The Trip

During February and March 2005, Julia Garland undertook the role of English and French teacher, and part-time hospital help, in the small community of Abor (located in the Volta region of Ghana). The trip was initiated by best friend Alex who, as a pre-med student, concentrated his efforts in the local hospital. Upon her return from Africa, Julia was inhibited by an overwhelming need to do something, do more. She shared this feeling with a friend

The friend

That friend was Sara Baptiste-Brown. Recently introduced to the world of non-profits and NGOs after having interned at one, she was looking for a calling, for a cause, for a purpose. That need-to-do, and that search-for-a-purpose came together in a project.

The project

itsy bitsy smiles aims to promote community-based development in Ghana (West Africa) through small-scale initiatives focused on women (and their children), health and education. The smiles of all the children Julia befriend during her time in Abor are the inspiration for the name of the project. 

The overall goal is exemplified in our slogan baby steps to standing tall, illustrating the pitter-patter of babies becoming the self-assured strides of healthy and educated adults capable of influencing their surroundings.

The short-term objective is to conduct a needs-assessment. All too often, “westerners” (Europeans and North Americans) impose their ideas on what should be done without regard for geographical, political, and social circumstances. The reality is, of course, that the best suited decision-makers are the members of the community.

itsy bitsy smiles has been fortunate enough, even at such an early stage, to come into contact with a few examplary organizations such as U.S.A.-based Atidekate. They provide assistance for community-level resource development in Ghana and their current project, the construction of a building that will serve as a library and a community resource for classes and events, is never out of mind when planning for the future. We hope to use the results from the needs-assessment to ensure that the building’s utility is maximized.

As a registered Canadian charitable foundation, GiveMeaning.com offers a unique vehicle for raising funds, giving philanthropists of all ages and levels of experience the opportunity to give meaning to issues that are important to them.

Julia made the trip in May 2007 for three months to conduct the needs assessment. Unfortunately, Sara did not be make the trip to Ghana due to extenuating circumstances.