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At Quirky Kid, we often talk about the importance of perspective by stepping outside our comfort zone to learn and grow.
This year, I had the privilege of putting that into practice away from our clinics on a four-week immersion program in Ghana, West Africa.
Supported by the UK non-profit agency Vocational Impact, this journey was a unique blend of professional development and personal connection. Accompanied by my daughter, Olivia, who is currently on her gap year, we travelled between Accra and the Cape Coast with a clear dual purpose: to enjoy precious time together and to gain a deeper understanding of the Ghanaian systems of psychology, psychiatry and criminology.
Clinical Observations: Resilience in Action
One of the most powerful aspects of the trip was witnessing how different systems support recovery and rehabilitation. Our itinerary provided rare access to institutions that few visitors see, including:
- A low-security prison surrounded by a mango farm where we met young people actively learning to bake, sew and raise piglets to reduce youth crime and recidivism.
- Stories of Recovery: At the Ankafel Psychiatric Hospital, we were humbled by the Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous group meetings, where we witnessed the power of vulnerability and peer support in the face of addiction.
- Female Detectives: At Accra's largest police station, we met three senior detectives with a passion for true crime, higher education and persistence.
Bridging Academic Worlds
A major professional highlight was the opportunity to collaborate with local peers. I had the honour of leading an educational discussion at Accra's Women and Children's Hospital, joined by clinical psychologists and students from the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
The exchange of ideas was so invigorating that it led to an unexpected and exciting outcome: I was invited by the Dean of UCC's School of Educational Psychology to apply for a paid Adjunct Lecturer position. I have submitted my application and am thrilled by the prospect of teaching at West Africa's top-ranking university to go beyond the surface of Ghana.
Rhythm and Grace
On weekends, Olivia and I immersed ourselves in the daily rhythm of Ghanaian life. We fell in love with the colour, creativity, grace, pride, playfulness and fashion sense of people going about their business.
- Shea Butter and Fabric: The local shea butter did wonders for our brittle traveller’s hair and dry skin. While we navigated the local seamstress scene with our bundles of cotton fabrics and bright zippers, we found Augustine! She can make anything your heart desires.
- Community Connection: Whether sharing local taxis, chatting with uni students or watching fishermen haul their boats onto the sand to reveal their catch, we felt a deep sense of community.
Travellers at Heart ❤️
While the professional outcomes were significant, I loved stepping out of the "expert" role in favour of travel buddy and mum to Olivia. We laughed so hard together about hilarious incidents and misunderstandings that still make us laugh until we cry today. Honing our travel skills together in Ghana is something I will definitely always cherish.
Returning to Australia, I felt energised by the experience—excited about future academic collaborations and deeply grateful for the reminder that connection, in the clinic or abroad, is the foundation for everything fun.
