In Praise of Hearts by Tete Cobblah

As the Witness Tree Institute closes its 2024 program, I would like to spend these few minutes thanking all our supporters and Congratulations to the Witness Tree Institute’s Cohort of 2024! You lived up to the true meaning of the Adinkra symbol you chose to guide you during your inspiring two-week session in Ghana. Your choice of the Adinkra symbol -Ese ne Tekerama, symbolizing the necessary coexistence of tongue and teeth, set the stage for the character of your kinetic and erudite cohort. Even before you set foot on the soil of Ghana, you began living it. My initial impression of all of you proved prescient. Memma mo nyinaa mo, mo, mo! At the close of what has been a dynamic program, I would like to say farewell and good luck to all members of Cohort 2024, and to dedicate my blog entry to the memory of our friend Michael Salvatore who passed away in February 2024. As I may have said to you at the beginning of the program, “We do not walk alone.” We began the program with a prayer to our ancestors and loved ones who have passed into the spirit world. As leaders of the 2024 program, we brought the spirit of our friend Mike Salvatore with us on this journey. Mike was a talented musician and educator who spent most of his life teaching music and playing the piano and organ at church. His first gig was at the age of 13 in a church in Utica, New York. He had a mission in life, and for over 40 years he was a music teacher and a church musician until his passing.

When he passed away at a tender age, sympathizers, friends and family were encouraged to donate towards the Witness Tree Institute’s scholarship fund. Mike was always interested in the work of WTIG and encouraged us to continue to share love, learning through music.

In the above photo Mike (middle) is seen singing at a concert celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, with the faculty choir of his beloved Fenn school, in Concord, MA. Liz and I brought his spirit with us on this journey of learning and growth. We invoked Mike’s youthful spirit, his sense of humor, fun-loving dedication to music, his faith and his love of life often. Even from the land of the spirits, Mike continued to make a difference. Thanks to donations in memory of Mike, and the generosity of his family and church, WTIG was able to offer some financial assistance to half of our participants.  What Mike’s life taught us at the Witness Tree Institute is that finding purpose in life is a path to understanding it.  Despite its moments of nothingness, incredibility, hardships and confusion, life is an amazing gift of beauty and wonder. Purpose is when yo realize why you exist at all. We are grateful for the life of Mike and devoted educators like him.

During this summer’s WTIG program, we all practiced Gracious Space, exploring non-judgment, curiosity, courage, understanding, imparity and forgiveness. Throughout our various workshops, seminars and visits to schools, we experienced big-hearted giving from our instructors and hosts. Over the years, the Witness Tree Institute has developed connections and partnerships with schools like Boston University, the University of Ghana, Carroll School, Accra College of Education, and prominent individuals like Professor Kofi Asare Opoku, Professor Pashington Obeng, Agya Koo Nimo and Dr. Elsa Wiehe. We have also created and maintained relationships with Ghanaian communities while supporting their local schools. The Witness Tree Institute continues to support these local schools including Nyigbenya D/A Basic School, Nyigbenya D/A Basic School and Kpohe D/A Basic School. It has been our practice to visit these schools during program, and to donate gifts that aid learning and well-being. This year WTIG, with help from members of the cohort, schools, individuals and a company like Staples, Acton, donated IT equipment, feminine products, books, stationary etc.

One of the most memorable moments which moved me deeply was the elaborate welcome from Ms. Cecilia Laweh and Mr. Clement Gbortimah and the students and faculty of the Kpohe D/A Basic and Nyigbenya D/A Basic schools when we visited them. The Cohort was met with dancing and singing from cheerful and excited students and teachers. We were feted and given access to classrooms, games, lessons and discussing pedagogy with teachers and students. We couldn’t have imagined a more rewarding day! At the welcoming assembly at Kpohe D/A Basic School, WTIG Cohort 2024 was joined in singing Ghana Nyigba, a patriotic song we had learned in a few days, by the Kpohe student choir. As the two groups stood side by side singing, I was struck by the beautiful diversity and the richness that was wrought from this unity. It was both moving and inspiring. 

