Members visiting the Ladysmith Credit Union this week may notice someone new.
The staff, through the Canadian Co-operative Association, has welcomed Mavis Nketia from Ghana City in Ghana for a 10-day visit.
Tara Hawes, with the credit union, noted the LDCU does so much locally and wanted to try something different by reaching internationally.
“It’s called the Women’s Mentorship Program,” said Hawes.
In all, 14 women from Africa and Asia are taking part in the program.
While she had only been in town a few hours when the Chronicle spoke to Nketia, she was ready to make the most of her experience.
“I’m very, so excited,” she said.
It wasn’t all new for Nketia when she walked through the doors of the credit union. She found that they made T-shirts with Ghana’s national flag.
“I’m very happy that when I came they designed a T-shirt,” laughed Nketia.
Nketia has worked at a credit union in Ghana for seven years.
“I want to learn more and have more knowledge … I will improve my credit union,” said Nketia.
During her stay, Nketia will have a sailing trip, visit the Chemainus Theatre, and visit all three elementary schools as well as learn about the credit union’s loan controls and delinquency process. She will also be attending a board meeting and spending time with staff.
Nketia said Ladysmith has completely different landscape from Ghana and is looking forward to seeing all it has to offer.
When asked if she finds it cold, Nketia lets out a quiet laugh.
Hawes said candidates are matched up with areas similar in size to their hometowns and Ladysmith was the best fit for Nketia, whose town has a population of 25,000.
“It was a better fit for her in Ladysmith,” said Hawes.
Hawes and Nketia said they would love the people of Ladysmith to come by this week, say hello and show Nketia some Ladysmith hospitality.