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