Breaking Barriers

Imagine you are fresh out of school, eager to take on the world. You are ambitious, driven, innovative and hard-working. You have ideas coming out of your wazoo of what you want to do with your life. You want to start a business. You have it all planned out; where you will work out of, who will help you, what you’re going to do, the whole nine yards.

But then… you see it. Everything you were planning comes crashing down on you and you are standing face-to-face with reality. Your dream has been sucked out of your head like the last bit of slushie at the bottom of the cup.

You realize you don’t have the one thing that controls it all. Money.

This is what happens to so many young people who have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become successful entrepreneurs. Let’s be real, coming out of school, no one has money lying around to start a business. Most don’t have capital in any form at all. And that’s the kind of stuff you need to get a loan.

Here’s the thing…this barrier, although very real, is not the one that should shut down the dream. There are ways around it. They may not be easy to see, and there may be tough times, but money is NOT the thing that should prevent you from starting a business. As a very wise woman once told me, “Don’t worry… the money will come”.

Today I gave my first presentation at a staff meeting, focusing on what I have been working on so far and the next steps. When I was finished, I was asked a few questions that were extremely beneficial and opened up many doors to move forward in for the rest of the summer. One lecturer in particular, came and spoke with me afterwards and made me realize there is a blaring challenge that needs to be tackled in order for entrepreneurship to be most effective; access to information about finances.

He explained to me that credit has become a mindset for Ghanaians; it is a burden that everyone carries. In truth, finances are only one small aspect of starting a business and right now, there is a lack of access to financial information. If we can break that barrier, the students’ ambition and innovation will actually turn into something. If it is possible to teach students that capital should not be the limiting factor, there is potential to shift their mindset away from credit.

This is not an easy task, but it is definitely one I am eager to investigate. Money has and probably always will be a huge defining characteristic of people, institutions and, well everything. It is used to classify, measure, and limit access. Man, I hate money. I used to argue that the world would be a much better place if money didn’t exist. There would be little to no crime, and no poverty. I realize that’s pretty impossible, and even if there was no money, people would be measured by other forms of capital, I know… but a girl can dream.

I don’t know how to break the financial barrier right now; I’m not even sure where to begin looking. But I do know that the information exists, and the methods to be successful starting with nothing are out there too. Bring it.

Later days,

Akua

A Five-Letter Word

Hey y’all! What’s crack-a-lackin’?

The other day, I went into Adum, which is what I like to think of as the downtown of Kumasi. It’s actually awesome; the streets are bustling, but not over crowded, and there are many shops. You can pretty much get anything.

I was going to a seamstress to pick up two dresses I had made. Oh, man they turned out so well! I love them! Already busted one out twice!

Anyways, I’m getting off track here. What I want to talk about are the shoe-makers who work where I picked up my clothes.

The seamstress is located inside a small market, with a number of alleyways. As you turn down one of the alleys, your nostrils immediately fill with the smell of paint, glue and burning foam or rubber. As you meander your way through the narrow passage way blocked by tables and chairs and people, you catch some people looking up from their work to stare as you pass. Sometimes you catch some shouts of “obrunyi”.

Okay, I said shoe-makers before, but it’s more of “slipper” or “flip-flop” makers. Tomato, tomatoe right? Anyways, there are many men sitting at tables, either tracing out a foot shape many times over a sheet of foam, painting the strappy part, and other flip-flop making steps. What stood out to me was a man painting a five letter word in silver paint where the heel of your foot would sit. The word? Gucci. Yup, branding. You cannot escape it.

When I first saw it, I smiled and laughed to myself. Hahahaha, foam and plastic Gucci flip-flops. Win.

Now thinking back to it, it made me realize how much people care about brand names. If you can get your hands on a name everyone else recognizes as cool or high-end, you feel a little more powerful (for lack of a better word). Usually cool or high-end means more pricey so by wearing those shoes or sweater you are ultimately saying “Look at me! Look at me! Look what I can afford! Boy, am I stylish!”