A big thank you to our WTIG Board and Council for their undying support and counsel. The WTIG team on the ground in Ghana and in the USA, to all participants, companies and friends who donated books, stationery to schools and students in Ghana, we thank you. Special thanks also to all our dynamic instructors in Ghana who poured out their hearts into the work of learning, we are truly grateful. Without supporters like you, our families and friends like Mike and his family who believe in professional development for educators but also the importance of teachers and global education, some of the incredibly talented and dedicated teachers of the WTIG cohort of 2024 would not have been able to attend the institute—and have an experience that will certainly make a difference in their communities. 

Finally, to my dear co-leader Liz Updike Cobblah, and my good friends, Elise Mott, David Duane, Rosalie Norris, Dela Awutey, Elizabeth Aikins and Kwasi Ntim Agyei on the WTIG team of 2024, together we make the strongest team ever. I, and generations of students, are indebted to you.

I’ll close with the ending of a song that the 2024 Witness Tree Institute cohort sang during a tropical downpour which resulted in the canceling of a mini durbar with the King of Aburi, Otoobuo Nana Kwasi, and granted us a more intimate meeting with the King. This meeting at the King’s palace capped the two-week experience of Witness Tree Institute 2024.

The song ends with the words, “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me.” 

Tete Cobblah is a retired educator and the founder and Director of The Witness Tree Institute of Ghana.

A JOURNEY OF EXPLORING GHANA: LESSONS LEARNED BEYOND THE CLASSROOM by Godwin Afful

A Chinese proverb says, "I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand." This wisdom perfectly encapsulates my transformative experience during a two-week professional development program in Ghana. As a member of the Ghanaian Cohort in this year's WTIG program, I am deeply grateful to the founders, Mr. Tete Cobblah and Mrs. Elizabeth Updike Cobblah, and the entire team for this phenomenal initiative to enhance the pedagogical skills of Ghanaian and American educators.

As a Ghanaian educator and physically handicapped person, this journey has been profoundly impactful in challenging my potential and helping me discover my true identity. Reflecting on these past few weeks, I realize that every activity on the program schedule was an invaluable opportunity to learn something new. Whether it was

meeting new people or exploring new places, each experience offered a memorable lesson. As educators, embracing open-mindedness is crucial to uncovering the lessons every experience has to offer. Until we take responsible risks to learn something new, we might miss opportunities for personal and professional development.

Despite not knowing each other beforehand, the bond we formed within the Ghanaian cohort and with our American counterparts felt as though we had known each other for years. We shared meals, laughed, sang, and had conversations on the bus and in group discussions as if we were family. These moments of togetherness made every day's activity exciting for everyone. The gifts, words of gratitude and warm embraces we exchanged on the last day will always be cherished, keeping us connected despite the distance.

The venerable Benjamin Franklin once said, "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." The roles I was assigned during this program, such as leading morning reflections, group discussions, and presentations, gave me unique experiences to discover and enhance my leadership and public speaking skills. Though I sometimes felt nervous, these tasks taught me valuable lessons in courage and resilience.

Our visits to places like Aburi Botanical Gardens, Ananse Kwae, the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, and Kakum National Park offered a chance to reconnect with nature. As soon as we approached these tourist sites, we were welcomed by the lush green forests, medicinal plants, and food crops in these places that we visited. These visits re- echoed to me of Africa's natural wealth and the significance of preserving our natural environment. As Prof. Kofi Asare Opoku emphasized in his recent interview with Joy News, admiring nature helps us resonate with our environment and recognize the divine in nature. This reflection highlighted the need for collective efforts in preserving our forest reserves, especially in the face of threats like illegal mining and urbanization. This can be incorporated in school curriculums to encourage basic school children to cultivate the habit of tree planting.

