(10.12.99)
After experiencing my coldest night (15°C) in Ghana – in the Upper West region, the sun was gladly welcomed – almost willed into the sky! It was good not to rush to the site of the Gonja literacy day directly from Tamale, but to take time after travelling for five hours! Paul Schaefer and I took off sometime after breakfast to Mandari (247km). We greeted a few folk along the way and arrived around mid morning.
After some pottering around Paul’s place, the organiser of the Gonja project came and informed us that he was going to bring the chiefs and other dignitaries to the site. The group was gathering at the beginning of the village under a large tree. It was around 11 ‘o’ clock that people started arriving; as the numbers were low, when we arrived – a visit to the Mandari Wura was the next best thing. What a pleasant voice he had.(The Mandariwura is traditionally the second most prominent chief in the Bole Traditional Area after the Paramount Chief (Bolewura)).
Eventually around 12 ‘o’ clock the literacy day started, albeit slowly, as certain dignitaries kept arriving – the dancing continued – regardless! There was a lot of hubbub as the Bole Wura’s procession arrived and mingled with the whirling mob! All the Wura’s and elders took their seats on skins under the mighty shade giving tree. Finally the local imam opened the event in prayer — even though some appeared to not know that’s what it was supposed to be!
Our friend the Mandari Wura was invited to come and be the chairman. One of the Gonja committee members gave the first speech in English on behalf of the Bole Wura. It was then translated into Gonja. Round about this point in the proceedings, the organisers decided that whatever speech was given, needed to have a Safaalba interpretation!
Later it transpired, (according to Paul) that the majority of people present, were Safaalba speakers and did not understand Gonja! One of the leading lights in the baby Safaalba project, said that one of the literacy classes that was being held in Gonja, only had one Gonja man in it, and even he was only half Gonja! Many of those students represented from the Bole District were attending literacy classes in Gonja, but could not speak it!! At least, when it comes to doing literacy, with the Safaalba, these classes will have prepared the way for some understanding of reading! More of an incentive to do Safaalba literacy wouldn’t you think?
Lack of amplification made awkward the giving of speeches, – as the orators had to raise their voices – or have a spokesman! Thankfully most of the time people were very attentive, – except for irregular disturbances by an ‘intoxicant’! A number of speeches were given throughout the occasion – even the author of this article had a go for his first time! (A few times the other speeches referred to Him as the Director!).
Other activities were drama, singing and reading. One of the women, who read, was dashed ¢5000! I had seen people dashed for dancing and drumming – but never reading! The same woman, was one of the students, who was awarded a certificate later on in the proceedings. One of the elders was constantly making remarks throughout the day, which various people kept chuckling about. At such times — speaking the lingua franca would be rather useful! At one stage during the singing of one of the songs, the same elder was the only one to get up and do a little dancing! He got very annoyed when the singing was cut short, – as he was just beginning to enjoy himself!
For such a small place there was a good turn out of people, estimated at around 300. They were all tightly packed together in a circle and very well behaved. For the number of people present the amount of students were very low. As it was a community event, I hope more people were encouraged to become involved in future. By the time all the money’s had been handed in — collected for the continuation of the project – there was hardly anyone left as the villagers had deserted to their homes!
At the end of the day, whilst eating with some of the participants, I was delighted to see some of the students, pouring over their awards and sharing with one another, their new books. Seeing that kind of thing makes the work of literacy all worthwhile. I also noted the contrast — one of their friends sitting very near by, not the slightest bit of interest, did he seem to be showing! We need to remember these kinds of people and see that they are drawn in somehow. The work of literacy in the mother tongue needs to become infectious. Consider prayerfully how this can be achieved, as it would be wonderful if everyone had the same enthusiasm as these newly rewarded students.