Kailey Morin - CISSLast spring, while volunteering through Village Volunteers in Ghana at Ryvanz Mia Orphanage, I met a friendly man at a shop in town. He explained how he ran a special needs school, and invited me and my volunteer friends to visit. I remembered seeing the special needs school listed on Village Volunteer’s website as a partner and was excited to be able to see another side of things – having originally signed up for an orphanage stay. So a few days later we went to visit.

I can only describe the Community Inclusive Special School in one way: A Sanctuary. It is a refuge for these students. The teachers love so limitlessly, and are so dedicated to providing each of them with the best possible experience. At this school, each student is valued for their hearts, minds and capacity to grow and learn. In a community where there is little understanding about individuals with special needs, as with most rural Ghanaian villages, I can’t imagine the difficulties these students face on a day-to-day basis. But with the help of CISS, each student is able to develop their own sense of worth, confidence, and purpose, in a supportive and positive environment.

The staff and students at CISS will literally melt your heart. The staff are incredibly welcoming, humble and open to learning. Many use their own limited income for the students needs when there is not enough money to feed or support them. The students, in turn, absolutely love their school. Each morning they do their chores to help keep CISS running – and these chores also act as much needed life skill training. The school is not just a school; it feels more like a family. The students are each other’s best friends, playing soccer on their break and giving pats on the back for work well done. And, just to add to the beautiful atmosphere, the school sits on a small plateau with a stunning view down into the hills and valleys of the luscious Volta Region.

Besides being in a state of complete awe, I ended up spending most of my time at CISS helping teach classes, playing with the students during their break, and gaining insight on the struggles the school faces from the staff. I befriended many of the students, who if they saw me in town, would give me a big smile and a cheerful “hello!” My time spent at CISS was by far the most impactful experience of my life thus far, and I can’t wait to get the chance to go back again soon.

If you are looking to volunteer, this is the place to do it. No matter how much you think you have to offer the wonderful people of Kpando and CISS, they will turn around and re-pay you in ways beyond the imaginable.

Kailey Morin