2007 Journey to Ghana In September, 7 GCJ alums and 2 newbies returned to Ghana. We dedicated the Children's Home in Axim, on Sept. 17th. 28 Children have moved into the facility, and it will eventually take 35. The children have formed an extended family - they call themselves the Western Heritage Home Scholars. It is not unusual for children in Ghana to grow up in several homes and the older children quickly take responsibility for the younger ones. It is quite possible that some of them will be there for awhile and then when some of the children of one of their biological extended families moves out, they might move in with that family. We will also support children in their homes where families are unable to do so, and pay their school expenses - at least for a few years until the WHH Orphanage and Community Centre becomes self-sustaining. The purpose for the community center on the top floor, is to provide training for women and others in the community, and to open an IT training and internet center. It has a separate entrance and may be rented for local functions.
Appreciative Inquiry: Canadian, Jim Taylor and I taught Appreciative Inquiry techniques - a strengths based methodology to find an individual or community's resourcefulness and empower them to create their own visions of their possible futures. It is used extensively in Story Project: Konongo Odumase Secondary School Library: Finally, I visited Konongo Odumase Secondary School where I taught and was librarian as a Canadian Volunteer from 1966-1968. Konongo Odumasi Secondary School (KOSS) is a government boarding school serving 1600 students in the Ashanti region. It was built in 1953 as a part of the new democracy of Ghana under its first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Recently the government began implementing a policy of improving the infrastructure of senior secondary schools, and KOSS has been designated as one of the schools to be upgraded to take pressure off some of the larger and better known schools. Many alumni from KOSS have become leaders in business, communities and government in Ghana. We would like to see a new generation of leaders emerge from KOSS. Accordingly, last year I At Konongo, I also trained 1000 students and 35 teachers in Appreciative Inquiry for their lives and work. The head of the science department has requested help for their labs. Anyone interested in adopting a lab with friends and family and making it a first rate teaching environment? All their teachers are university trained. The school would also like help purchasing 60 new computers for the students to begin to learn on the web. Back in North America, I am traveling and doing educational and engaging presentations and workshops in schools, churches and communities to inform and transform our ways of thinking about the world. 2006 Journey to Ghana
2005 Journey to the Niger Delta In 2005, 18 NorthAmericans went with Global Citizen Journey to Nigeria, and eventually to the village of Oporoza to build a library with the intention of bringing education and a vehicle for reconciliation to 2 clans that had been at odds for some 13 years. We were paired with 21 Nigerians from all over the country. We completed the library, and came to know and care for the Nigerian delegates in relationships that have persisted for many. This photo shows the 2 girls who were assigned to assist us by carrying water, doing our washing, etc. We came to know something of the conditions that women live in, through their's and others stories. We also came face to face with the complexities of the social disintegration caused by the oil industry and resulting pollution, a societal pattern of money intended for particular purposes being siphoned off by various layers of officials, and oil companies that began by making the most money possible for their shareholders, resulting in environmental degradation and social consequences.
I came home wanting to use my car less - I ride my bicycle or walk as much as possible - for I have seen what our insatiable appetite for black gold is doing to the poor in the region. You may read more about Global Citizen Journey and our projects at: www.globalcitizenjourney.org Testimonials for Public Speaking:
My impression of Barbara Gilday as a speaker could not be more positive. I have heard her speak on a number of occasions and found her presentations well organized, insightful, interesting and most of all relevant to my life. When I hear an announcement of a presentation by her I make a point of attending. 
Western Heritage Children's Home & Community Center.
development work. Jim had to come home early, so I continued the AI processes on my own, eventually teaching over 1100 students, teachers, business owners and board and community members. I've been asked to return next year to work with small communities, other schools and Chambers of Commerce. 
A major focus in my work this year was collecting human interest stories. Hagar Hajara Yakubu seen here has an inspirational story of her vision and the challenges growing up and getting an education. She is now the Director of the Community Development Vocational Institute. As a successful career woman, she has helped many others to manifest their dreams. My focus in the interviews was to help the interviewees see that their lives are important and to highlight their strenths and values. These stories are informing my presentations and will likely become the basis for a book. I am convinced that when we come to know our neighbors, we will become aware of their wisdom, be inspired by them, be thoughtful about some of the lessons we can learn from them, and become better global citizens ourselves. 
made a committment to raise funds to purchase books for the library. With other former volunteers and a former student, we completed our goal of fundraising in order to buy $20,000 of new books for the 1600 students there. Students and staff were elated at the opening. One comment made to the Headmaster: "Do we get to read these books?" Easy reading books and good literature would be welcome additions.