The Donkor Nsuo (Slave River) experience in Assin Manso, where slaves had their last bath on African soil before being marched down to Cape Coast and Elmina Castle, gave me a deeper understanding of the slave trade activity as a history educator that I will be sharing with my students. Walking through the dungeons of Cape Coast Castle was a moment of profound introspection regarding the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, in which Africans were forcibly taken from their homes in the 16th century and transported to the Americas to work. Listening to the tour guide, I felt the excruciating pain my ancestors endured while being held captive. The stark contrast between the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel Church and the Governor's well-ventilated room above the dungeons underscored the unimaginable cruelty inflicted upon them. These experiences were a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of my ancestors, who endured such immense suffering.

This immersive experience in Accra, Eastern and Central region of Ghana has been a journey of transformation, self-discovery, and learning. The visceral understanding of my heritage has reinforced the importance of embracing new experiences, building meaningful connections, and preserving our natural and historical heritage. As Kwame Nkrumah eloquently said, "I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me." This quote resonates deeply with me, encapsulating the profound bond I feel with my roots and the collective history of my people.

Participating in the WTIG program has provided me with invaluable insights and a renewed sense of purpose. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to engage with the rich history and culture of Ghana. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of the past but has also inspired me to apply these lessons in both my personal and professional life. I look forward to sharing this newfound knowledge with my students, helping them to appreciate the significance of our heritage and the enduring spirit of our ancestors.

By Godwin Kwesi Afful
History, Computing, Science Teacher, Grade 1 - 4 Wudfort Bliss Academy, Ablekuma, Accra, Ghana

Rhythms of Ghana by Esther Long

“Rhythm is sound in motion. It is related to the pulse, the heartbeat, the way we breathe. It takes us into ourselves; it takes us out of ourselves.”

Edward Herschel

On June 21st, our six Ghanaian cohort teachers warmly welcomed us to Accra with a home cooked meal, drumming, dance and singing, our first glimpse into a rich culture that is built on traditions such as storytelling, dance and song. The following day we were formally welcomed to Ghana with a naming ceremony. My African Day name is Efua, indicating that I was born on Friday. After the naming ceremony, one of our American colleagues, Charline, was installed as the Queen Mother of our 18 person group to help insure that everyone’s needs were met during our two week educational program. In Ghana, clans and villages typically have a queen mother, who cares for the members of community and performs other ceremonial roles. During the installation ceremony, dancers and drummers performed ethnic dances from 4 regions of Ghana.

The rhythms of the music, and drumming patterns of Ghanaian music at first felt unfamiliar and even strange.  This surprised me given my eclectic taste in music that ranges from classical to American pop.  I was enchanted by the footwork of the dancers  which sprang from the complicated rhythms of the drum and castanets. The following day we took a dance class with professor Dr. Kofi Anthonio at the University of Ghana. He taught us a dance that felt very intricate to this novice dancer. He told us the story that went with the dance, with each movement telling part of the story. It was easier to learn each movement when we knew what each movement represented. This lesson helped me to internalize some of the rhythms that initially felt so unfamiliar. At the beginning of the trip, I felt self-conscious about my perceived lack of rhythm, but with time my self-consciousness eased, and I began to see that dance in Ghana has a big social component, and it is fun. Everyone participates, including the very young and the old, and there is no judgement about dancing skills.

Much like these rhythms of music, there are rhythms in Ghanaian life that we have caught glimpses of during the many hours we have spent traveling the coast and southern plain of Ghana. Roosters often greet us with their crows as we wake up in the morning. Chickens and goats seem to be everywhere. They wander freely along the roads, in the markets, on school grounds, and even on the beaches.

 I taught 47 eighth grade Ghanaian students a lesson on the suffix y. It is a lesson that my eighth grade students at the Carroll School complete in their reading tutorial. The students were engaged during the lesson and were very eager to play the word bingo game that I brought with me.

 One thing that has stood out to me in my two weeks in Ghana is how hard Ghanaian women work. They are often outside all day in the stifling heat and humidity. At schools, I saw a few teachers or relatives of teachers carrying babies and toddlers on their backs while going about their duties.

