Akwaaba is the Twi word for welcome. Ghana welcomes its visitors with open arms, handshakes, smiles, and hugs at the airport. Ghanaian people immediately create a sense of gracious space. Being back in Ghana, this time as part of the Witness Tree team, is a result of years of hard work and preparation in launching the fifth cohort and the first of two 2023 cohorts. To be part of the Witness Tree is realizing the vision that founder, Tete Cobblah, and the board have created through intentional conversations, trust building, collaboration, and cross cultural understanding.

Yesterday, we had an orientation meeting with the Ghanaian teachers who participated in a conversation about identity, cultural perceptions, stereotypes, and history’s critical role in shaping the American perspective. This conversation was the first of many built around the power of reflection and participation. An important principle underlying all of the work is the concept of gracious space. This term was created by the Center for Ethical Leadership in Seattle. Tete explains that allowing for gracious space is about leaning into discomfort and being guided by humility. As we acknowledged the advantages and privilege of Americans and how that stems directly from the past slave trade and its legacy, we allow for space. Another way of defining this is “I give you room to grow.” Gracious space is giving of yourself without expecting anything back. This concept is practiced through sensitivity and understanding as we navigate differences in languages, nationalities, gender, race and age.

I can already feel the excitement and possibilities as our cohort gets to know each other. We are all teachers who are working hard to create gracious space in our classrooms everyday. As we launch our program, may we give each other the gift of space to learn, accept mistakes and stay humble.

-Elise Mott, gr. 6-10 Humanities teacher, Head of service Learning, New England Innovation Academy, Marlborough Massachusetts