Okay, so that’s a bit exaggerated. But, we are definitely drawn to the popular and expensive brands. We are told those are the “good” ones and we will look good and be cool. By who? Media, our friends, and just human nature I think. We naturally want to fit in with our fellow humans.

The other thing about it is it doesn’t matter where you live or how much money you have; you still want what everyone else wants. You still want to be cool.

What would you buy? Flip-flops that said Gucci, or Stone? You would most likely not just buy the Gucci ones, but probably pay a higher price too. Oh, and the manufacturing cost is probably the same. From a business perspective, painting Gucci on a pair of flip-flops is much smarter than the word Stone.

 So that five letter word has much more market power than another five-letter word. 

Later days,

Daniela

Sore Thumb

I don’t know if you know this, but I’m white. I’m pretty used to being a majority.

In Ghana, I’m nowhere close. I stick out like a sore thumb. A sore thumb that’s a different colour than the rest of the hand.

I like being the centre of attention sometimes, but that’s usually because of my antics or my funny hats. Never for what I look like. And now, all of sudden, my appearance defines me.

A few weeks ago, I thought I knew what discrimination and stereotyping was like. I knew that judging people on what they look like was wrong. But I never really understood.

Here in Ghana, everywhere I go, I am just a white girl.

Walking down the road, young kids shout “Obrunyi!” and come running to get a view. Older kids and teens look at me and talk with their friends in Twi. One of the students at the college even asked me for my camera, because apparently I can get it cheap in Canada.

None of this attention demonstrates hatred or anything negative towards me, but what it does do is make assumptions about me based on my skin. It’s funny because even though most of the assumptions are true, it still frustrates me. I am pretty well off, at least in comparison. I will be leaving Ghana after only a short time.  If I left my camera, I probably would get another one. It just sucks that people think this without even talking with me. The attention I’m getting is welcoming in a sense, but it still makes me feel very uneasy. I don’t want to be thought of like every other white person who has walked through here. I want to be judged on my personality, on my own merit.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. - Martin Luther King Jr.

How many times have I made assumptions about people? Too many to count. I’ve judged people on the clothes they wear, how much make-up they use and even the way they cut their hair. Appearance. Whether or not we like it, it does define us. At least for first impressions. I’m not saying it should, but that’s the reality of it.

And you know what; I think we all know that deep down. And that is why we choose to make ourselves look a certain way. Hey, I know I pick the clothes I wear for a reason. I’m sure most of you do too.

But there’s something about being judged on your skin colour that is different from the rest of it. That, is something you have no control over.  Maybe that’s why it doesn’t make me feel good.

If I don’t like being called out in a nice way, imagine how it feels to be looked at negatively and flat out disrespected because of your skin. I can’t even fathom how much that would hurt, and how demotivating that would be. 

What I ask is to do best not to judge people on their skin colour. Actually, try your best not to judge people on their appearance at all. You and I both know that not all white people are rich. Doesn’t it work the same way for every other skin tone?

Later days,

Daniela

This post does not represent the opinions of any other person or organization. 

My Heart Will Go On

“Love can touch us one time… and last for a lliifffeettimmme. Doo you know my heart will goo onnn. Near….. FAAARRRRR, whereEEVVVERR you are, I’ll be h—“

Oh sorry… didn’t see you load the page. [Clears throat]

Ghanaians love Celine Dion. Like a lot. Whenever people ask me what my favourite song is, or my favourite artist, it’s followed with, “Don’t you like Celine Dion?”

When I say no… then comes the “Why not?”… I’m Canadian, and she’s a Canadian artist. So I should like her by affiliation, right? Well, I don’t have a single song of hers on my iPod. The most I can say about my listening to her is this one time I put “The Prayer” (duet with Andrea Boccelli) on repeat on a boom-box so I could tap into my Italian roots. And of course, belting My Heart Will Go On after watching the Titanic. She’s not really my style. I think her popularity in Ghana makes it difficult to explain why Canadians (in general) don’t really listen to her anymore.

I had a very interesting talk with a friend of mine yesterday about this. He told me he used to listen to her, but he stopped when he saw an interview she did.