I also saw women of all ages walking the streets day in and day out, peddling their wares, which they carry on their heads.  Yet, they carry out their work with a grace that belies the physical demands, and we were met with smiles of kindness.

Traditionally Ghanaian women do all of the cooking, cleaning, and laundry, and clothes are often washed by hand and hung up outside to dry. Seeing Ghanaian women juggle so much to maintain their households, bring in some money, and put food on the table, makes me thankful for the conveniences and resources that we have at home that make everyday living and working a little easier.  However, I admire the values of respect, honor, and importance of family that dominate the social structure.

I have also seen for myself the rituals and traditions such as storytelling, music and dance that contribute to keeping families and communities connected to each other through the passage of time.

I will greatly miss the rhythms of life that have connected all of us together. We all have bonded deeply with our Ghanaian teaching cohorts, and they feel like family now. It will be hard to say goodbye.  As we return to the different rhythm of our lives at home, we will carry the rhythm of Ghana with us to share with our family, friends, and students.

 Esther Long, Reading Instructor, grades 8+9, Carroll School, Wayland Massachusetts

Twi on the Bus, Painting on the Beach: Experiential Learning in Ghana By Joanna Dunn

We have had many long bus rides during our time in Ghana.  Traffic and difficult road conditions made these rides even longer.  But the length of these rides has been a gift.  A gift of togetherness and time with our Ghanaian colleagues.  Time to learn songs. Time to talk with them about their families, educational experiences, and religious customs.  And time to learn from them some phrases in the Twi language. 

We have laughed together at my terrible mispronunciations as I tried to form my lips around new sounds that simply don’t exist in English.  The Ghanaian teachers have been so encouraging and helpful, breaking complicated words down into syllables and repeating them many times so I could hear the individual sounds to string together.

I learned that embedded in Twi is the great respect Ghanaians have for family members.  Older brothers and sisters are addressed not just with their names but with Bra and Na before the name to show respect.

During our time here it has been so amazing to listen to our Ghanaian colleagues speaking so many languages and dialects, and easily switching from one language to another, something they take for granted.  In addition to English and Twi many also know Ga, Ewe. Dangbe, Fante, and more.  One of our Ghanaian colleagues is also a sign-language interpreter.

One might add to this that the Adinkra symbols prevalent throughout Ghana are an additional visual language, where embedded within each symbol is a whole proverb or story.

The Witness Tree Institute program has also provided time to rest and reflect in beautiful natural settings, including Anomabo Beach on the coast.  Here there was a quiet afternoon where we had time to slow down, observe, and draw and paint our surroundings.  I sat with three colleagues, one American and two Ghanaians, and we all drew from the view in front of us.  

Olivia very carefully observed our fellow educators while they played football (soccer) on the beach.  With her visual language she captured so much about the gesture, outfit, and feeling of each individual coming together in friendship.

Godwin and I collaborated on a piece, he painting into a gestural ink drawing I made.  I love how he created a halo of light around each figure with his technique.

Then Godwin created this carefully observed view of the stone jetties and sky, canoes in the distance, small figures running in the foreground, muted hues for rocks and sand.

Meghan approached the same scene with her own lens and visual language.  No figures, no boats, but instead the simplicity of rocks, sea, and sky holds the space. 

It is hard to believe that tomorrow many of us will already be leaving and crossing this sea on flights back to the United States.

The friendships we have made and experiences we have had here in Ghana have transformed us.  We have helped each other cross rope bridges high up in the canopy of the rainforest.  We have given each other confidence to try swimming for the first time, or even touch a crocodile.  We have stood together in respectful silence with our feet in the waters of the river where captured people were bathed before being auctioned by slave traders.

Yes, we have sat together around conference tables and discussed the important work of lesson plans and classroom management, regular “teacher stuff.”  But we have also held each other when we have fallen off swings or twisted a knee, played competitive Uno deep into the night, and walked into a botanical preserve to smell fresh cinnamon and bay leaves. All of our senses have been awakened.  And we have deeply bonded with this country and our fellow teachers here. 

