerald could well be there. I chose yesterday to place an order with Hayley's Online Store. I have an acknowledgment from Paypal,but nothing from the store! If I get something Sunday or Monday, that will be very strong evidence!

Martin

[roger]

Sept 26, 2008 21:15:35 GMT martindn said:

Gerald could well be there.

Hi Martin,

Yes, Gerald is in Ghana. I first mentioned that he would be going on September 4th, here. The plan was that he would be flying to London and I believe he attended the Sandhurst concert on the final night. He then flew with Hayley to Ghana.

Roger

[Libby]

So, are there no more videos? I thought there was supposed to be one for every day she was there. Wasn't she still there on Friday? Or did she just leave that day?
And no more pictures, either?

[graemek]

Hi Libby,
She may have the weekends free in Ghana.

Bear in mind that this is a very hot country & everybody needs to pace themselves somewhat.

Here's a pic taken by me out of my 1995 Times Atlas.
i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/graemar/P1200249-50pc.jpg

I could not find Renton as noted on the you tube diary but went to Savelugu - Nanton which suggests to me what was meant. Have a look at the map just North of Tamale. (North = UP) Roughly 200 Kms from Accra.
The UNICEF source:
www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ghana_44718.html
gives a description of the effects of guinea worm in this area & the poor quality of the water behind this.

I can't imagine Hayley coming away from this sort of obvious human suffering unaffected emotionally. Just not possible....

Graeme

[martindn]

Hi Graeme,

I agree. I can't imagine what it must be like for a compassionate person like Hayley to see this first hand. It is a thing I would rather not see myself, but human suffering is something we all need to be aware of if we are to be motivated to do something about it. Forget politics, it doesn't matter, and should never be allowed to get in the way of helping suffering people.

Martin

[grant]

Hi Roger

I'm a little concerned that we have not seen or heard anything of Hayley's visit since Thursday. Have you any idea why that is? I hope everything went according to plan.

Am I correct in thinking that Hayley should be back in the UK by now?

Best wishes
Grant

[roger]

Hi Grant,

I am as perplexed as you are. As I said at the time, I emailed David several days ago to say that we had received nothing since the first day. I received no reply and nothing has been received from UNICEF since the first batch of photographs which were posted on the night of 23rd.

Yes, according to the original plan, Hayley was due back in London on 26th. I don't think there is any cause for concern because, if anything had happened, I am sure it would have been reported and we would have heard about it by now.

If anything further is received, I will post details as soon as possible.

Roger

[comet]

Fingers crossed ! Hope all is well.

[roger]

From UNICEF.org...

Hayley Westenra, youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, visits projects in Ghana

ACCRA, Ghana, 29 September 2008 - UNICEF Ambassador Hayley Westenra visited Ghana last week to see for herself the critical need for safe water and education for some of the world’s poorest children.

Ms. Westenra, an internationally renowned singer from New Zealand, is UNICEF's youngest ever Goodwill Ambassador.

She last visited Ghana in 2005.

Reducing incidence of Guinea worm
Visiting a Guinea worm containment centre in Savelugu, northern Ghana, Hayley saw firsthand the terrible impact drinking water infected with Guinea worm has on children. Once the water-borne worms get into children’s bodies, they can grow up to a metre in length and create painful swelling and blisters.

Among the 20 people being treated for Guinea worm was seven-year-old Ruhaina. She had been weeping ever since her father had brought her to the centre three days earlier from their village some 18km away. Ruhaina’s father stayed with her for two days, but when he had to return to work she was left alone at the centre. Hayley comforted Ruhaina with a Maori lullaby from her native New Zealand.

“It’s too much for a girl of her age to be going through, particularly when it’s preventable,” she said.

UNICEF has been providing safe drinking water and hygiene education as part of measures to combat Guinea worm. The parasite has a disproportionate impact on children under age 16, as they are more likely to play in or drink from infected water sources. Significant progress has been made, however, in reducing the incidence of Guinea worm in Ghana. In 1989 there were almost 180,000 reported cases, but that figure is now down to 415 cases.