Apparently, she couldn’t believe that 70% of her 5 million bucks in CD sales were from Africans. She said that they were not her target audience and should stop buying her stuff. What person in their right mind tells people not to buy their product? Seriously?!?! I don’t care who your target audience is…if they’re not biting, maybe you should aim at a new target.

Now, I’m hearing this info second hand, so it may be a little embellished, but I also heard a rumour that she refused to tour or do a concert in Africa.

I know what you’re thinking: “Okay, what’s your point?”

I just think it’s weird. I’m not pulling out the racist and prejudice card just yet, but I think this is an example of Western arrogance and a little ignorance with a cherry of naivety on top. The “us” and “them” syndrome.

WHY WOULD SHE SAY THAT?!!! C’mon, does it really bug you THAT much that non-North American people dig your tunes? If anything, you should be impressed with yourself. Your work resonated with a different audience than you intended.

And for the record, I’m not hating on Celine Dion. She’s probably the most famous Canadian artist worldwide. Everyone has heard her name. So she must have done something right. I’m not even sure if this information is true.

I feel like this post is tip-toeing of the lines of political correctness, so I’m going to stop here.

Later days,

Daniela

Remember, these are my own personal opinions and words. They do not represent the views of any person, organization, or robot. And no one is endorsing anything either. Gosh. 

The Same but Different

I’ve finally realized how small the world really is.

              

 I’m in a different country, in a different continent across the Atlantic Ocean, and I still see similarities between Ghana and Canada. Like a lot of them.

              

  Yesterday, I went for a stroll. As I turned the corner around the house, there was a group of young boys playing football and joking around, and a group of girls playing a clapping and jumping sort of game.  Classic elementary school scenario. The girls taught me their game, and although I tried to the best of my ability, I kind of failed. The coordination needed is ridiculous!

              

  I continued down the road. As I approached the football pitch, I saw a group of boys playing football, and some other boys riding their bikes through the pitch. I specifically remember feeling that this could be Canada… that I have seen this scene before. Okay, sure, so the pitch would have been covered in grass instead of dirt, and things like that, but it was the same.

To be more specific, people are the same. People, in every place, in every language and every skin colour, want the same things. Kids want to play sports, games, joke around, and are curious. Babies want to give you high-fives. Teens and young adults want to be more successful and cooler than their parents. Adults, and more specifically, parents want to provide for their families and be able to buy things that make them happy.

It never fails; every day I see or hear that reminds me of Canada.

              

  I think that generally when people travel, they always focus on the differences. They seek out what they do not recognize and let those things take over. This is not necessarily a bad thing either, because it is pretty cool experiencing the new cultures, and learning new things that open your mind. But it is equally as enlightening and interesting to focus on what makes us all the same. It’s funny because it is so obvious too! It practically hits you in the face, but you have to take a step back to realize it. The similarities are buried beneath the new climate, environment, clothing styles, languages, infrastructure and stereotypes. If you can take a moment to make that all transparent, what’s left is human beings. Living life, just like you are.

                

That’s why the world has to be small. If it were big, wouldn’t people be more different?

DANIELA’S BLOG CHALLENGE: The FOURTH!

               

This one is right up my alley because it involves food. Oh yeah, I can hear your stomachs rumbling from here.

Part 1 (Yes, there are two parts… ooohhh aaaahhhhh)

     

           Next time you go out for dinner with friends, suggest a place with ethnic cuisine you’ve never tried before. There’s so much out there, but I know it’s easy to hit up the same places again and again. (I’m totally guilty of this)

           I know there are great Ethiopian places in both Hamilton and downtown T.O. Another great evening out includes Korean BBQ, where you grill your own stuff. It’s sooo good, and fun! And with your food, of course you are going to need to order a drink! For the engineers in the crowd, try some foreign beers, and for everyone else, there are some great teas, coffees and fruity beverages!