Afie.  Home.  One of the first words I learned in Twi.  The elder who blessed me on one of our very first days here told me, “Ghana is your first home.  Please return many times.”

By Joanna Dunn, Ceramics and Fine Arts Teacher, Fenn School, Concord, Massachusetts, USA

Our Ghanaian Counterparts by JohnDerek Daniels

Embarking on this trip to Ghana has been nothing short of amazing, offering an immersive dive into the vibrant Culture, Heritage, and History that shows itself in all aspects of this beautiful country. Yet, what made this experience truly memorable and impactful was the pleasure of experiencing everything alongside the Ghanaian teachers in our Cohort. Tete and Liz have outdone themselves in many respects, but maybe most of all in their selection of local educators whose passion is evident in everything they do. The willingness to share their homeland provided every moment with a sense of authenticity and offered a unique opportunity to experience Ghanaian Culture through the eyes of those who actively live within and contribute to it.

Spending time with the Ghanaian educators reminded me of and reinforced an enduring truth that has become increasingly more apparent – our common humanity. Beneath the diverse complexities of our different lives – our varied experiences, backgrounds, and personalities – lies a core of shared dreams and emotions. Regardless of where we come from, we are the same in our pursuit of fulfillment and our efforts to navigate life in pursuit of our best selves.

Throughout this trip, my connection with the Ghanaian teachers has deepened more and more every day, resulting in moments of simple enjoyment just being in each other's company. We've built bonds over the unique distinctions between our cultures that, somehow consistently lead us back to shared perspectives and foundational beliefs. Additionally, our connections were strengthened by universal passions that transcend physical location - a shared love for cuisine, sports, and the simple pleasure of genuine company. It's these aspects that have shed light on the value and beauty of cross-cultural exchange and shared experiences.

I would like to thank each of the Ghanaian teachers for their invaluable contributions to the program and for bringing their unique personalities to our cohort. It was their presence that truly defined the spirit and success of this year's program. Maybe most of all, I am grateful for their patience and understanding when dealing with the American teachers because I’m sure at times they needed it.

John Derek (in the middle) with the Ghanaian Teachers of the WTIG Cohort

Dela (Close Right Side - Yellow/Brown Shirt) and Kwasi (Far Right Side - Blue Shirt) - have been the backbone working tirelessly behind the scenes. I want them to know their efforts are both seen and deeply appreciated. Day in and day out, they've gone above and beyond to ensure the smooth progression of the program, coordinating transportation, handling luggage, arranging meals, and perhaps most memorably, providing the soundtrack for our road trips. Beyond this, they stand out as amazing human beings and genuinely remarkable individuals, making significant impacts within their communities through their incredible work.

Olivia (Left Middle) and Ama (Right Middle) - Are two of the most loving, caring individuals I have ever met. Every morning their quiet warmth brings a brightness to the group, creating an atmosphere that feels lacking in their absence. Whether they are going back and forth at the market bargaining for every American teacher or setting an unreachably high precedent with their amazing vocals you can always count on them to be there for you with a smile.

Godwin (Close Left Side - Floral Shirt) - Comes off in the beginning as a more reserved individual - which I can resonate with greatly and appreciate, but once you get him going the conversation can flow for hours and will be interesting and engaging the entire time. Always willing to share his thoughts, ideas, and perspectives and enthusiastic to break down Ghanaian concepts, and phrases (even the bad words), to help the Americans have a better understanding of his home. You can always count on Godwin to be the best dressed, flyest person in the Cohort and somehow always has an even better shirt ready for the next day.

Ernest (Far Left Side - Pink Shirt) - Is someone who I can confidently say has become a very good friend of mine. It's as if, despite being worlds apart, we somehow converge on numerous shared interests and philosophies about life and the universe. There have been many conversations about incredibly sophisticated concepts regarding societal concepts and our roles within them. Yet, in the next breath, we’ll be goofing around, laughing, or watching Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euros (Side Note that needed to be included: despite CR7 missing a penalty that Ernest was willing to bet his entire livelihood on - he hasn’t lost faith in his favorite player.) Ernest's remarkable work within his community, particularly through sign language interpretation, his lofty ambitions, and his keenness to embrace diverse viewpoints, truly inspire me. I will always be thankful for the experiences we shared during this trip together, from co-teaching a programming lesson for ninth graders to the simple pleasure of breaking bread together.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to these wonderful people. Their influence made this experience full of learning, laughter, and genuine connection and in many ways has made me in better person.

