Signs of Hope International

World Meeting

What is Signs of Hope International presently working on? A meeting to unite the organizations around the world involved in helping the Deaf of Ghana. Signs of Hope International is currently working with the Ghana National Association of the Deaf (commonly referred to as GNAD) and the Ministry of Education of Ghana to bring the international organizations supporting the Deaf in Ghana together. This meeting is targeted to take place in mid-June 2008. During this meeting we will discuss the present issues surrounding the Deaf community and what we can do to assist as a group. During this meeting, Signs of Hope International will be able to explain the programs in place at 3 (soon to be 5) of the 13 Deaf schools and the success of each program. We will also be able to gather support and combine efforts to accomplish more in the future.

Groups that are expected to attend include, but not limited to, the following: Peace Corp., ADD (Action on Disability and Development - Ghana based organization), VSO (United Kingdom's equivalent to the US Peace Corp.), USAID (United States Agency for International Development), Christian Blind Mission, Signing Time!, Ghana National Association of the Deaf, Minister of Education for Ghana, Minister of Special Education, Mrs. Agnus (District Director of Ghana Education), and several other advocates, supporters and organizations that assist the deaf communities of Ghana.

We hope by combining our efforts on a global scale we will be able to assist the Deaf of Ghana on a larger more beneficial scale.

Starfish Television

Signs of Hope International is on the Starfish Television Network!  If you have not seen our video on TV look for airing the following times: (Video will continue to air for one year. This is only the next two weeks schedule)

Saturday, March 22, 2008 - 5:30 PM EST

Monday, March 24, 2008 - 3:30 AM EST

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - 6:13 AM EST

Friday, March 28, 2008 - 5:44 AM EST

Sunday, March 30, 2008 - 4:00 AM EST

Wednesday, April 02, 2008 - 12:30 PM EST

Friday, April 04, 2008 - 1:41 PM EST

Sunday, April 06, 2008 - 8:00 PM EST

Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 6:11 AM EST

Monday, April 14, 2008 - 6:37 PM EST

Lush and Green!

What does Ghana look like?

Ghana has mountains that are lush and green. It is not a desert like Kenya or other Eastern Africa countries and only has safari type animals in the very far North part of the country. Ghana does have beautiful beaches that are basically unpopulated as well as mountain hikes that leads to grand waterfalls.

Language

What language do they speak in Ghana?

The official spoken language of Ghana is English, however most regions have their own native language as well. There are over 40 distinct languages spoken in Ghana including English, Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani and so on. Generally school is taught in English.

Deaf people in Ghana use Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL). Ghanaian Sign is very similar to American Sign language because in 1956, Andrew Foster, a deaf man from the United States traveled to several countries in West Africa and spent many years setting up deaf schools. He is still honored among deaf in Ghana today.

Dangerous

Many people have questions regarding Africa and what to expect while traveling with Signs of Hope International. We thought we would create a series of blogs that will answer and confront the commonly asked questions and concerns people have.

Is Ghana Dangerous?

Ghana is a very friendly country and ideal for first time travelers to Africa. Ghana is a very safe, stable country with relatively low crime levels compared to other West African countries. Take sensible precautions but be assured it is quite safe. The people are very helpful and welcoming.

"Obruni," the word for foreigner literally means "white man" and is generally shouted to greet any tourist in a friendly way.

2008 Volunteers!

We would like to thank each individual who applied for our Summer 2008 volunteer program. Each mission is unique and the needs of the schools are constantly changing. Those selected to participate are chosen based on multiple factors including some of the following: skill level in American Sign language, experiences within the deaf community, educational backgrounds, environmental background, service with other organizations and personality. Below is the list of those accepted to participate in Summer 2008 Volunteer program: Jessica Pelfrey, Allison Heyman, Amy Livingston, Charlotte Howard, Esther Hansen, Libby Thompson, Emily Hyer, Mallory Higginson and Ashlie Wilde.

Our Volunteers...

We have had the opportunity to work with many amazing volunteers with different personalities, strengths, sense of humor, etc.  We will be posting their stories and experiences to give you a glimpse into life as a volunteer at the deaf schools.

We will also be posting upcoming event and our most current successes. Please come back often.