Discussion with Board member at St. Theresa's credit union.
School children
School children
Gene Creelman surrounded by school children after presenting the gift of 50 soccer boots.
two beautiful children
Thursday, March 1, 2007
I didn't see any elephants but I did buy a shirt with elephants on it.
Standing with Emmanuel Darko - GM for CUA.
The only interesting animal that I saw - much to my son's disappointment.
An 86 year old member of the Bunso Credit Union Ghana.
Working with Adelaide at Bunso Credit Union. Helping with their conversion to a computer system.
Presentation of my wife's school supplies to Bunso elementary school.
Dear blog,
My seven year old son asked me the dreaded question “Did you see any elephants?” I answered “I did not.” He asked “Did you see any giraffes?” With my head down I replied “I did not.” He said “How could you go all the way to Africa and not see elephants and giraffes?” I replied “I saw good people, I met generous people, I worked with innovative people, I was working with credit union people. I did, however, see a lizard.” My son was not impressed. When he is older he will understand.
The work in Ghana that we did was exhausting and rewarding. Ghana’s commitment to the credit union system is long term. In 2006, the Ghana Co-op Credit Union Association (CUA) celebrated 50 years of credit unions in Ghana, including the first credit union in Africa - St. Joseph’s Credit Union - located in Jirapa in the Upper West Region of the country. My fellow coaches Gail Peterson and Owen Nicklin spent 3 days at St. Joseph’s meeting the staff and board of directors. CUA provides services to 273 credit unions with a membership of 192,000 in all 10 regions of the country. Members of credit unions are enjoying increased household income and savings and are taking loans for children’s education, businesses and to build houses. I have seen first hand how credit unions in Ghana have built a better, more sustainable future for themselves, their families and their communities.
Ghana is celebrating its 50th anniversary of Independence from Britain this year. Year-long activities marking the Golden Jubilee have been scheduled from January 2007 and end in December. For more information visit http://www.ghana50.gov.gh/ghana50/
I am home now. I think I need to go on a safari. When I do, I will take my kids with me.
....Barry
My seven year old son asked me the dreaded question “Did you see any elephants?” I answered “I did not.” He asked “Did you see any giraffes?” With my head down I replied “I did not.” He said “How could you go all the way to Africa and not see elephants and giraffes?” I replied “I saw good people, I met generous people, I worked with innovative people, I was working with credit union people. I did, however, see a lizard.” My son was not impressed. When he is older he will understand.
The work in Ghana that we did was exhausting and rewarding. Ghana’s commitment to the credit union system is long term. In 2006, the Ghana Co-op Credit Union Association (CUA) celebrated 50 years of credit unions in Ghana, including the first credit union in Africa - St. Joseph’s Credit Union - located in Jirapa in the Upper West Region of the country. My fellow coaches Gail Peterson and Owen Nicklin spent 3 days at St. Joseph’s meeting the staff and board of directors. CUA provides services to 273 credit unions with a membership of 192,000 in all 10 regions of the country. Members of credit unions are enjoying increased household income and savings and are taking loans for children’s education, businesses and to build houses. I have seen first hand how credit unions in Ghana have built a better, more sustainable future for themselves, their families and their communities.
Ghana is celebrating its 50th anniversary of Independence from Britain this year. Year-long activities marking the Golden Jubilee have been scheduled from January 2007 and end in December. For more information visit http://www.ghana50.gov.gh/ghana50/
I am home now. I think I need to go on a safari. When I do, I will take my kids with me.
....Barry
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Dear Blog,
We return home today on the red eye. We had our meeting with the CEO & senior management team at the Credit Union Association of Ghana. CUA is the central for credit unions in Ghana. This was our chance to share some recommendations on how CUA could more effectively assist the credit unions throughout the country. The key issues we shared related to governance, delinquency & education. There is an old joke that an "expert" is defined as someone who has travelled a long way to talk to you. Our team of ten Canadians many times were reinforcing the messages that CUA had been making. But because we have travelled from Canada to talk to the various boards - the directors were more receptive to the recommendations. There was an exchange of gifts, kind words were said and there were some sad farewells. We have made many friends here and I know that our support and friendship will continue through e-mail.
