Supporting Africa

 As I walked through ‘The Cumberland Shop’ this past week, I took extra time to stop and look at the beautiful assortment of jewelry that we sell made from handmade glass beads from the nation of Ghana.

Then, I picked up a few of the unique Batik bags that we feature, hand-dyed in Ghana and sewn as pouches for Jewelry and bags for makeup, cash, whatever. Each of those items tells a story; one we may not know fully, but I think it’s time for you to hear a little more about where the profits from those bags is contributed.

The Oasis International Training Centre in Prampram, Ghana, West Africa was established in 2000, and is celebrating its 21st Anniversary.

The beautiful front entrance of The Oasis International Training Centre

Begun as the fulfilment of a dream of Bishop Elvina E. Miller, it is a full-time, year-round training center in a fishing village with little opportunity for employment; but that is quickly changing!

Reverend Miller spend a lot of time doing missionary and humanitarian work in Ghana back in the early 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. During that time, some pretty miraculous things took place that cemented her love for the country and for the area of Prampram. When she had the opportunity to return to Ghana while she was in her 80’s, she was inspired to do something for that beautiful country to commemorate her time there and to contribute to the nation's welfare.

Elvina Miller visiting Africa as a young woman.

Returning again when she was in her 80's.

She knew she had to get approval and acquire land from the Paramount Chief who has authority over that region, so she was granted a meeting with him, along with other citizens from Ghana, who wanted to work with her to see her dream come to pass. Of course, the authorities are concerned with how their lands are being used, especially if it is someone from another nation, so they inquired as to why she was attempting to purchase land.

The Paramount Chief said, “What do you want to do with the land? We don’t need another church - we have enough of those.” With that, Rev. Miller replied, “I want to build a training center to help the people of Ghana.” With that response, the Chief said, “Yes, you may purchase land for that.” He was a very wise and thoughtful man.

Rev. Miller had already found a great piece of land, but the Paramount Chief informed her that he would be recommending the land that she could purchase. Low and behold, he granted her a beautiful piece of land, facing the ocean that could not possibly be more perfect, along the main road right outside of Prampram.

That was only the beginning, as she left Ghana almost immediately to return home to begin to incorporate, draw up building plans, raise capital and get started! She was very determined to get this thing moving. The saying goes, “Give a busy person a job and they will get it done.” That rang true with this project.

After lots of research and the help of many professionals, work began on the grounds and, months later, the building made out of a PVC type material (that would eventually be pumped full of cement), was shipped from Canada. Unfortunately, there were a few shipping glitches, so the building sat in the Port at Tema for quite a while. Not to be discouraged, excavating and landscaping began and at the right time, the building arrived and construction began. A fabulous group of skilled masons was hired, and that amazing group of men eventually became skilled staff at the Training Centre. Soon, group after group of men from the USA took valuable vacation time and some even put their jobs on hold to help to complete the Centre. It was quite an endeavour.

Some of the first men to begin working on the OITC project

Laying the outlines for the footers

Containers with building materials are arriving!

Progress continues to be made...

Rev. Miller excited to see the building coming together

But in November of 2000, the dedication of the building was held, even though the building was not quite ready for occupancy. People from all over Ghana, Brazil, and the USA travelled to participate and soon, a determined group worked almost around the clock to be able to complete the Centre so that classes could begin asap.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for OITC, November 2000

At the age of 90, Bishop Elvina Miller boarded the plane to return to the States for the last time. The year was 2007. The building was finished, a staff was in place, a curriculum would evolve (and is still evolving), and classes had begun to be taught. Rev. Miller passed away in August of 2016.

Rev. Miller at OITC, age 90

Classes were halted in 2020 due to the Pandemic, but began again in January 2021 after the President of Ghana declared that schools could open again.

The Centre is open to high school graduates up to age 25 to participate in The Life Skills Program that has been developed and has been so far highly successful. Students are taught: MS Excel, Word, Secretarial Skills, Public Speaking, Automobile Maintenance, Business Etiquette, First Aid, Computer Hardware, Landscaping, Catering and American Cooking Class, Practical Hand Sewing, Auto Mechanics, Understanding God, Learning and Study Skills Class, English Comprehension, Computer Tech, Business Math,  Basic Photography, Typing Class, Basic Electricity, and more....

A variety of classes in full swing.

A group of proud OITC Graduates from The Life Skills Program!

The students who graduate go on to new jobs, University, and many have begun businesses of their own. The Centre is a truly remarkable place with highly skilled instructors who have given their all to make the Training Centre all Rev. Miller hoped it would be someday, and it is still becoming!

Every time I have had the opportunity to visit the country of Ghana and teach at the Training Centre, I am amazed at the progress in that land. New roads, new stores, new restaurants... progress everywhere. But there is still much room for training and teaching, especially in the village areas away from the larger cities. 

Rev. Miller’s goal was not to alter the heritage or culture of the nation of Ghana, but it was her intention to lift their hands in love, so that their lives can improve. Education causes growth in Ghana, just as it causes growth in the USA. Most of the students we see passing through the doors of our school find gainful employment, start their own businesses, go to Universities, and are better prepared for our ever-changing and growing world.

During an etiquette class I was teaching, I asked the students how many of them had used cutlery (knives, forks and spoons) to eat. Since the custom in Ghana is to eat much of their food with their fingers, only 4 raised their hands. So, step by step we studied the proper use of utensils, and I explained to them that this knowledge could be very beneficial to them in the future. I also assured them that there was nothing wrong with using their fingers since that is customary. We had our lesson, we served a formal dinner, and for the first time, many students used utensils to eat with.

After the meal, we had such meaningful discussion. One beautiful young lady shared with the class that her uncle had asked her to dinner where his family was meeting to celebrate a birthday at a restaurant in the city. At the meal, dining utensils were provided and unfortunately, she was extremely uncomfortable in that setting. Her uncle was a little embarrassed at her awkwardness and mentioned she may not be invited again. This precious student beamed at the idea that now she would be comfortable eating at a restaurant in the city. I shared Bishop Miller’s story with them. She never finished school, but later in life, a loving employer sent her to Etiquette school so she could work at his home. Many years later, she had the opportunity to have tea with the President of South Africa. The same training she received, was the same training they were receiving, so who knows...maybe someday they will eat with the President of Ghana.

The students and I after receiving their Etiquette diplomas from my class.

Education is a key. And with that key, we can open many doors.

The motto of the Oasis International Training Centre is, “Living to Train, Training to Live." So, when you buy those bracelets, that Jewelry, and a small Batik bag; rest assured, it’s a purchase that has great value, and you are helping to change lives. Thank you!