In 2006, 15 North Americans were paired with 14 Ghanaians, for projects in the small fishing village of Axim on the southwest coast of Ghana near Ivory Coast. For most of the year before, we communicated with the Western Christian Heritage Home - the name for the orphanage and community center that we were supporting- to discover their local needs and what sort of delegates would be useful. A Town Hall meeting helped residents identify what they loved about their town, what they would like to change, what resources they have internally and around them, and offered the opportunity to take first steps. People were very excited to have their voices heard. We had a variety of smaller, and in some cases, ongoing projects: HIV/AIDS education, an engineering study to prepare a waste water proposal to Engineers Without Borders, a women's business education day and information on micro-lending, the beginnings of the first internet cafe in the southwest region, paired schools that have ongoing connections and others. Delegates found the experience quite transformational, and many of the North Americans plan to return.
-Richard Feringer, Professor Emeritus & author, WWU Bellingham UU __________________________________________ I know Barbara Gilday - she's a winner in the pulpit, and we're lucky to have her in our congregation.
Barbara is always well-prepared, articulate and at ease. She is a polished professional: thoughtful, gentle, persuasive, and genuinely concerned about important things. How fortunate we are to know such people.
-Frank Morrow – Retired Judge Bellingham UU
Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship ____________________________________________________ Ms. Gilday is a fantastic speaker! Her knowledge and enthusiasm of developmental issues are grounded in the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity -motivating oneself to both reflection and action. She is an inspiration to us all!
-Robert Farkasch, Ph.D Skagit UU
Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, U of W., Bothell
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In a world and nation increasingly polarized and xenophobic, a clear message of our common humanity is essential. The human spirit can only thrive in harmony and cooperation.
Barbara Gilday, whom I've been privileged to hear speak on a number of occasions, has the ability to bring home vividly her experiences in other lands, primarily in Africa, that are a wide departure from commonly shared perceptions of life in the US. She helps us better appreciate the hardship others endure while Americans pursue a culture of accumulation and waste.
Yet, despite the burdens of life in the "third world", Barbara shows the hopefulness that shines through. In every way, a spiritually uplifting message that will broaden horizons too often limited here at home.
-Richard Treston - Alger -Retired probation officer. Member of the church's program, social justice and ministerial search committees. Skagit UU _________________________________________
Recently I had the pleasure of hearing Barbara Gilday's presentation on her visit to Nigeria. Few Americans know much about this African nation though its oil resources are vital to the economy. In less than an hour, Barbara was able to fast forward the audience's awareness of its many important features. Not only did we learn a lot, but her obvious affection for the Nigerian people warmed our hearts and helped us to feel our connection to them. We were shown a series of beautiful PowerPoint photos as she narrated her experiences and encounters in various settings. Clothed in a beautiful Nigerian dress, she played recorded traditional music for us and showed us examples of everyday objects and art pieces as well. Explaining the joys and challenges of daily life, Barbara shared several deeply moving experiences with individuals and groups she met along the way. One came away from her presentation better informed and reflective upon how we are indeed all part of one human family, utterly connected even though separated by great distances. If you have the opportunity to hear her presentations, don't miss them!
-Becky Pillai – Teacher Bellingham UU
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I did thoroughly enjoy your presentation! It could have easily slipped over the line and become a lecture we could have heard at Whidbey Institute. Somehow, though, through your readings, demeanor, songs and chalice lighting you held us in sacred space so I felt I was still at a UU service. Thank you for that - it could not have been easy and you accomplished it with immense grace.
Your presentation certainly stirred me deeply. So, yes, your subject is timely, relevant, inspiring, appreciated, eye-opening. It is a call to action. And your personal story compliments your story about Africa in a very graceful manner. I do support what you are about and firmly believe any and all UU churches would appreciate your presence in their pulpits.
-Terri Anderson – Worship Chair Whidbey Island UU __________________________________________
Barbara Gilday immediately impressed me with her smile and the friendliness radiating from her eyes. Her message was well paced, organized, clearly stated and punctuated by readings from many faith communities and personal events. All in all, a delightful, insightful, thought provoking time which continues even now. Barbara, thank you for gracing us with your presence & bringing us this message.
-Ruth Peterson – Worship Chair, Pilgrim Congregational, Anacortes
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I don’t remember when I’ve had more positive feed back from our members about a guest speaker! Barbara is comfortable in and out of the pulpit and has so much to share. She’s a very warm and gracious lady. How fortunate we are to have her in our UU world.
-Theo Hull, Program Chair, Free Church Unitarian, Blaine.
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Barbara Gilday is an engaging speaker who touches the heart. Her many years of chaplaincy work with terminal patients has shown her the many important issues around the dying process for both the patient and the family and she is able to portray these common issues in meaningful ways. She was the highest rated speaker at our recent "End of Life" seminar.
-Ginny Baker – Counselor, Finance Committee and organizer: End of Life Seminar, Bellingham UU _________________________________________
Thanks again for being with us at Pilgrim last Sunday. It was a wonderful service. I especially appreciated your story telling and how it wove into the singing and remainder of the service.
-Denny Palmer – Layperson, Hymn Writer
Pilgrim Congregational Church, Anacortes. __________________________________________