I have packed my bags and I will stop at the crazy Accra market to pick up some gifts before heading to the airport. I need to also pick up something for the itching. The bed bugs were biting last night. I always pull the sheets back before getting into bed but I must have missed them. I wouldn't do well on Fear Factor.
Barry
P.S. I just got back from the hot & humid market. I bought a popular African game that has ancient roots. It is enjoyed by all ages, everyone from kings to kids play it using stones and a simple board. I have left my shoes behind where they will be well used. We are heading to the airport.
We return home today on the red eye. We had our meeting with the CEO & senior management team at the Credit Union Association of Ghana. CUA is the central for credit unions in Ghana. This was our chance to share some recommendations on how CUA could more effectively assist the credit unions throughout the country. The key issues we shared related to governance, delinquency & education. There is an old joke that an "expert" is defined as someone who has travelled a long way to talk to you. Our team of ten Canadians many times were reinforcing the messages that CUA had been making. But because we have travelled from Canada to talk to the various boards - the directors were more receptive to the recommendations. There was an exchange of gifts, kind words were said and there were some sad farewells. We have made many friends here and I know that our support and friendship will continue through e-mail.
I have packed my bags and I will stop at the crazy Accra market to pick up some gifts before heading to the airport. I need to also pick up something for the itching. The bed bugs were biting last night. I always pull the sheets back before getting into bed but I must have missed them. I wouldn't do well on Fear Factor.
Barry
P.S. I just got back from the hot & humid market. I bought a popular African game that has ancient roots. It is enjoyed by all ages, everyone from kings to kids play it using stones and a simple board. I have left my shoes behind where they will be well used. We are heading to the airport.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Dear Blog,
Today we met a Chief! We were received in his "palace," a single storey, cement block building with peeling paint and an open air courtyard. Plastic patio chairs were sourced from the surrounding houses to accomodate the villagers that looked on. The "receiving ceremony" was a formal event. The Chief wore a traditional African robe tied over one shoulder and welcomed us. He is the Chief for seven villages and about 8,000 people. As is the custom we brought gifts. The first was a bottle of very nice Shnapps. The second was a financial contribution to their electricity project. The villages are in a remote rural area of Ghana and they have no power. If they raise the money to buy and install the wooden poles needed, the government will string the power lines. I think the Chief enjoyed the gift of Schnapps more than the financial donation. We were invited to the village as Abba's guests (Abba is the local credit union manager). She stayed with Gene and his family last October as part of the Canadian Co-operative Association's Women's Mentoring Program. She wanted to return the Canadian hospitality that was shown her. Gene brought a large duffel bag with him to the palace and in it were fifty pairs of soccer boots and jerseys. He brought the gifts as soccer is huge here and most of the children play the game bare foot. Did I mention that the Chief enjoyed the Schnapps. The children were jumping with joy. It was a hot and dusty affair. The two "obrunis" visiting this village caused quite a stir. We were told that we were the first white men to visit this village and pay respect to the Chief. A reporter from the local radio station covered the event and interviewed Gene for the story. We both used our twelve words and phrases that we know in "twi" which was humoursly appreciated by the community. It was a very good day.