“The incidence of Guinea worm is at the point where there is an end in sight,” says Hayley. “The goal of eradicating it completely from Ghana is perfectly achievable, and UNICEF’s work in providing safe water and hygiene education is making a huge difference in the lives of children.”

Hayley visited a number of kindergartens, observing classes in action and interacted with children on education, water and hygiene issues.

Bikes boost academics
UNICEF support has helped boost the quality of education with a country-wide project that trains kindergarten teachers and attendants. UNICEF also provides reading kits and teaching materials to schools.

For Hayley, a particular highlight of the programme was the opportunity to meet with some of the roughly 6,000 girls from deprived rural communities who have benefited from the Bikes for Ghana programme. Hayley launched the UNICEF New Zealand sponsored programme during her previous visit to Ghana in 2005.

“The bikes programme has proved a great success for girls who have to commute long distances from home to school,” she says. “The bikes are a practical and cost effective way for girls to get to school quickly and safely, as well as boosting their school attendance rates and academic performance.”

Hayley’s first-person account
Hayley says that she feels very privileged to be able to return to Ghana and meet with children who struggle everyday with difficulties that are almost unimaginable to people in Western countries.

“I see the trip as very much about raising awareness of the conditions for children in need and how people can support UNICEF’s work to improve children’s lives in Ghana,” she said.

During her Ghana visit Hayley prepared a number of video diaries which are accessible at www.unicef.org.nz

For accompanying images, please see next post.

Roger

[roger]

Images from the above press release:

© UNICEF Ghana/2008/Asselin

UNICEF Ambassador Hayley Westenra rides along with girls in rural northern Ghana who have received bicycles from UNICEF. The Bikes for Ghana programme is increasing school attendance rates and boosting girls’ self-confidence.

© UNICEF Ghana/2008/Nash

UNICEF Ambassador Hayley Westenra observes a kindergarten class in action in rural northern Ghana. UNICEF has helped to boost the quality of education in the country.

© UNICEF Ghana/2008/Nash

UNICEF Ambassador Hayley Westenra comforts seven-year-old Ruhaina who is receiving treatment for Guinea Worm infestation.

Roger

[graemek]

Thanks Roger & phew !!!

Sept 29, 2008 23:31:57 GMT @roger said:

From UNICEF.org...

Hayley Westenra, youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, visits projects in Ghana

ACCRA, Ghana, 29 September 2008 - UNICEF Ambassador Hayley Westenra visited Ghana last week to see for herself the critical need for safe water and education for some of the world’s poorest children.
Reducing incidence of Guinea worm
Visiting a Guinea worm containment centre in Savelugu, northern Ghana, Hayley saw firsthand the terrible impact drinking water infected with Guinea worm has on children. Once the water-borne worms get into children’s bodies, they can grow up to a metre in length and create painful swelling and blisters.

During her Ghana visit Hayley prepared a number of video diaries which are accessible at www.unicef.org.nz

Roger

Click below & Savelugu is easy to spot on this map:
i71.photobucket.com/albums/i145/graemar/P1200249-50pc.jpg
Graeme
PS Marianne "feels" pretty sure Hayley is in Christchurch NZ at present....source a bit vague..... i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

[grant]

Sept 30, 2008 0:26:08 GMT graemek said:

PS Marianne "feels" pretty sure Hayley is in Christchurch NZ at present....source a bit vague..... i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Interesting comment Graeme! :wink: Women's intuition perhaps? but I'm sure we only hear about the "Happy Hayley" part of her visit and not the more stressful and emotional aspects of seeing the children in those conditions.

If true, it seems logical that Hayley would need a bit of "family therapy" afterwards.

Best wishes and love to Marianne
Grant

[grant]

Hi Roger

Thanks for the update and latest pictures. Good to hear all is well.

Best wishes
Grant

[Nordly]

I too am glad for the update! Thanks Roger!

~NL