VAM Village – A Model Project
100 acres have been purchased along the beautiful Volta River in the Sogakope area of Ghana. The land is less than 2 hours from Accra and it is an easy day trip for people from Togo, Nigeria and visitors inside of Ghana.
The property is in close proximity to medical treatment, within walking distance to a primary school and easy access to water and electricity. The land is level, gently sloping down to the rivers edge. One can sit on the banks of the river and watch the women from the neighboring village filling their pails and the fishermen casting their nets for the evening meal – this is a place with positive energy, lifting the spirit and a wonderful spot to create new beginnings for the village women.
VAM Village is to be built in such a way that it can be presented as a lasting example of Global Consciousness. We will promote ecological stewardship through maintenance of water quality for the Village and the return of unpolluted water to the Volta River; use of alternative forms of energy whenever possible; encourage recycling; engage in friendly farming techniques/applications; and construct all buildings using environmental and sustainable designs.
Over 25 acres have currently been cleared for planting. Members of the Ghana Department of Agriculture are overseeing operations. In addition, 100 coconut trees have been planted to provide shade and fruit, and we began the development of VAM Peace Garden.
VAM Village plans include VAM Girl’s Academy, a conference center for seminars, conferences and training sessions, as well as, hosting cultural events to celebrate and preserve the essence of African Heritage. Temporary housing for participants, visitors, staff and volunteers; catering facilities; administrative offices; and a nursery/kindergarten for the children of the participants will also be included.
VAM village will be used as a model for program graduates to take the concept to their countries and share what they have learned to establish similar programs.