JohnDerek Daniels

STEM/Technology and Programming, grades 9-12 Church Farm School, Exton, Pennsylvania

Finding Efua, by Charline Alexandre- Joseph

Being of Haitian lineage, and our family being able to trace back its origin to Ghana, made this professional development program a personal enrichment. This program held special significance for me - a connection to my roots that I had longed to explore.  Attending Church, getting to know my Ghanaian colleagues in the cohort, working with a 7th grade class, talking to each presenter we encountered and each hospitality professional we engaged with, gave me so much inspiration. It was a feeling of coming full circle, of understanding where I came from and how that shapes who I am today.  One aspect of my journey that stands out is the deep sense of responsibility for others that permeates the Ghanaian culture. From colleagues who were always willing to share their meal with you, think of your needs first, laugh with you, and support one another in times of need, I was inspired by the collective mindset that underpinned daily experience in Ghana. It made me reflect on my own role in my community back home… I’m embarrassed to say that I was relieved to leave my daily life for a couple of weeks;  I assumed, and shared my plan at home, that I would have a chance to enhance my listening skills, step down from verbal leadership, and be more introspective. In hindsight, I was being quite hard on myself.  The opposite thing happened while in the program.

In Ghana, I learned about the concept of the Queen Mother, a powerful and influential figure in many Ghanaian communities. The Queen Mother plays a vital role in governance, community development, and conflict resolution, wielding significant authority and respect. I was appointed the Queen Mother for our Cohort. When I learned this, I was surprised- I could see all of the plans I had for myself dissolving. I could only see the role I played in my daily life- overthinking and worrying about other people’s needs; neglecting my own, and of course, being too hard on myself. 

When we arrived for The Witness Tree Institute, we were warmly greeted by our Ghanaian colleagues who thoughtfully took time to cook dinner for us and welcome us with music and games. It was pure love and kindness. Six people who didn’t know anything about us, opened their hearts to make sure their new colleagues were comfortable. The first full day of the Witness Tree Program brought a generous welcome through a Ga Welcome Ceremony. Elders traveled and gathered from afar to welcome us into their community, wished us prosperity, and reminded us to return to Ghana often.

It was at the Ga Welcome Ceremony where I met Efua.  During the ceremony, there is an important distinction about leadership. One of the linguists noted that Queen Mother is a warrior for her people, but also is one who settles conflicts among her people with a responsible and thoughtful nature. For the first time in a long time, I saw leadership as a blessing or a calling. Since I was a little girl, leadership has called on me, and on this trip I learned that I shouldn’t try to escape but embrace this part of my character. My day name is Efua - born on Friday (Feminine). I can’t help but think about the fact that the Queen Mother announcement was made on a Friday evening, followed by a full moon and the Ga Welcome Ceremony the next day. Things feel anew to me. Leadership now brings up thoughts of beauty, community, and trust. Trust from the Witness Tree Institute, and trust from the elders that I would do right by our cohort and that I would put them first. It’s the first time I’ve thought about leadership and someone trusting you, as a gift and privilege instead of a burden or stress that I will get it wrong when I am too tired.

Witnessing the reverence and leadership of the Queen Mother highlighted for me the importance of strong female figures in society and the value of women's voices in decision-making processes. I have the blessing of being able to collaborate with just about anyone. Interacting with multiple personalities reminds me of the trip our cohort took to Nkyinkyim Museum where we saw an obelisk that depicted multiple personalities as animals with a variety of temperaments.

