Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Form 1 and 2
After exams for Form 1 and 2 girls. Honors, Fees, discipline, responsibility, dignity, family, God, and Ghana all on the agenda for discussion.
Now, staff meeting with Admin.
Now, staff meeting with Admin.
Full school Monday
All of us began our day at 7:00am to hear important information for the week. 1600 strong the girls stood in line while listening to their Headmistress and student leaders called Prefects.
Church in the morning!
Glory in the morning as we march with girls bringing and waving our palms. A band accompanies the singing and rejoicing another day of life.
A full school assembly's outdoors palms then following a Catholic Church service. Imagine communion for almost 1600 girls. Non-catholic girls who attend the school do not have to take communion.
Finally, our other USA baby - Claudia. Sent to Ghana by her Ghanaian father.
I will continue to talk with her while here. She is not happy to be here and says it is much harder to get good grades. Nor does have like all the rules she must follow at a boarding school. She's been in Ghana for 3 years.
Check the blog later to get the video version of this morning. I give more photos, the sounds, the conversations. Hold on more later...
A full school assembly's outdoors palms then following a Catholic Church service. Imagine communion for almost 1600 girls. Non-catholic girls who attend the school do not have to take communion.
Finally, our other USA baby - Claudia. Sent to Ghana by her Ghanaian father.
I will continue to talk with her while here. She is not happy to be here and says it is much harder to get good grades. Nor does have like all the rules she must follow at a boarding school. She's been in Ghana for 3 years.
Check the blog later to get the video version of this morning. I give more photos, the sounds, the conversations. Hold on more later...
Sunday, March 24, 2013
No complaints
Grateful for he classroom supplies I have. Grateful for the space provided me in the building to teach children. Grateful for he opportunity to learn from others while in Nzulezo village. To get to the village you must walk through shallow water which then becomes mud. Next, hot boards lift. You above the water so that you can get into the canoe. Ride for about 30 minutes in the beauty of Ghana wetlands and there is the cozy village built on stilts above water nestling 450 residents.
Supporting communities worldwide, embracing children and parents. The importance of education when choosing to stay.
Supporting communities worldwide, embracing children and parents. The importance of education when choosing to stay.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Ghana, oh Ghana!!
After speaking gently with Head Mistress Louisa, we were given permission to take one of the girls with us. We wanted to take twenty, but in such short notice and a vehicle that fits four and a driver we set out this morning for the shores of Ghana.
Christian, our teacher colleague and host, our APGS driver, Agua, and editor Irene took to the road for a great adventure.
We wanted the editor's first assistant too if we couldn't take all twenty girls. Lots of photos tell our story. My USA partner, Corinth has more to add. Look for her comments on her blog...
Christian, our teacher colleague and host, our APGS driver, Agua, and editor Irene took to the road for a great adventure.
We wanted the editor's first assistant too if we couldn't take all twenty girls. Lots of photos tell our story. My USA partner, Corinth has more to add. Look for her comments on her blog...
Madame Louisa
Headmistress of the girls at Archbishop Porter. A female force, she's running all that happens at school and has welcomed us, the African way...
Blessings needed for her girls- books for their library, and computers.
Blessings needed for her girls- books for their library, and computers.
Cape Coast Castle
More than that!!! A crocodile was touched by our Archbishop Porter Girl, Irene. Then we got to the Rain Forest of the National Park. Wait until I posts the photos...
Friday, March 22, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
On Motherland Soil
Everyone, I am here and have been for the past three days. there is a lot going on for me and the other teachers in my group. The sights, the sounds, the smells of the people keep one's senses awake, refreshed, rejuvenated, and in the reality of what is really real about Ghana.
Several history lessons -- with a political/educational background flavor add knowledge to the mix of what I didn't know before I landed. Ghanaian Independence Day, March 6, from the year 1957 which was begun by the first Ghanaian leader, Nkrumah! Students, please tell me where he went to school for college??? Post the answer in your comment. Then find the Big Six, the men of Ghana Leadership.
A photo of Ghanaian money above shows all of the leaders.
A stand-out about Ghanaian culture, being left-handed -- a NO-NO! You must greet all people with your right hand from your right side. If you must use your left hand, then have your right hand touching your left arm to show respect and more. So I am learning to not just grip folks' hand with both mine when meeting and greeting. How might this feel if you were left-handed? (All my students can answer this).
Food, food and more food -- I am yammin'!! The tastes of Ghana agrees with my tongue, I have not turned down anything but ice in my glass. I can't drink the water, unless bottled.
Visiting the U.S. Embassy was eventful. Meeting with a host of Ghanaian teachers who had also taught in the USA. They don't understand how US students lack the pride and honor in having the privilege to get an education with all our resources in the classroom. Some days in Ghana, the electricity goes out and it may be hours before returning. The Internet -- s-l-o-w...
Prior to entering the Embassy, one of our own teachers took a photo despite the sign clearly posted on all the gates -- NO PHOTOGRAPHY!!! Our van was stopped, emptied, the teacher culprit had his camera taken. The photo was deleted. His passport checked, his photo taken and then our local guide and van driver had to have their photos taken and forms completed for all of them. We all survived the fiasco without further incident. However, a scary realty check -- follow instructions, especially when not living in your country.
Anyway... to market - to market and the people are so poor. The artisans -- so many of them, thankful for the drive-by shopping spree!
Electric Slide Ghana style
Several history lessons -- with a political/educational background flavor add knowledge to the mix of what I didn't know before I landed. Ghanaian Independence Day, March 6, from the year 1957 which was begun by the first Ghanaian leader, Nkrumah! Students, please tell me where he went to school for college??? Post the answer in your comment. Then find the Big Six, the men of Ghana Leadership.
