Learning to Soar High

Fear manifests itself in humans in many forms as we go about our living.
Some of these include: the fear of failure, fear of death, fear of rejection, fear of being judged, fear of inadequacy and more. For a very long time, I have battled with acrophobia, also known as fear of heights.

There is also a shadow that follows me and a voice that whispers in my ear, telling me that I will never conquer my fear of heights. I know the source of this fear is onlyin my mind. 



But a great opportunity to address my fear presented itself at the Kakum National Park when I participated in the 2023 WTIG program.
A part of the program involved a canopy walk eighty meters above the rain forest at Kakum National Park. The idea sounded terrifying, but I had to commit to the program and hence challenged myself to go for it.

I decided to silence the voices within me that sowed doubt, and to rise above them.
This was my moment, and I made the choice to be strong and brave. Never again would I be a victim of fear's wave. I had ultimately one goal and that was to overcome myself. So standing and facing the plank held by wire nets suspended over the top of trees, I made my first step forward. Then two, three and even more steps. I kept on moving.
I knew what I was capable of doing it. I kept moving forward.



According to our tour guide there are seven canopy walkways in the canopy walk in all, and after the first one, we had a choice to stop, turn left and complete a much shorter walk, or continue up six more planks to six stations and do a full canopy walk ahead.

Right after the first one, I heard a voice from within me saying, "Is there anything you can do to save yourself in case you fall now? I need you to know that you can do all things through me who strengthens you. Do not worry about anything, but in everything be filled with thanksgiving.
Do not ever focus on the problem but look forward to the victory that awaits you.
I am taking you through the narrow path that leads to life."

Immediately upon hearing this,  my mind and my whole being were transformed. The chains of fear were broken as I made the decision to complete the seven walkways. This accomplishment served as a stepping stone to face other forms of fear that may come my way.



It is important to note that, during childhood, our resilience comes naturally. For example, toddlers learning to walk fall hundreds of times before they are confident. Yet, they do not give up and decide to go back to crawling. So, there is the need for guidance and total commitment aimed at helping my students to overcome their fears.

My experience at Kakum National Park not only motivated and empowered me but reminds me if I could overcome my fear, there is hope for my students who face these fears as well.


By Olivia Williams,
Accra College of Education
Pursuing B. Ed in English language and Visual Arts.

Akwaaba


As I landed with no luggage, AKWAABA
As I came to the hotel greeted with hugs, AKWAABA
As I entered in the house with new members, AKWAABA
As I was named with my ancestors, AKWAABA
As I learned formal from informal, AKWAABA
As I heard the story, AKWAABA
As I touched the leaves and smelled the flowers, AKWAABA
As I sang, taught with joy, AkWAABA
As I was in engulfed in sorrow, AKWAABA
At Auntie Bobby’s and Auntie Mercy’s, I found two mothers, AKWAABA
As I danced with the waves amidst laughter and happiness, AKWAABA
As I sat with elders and was educated, AKWAABA
As I joked and played with friends, AKWAABA
Home is where you are welcomed, AKWAABA

I came home.
I came home.

I came home
To my kutumb*
To the tree that connects us all.

*Family in Gujarati

Hetal Amin
Upper Elementary Teacher
Grades 4-6
Montessori Community School
Durham, North Carolina

Akwaaba !



Akwaaba means welcome in Twi. It is more than a welcome when you arrive. The citizens of Ghana make you feel right at home from the moment you step off the plane. Akwaaba has a special place in my heart. It was the first Twi word I learned as a little girl; my father taught it to me as he hung up Akwaaba art from his latest trip back to the motherland.  My father is an immigrant from Dunkwa-Offin, in the Central Region of Ghana. To come visit my father’s homeland has always been a dream of mine. Coming from an interracial family, my parents did well to make sure that both cultures were strongly represented. I grew up with a deep love and appreciation for my Ghanaian history and culture. 30 years of being on Earth, I have finally been awarded the opportunity to reunite, discover and learn my roots.

I was nervous about coming to a new place. Although everyone told me I was finally going home, I had hidden hesitation that I would be comfortable.

From the moment I arrived at the gate in London to head to my final destination - Ghana, I was welcomed by strangers with open arms. The excitement coming from my fellow travelers had me beaming with joy.

I was able to meet family members for the fist time and was immediately accepted and welcomed into the family. Family is a big word in Ghana, your closest people are your family, and it is ever growing.

While being in Ghana I have met two wonderful families: my biological family of course, and my Witness Tree Family. We have experienced so many things together that have made us a strong group of people, who support each other no matter what arises. During this transformative experience, fears have been conquered, emotional and tough experiences as well as self-discoveries and growth.

Our Witness Tree family was the definition of Akwaaba, everyone regardless of nationality welcomed each other into the group, allowed them to make mistakes, take risks and be their genuine selves. After spending just about a month in Ghana I have learned three big takeaways on my journey that I would like to share.

  1. Home is where you are welcome.

  2. In Ghana’s history you can find darkness, peace and resilience.

  3. Nature is a wonderful creation.

Ghana is a beautiful country that accepts you with arms wide open. You are always welcomed home in Ghana.