As I delved deeper into my heritage, I also came to a profound realization - it's okay to be myself. In a world that often demands conformity, being in Ghana taught me the beauty of embracing my identity, with all its complexities and contradictions. I felt a sense of liberation in accepting and celebrating all parts of myself, knowing that each facet contributes to the rich tapestry of who I am.

 In the end, my journey to Ghana was not just a physical voyage but a spiritual and emotional one as well. It was a journey of self-discovery, of refreshing my understanding of importance of community, responsibility, and the empowerment of women through figures like the Queen Mother. Ghana will always hold a special place in my heart, a place where I found pieces of myself that I never knew were missing. The place where I found Efua.

Charline Alexandre- Joseph Academic Advisor, Admissions Counselor Massasoit Community College Brockton, Massachusetts.

I AM FROM, by Ama Acheampong

I am from a home with many mothers,

Where love and chaos, in harmony gather like sisters From a father's love, divided yet whole, Where respect for elders is a virtue beyond, a treasure to hold

 I am from the rhythm of Adowa's beat,

Where graceful steps move to the drum's repeat. I am from the swirl of Kente's colorful might from the culture of "Eti sen" and "Ye fre wo sen?" Where relationships are built with every greeting and every fen.

I am from a family that values faith, with Christianity as our guide Service to humanity, a true definition of my faith.

I am from a daughter's heart that cherishes her father so dear yet fears the day he may leave due to old age's tear.

I am from a spirit that yearns to achieve and grow, with goals to succeed, to learn, and to make a positive impact to show.

I AM AMA ACHEAMPONG

Ama Acheampong

Nyigbenya D/A Basic School, English Language 7-9, Ghana

The soft-loud voice by Kwasi’s Ntim Agyei

Have you ever noticed how people often say that teachers don't earn much? It's kind of ironic, isn't it? Let's start by talking about a well-known poem that illustrates just how much influence teachers have, and how these spiritual and emotional dedicated teachers respond to this calling.

I want to share the poem What Teachers Make (click) with my Ghanaian teachers to let them know that similarly, American teachers, are undervalued. And yet, we all matter more than society acknowledges. I am proud to be a teacher!
I’ve tried to memorize Taylor Mali’s poem, and also happily translated it into Twi. I hope it inspires all my Ghanaian cohort members and other Ghanaian teachers. Here is Taylor Mali’s poem in Twi.

Ɔse ɔhaw a ɛwɔ akyerɛkyerɛfoɔ ho ne;
Dɛn na abofra bi bɛsua
efi obi a osii ɔkwan a eye sen biara a obetumi afa  so wɔ asetra mu sen sɛ sɔbɛyɛ ɔkyerɛkyerɛfo?
Ɔkae ahɔho afoforo no anwummere no sɛ ɛyɛ nokware nea wɔka fa akyerɛkyerɛfo ho:
Wɔn a wobetumi, yɛ; wɔn a wontumi, kyerɛkyerɛ.
Misi gyinae sɛ mɛka me tɛkrɛma mmom sen ne de na ko tia sɔhwɛ a ɛne sɛ wobɛkae ahɔho a wobedi anwummere no sɛ nea wɔka fa mmaranimfo ho yɛ nokware.
Efisɛ yɛredidi, ne nyinaa akyi no, na eyi yɛ nkɔmmɔbɔ a ɛyɛ animtew.

Mekyerɛ sɛ, woyɛ ɔkyerɛkyerɛfo, Taylor.
Di nokware. Dɛn na woyɛ?

