Dancing with Hilary in Ghana
Hillary and friends in Ghana Hello All,
A white UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) banner with the slogan “Humanizing Refugees” cut across the blue sky. We had arrived at Buduburam Refugee Settlement, and I was preoccupied with finding the phone number of my contact Jake, the passionate and dedicated director of the Liberian Dance Troupe at Buduburam.
The Liberian Dance Troupe was founded in 1991 in response to the eruption of civil war in Liberia, resulting in the camp in Ghana. It offers young people the opportunity to connect with their home culture, provides them with valuable education on issues such as HIV/AIDS and tools for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
My morning began with a workshop on Anger Management, where my peers ranged in age from eight to 25, all of whom were quick to participate. This was followed by a tour of the camp. After lunch we headed back to the cultural centre for an afternoon dance rehearsal. Never have I seen a community come together in such a heartwarming way! Their compassion and togetherness grabbed me, and they welcomed me with friendship, inclusiveness and all-around warm fuzziness.
The Ghanaian sky at dusk
The welcoming feeling from the group persuaded me to participate in the warm-up rehearsal. I didn't notice the audience that had trickled in while I was waiting backstage, but when I stepped onstage for my big Liberian dance debut I was suddenly aware of a lot of attentive eyes. Just in front of the stage sat a group of about 30 toddlers, and behind them every chair was occupied with proud parents. More people leaned against the walls and still there was not enough space; many had to stand outside and watch through the open double doors. When I returned backstage, I was mobbed by little kids who wanted to be carried, hugged or high-fived. In the narrow hallway the older girls quickly showed me the upcoming step, which I attempted to try with three or four kids hanging off me. Then it was onstage again, feverishly dancing to the sounds of our drummer, clapping, chatting parents and little kid feet pattering to the beat. The rehearsal and the audience came and went, empowering me with a sense of accomplishment and family.
A few hours later I found myself enjoying egg sandwiches with Jake and Emmanuel (the dance director), while the sunlight seeped out of the sky and left an indigo expanse of stars.
The camp was dark. There is electricity, but not very often and not that night. Still, the atmosphere was cozy—and noisy. I couldn’t sleep with three ghettoblasters blaring, banging screen doors, and conversations that continued well past 2 am.
The next morning, I again passed under the UNHCR “Humanizing Refugees” sign as I left Buduburam. This time, I noticed the words, and I had to question their implication. Certainly Buduburam is “humane,” but I think it is because of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Liberians and the incredible community they were able to build from a bare square of earth on the side of a Ghanaian highway.
Love!
Hilary Clauson
Former Regional Network Coordinator for British Columbia
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Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network. |