Today we met a Chief! We were received in his "palace," a single storey, cement block building with peeling paint and an open air courtyard. Plastic patio chairs were sourced from the surrounding houses to accomodate the villagers that looked on. The "receiving ceremony" was a formal event. The Chief wore a traditional African robe tied over one shoulder and welcomed us. He is the Chief for seven villages and about 8,000 people. As is the custom we brought gifts. The first was a bottle of very nice Shnapps. The second was a financial contribution to their electricity project. The villages are in a remote rural area of Ghana and they have no power. If they raise the money to buy and install the wooden poles needed, the government will string the power lines. I think the Chief enjoyed the gift of Schnapps more than the financial donation. We were invited to the village as Abba's guests (Abba is the local credit union manager). She stayed with Gene and his family last October as part of the Canadian Co-operative Association's Women's Mentoring Program. She wanted to return the Canadian hospitality that was shown her. Gene brought a large duffel bag with him to the palace and in it were fifty pairs of soccer boots and jerseys. He brought the gifts as soccer is huge here and most of the children play the game bare foot. Did I mention that the Chief enjoyed the Schnapps. The children were jumping with joy. It was a hot and dusty affair. The two "obrunis" visiting this village caused quite a stir. We were told that we were the first white men to visit this village and pay respect to the Chief. A reporter from the local radio station covered the event and interviewed Gene for the story. We both used our twelve words and phrases that we know in "twi" which was humoursly appreciated by the community. It was a very good day.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Dear blog,
Update! I have been very pleased with this new board of directors. They are enthusiastic and committed to turning things around. Can you imagine having 100% new directors? They are all brand new and have been in place for only three months. They have accomplished a lot. With the assistane of CUA - the apex organization for Ghanaian credit unions - they have written and approved a comprehesive business plan. This document is very good. It is better than the business plans I have seen at many Canadian credit unions. It identifies their critical issues, assigns accountabilities, metrics, action plans and time frames. They took CUAs advice and downsized the board from 11 to 7. They have focused on solving their delinquency issues and have clear and measurable steps outlined. They have put themselves and the staff through CUA sponsored training as it relates to correcting their key financial ratios and they are contributing to their reserves by being disciplined in their cash management practices.
Gene and I focused on assisting with some governance suggestions, helping focus their business plan and we had many suggestions regarding their delinquency. The suggestion the board liked the most was to post the names of the debtors, and their guarantors, on the front door of the credit union. Can you imagine doing this at home? The credit union is in good hands and the board saw our working visit as a boost to their morale and independent confirmation that they were on the right track.
Yesterday we drove south - eight hours to the coast in order to meet up with the other eight Canadians who have been working all over Ghana. This weekend we will finally have a chance to relax and catch up with each other and their credit union work.
On Monday we drive the 200 km to the capital - we were told that it might take as long as six hours....I think I will bring a book. On Tuesday we meet with CUA to debrief. Tuesday evening we leave Accra on the red eye departing at 11:00 PM . Our route is Ghana - Nigeria - Frankfurt - Vancouver. I should be home on Wednesday in time for dinner with Ramona and the children where I will entertain them with funny stories about the wonderful and generous Ghanian people that I met and became friends with.
I will write my next blog on Tuesday after we have had our debrief session at the capital. Have a good weekend every one.
Update! I have been very pleased with this new board of directors. They are enthusiastic and committed to turning things around. Can you imagine having 100% new directors? They are all brand new and have been in place for only three months. They have accomplished a lot. With the assistane of CUA - the apex organization for Ghanaian credit unions - they have written and approved a comprehesive business plan. This document is very good. It is better than the business plans I have seen at many Canadian credit unions. It identifies their critical issues, assigns accountabilities, metrics, action plans and time frames. They took CUAs advice and downsized the board from 11 to 7. They have focused on solving their delinquency issues and have clear and measurable steps outlined. They have put themselves and the staff through CUA sponsored training as it relates to correcting their key financial ratios and they are contributing to their reserves by being disciplined in their cash management practices.
Gene and I focused on assisting with some governance suggestions, helping focus their business plan and we had many suggestions regarding their delinquency. The suggestion the board liked the most was to post the names of the debtors, and their guarantors, on the front door of the credit union. Can you imagine doing this at home? The credit union is in good hands and the board saw our working visit as a boost to their morale and independent confirmation that they were on the right track.
Yesterday we drove south - eight hours to the coast in order to meet up with the other eight Canadians who have been working all over Ghana. This weekend we will finally have a chance to relax and catch up with each other and their credit union work.
On Monday we drive the 200 km to the capital - we were told that it might take as long as six hours....I think I will bring a book. On Tuesday we meet with CUA to debrief. Tuesday evening we leave Accra on the red eye departing at 11:00 PM . Our route is Ghana - Nigeria - Frankfurt - Vancouver. I should be home on Wednesday in time for dinner with Ramona and the children where I will entertain them with funny stories about the wonderful and generous Ghanian people that I met and became friends with.
I will write my next blog on Tuesday after we have had our debrief session at the capital. Have a good weekend every one.
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