30. Our Local Partners

This whole project would be impossible if it wasn't for the team of local guys. They are experienced, hardworking, dedicated, strong, and fun!!  

Introducing "the guys" Abu Aka Sargent, Master Abu, Kiki Tule 

This small guy packs a huge punch. He has been a mason in Abetenim for a handful of years now and really knows his stuff. His level of craft and care in his trade is unprecedented and inspiring and the other mason on site can't even compare. He hand selects every stone to make sure it's the perfect size and weight for its place. Abu does and should have a lot of pride in his work. His foundation for our building was so absolutely gorgeous I was sad when we covered it up with back filled dirt. In a longer timelined project I would have loved to allow the foundation to stand tall out of the ground so we could see more of his work on the final product. Abu is also the night guard for the arts village and keeps us all safe at night. He struggles a bit with English, but never fails to make you laugh. He is so patient and kind and a really great guy to have around on site. He has assured us that our earth create ratios are "good strong" and has been instrumental in the progression of our building. Here's to Abu!! Patrick Aka Baby Jett, Baby

Patrick is our project leader and has been with us from day 1 of WEFT. When we were told we would be going to another village to work and we could chose a couple workers to bring with us, Patrick was unanimously our first choice. He is very hardworking, very proud of him work, and dedicated to making this project a success. He's our age and has been working on construction projects for a few years. He is one of the only workers that has experience with poured earth techniques and has given us a lot of insight as to the technique and problems we may face. Patrick is quiet but speaks good English and is usually our translator with other members of the team. He is on the village futbol team where he almost always scores a goal or two. Ernest Aka Kohei, Ernest Sr., Mr. Boadi, Urah

What a guy! Ernest has the best personality and is by far the friendliest of the three guys. He makes a genuine effort each day to say hello to everyone and always with a big smile. As with all the other guys he is hardworking, and dedicated- but is also a joker. He provides the team with comedic relief in the form of funny gestures, stories, and one liners. He's observant and kind and will stand up for you in an awkward or uncomfortable situation. He's still working on his English, so sometimes the smile and a nod is all you get, but he makes it work! Ernest was making a lot of effort during our lake trip to learn to swim and him and I had a blast laughing at each other while doing so. Amofa Aka James, Amof 

The youngin' is just too cute! He's 15 or 16 and just joining the work force. He is from the village where we work and instantly bonded with the guys from our home village. He tries really hard to keep up and has made some serious progress since started. He learns fast and has become very prideful in the project. He likes to sing and listen to music and is part of the "mortar boys" gang. Ernest Aka Ernesto Ernesto, Ernest Jr.  

Ernest is like his Sr. namesake in terms of personality. He is kind, smart, and excited to learn. He has asked about learning to draw, swim, English words, and our cultures. He strikes me as a kid that can go very far in life if given the resources. He would give you the shirt off his back and starts each day with a contagious positive attitude. Ernest's father owns the land we are building on and his family lives right next door. He is definitely making his family proud by being part of our team. Ernest is planing to go to

University next years and is interetested in literature and poetry. Kojuopoko Aka Kujo, Opi, Opoku 

This kid is funny and makes the guys laugh a lot- but I'm pretty sure it's usually in the form of making fun of us somehow. He is also new to the workforce and has made progress similar to the other young guys. He has a bicycle and is always willing to go to the next village for extra waters or frozen yogurts. He has a great laugh and adds a lot of positive energy to the site.  

Agyengo Aka Ajo 

Ajo is our project carpenter. You know he takes his job seriously because he shows up to work every single day in a jumpsuit, safety vest, and hard hat. He means business. He has a bit of a stubborn attitude but is definitely good at what he does and we are still learning the best way to get along with his style of working and building. He knows how the process will go and adds some playfulness to the job site. He is very generous and will share all his yummy snacks and cool tools.   

Safo Aka Da

Safo is Agyengo's carpentry partner. They work hand in hand to complete various tasks in site and he is great at stepping in whenever needed. Safo lives in the village adjacent to our build site and he has a lot of local connections. He is instrumental in planning the delivery of materials and tools to our site. He also knows where all the good food is and helps us get snacks! I have learned so much about Ghanaian culture from Safo as he has a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to share. He used to be a teacher of the local language Twi and will take time to teach you anything you want to know.