NZ Woman's Weekly 2005年5月2日

Once in a lifetime, we all have experiences that leave a lasting impression in our hearts and minds. My visit to Ghana as a Unicef goodwill ambassador is one such experience that has left me with memories I'll cherish.
When Unicef approached me two years ago about taking on the role, I was a little apprehensive because I didn't know what it would entail. I was 15 at the time and just starting out in my music career. I wondered what I could offer. But the thing that swayed me was the fact that Unicef is a children's organisation and since I was still a child myself then, I thought it would be easier to relate to other young people. If I could help in a small way to get the message across to people around the world about the plight of youngsters in developing nations, then I was doing my bit too. Before I went to Ghana, I knew it was going to be pretty bad. I'd read about the work Unicef was doing to improve the lives of children and their communities and I'd watched a documentary on guinea worm, a disease caused by contaminated water. Guinea worm is unheard of in the developed world but still affects many children in northern Ghana.

Our trip began in the capital, Accra, where we visited several projects that Unicef had a big hand in developing. One of them offered young girls the chance to learn sewing and handcraft skills and others offered children the opportunity of an education. I was amazed at how well the children coped. They all lived in the slums but were still smiling and simply happy to be part of a school programme. These were the lucky children who could go to school and get three meals a day.
We also visited a peer education programme, where kids are taught about the risks of HIV/Aids. Sitting in on the session made me think about how advanced sex education was there. The kids were about 10 years old and they were comfortable talking about sex. It's the kind of topic New Zealand children wouldn't expect to learn about until they're a little older but it highlights the kinds of situations kids in Ghana are faced with.
So many things stood out on that first day. One of them was walking to the slum area near the school. The smell was incredible. It was a shock to see people standing by their little huts made of nothing more than cardboard, which barely held together. A woman proudly showed us her home - a tiny box that was more like a shed. She'd decorated the walls to try and make it as homely as possible. The heat was nearly unbearable inside, with temperatures of more than 35 degrees C. I can only imagine what it's like to live in that heat all the time and not be able to have any windows in your house because of the risk of getting burgled.
Next we flew to Tamale, in the north, where we visited villages and schools and I competed in a bicycle race.
Embarrassingly, I fell off my bike when I skidded on the dirt track! I have battle scars to prove it - a massive bruise on my thigh and scrapes on my arm.
I can't say enough about the importance of bikes in the rural heartland, where villages are a long way from the nearest school. Bicycles make a huge difference, especially for girls, as a bike gives them the chance to get an education.
Before they got their bikes, the girls had to get up to do their chores and then walk many kilometres to school. Parents are reluctant to let girls go to school because it often means they aren't at home to help with chores. But with the bicycles they can fetch water, do their chores and still get to school. The difference bicycles make to their lives is incredible.
I've made a commitment to help Unicef New Zealand raise funds to provide 5000 bikes for Ghanaian children over the next two years. I'm determined to reach that goal.
Our group had brought skipping ropes, lollipops, toys, pens and New Zealand posters that we presented to a very grateful rural school. The looks on the children's faces made us wish we'd brought more.

Part of the visit also took place in a rural village, where there were a number of cases of guinea worm. Before we were welcomed by the chief and elders, we walked a short distance to a nearby dam where the villagers get water. It took me a few minutes to take in the scene. Women were collecting brown, foamy water from a pond they were sharing with animals. They knew the water was infected and likely to cause guinea worm - but they had no choice.
We met children who had been infected with guinea worm and it was heartbreaking looking at their faces and their wounds. I'm sure there are people back home who have no idea what this disease is. I can only say that the pain is excruciating for these children and I wish we could transport them to somewhere they could get proper care.
These children try to survive under such hard circumstances, it rips a hole in my heart. I felt helpless at not being able to do more.
The next day, I took part in the national polio immunisation day in Tamale and this was a fantastic thing to be part of. It's heartening to know that children are being immunised around the country.
Thinking back on my week in Ghana, I feel the experience has been both heart-wrenching and encouraging at the same time. I've felt a huge burden of responsibility because I've seen what these children and their communities are faced with. I've seen their reality and heard firsthand of their experiences and I can't help but be moved by the strength they show.
Most of all, my trip has made me appreciate what I've got. I take so much for granted, like walking to the tap for a drink or having a meal whenever I feel like one. In Ghana, a pen and paper can make someone's day. You come to these places and want to see an immediate change - but it's only with patience, time and money that change is possible.
I was keen to make this trip because it was an opportunity to see things with my own eyes. It's so much easier talking passionately about a subject like this when you've actually been there and seen the conditions the children live in. It has been a huge learning curve that's left me shocked at times - but it was also inspiring to see the difference that Unicef is making in the communities.
Seeing what I've seen has put a fire in my belly and made me determined to play my part. I know that whatever money is raised, it'll make a difference. These children have nothing so anything will make a difference.

I feel responsible for making sure these children have more facilities and clean water. I've got my sights set on the bicycle project first because I've seen the huge difference they make. A bicycle costs only $40. That amount seems so small and I want to encourage people to help. Things like a water pump will make a big difference too. There's water underground - it simply needs to be accessed. It would go a long way to helping these communities wipe out diseases such as guinea worm. Again, the amount of money is minute when you put it into perspective. It's ridiculous that human beings can't even get the basic necessities.
What I've taken away from this trip is the depth and strength of the human spirit. I've only seen a small amount but what has stood out for me has been the people who have maintained their generosity and dignity under the most trying of situations. It is humbling.
People can be sceptical about what they give to charities but, seeing what I've seen, I can guarantee that every dollar counts. We can all make a difference.

As told to Mere Mulu

If you'd like to make a donation to Hayleys Bikes for Ghana project, visit www.unicef.org.nz or phone 0800 800 194

写真撮影はお母さんのJill。