#yonsoproject

[lablanchard]

#yonsoproject (hier: Agona, Ashanti, Ghana)

[pennipd]

Understanding the Yonso Project was much more than understanding its beautiful story, hardships, and the products it produces. Yonso Project exists because of the group of dedicated staff that make the entire operation possible. 

The story of the Yonso Project starts with its Founder, Kwabena Danso -- a man with knowledge, a huge heart, and the drive to use them both to make a difference. His education and the love for his people drove him to start a truly selfless mission to better the community. He is a father, a joyous singer, and a full hearted leader. For two weeks Kwabena hosted us in Ghana and made our visit the best it could be.

Albert, Cerina, and Cecilia are the manager of the company, manager of micro-finance, manager of educational programs respectively. These three are the backbone of the organization and are a group of dedicated workers who have moved away from their homes for something they believe in. It takes a rare type of person to dedicate their life working for people other than themselves. These three are made of that stuff.

Finally we have the bamboo bike builders. This team of four is the muscle of the operation. A large portion of the organization is funded through the beautifully handcrafted bamboo bicycles that these boys and young men produce. Lead by a master forman, these guys they are currently able to put out fifteen bikes a month with only the bare minimum tools from an electric sander and drill, in blistering hot conditions where power outages are a regular. These are guys that know the true meaning of hard work.

[pennipd]

Kente is the hand woven cotton or silk cloth original to Ghana from the Ashanti Kingdom. Back in the day it was the cloth of kings. It is worn today in times of extreme importance for celebrations or funerals. We visited a weaving shop where the workers gave us background and a quick weaving tutorial. Once the mill is set up feet pedals are used to alternate the vertically running threads while you pass a spool of thread horizontally through them. It is a relatively expensive item even by American standards, but totally worth the quality you get (each weaver has a different style and quality pattern). Most typically have Adinkra symbols woven as patterns. These symbols each have meanings ranging from sayings like "God Is King" to "times change" to obscure meanings like "sack of cola nuts" and "the hen steps on its chicks but doesn't kill it." (what?!) These symbols are also pressed into cloth by stamps. The Stamps are carved out of bamboo and dipped in an ink that stain the cloth permanently. 

[sundaypunchco]

The tro tro is the Ghanaian means of long distance public transportation. You can hop on one of these bad boys from any taxi station in a village, town, or city and can get to pretty much anywhere you want where there is a road. They load a tro tro up with people going to the same destination or on-route to that destination, i.e. they don't depart until they are completely full. Each tro tro fits about 18 "comfortably" but for more business they will cram in a couple extra passengers. With that much cargo the vehicle tops off at 70kph (45mph). The driver tag teams with a man in the back who keeps an eye out for potential passengers as they drive through. When he spots people looking for a ride, the drivers stops, the people hop in, and the man in the back slams the sliding door shut. An hour and a half long ride costs about 1.80 GHS, is less than a single dollar. There are people selling water, fried plantains, ice cream, peanuts, and more at traffic jams and intersections. The sweltering heat and +95% humidity doesn't seem to bother the Ghanaians, except when there's a drenched Obruni (white man) trying to stay conscious riding next to them!