A stand-out about Ghanaian culture, being left-handed -- a NO-NO! You must greet all people with your right hand from your right side. If you must use your left hand, then have your right hand touching your left arm to show respect and more. So I am learning to not just grip folks' hand with both mine when meeting and greeting. How might this feel if you were left-handed? (All my students can answer this).
Food, food and more food -- I am yammin'!! The tastes of Ghana agrees with my tongue, I have not turned down anything but ice in my glass. I can't drink the water, unless bottled.
Visiting the U.S. Embassy was eventful. Meeting with a host of Ghanaian teachers who had also taught in the USA. They don't understand how US students lack the pride and honor in having the privilege to get an education with all our resources in the classroom. Some days in Ghana, the electricity goes out and it may be hours before returning. The Internet -- s-l-o-w...
Prior to entering the Embassy, one of our own teachers took a photo despite the sign clearly posted on all the gates -- NO PHOTOGRAPHY!!! Our van was stopped, emptied, the teacher culprit had his camera taken. The photo was deleted. His passport checked, his photo taken and then our local guide and van driver had to have their photos taken and forms completed for all of them. We all survived the fiasco without further incident. However, a scary realty check -- follow instructions, especially when not living in your country.
Anyway... to market - to market and the people are so poor. The artisans -- so many of them, thankful for the drive-by shopping spree!
Electric Slide Ghana style
Monday, March 18, 2013
From our Digital Connector Students
Overbrook High School Commercial Break
Safely Home
... and I was told so by all who greeted me into the Country!
Customs -- "Welcome to Ghana, Sister!" Hotel Liaison, "Welcome Home" accompanied by a big hug. Hugging publicly is usually a no-no in this part of the world. I feel good, but a tad tired. Long flight... great start -- doubling my American money-Yippee!!!
Once I figure out all my electronic woes (getting everything linked and working). i will post photos and videos everyday. I forgot to bring a three-prong adapter. Ghana uses the British electric plug system. Oh, and there are no museums nor libraries. My Aunt Beverly would be surprised about that fact, as was I when told yesterday in our opening meeting.
I am awake and it is 6:30am on my 2nd day on Motherland soil. I have a phone number here, too. Thanks to my students who told me to keep my US phone on airplane mode and to Ms. Osonye, she suggested getting an old phone unblocked in the US and then to purchase a SIM card upon my arrival. I followed both suggestions and am connected by phone!!! Thank you.
More later, but for now...
My students, in my absence you must:
1. Post comments daily on this blog.
2. Spelling counts on each of your comments.
3. Ask at east one question per day.
4. Write a total of 5 lines per day.
5. Find a Ghanaian fact through some search engine, then posting the fact and hopefully I will be able to cross check what you have found while I am here.
6. Find an acceptable photo to post so that the girls of Archbishop Porter can interact with you as we begin our Ghanaian connections in Secondary Education.
7. Have Fun!
Customs -- "Welcome to Ghana, Sister!" Hotel Liaison, "Welcome Home" accompanied by a big hug. Hugging publicly is usually a no-no in this part of the world. I feel good, but a tad tired. Long flight... great start -- doubling my American money-Yippee!!!
Once I figure out all my electronic woes (getting everything linked and working). i will post photos and videos everyday. I forgot to bring a three-prong adapter. Ghana uses the British electric plug system. Oh, and there are no museums nor libraries. My Aunt Beverly would be surprised about that fact, as was I when told yesterday in our opening meeting.
I am awake and it is 6:30am on my 2nd day on Motherland soil. I have a phone number here, too. Thanks to my students who told me to keep my US phone on airplane mode and to Ms. Osonye, she suggested getting an old phone unblocked in the US and then to purchase a SIM card upon my arrival. I followed both suggestions and am connected by phone!!! Thank you.
More later, but for now...
My students, in my absence you must:
1. Post comments daily on this blog.
2. Spelling counts on each of your comments.
3. Ask at east one question per day.
4. Write a total of 5 lines per day.
5. Find a Ghanaian fact through some search engine, then posting the fact and hopefully I will be able to cross check what you have found while I am here.
6. Find an acceptable photo to post so that the girls of Archbishop Porter can interact with you as we begin our Ghanaian connections in Secondary Education.
7. Have Fun!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Ghanaian Teacher in Philadelphia!
One of my own colleagues sends greetings to the people back home. Mr. Matthew Tsikata, teaches Mathematics to the students at Overbrook High School. He is one of our best in the subject giving him the honor of teaching AP Statistics, too.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Come go with me
Welcome to the world of education between Philadelphia, PA in the USA and Takoradi, Ghana
http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=107497&title=Thread_Ghana_Trip_2009&vpkey=
on the continent Africa. I have so much to share with all of you!
First, you have to take a look at some of what I do other than teaching African-American Literature and Multicultural Literature (World Film) to seniors at Overbrook High School. I also serve the Overbrook High School Community as Scholars Academy Leader. Every facet of my school day brings me joy and I plan to share those pearls with young people in Ghana.
Or watch the video here on Teacher Tube: Greetings Ghana from Overbrook High School
http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=107497&title=Thread_Ghana_Trip_2009&vpkey=
on the continent Africa. I have so much to share with all of you!
Or watch the video here on Teacher Tube: Greetings Ghana from Overbrook High School
Greetings Everyone
Welcome to my online media journal for travel to Ghana with TGC/IREX. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to go with 10 other teachers from around the USA to collaborate with teachers in Ghana -- Africa. I am excitedly awaiting the trip!!!
Here we are, along with a Ghanaian student who gave us a preview of what to expect upon our arrival to Ghanaian schools. I was chosen to be paired with Corinth from Minneapolis. We will covnene our global classroom learning at Archbishop Porter High School for Girls in Takoradi, Ghana.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)