 Or if you’re anticipating paying your student fees, or waiting for that next pay cheque and are not down to blow some cash on a night out, search for a recipe online and have a(n) [insert country name here]  night! Why not rent a foreign movie too! What I want to hear from you is the country of origin of the restaurant/dish you cooked and if you can remember, the name of the dish. I want my mouth to water from all the way over here, okay?

And now…

Part 2

This one can either be really easy or really hard. When I return to Canada, I want to be able to prepare some Ghanaian dishes. This requires ingredients that I cannot smuggle onto the plane, so my challenge is to find a Ghanaian food shop in and around the Toronto area or Hamilton. Get those Google searches going and let me know what you find!

And remember, the fate of my stomach rests in your hands.

Later days,

Dunkaroo Daniela

The Price of Urbanization

G’day mates!

I was wondering… what do you define development as? What does it look like to you?

For a long time, I considered it to be eliminating poverty. Eliminating poverty by making other nations more American. More Western. Recently, in the past year or so, I have come to realize that this is not the case. In fact… that is totally, completely, 100% wrong. Impossible, and definitely not a good thing. we definitely do not need more Canadas up in here. 

Countries are different because they have to be. For my grade 12 English essay, I read The Poisonwood Bible by Barbra Kingsolver. It is about a Baptist Minister and his family travelling to the Congo to “save” the Congolese people. “Mr. High and Mighty Minister”, thinks he knows everything, boastfully plants his Southern American garden, like he would back home, expecting great yields. You know, because he knows the right way to do it (read in sarcastic tone). To his surprise, his garden was washed away. Nothing grew. No shit Sherlock.

It is not just languages that do not translate well country to country. Methods and lifestyles do not either. It is because of the vast differences in environment, culture, and economy.

One of my go-to examples is shelters. In some places, you do not need windows because it is so hot. They would prevent air-flow. Or, something I just learned recently, in Northern Ghana, there are many mud-huts (more traditional style dwellings), whereas in Kumasi, the homes are concrete with metal roofs. It is much hotter in the North, and using metal sheeting for a roof would probably cook the people inside.

Why is it we think the way we live is the right and only way? Arrogance and ignorance rolled into one, eh? That is why travel is so important:

“Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel’s immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way” - Ralph Crawshaw

The other day, I was talking with a man named Eric. We spoke about my first impressions of Ghana, and differences with Canada. We got onto the topic of urbanization, and its effect on culture. He used Accra as an example, explaining how people there will not even look up at you, whereas everywhere else in Ghana, there is still that hospitable and welcoming nature. As Accra becomes more urban, dare I say it, more Western, the Ghanaian culture begins to disappear. Accra will become more and more like walking the streets of Toronto, with everyone wearing blinders.

I’ll make another snap judgement here: Urban=Business=Workaholics=Less Human Interaction

And less human interaction means culture begins to fade away.

Whether or not this is true, I think it is interesting to think about. I would love to hear any thoughts out there.

So how do I define development now? Well, I’d be lying if I said I have a refined and simple definition. I’ll leave you with this:

Development is building on what already exists. It is focusing and supporting what has potential to be beneficial and fading out what is detrimental. Development is complex. It is not aid, money, buildings or any other kind of infrastructure. It is methods, it is organization, it is concepts. Development is empowering people.

Later days,

Daniela

Ghana-3, Congo-1

Hey guys!

Guess what? I WENT TO THE GHANA vs. CONGO NATIONS CUP QUALIFIER ON FRIDAY!!!! I saw the Black Stars play! I saw my first international match ever! I cannot contain my excitement (I’m even surprised I waited until today to blog about it!)

It was absolutely amazing! Crazy loud, crazy spirit, crazy football!

A few minutes before the match started, it began pouring rain. Some people went to take shelter under the overhang into the stands, but most just stayed where they were. As soon as the game started, everyone was back in their seats; NO ONE LEFT! The stadium was packed, except for a few rows closest to the pitch (worst view of the field). I was totally in awe of the commitment of the fans!

How did I score this deal, you may be asking? One of the perks of living in Kumasi, I guess. ;)

Ghanaians love football! So an extension student (student who already works for the ministry and comes back to upgrade their degree) organized a bus from the college to the stadium. Principal asked if I would like to go, and obviously, I didn’t hesitate!