AKWAABA

Elizabeth Quansah, Carroll School, Waltham, Massachusetts Grade 2 teacher

The Atentenben -Bamboo Flute 

Gently. Gently.

Slowly the tiger walks; it does not make haste.

The tiger knows its own strength and it’s not afraid.

Gently the tiger takes its time to walk.

An animal with a tail does not jump over fire flames.

We are in God's hands.

He knows our future.

We are in God's hands.

He knows our future.

Be vigilant, pray!

No matter how long you live, you will die one day.

Slowly we will get home.

Gently; you’ll arrive safely home

Gently; you’ll arrive safely home.

Gently.

 

Those are the words of an ancient Ewe dirge sung or played in honor of the dead, and to wish them a safe journey home to the land of their ancestors.

 

I played this dirge on the atentenben (bamboo flute) during ceremonies by our WTIG cohort of 2023 in honor of the dead in a cell for condemned African captives who fought to escape an uncertain and horrifying future. I played it for the souls of three enslaved Africans who were returned and reburied at the ancestral graveyard at Assin-Manso, Ghana. They are Samuel Carson , Crystal of Jamaica and the third is unknown. 

I also played Blewu and damirifa due at wreath-laying ceremonies at the gravesites of Shirley and WEB Dubois in Accra. 

Each time, I felt a sense of connection with the bereaved in expressing our loss.

Reflect on the lyrics of the song. If possible, find the song made popular by Bella Bellow, and recorded a few years ago by Angelique Kidjo, and play it. 

Allow yourself to be free and feel the healing that comes from opening yourself up to a spiritual connection. 

 

 

The atentenben, without words, captures the emotions behind the dirge and gently takes you away.

Music on the Atenteben has played a minor role in WTIG 2023 cohort 1. 

The music on the atenteben has a transcendent property that can connect you to something greater than yourself and has been proven to positively affect spirituality and quality of life. 

This instrument originated from Tweneduruase in the Kwahu Plateau of south-central Ghana  and was first popularized by a Ghanaian musicologist named Ephraim Amu. 

Atenteben comprises two Akan names, "atente" and "ben". Atente is an Akan traditional hand drum with two heads covering both ends.  The atente drums were the principal instruments that accompanied this flute. The word “ben” means “horn or flute,” hence the name atenteben.

 

If you would, please close your eyes. Fill your mind with gratitude and listen to the Atentenben as I play Blewu to honor those who have blessed us with their sacrifices. 


By Danial Ntim Agyei, Mathematics and Creative Arts Teacher, Kpohe D/A Basic School, Ningo-Prampram District, Ghana

Harmony

I’ve been struggling to transform thoughts into words since I’ve arrived in Ghana. My words are inadequate. It’s not the correct language to express this experience. Songs and dance, laughter, tears and smiles: These are the mediums that come closest to capturing the time spent with this dynamic group of humans.

 

The singing (usually led by Kwasi) moved me close to tears on a number of occasions. Some of the tears have been a result of laughter, while other times the beauty of a group of voices harmonizing overwhelmed me, heart swelling, voice catching in my throat. There’s something magical about losing track of your own voice as it weaves itself into the tapestry of a community of voices. There are no words. You just FEEL it, as you are wrapped in the vibrational expression of love and gratitude created by the collective group.

 

I considered reflecting more on the word, “harmony” and it’s significance during this trip. Instead, please listen to our song of gratitude for Auntie Bobbie and her smiling staff, who welcomed us with a delicious dinner after one of our trips. I promise to tell the stories of those who didn’t have a chance to speak for themselves. I promise my voice is there and it’s full of love and appreciation for this group of humans who have helped me step back into the land of senses and life, understanding: Odo nyera fie kwan, “Those led by love will never lose their way.”

 

By Kelly Joy Sampar, 4th & 5th grade science teacher & Reading Specialist, The Carroll School, Lincoln Massachusetts


The Need for Unity in Diversity

Our visits to the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) in Tafo and Professor Asare Opoku's Anansekwae, a forest preservation project in Mampong, have opened my eyes to some of the possibilities and challenges in our Ghanaian society. A seemingly simple presentation on the production of chocolate drew analogies to life and social questions in my mind. What is useful in life? What and who do we value? What and who do we discard?

In his presentation on the history and processing of cocoa, our guide at CRIG, pointed out that previously, the production focus was on the cocoa beans and its attributes . Everything outside of these beans was considered a waste. I recalled then that some Ghanaians think that plants which do not bear fruits are mere weeds. What changed this attitude for the people at CRIG? Comprehensive and thorough analysis shows that the assumptions made were wrong. Our ancestors knew this all along- every plant has value.

Currently the whole cocoa pod yields multiple products. The beans are used for making chocolate, the exocarp, once considered waste, is used in making pomades, soaps, drinks and other fancy products.

This simple lesson and observation lead me to reflect on life lessons for myself and my future students.

