Rise Up Kubugu is a
project which supports the amazing village of Kugubu, in northern Ghana. The
Board of Directors always considers its sustainability as they plan for the
future. Even though small, over the years the village of Kubugu has overcome
many obstacles, and has worked to help others in their own and neighboring
villages
Worldwide Endeavors has
established a project to support their efforts called “Rise Up Kubugu.” Our
first visit to Kubugu was in 2000 and over the years we have returned to see
all their progress.
Our contact in Kubugu is
Pastor Peter Sandow. Thanks to advance technology, and efforts to place solar
panels in Kubugu, Peter reports via text messages almost weekly to keep us
apprised of the current projects. Donations are wired to a bank in Bolgatanga,
about 2 hours from Kubugu. Peter accounts for every dollar he spends.
Winkie La Force, project
director, liaisons with Peter and reports to Worldwide Endeavors at each of its
Board meetings. She tries to visit Kubugu every other year.
This is a unique project
since Kubugu is in a rural setting in the deep bush of northern Ghana, and
difficult to get to. Once there, one sleeps in huts and eats the “free range”
animals. But the energy and love one receives once there, is so worth the long
trip.
With western support,
the church members built a cement structure for their church. The sacrifices
Peter and church members make for their community are unimaginable. They are so
resourceful and incredible entrepreneurs. They are positive and always looking
to better the lives of those who live in the village.
Several years ago, money
was raised for solar panels. This was huge as it provided lights in the church
so evening meetings could occur. The church was used for reading lessons for
the adults and other community activities.
In Sept. 2012, the
village initiated a “pre-school.” This was a novel concept in this area of
Ghana. Pastor Peter and his wife Stella are the individuals who founded and
manage the school, along with a diverse Board of Directors.
This school had been an
overwhelming success. Approximately 100 preschoolers, Christians and Muslims,
attended, and the parents were extremely supportive. The children learn to
read, speak English, studied nutrition and health, learned manners, respect and
social skills. On the playground they understood sportsmanship and fair
play. It has also helped to strengthen a positive relationship among all
members of the village.
This pre-school has now
morphed into a Primary School up to P-6 (6th grade), and is in the process of
building a Junior high school. Currently the efforts are to raise monies
to support the Jr. High school classroom as well as materials and more desks
for the students.
Two years ago, we
introduced pickleball to the Village, the fastest growing sport in the
USA. A net system, balls and paddles have been donated. This sport
is for all ages, and will encourage the adults to play sports as they grow
older. They love pickleball as much as we do here in the US. New
equipment is being donated by the Chapel Hill and Durham Pickleball
Communities, but we need funds to help pay for the shipping. As far as we
can tell, this is the only pickleball court in the country!
Please consider a
donation from this site or send a check to Worldwide Endeavors, 1008 Quiet
Woods Pl., Durham, NC 27712.
Email Winkie La Force with any
questions winkielaforce078@gmail.com
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