Na me yam a anka wanyɛ saa — ɔsrɛɛ me sɛ menka nokware — .
efisɛ, woahu, mewɔ saa nhyehyɛe yi a ɛfa nokwaredi ne afunumu-‐abɔnten ho:
sɛ wobisa a, ɛnde ɛsɛ sɛ mema wo nya bi.
Wopɛ sɛ wuhu nea meyɛ?
Mema mmofra yɛ adwumaden sen sɛnea na wosusuw sɛ wobetumi.
Metumi ma C+ ate nka sɛ Congressional Medal of Honor na A-‐ te sɛ nea wɔabɔ no akuturuku.
Ɛbɛyɛ dɛn na woanya akokoduru sɛe me bere
ne biribiara a ennu nea eye sen biara.
Mema mmofra tra ase wɔ simma 40 adesua dan mu wɔ kommyɛ koraa mu. Dabi, ebia monyɛ adwuma wɔ akuw mu.
Dabi, ebia woremmisa asɛm biara.
Dɛn nti na meremma wo nkɔ aguaree?
Efisɛ w’afono wo.
Na enhia sɛ wokɔ aguaree ankasa, ɛnte saa?
Mema awofo ho popo wɔ ehu mu bere a mefrɛ fie no:
Hi. Oyi ne Owura Mali.
Mewɔ anidaso sɛ manfrɛ wɔ bere bɔne mu, .

Na mepɛ sɛ me ne wo kasa fa biribi a wo ba no kae nnɛ ho ara kwa.
Ɔkae wɔ asisifo kɛse a ɔwɔ adesuakuw no mu no fam no, .
“Gyae abofra no nkutoo. Ɛtɔ mmere bi a meda so ara su, ɛnte saa?
Ɛnyɛ asɛm kɛse.”
Na ɛno ne akokoduru adeyɛ a ɛkorɔn sen biara a mahu pɛn.
Mema awofo hu wɔn mma sɛnea wɔyɛ
ne nea wobetumi ayɛ.

Wopɛ sɛ wuhu nea meyɛ? Mema mmofra susuw sɛ, .
Mema wogye akyinnye.
Mema wɔkasa tia.

Mema wɔpa kyɛw na mekyerɛ sɛ mepɛ.
Mema wɔkyerɛw.
Mema wɔkenkan, kenkan, kenkan.
Mema wɔkyerɛw wɔn din fɛfɛɛfɛ, akyinnye biara nni ho sɛ ɛyɛ fɛ,
akyinnye biara nni ho sɛ ɛyɛ fɛ, mpɛn pii ne mpɛn pii kosi sɛ wɔrenkyerɛw nsɛm a ɛnte da saa nsɛmfua no mu biako bio.
Mema wɔkyerɛ wɔn adwuma nyinaa wɔ akontaabu mu
na wɔde sie wɔn nsɛm a etwa to a wɔde kyerɛw nsɛm wɔ Borɔfo kasa mu  no so.
Mema wɔte ase sɛ sɛ woanya eyi a,
afei wodi eyi akyi.
na sɛ obi bɔ mmɔden da sɛ obebu wo atɛn a
ɛnam nea woyɛ so na wode eyi ma wɔn.

Ɛha yi, ma menkyekyɛ mu mma wo, na mubehu nea meka no yɛ nokware:
Akyerɛkyerɛfo yɛ nsonsonoe a ɛyɛ nyame!

Afei wo nso ɛ?

Taylor Mali na ɔkyerɛwee “Nea Akyerɛkyerɛfo Yɛ.”

Certainly the teachers of WTIG Cohort 2024 do more than one would know. At our Witness Tree Institute’s welcome dinner on June 21, the Ghanaian cohort members cooked dinner for the arriving American teachers. Every participant was greeted with a delightful song celebrating their name and identity. The prevailing positive energy has undeniably contributed to the team's unity. Our esteemed leaders consistently ensure the well-being and happiness of everyone, while all members make valuable contributions to support harmony and learning.

One way to bring people together is through song. This year, I have observed American teachers embracing a local Ghanaian song with great interest while Ghanaian cohort members also beamed with pride as others engaged the joys their culture.
What do teachers make? They make learning happen with each other , they find comfort in their calling, they sacrifice themselves for others, and they make music happen again and again to transform the world.

I was deeply moved when the cohort of American and Ghanaian educators sang this song of gratitude at Anomabo. What do teachers make? They make the world go around.

Kwasi’s Ntim Agyei teaches Mathematics and Creative Arts at the Kpohe D/A Basic School, Old Ningo-Prampram District, Greater Accra.