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Naa Nardu Quaye returned to her roots in
Ghana
The Buffalo News, April 13, 2008
Naa Nardu Quaye, of Buffalo,
took a journey back to her roots when she spent last
semester in Ghana, where her father was born.
“Americans tend to have one image of Africa, but until you
go there and experience it for yourself, you’ll never know,”
said the 2004 Nichols School graduate. “I felt completely at
home the second I arrived.”
Taking advantage of a study-abroad opportunity through the
School for International Training, the 22-year-old “spent a
lot of time meeting new family. They made me feel more than
welcome. I have one uncle, three aunties and numerous
cousins, all of whom I miss dearly,” she said.
In Ghana, Naa also interacted “with musicians, artists and
dancers to explore Ghana’s history and culture.
“I learned how to make pottery, paint and weave kente
cloth,” she said. “I also took numerous dance classes, which
became my favorite activity in Ghana.”
At the end of her program, the senior at Lake Forest College
in Illinois, had an independent study project. Naa’s topic?
What else — “Traditional West African Dance and Modern
Styles.”
While she had the opportunity to visit places such as Mole
National Park, Elmina Castle and Kakum National Park, she
also volunteered at the Osu Children’s Home and taught in a
primary school in the village of Naama.
“Children in Ghana have wonderful spirits,” Naa said. “I
learned that those who come from unfortunate backgrounds
still have high spirits and smiling faces. It touched my
heart.
“I can’t wait to return to Ghana to be with my family and
return to my friends.”
Naa majors in sociology and anthropology with a minor in
political science, and after graduation she plans to work
with a nonprofit organization involved with human rights and
international affairs.
“Eventually I would like to work for the United Nations and
become a strong voice and leader for the people of Ghana and
other parts of Africa.”
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