There was a little damper on my experience, and it wasn’t the weather. You see, many students packed into the bus, general and extension. I was introduced to one of the extension students, and I was going to stick with him. We ended up getting separated from the general students, and before I even knew what was happening, myself and 3 extension students were going to the VIP section of the stadium. Also known as the only part with “obrunis” or whites. Yup… there it was. The whole white privilege thing. It really got me down; one because I didn’t realize, and two because there really wasn’t anything I could do about it.

At that point, I thought to myself I can either sit through the game beating myself up about it, or let it go and enjoy myself. I went with the latter.

The price of being naïve was I think the other students had a better view. 

Let me paint a picture of how intense Ghanaians are about their football. Two fights broke out around me because people were standing and blocking other spectators’ views. One guy even grabbed on of our water bottles and sprayed on the people standing because they wouldn’t sit.

There was a buzz of cheering the entire game. Up near the top of the stands, there were large groups of people with instruments and choreographed dance sequences, performing the whole time. Now that’s what I call fans!

There were no goals the first half, and the fans were getting antsy. I myself was getting nervous… I mean, the Black Stars are one of my favourite football teams. I predicted the score would be 3-1, and nil-nil at the half did not look good.

And then… it happened.

GGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

The crowd went nuts! Jumping up and cheering! Man, it felt sooo good! What a moment!

Another 3 goals came about; 2 by Ghana, and 1 a mistake by the Ghanaian keeper, Kingson. It was rough…fans were saying he should play for another team. Needless to say… it was a bad move.

My prediction was right: 3-1. Ballin’!

Later days,

Akua

Engineer and Entrepreneur: One in the same?

On Thursday, I interviewed a graduating student named Martha. She is a remarkable student, with so much potential insight and knowledge! We spoke about the Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship project she did last year, as well as entrepreneurship in general. It was a pleasure talking with her. Martha defines an entrepreneur as someone who identifies problems and finds solutions to those problems. That’s funny… it’s exactly how I define an engineer. And you may be thinking, “Ha! No way! Entrepreneurs are business focused, and engineers are design focused! C’mon, what are you saying!”

Alright…I know how it looks. And don’t worry; I’m not becoming a Commie or anything.

Engineering and entrepreneurship branch off from the same root: Innovation. That’s right! Entrepreneurs create innovative businesses and engineers create innovative designs.

At the college where I am working, there is a huge focus on entrepreneurship. The way I see it, agribusiness is going to have an immensely positive impact on Ghana in the future. As young people develop their own businesses, those strengthening the economy and created jobs, things will begin to change. Innovation in entrepreneurship is to Ghana, what engineering is to Canada.

“Whoa! Daniela, seriously! You are making a pretty critical statement here, and you’re pretty biased, don’t you think?!!” Here’s what I am thinking: the problems that need to be addressed in Canada are very different from the problems that need to be addressed in Ghana. Right now, Ghana has few jobs to go around, and many young people entering the work force. Also, there needs to be a shift from subsistence agriculture, to a more profit making attitude. In Canada, although we also have serious issues with poverty, the way we must go about addressing it is different. What I am thinking is new systems and products that will become not only less expensive, but better for the environment. A friend of mine here at the college, who is the out-going president of the UNESCO chapter, told me yesterday that developed nations are responsible for 80% of pollution. The thing is, we all share the same atmosphere, whether you’re in Canada, Ghana or Antarctica. In Canada, engineers will be responsible for a new way of life. I’m thinking new fuel, new cars, new agriculture and food processing, new technology, for the betterment of all people.

Right now, whether you are in business or in engineering, you have to be socially-minded. There are no two ways about it. You must be innovative, while considering people and the environment. Ask someone in the field. To be successful, you must think globally.

So, the moral of the story is, depending on the context in which you are speaking, engineers and entrepreneurs are pretty similar. The skills are totally transferrable. Engineers need the soft skills entrepreneurs have, and entrepreneurs benefit greatly from technical knowledge.

