Let's get to work

Never have I experienced “culture shock,” or at least been aware of it when I’ve traveled. But in Ghana, what I have had to learn, is how to work in a different culture. Whereas I may be used to my own pace and the U.S. work environment, having to adjust has been a learning experience.


(the Cape Coast store and office)

The Global Mamas office in Cape Coast is located directly above the store. As a result, the real Global Mamas are constantly coming in showing their new ideas for products, discussing a new design, or simply to chat with some of the staff. Learning to focus amidst lively disagreements about product assignments, heated interviews being conducted ten feet from you, and the Global Mamas’ children curiously looking over your shoulder, is a skill.


(Quality control area in the Global Mamas-Cape Coast office)

There are other issues that arise with doing business in a developing country. Learning to be flexible is paramount. For me, this was a bit difficult at first. Wanting to complete as many projects as possible, I was first dismayed by the often problematic internet connection and power outages (think about working on a project with no fan and a bit of natural light in the office). I had to learn to have a few projects going at once. Now, in case of a power shortage, I try to have some going that require internet, some that do not, and others that don’t require power at all, so that I won't be without work. In short, I’ve learned to be more adaptable.

However, I’m not complaining - It’s all part of the adventure! I’ve come to love all the volunteers and staff and the lively atmosphere of the office, and I can’t believe my time in Ghana is halfway done. As much as I love home and IU, I am already wishing I could stay much longer!


(From left to right, fellow interns Christina, Grant, and Paul hard at work)

I greatly admire many of the volunteers and staff in the office. Jane, a middle school art teacher, is volunteering for two weeks, having already worked with Global Mamas last summer. Jane was the first “co-worker” from Cape Coast that I met, and she was the one who guided me from Accra to Cape two days after I arrived in the capital. She’s great, and she seems to produce a new, gorgeous batik design every half hour. Needing to get back to New York to help her son with his college search, she’s leaving tomorrow and will be greatly missed!

Alice is the manager of the Cape Coast office, but she also holds the informal titles of “welcomer to Cape Coast” and “Mom” to the volunteers. Once a designer in New York City for Sears, she disliked the stress and busyness of her work and came to Cape Coast for a year after having volunteered the summer before. Always able to answer a question or lend a helping hand, Alice is supportive, helpful, and in general a great leader for all the staff and interns. I can’t imagine what the office will do without her at the end of the year!

Patience, the manager of the store and general “Superwoman,” is a force to be reckoned with. She’s fantastic, and she can keep all the interns and staff in line with just a quick glance. A week ago I watched Patience and Alice conduct an interview. I would never want to be put in the interviewee's position! Although the girl was interviewing for a position in quality control, Patience asked her questions that the girl addressed in her application. For example, I assume the girl wrote down that she is a batiker, which inspired Patience to ask, “What colors do you mix to make teal?” The girl had some difficulty answering the question, and when she later began to laugh, Patience very sternly asked, “Why are you laughing?” However, after the interview, when another interned asked Patience how it went, she said, “I think we can make a difference for her.”

More on the staff and volunteers will follow, as well as a summary of my unforgettable weekend up north!