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About

Tim in Tamale

Every life matters

I was a VSO volunteer working in the town of Tamale in northern Ghana for a Ghanaian NGO called ISODEC. I arrived in Ghana September 2007 and was with ISODEC nearly two years. This blog catalogued my experiences.

My background is in IT.  I’ve been a computer programmer for most of the last 18 years, mostly in the banking sector. In Ghana I worked as an IT trainer, trying to increase the effectiveness of the staff of the NGO by helping them use IT more efficiently.

I chose to leave a job with a huge multinational bank in London’s Canary Wharf district (one of the worlds wealthiest places) to work for a tiny NGO in northern Ghana (one of the worlds poorest areas) for a number of reasons.  Partly because I wanted to work for an organisation whose values I share, although I accept I didn’t need to go to Ghana for that.  Partly because I wanted to be able to feel that I’m doing a job with meaning and value.  Partly because I wanted to be able to feel that I’ve done more with my skills and training than help make rich people richer. Partly I wanted to see and experience more of the world. Partly I was bored and wanted a challenge. Partly because I never thought VSO would accept me.  Partly because I don’t want to look back on my life and think “if only…” or “I wish I had …”. Partly because I think the poverty in places like Ghana is morally wrong and it is morally wrong to do nothing to try to correct it.

Did I achieve anything?  Can one person make a difference?  Probably not, but at least I’ve tried.  If I can learn something about life for Ghanaians, if I can communicate that to people in more developed countries, if I can persuade friends, relatives and strangers to take more interest in the poorer world, if I can make a small positive difference in ISODEC then maybe my time here won’t be a complete waste.

Colonial TimI’m back in the UK now, you can read about how I’m adjusting to the change here.

Sharing skills, changing lives

9 Responses

  1. Kate Vanston, on August 27th, 2007 at 4:33 am Said:

    Hi

    I have just come across some of your images on Flickr. I’m the production manager for a student short film in Melbourne, Australia and would love to use one of your photos from the album ‘dad in Malaya’.

    The scene in our film depicts a photographer flicking through a photo album looking at his images from the war. This is a new scene the director has only just put into script so we are frantically searching the internet for the images he requires. If you can please get back to me asap, if you give us permission to use this image.

    Please email me back on my email address – katevanston@yahoo.com.au. I can send though any information you would like about the film, including a script.

    Thank you

    Kate

  2. Cheri Wright, on May 18th, 2008 at 10:19 am Said:

    Hey, I came across your blog as I was searching for more information on Tamale. I’ve been there, but only as a visitor once-in-awhile (I lived in Navrongo a few years ago). I’m a Canadian volunteer who is supposed to start a contract there in July. I’ve just heard that there is no housing provided by the partner organization, and I’m looking for ideas of affordable housing options. Any ideas? I’m not too picky, but ideally we’d (my husband and I) would have our own little house but we’d settle for a large bedroom with a bathroom – one that is either ensuite or at least shared with a minimal number of people. Anyway, I’ll probably meet you one of these days! :-) Hope you have time to drop me a line!

    Thanks,
    Cheri Wright

  3. Cheri Wright, on May 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am Said:

    Oh, I guess you might not see my email address:
    che_wright@yahoo.ca

    I see you’re working with ISODEC, so I’m sure I’ll find myself in your office one of these days as I’m working with NNED. Looking forward to hearing more about your work and experience there!

  4. Saira, on June 30th, 2008 at 10:51 am Said:

    Hi Tim

    I’m not sure how often you check this website but I was unable to find any direct email address for you and therefore resorted to just commenting. I recently moved to Tamale and am going to be around for the next ten months or so. Thought it would be neat to meet up with someone here who knows the place. :)

    Would be great if you could send me an email.

    cheers
    Saira

  5. Saira, on June 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am Said:

    oh and I forgot to mention I’m a CUSO volunteer and currently working for Maata N Tudu.

  6. Tim Little, on June 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pm Said:

    Hi Saira,

    Would more than happy to meet up. The only other CUSO I know lives in Bolga, but I guess we’ll all be one happy family soon

  7. Jason Burwen, on January 11th, 2009 at 5:15 pm Said:

    Hi Tim–

    I’m an American grad student living in Tumu for the next few months, doing a field evaluation of an improved stoves program. I found your blog when searching articles on Tumu.

    Know any folks to connect with here? VSOs, Peace Corps, other such wayward Westerners?

    Cheers,
    Jason

  8. Peter, on January 30th, 2009 at 9:47 pm Said:

    hi tim,

    can you drop me an email? would like to include your blog on aidworkers.net…

    tnx Peter(a)theroadtothehorizon(dot)org

  9. Paul Rose, on May 14th, 2009 at 2:30 pm Said:

    Hi Tim

    I’m going to be heading out to Tamale area from the UK next month and was hoping to ask your advice on a few things if possible. I’ll be conducting a bit of preliminary research for an NGO with the hope of establishing a new project out there.

    Please drop me a mail if you’ve got a moment.

    Thanks
    Paul

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