Helpful hands, from VCU to Ghana

Randi Buerlein met Felicia Annan at a feeding program in a slum area in Accra, the capital of Ghana. Felicia and her husband Rev. Erick Annan were leading the feeding program as directors of Sovereign Global Mission, a non-governmental organization in Ghana.

As the director of field instruction for VCU’s School of Social Work, she had taken the week to explore service project opportunities she could offer students.

She had found her project.

Through the Annans, Buerlein learned more about SGM and its missions to offer basic health care, sponsorship of children’s education and weekly Sunday feeding programs.

Six years later, Buerlein now works closely with SGM and Peacework Inc., a service organization based in Blacksburg. Every January during winter break, students from the School of Social Work volunteer in Ghana through the program.

According to Buerlein, over 100 VCU students have participated since the project began.

Cameron Carter, a social work major, participated in the program in 2008. She said the service trip is a unique opportunity.

“I’m planning to go back this summer after I graduate,” Carter said. “It’s a humbling experience. I saw so much hope in these little kids. They may not have shoes on their feet but they are happy to see you.”

“You can see and witness where people are still struggling,” said Bonnie Newman Davis, associate professor and advisor in the mass communications department. “You see areas where people are living among filth.”

Davis joined the group on their trip in 2007, after receiving the Ethel Payne Fellowship from the National Association of Black Journalists to do reporting in Africa. Davis said she was fascinated by the culture and charm of the people of Ghana.

“The babies, you just wanted to hold them and hug them. Seeing the children and knowing the suffering they will endure (was hard),” Davis said. “But, I had to wear this journalism face.”

According to Buerlein, SGM has made significant progress, especially after the VCU-led FOR AFRICA benefit in 2008. Chris Burnside, former assistant dean of student affairs in VCU’s School of the Arts, coordinated the benefit after participating in the program in 2006.

The benefit was done in collaboration with Peacework Inc. and artists in the Richmond area. The benefit raised $50,000 of which $30,000 went to the construction of a child development center.

The center will serve as a home and school for street children and children living in the village of Adoteiman. Buerlein said the school would start with about 30 children, with a goal to grow to accommodate 100.

Although progress has been made, Davis said there is still so much to do.

“Efforts like hers (Buerlein) will help, but its really just the tip of the iceberg.”