DANIELA’S BLOG CHALLENGE NUMERO 3!

This one is much more measurable (and easier) than yesterday’s!

Behold! Trivia questions! First person to get back to me with all the correct answers will receive a ballin’ souvenir upon my return to the Great White North.

1) What is Ghana’s capital city?

2)  What is Ghana’s largest man-made lake?

3) What does “Ghana” mean?

4)  Name 3 of Ghana's export commodities.

5) Name Ghana's number one import partner.

6)   How many times have Ghana Black Stars won the African Cup of Nations?

7) When was Ghana's Independence Day?

Later days,

Akua

Little Drops of Water make a Mighty Ocean

It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it. I’m a firm believer in this phrase. There are many people who hold positions of leadership and influence who do little or nothing with it. There are also people who go about their daily lives, making huge impact on the people around them. You can be the King of the World and have nothing to show for it. But you can also be a teacher, a custodian, a family doctor, an artist, an engineer, whatever, and change someone’s life.

It’s all about starting small. Making someone smile. Being someone’s friend. Beginning a movement.

By putting all of yourself into what you do, you unconsciously inspire others to do so as well. Imagine, if you will, that you are a tiny flame. Even if it is the fire burning from a match, it still gives off light. That light touches people you greet on the street, the elderly woman you help step onto the bus, the awkward high-five you give a baby in a stroller. I bet you that the person you just interacted with, 9 times out of 10, will make someone else smile that day. Have you ever seen the movie Pay It Forward? Well, it’s like that. It totally happens.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is out light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson         (also known to be quoted by Nelson Mandela)

I’m seeing it all around me lately. In Ghana, it is all about spreading light. Everyone I talk to has others in mind. The graduating students especially! There is so much ambition, potential and compassion among people, and it gives me hope. Hope for a better future.

Take my counter-part, the brilliant lecturer, Ishak. He implemented a program that allows students to realize their potential and discover the options they have in the future. Everyone I have spoken with looks up to him, as do I. He had an idea, and it has spread throughout the college, and to another one in the north. This, is the power in giving all or yourself.

I was reading a document from Voices of Youth and the World Association on Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, discussing a conference for girls from a number of countries (developed and developing) from a around the world. Its focus was education. A participant from Canada said, “The very fact that there are good teachers who teach and are role models for their students will institute changes in the community through either the teacher, or the students who were inspired by them. People do not realize how important teachers are based on the impact they have on those they teach and influencing a person.” I thought of Ishak as I read this. His influence on his students is immeasurable.

As for the title of this post, wanna know where it came from? A student. That’s right, in one of the concept papers I read, a student used this proverb when talking about entrepreneurship and the impact it can have. Talk about teachers inspiring students!

And now it’s time for:

DANIELA’S BLOG CHALLENGE 2.0!

For this challenge, I’m going to ask you to do something hard. And I’m not talking calculus or chemistry hard either. I mean something real, and something that will push you outside your comfort zone.

The next time you’re on the bus, waiting in line at the grocery store or chilling at your local watering hole, I want you to talk to someone. Not just a “Hi, how are you?”, but really talk to someone. You may meet someone who is not down to talk, and that is okay. They may be having a bad day, or might be distracted by your dashing good looks. Try again. If you have seen the movie Patch Adams, Robin William’s character talks about dialling a random person and having a conversation with them for 3 hours. Okay, I’m not asking you to do that, but the point is the same. Everyone has a story, and I bet after talking to someone, you will feel inspired inside.

Or if you don’t think you can do this, try calling up a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. See how they’re doing.

If you are brave enough, and are successful, I’d love to hear about the conversation! If you feel like sharing that is. And I could totally bring you back something for this challenge too! J

I think I’m going to leave it there for today. If you have any questions, or want to take a look at the document I referenced, holler at your girl!

Later days,

Akua

*Also, please note that these are not the opinions of Engineers Without Borders Canada, nor do they endorse anything referenced in this blog. These are all my personal statements and opinions.