First, in terms of plants, Anansekwae and the cocoa pod have taught me that no plant is useless.

 

Simultaneously, Professor Asare Opoku's forest and research have proved to me that most plants which could not bear fruit and were considered weeds are of medicinal value. His passion for our traditions, wisdom of our ancestors and his knowledge about plant-medicine have further shed light on the relevance of plants, their indigenous value,  and the need to preserve vegetation and forests for our survival.

As my mind wanders, I am reminded of parallels to humanity and our need to respect our differences. It is evident that nobody, like the cocoa pod, is useless and must not be discarded.

We need to work and collaborate as one unified force in our quest to make the world a better place. Just as Lucky Dube said in his music, “They were created in the image of God And who are you to seperate them. The Bible says, he made man in his image. But it didn't say black or white.”

When you see a black man, you see God. When you see a white man, you see God, because humans were created in the image of God, according to most religions. Racism and tribalism are two of the many evils that continue to create separation amongst people. People are denied opportunities, and in most cases dehumanized based on the color of their skin, ethnicity, religion and so on. We continue to regress in these areas.

2023 Cohort 1 in front of statue of Tetteh Quarshie who is credited with first bringing the cacao plant to Ghana

2023 Cohort 1 in front of the statue of Tetteh Quarshie who first brought the Cacao plant to Ghana

 

As educators, we must make sure all our students are loved, respected, treated equally, helping them to identify and develop their potential.

Finally, as human beings and curriculum implementators, we should emulate what makes the tree ensure its survival. The tree bears fruit, providing shade and also herbs for the benefit of other living organisms. They in turn provide sustenance to the roots of that tree.

I am a proud beneficiary of the Witness Tree institute of Ghana . WTIG is an educational organization whose primary aim is to improve the lot of teachers through interactions with participants in their cohorts in a deep cultural way. It creates self development and also, goes to help both students and the communities the participants come from.

The WTIG echoes the proverb that that states that knowledge is like a baobab tree. No one person can encircle its trunk fully. It requires a group effort to do so.  In light of this, the WTIG encourages cooperative and group learning.

A WTIG cohort takes into consideration the ideas and opinions of group members for effective and efficient decision making. With this group all opinions are considered viable. This creates room for gracious space.

As a member if the WTIG cohort one Funtunmereku, I will emulate the WTIG  principles I learned and apply them.

 

Let's strive to make the world a better place.

 

By Akwadah Abednego Teye, Student Teacher, Accra College of Education, Accra, Ghana

A Reminder...

I could tell Tyler Tomas-Izuagie was going to be effective in her teaching session with the Ghanaian students. She had a contagious confidence and seemed like an incredible teacher even though I had never seen her teach. But there was this subtle nervousness I had. My nervousness had nothing to do with Tyler, but rather the students. Kids in Kindergarten can be unpredictable. God knows what they might unleash on a foreign teacher with an accent.

Right from the start, Mr. Tete  encouraged all teachers in the cohort to practice gracious space which is a core principle of the Witness Tree institute of Ghana. Giving gracious space for the American teachers was easy. It was a part of my Ghanaian heritage to be as hospitable as possible to our guests. My experiences as a teacher were limited to the few classes where I have taught. I had never taught a kindergarten class and I admit I was a bit scared of the notion of stepping into one.

The American teachers were all awesome and diversely unique. Tyler was unique in in her own “Tylerish” way. It was nice to be paired up with her for the teaching exercise. The idea behind the exercise was to give the American teachers a taste of a  Ghanaian classroom. The American teachers were to lead the lessons, and the Ghanaian teachers they were paired up with were to offer support if needed.

Tyler was really excited and had everything planned out. Her confidence seemed reinforced by her experience. It was sure to be perfect. But then again, it’s four year olds we were dealing with. Is there such a thing as perfect when four years olds are involved?

As we walked towards the class I hoped for the best. I took comfort in Tyler’s excitement. I took a deep breath at the class entrance. This was the moment we had been preparing for. The class rose to their feet as soon as we walked in. The children greeted Tyler and me in unison. This was a show of the informal education the kids had received from home: the Ghanaian tradition of respect and the value of hospitality. I looked at the faces of the kids. They seemed excitedly anxious.

I looked at Tyler. She looked extremely happy to be there. We exchanged pleasantries with the kind class teacher and then it was time for Tyler to teach.

The kids were far more enthusiastic about the lesson than I could have imagined. Tyler was simply amazing. Her optimism paid off. She matched the chaotic energy of the kids with charisma and enthusiasm. For me, it was like watching an artist at work, from the singing at the beginning of the lesson to the activities that engaged  the class.  It was beautiful to watch. 

As a teacher, I was reminded that children will always be children. They hold no judgement or bias. It didn’t matter if it was a Ghanaian or American teacher who stood before them. And just as I learnt so much from Tyler’s optimism, it serves as reminder that we can all learn from one another. From an American to a Ghanaian teacher and from a Ghanaian teacher to an American teacher.

 

by Mawuli Komla Fianyo, Teacher at The Chati Basic School, Oti Region, Ghana