Signs of Hope International

You Tube

We've recently posted our video on YouTube. Check it out by typing "Signs of Hope International" in the search engine. Or link there directly by simply clicking here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsDFCwmaQnY

DISH Network

Watch our video on TV!

Look on the Starfish Network Channel 9408 for our video to be aired or follow the link below to the online feature page.

http://www.starfishnetwork.org/video.aspx?id=11981

Why Ghana? Lets compair some numbers

Ghana, West Africa is roughly the same size of the State of Oregon in the United States. Here are a few quick comparisons and differences: 

Oregon has ONE state school for the Deaf (OSD)
Ghana has THIRTEEN schools for the Deaf

Oregon School for the Deaf has both residential and day students
Ghana has both residential and day schools for the Deaf

Oregon School for the Deaf has 110 deaf students
Ghana has 2,730 deaf students on record currently in Deaf schools (thousands of others not attending)

The numbers speak loudly.

Contact Info and VP Number

Several people have been trying to contact us and have not been able to find our numbers. We are sorry for the difficulty in contacting Signs of Hope International.

Ways to contact Signs of Hope International:

Mailing address: 375 S. Main Street, Suite 2, Alpine, UT 84004

Voice Line: 866-511-7644

Video Phone: 801-770-4735

Fax Line: 801-756-0203

Email Addresses:

    General Email - info@signsofhopeinternational.org  

    Founder - Curry Jones    curry@signsofhopeinternational.org

    Missions Director - Heidi Tryon    heidi@signsofhopeinternational.org

    Special Programs - Ashlie Wilde    ashlie@signsofhopeinternational.org

    Director of Communications - Sue Brown    sue@signsofhopeinternational.org

Experiance Ghana, August 2009

Have you ever thought about the Deaf communities of Africa? Have you ever wondered what life would be like in another country? Now is your chance! Come experience in person the culture and life of Ghana, West Africa!

 

Your 8 Day Tour Schedule:

Day 1:    Arrive in Ghana, West Africa. Settle in at Guest House, Welcome celebration and overview of events

 

Day 2:    Travel to historical sites within Accra. Visit local market places. Return to Guesthouse for Dinner

 

Day 3:     Visit and assist in service project at one of the  schools for the Deaf. Return to Guesthouse for Dinner

 

Day 4:     Finish project at School for the Deaf. Visit Historical cocoa farm and tribal landmarks in area. Meet and Greet with local chief

 

Day 5:     Travel to Cape Coast. Settle in at hotel

 

Day 6:     Visit Historical Slave Trade Castle. Visit Kakum National Park and the Canopy Walk above rainforest

 

Day 7:     Travel back to Guesthouse. Final Dinner celebration including a presentation by GNAD President, Mr. Samuel Asare

 

Day 8:     Depart from Ghana - Return home

Frequently asked questions include:

What are the travel dates?

Participants will arrive at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana on August 10 and return home from the same airport on August 17, 2009.        

 

What will I experience?

We want you to have an authentic Ghanaian experience. That means we put you up in   traditional guesthouses, expose you to native foods and customs, and provide you with an opportunity to give service at a school for the Deaf. Having traveled to the country more than a dozen times, we have the experience necessary to give you an insider’s look at a country rich in culture, diversity and history. 

 

What type of accommodations?

We want you to experience everyday living much like that of an average Ghanaian. That means staying in guesthouses with unreliable electricity and rustic, but comfortable,      accommodations. Your room should have running water, but you may get the complete  experience by collecting your own water!

 

Is Ghana safe?

Ghana has the reputation for being the friendliest in Africa. Due to our philanthropic reputation in the country, we’ve been able to establish strong working relationships with government officials and communities. We know the country well, so you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

What will it cost?

Total cost for participation is $3,800 pp.

 

What does it include?

Participation will include round trip airline tickets, entry Visa required to enter Ghana,  guesthouses and hotels, daily breakfast and  dinner, transportation and entrance to      historical sites and activities.

 

How do I sign up?

Space is limited on this tour so sign up early! Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Registration deadline is May 16, 2009. You can request a registration card by   sending an email to curry@signsofhopeinternational.org

 

 

When and How do I Pay?

Full payment at time of registration is appreciated! We also will accept two payments of $1900 each, one at registration and the second payment 30 days later. Payments can be made by check or via the Signs of Hope International website. Please refer to registration packet for more details.

 

Who will I be traveling with?

You will be accompanied by both American  and Ghanaian guides skilled in American Sign Language, Ghanaian Sign Language and local dialects.

High School Presentation

Heidi Tryon and Curry Jones recently visited a High School ASL class in Utah. They presented information regarding Deaf culture, life of the Deaf and other aspects of the Ghanaian Deaf community and efforts of Signs of Hope. In response to the presentation we received this email:

"Thank you so much for coming to my ASL classes last week! My students loved it! They are still talking about your presentation. I had a mother call me and say, "My son came home and told me all about that program in Africa. He hates school and that is the only time he has come home excited about what he learned."

That student is just one of many that were excited and impressed with your program.

As I'm sure you know, most of these American teenagers are pretty clueless about the rest of the world. Even though I teach them about Deaf history and discrimination, it is ancient history to them and they can't relate. Your presentation was an excellent reminder to them that they can make a difference in the world."

Pomona California

Signs of Hope International will be in Pomona California on May 2, 2009!

Come visit our booth at the Deaf Nation Expo and learn about ways to get involved, how to sponsor a deaf student in Ghana and how to participate in our volunteer missions. Also, you will be able to buy Signs of Hope International shirts, bracelets and water bottles! All proceeds directly benefit the Deaf students of Ghana.

Address for the Deaf Nation Expo:
Fairplex, Building 9
1101 West McKinley Ave
Pomona, CA 91769

Expo is open to the public from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Admission is FREE! Make sure to register online at www.deafnation.com

A View of Ghana

Several people have asked me to post some of my pictures and my views on Ghana. My perspective of Ghana is a very simple one. I love the people, the sights and the smells of Ghana. To some this might sound a little odd but to me it is a comfort. The moment the plane lands in Accra and the rush of heat and environmental smells hit my face I feel a sense of comfort.

 

The people I have been fortunate enough to work with and meet has left a lasting impression on me. The amount of compassion and determination that these people posses is unmatched. Spending time out in the small villages and getting to talk with the people about life is an amazing experience. Listing to stories of hardship and growth, choices between food or education and to witness the joy the Ghanaian people posses is truly an experience not easily forgotten.

Another Visit

Signs of Hope International Founder, Curry Jones and Missions Director, Heidi Tryon will be headed back to Ghana to meet with Government officials and Deaf schools on May 7th. During this trip they will be working with current schools and opening programs in the Kibi school for the Deaf.

Look for more information and stories as the trip happens!

Deaf Nation Phoenix, AZ

Signs of Hope International completed participation in the Phoenix, Arizona Deaf Nation Expo on April 4, 2009. Thank you to all those who stopped by the booth!

Thanks Heidi, Ashlie and Sue for your help running the booth during the Expo!