2011 Ghana Study Abroad

by Ryan Trinidad This film was created to be a final project for a summer exploration seminar course. Although amongst the creation of this short collection of photos and video clips I realized it was much more than that. The time spent in Ghana was short, but the connections I made with those who traveled…

by Sierra Stewart This was the visit I had been anticipating for most of the trip - Cape Coast, which is where there are several slave castles. These were places where African people were chained in dark dungeons, beaten, made to urinate, suffer and defecate as they were watched by merciless white men. I can’t…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 11) Today is a big day. We have a very special night with our director’s cousin. She has set up a small get together at her home. It’s one of those type of nights where you can’t just wear hoop shorts and a white tee. As you can see from the photos…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 10) So today we head to Kasoa early to have our first day of teaching. I’m a little nervous and almost thought about switching to the group who goes into the community. But, then I thought to myself, I don’t want to let down the kids. So all the student teachers go…

By Ryan Trinidad (written on August 9) Today we went back to Kasoa to receive our orientation for community service. There are three groups. One group is teaching students about HIV/Aids awareness, another is going out into the fishing community and raising awareness about the importance of an education, and the last group are teaching assistants. I chose…

by Ryan Trinidad - written on August 8 Tracy getting his hair cut Today we have the option to do whatever we want. No major activities or lectures until 7:30 pm. Greg, Lesley, Tracy and I decide that today was a good day to get our haircuts. Now back home in Tacoma, a nice fade will cost you…

by Crystal Florez (written on July 28) The group in Accra Touring parliament and the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in the Ghanaian capitol, Accra, was one of the greatest days on this trip thus far.  We learned a ton about Ghana’s history and it’s progression as a nation since independence in…

by Crystal Florez (written on July 26) (left to right) Erica Lane, Ryan Trinidad, Selam Kebebew Being welcomed into Ghana was a completely new and exciting experience for everyone in our group. We didn’t know what to expect, however, we were brimming with joy and excitement as we found a wetlands boat ride awaiting us.…

by Sierra Stewart Culture: On one our first nights here we attended a cultural night at a local club in the village. There were all sorts of traditional dances going on and drums talking. Even before we arrived you cold here the music as we walked down the streets. When seeing the performances, it was…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 7) Inside the Bonwire Kente cloth store Today we travel to the Bonwire Kente Village. I’ve been waiting to come here since day one. Earlier during spring quarter, when we received our pre-departure presentations, one of our presenters brought Kente clothe. Since that time I knew I wanted to get a whole…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 6) Manhyia Palace Museum We all wake up at 4:00 am and prepare to go to Kumasi.  Kumasi is home of the Ashanti people. Until this day the Ashanti people are headed by royalty, and have a King.  We visit the Manhyia Palace museum and learn more about their culture. One…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 5) (left to right) Ryan Trinidad, Erica Lane, Cathea Carey with some Ghanian students Community service is one big factor that the group wanted to include themselves with here in Ghana. We travel to the outskirt of Accra and arrive at a small school. It is crazy to see…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 4) Ryan Trinidad inside the courtroom at the Judicial Services Building Today we travel back to Accra. We arrive at the Judicial Services building. We learn that the building has not had any major renovations or remodels since it was built in the early 1900’s. You could definitely tell that the facilities…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 3) The second installment of our discussion about identity and such is today. Again, the group as a whole has amazing dialogue. Nationality, culture, and ethnicity factored themselves into the conversation and everyone in it. As the discussion came to a close I believe many people came full circle with their identities. I…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on August 2) Today we visit the Liberian Refugee Camp in Buduburum. The main theme for today is to learn more about the war in Liberia and what has resulted from it. We were all unprepared to experience for what we saw next. We were under the impression that the camp…

by Ryan Trinidad (written August 1) While the group is doing the Batik art project I decide to veer off and do my laundry. Our institute does not have washers or dryers. In fact, not many people in general have washers or dryers here. Something that I feel like we take for granted everyday at…

by Ryan Trinidad (written on July 31) KB Burns (left) and Ryan Trinidad on the boat cruise Today we traveled to the Volta Lake in Akosombo. Nothing is new, the traffic here in Accra is no joke. Therefore we leave hours ahead of time, 5:30 am. Waking up at 7:00 am is a challenge to…

By Ryan Trinidad (written on July 30) The entire Ghana group with Dr. K.B. Asante Today was a short day. We only had things scheduled until lunchtime and the rest of the day was free. But the one major thing we had was amazing. We received a very special guest appearance by Dr. K B…

by Ryan Trinidad So like I said in one of my earlier posts, Accra traffic is ridiculous. A 30 minute drive turned into about 3 hours of traffic. Good thing the street vendors don't stop. Anyways here are some photos of me messing around with lighting and exposure in Accra traffic. Enjoy...

by Ryan Trinidad If you know me you know that I am very into art, every kind. I mainly draw, but these past few years I've been really into photography. This post is to showcase my visions with my surroundings, experiences, feelings, and everything else. But in a different kind of view. With this post…