Ismael Dotse's year as a South-North volunteer comes to an end in June. Here he looks back.

This last article of mine entails a lot of indescribable emotions and impressions because I am disjoining from life in Bremen to continue life in Ashaiman (Tema, Ghana). Pictures, videos, contacts, experiences, language, knowledge and exposure to global perspective are the elements that would make me relive and reminisce my stay in Germany.

My one year volunteerism service has been a roller coaster of experiences. I was earnestly looking forward to all the adventures upon my arrival in Bremen. After two weeks the culture differences gazed at me and I realized integrating into the society would be difficult. I had my first share of shocks with the language, food and social structures. These shocks had a toll on me emotionally and physically but I endured by the help of God. I was enrolled in a four week international language course, which gave me a glimmer of hope. My language proficiency improved, garnered intercultural competencies and discovered more about sustainability and biodiversity. After the language course, I returned to work renewed and enthused. Later autumn came characterized with decreasing temperatures and intense rains. Emotionally and mentally I was affected by the change in season. Followed by some cultural differences, where it seemed I was not communicating enough at work. These moments were tough for me, I had to talk to my mentor and a former South-North Volunteer about the situation. They encouraged me to become sensitive to the cultural differences and consciously allow some exchanges to happen to facilitate my integration. Fast forward, we transitioned into winter and the Christmas season. I had some pleasant moments with my mentor and his family which I am very thankful for. The new year 2024, began with some new discoveries and experiences. I met some very nice individuals who invited me over for vacations. I visited the Baltic Sea and traveled to the south, which gave me some new impressions about Germany. I was also at Berlin for a vacation and I visited some historic sites.

What an adventurous year it has been. Thank you to everyone that contributed to this experience, I am very grateful. Thank you to the Norddeutsche Mission for giving me this opportunity. Now onto the next, I am optimistic and poised about the future. Until we meet again, it’s bye for now!