Thursday, May 29, 2014
Global Read Classrooms - Faceless by Amma Darko
We did it!!! Sound quality was questionable, and we in Ghana experienced the "dum sor" - an electric company enforced power outage which cut out APGSS for a brief moment. However, we connected for over an hour with only the beginning portion recorded. Next session will be all that, just hold on...
Special thanks to Mr. Afful, ICT teacher at APGSS and Mr. Bentum, mathematics teacher for their computer technology contributions. We could not have accomplished the task without them.
Mrs. M. Willis - OHS
Ms. C. Matera - SHS
Mrs. R. Kwaitoo - APGSS
Mrs. G. Amiah - APGSS
Mrs. L. Ahiavi - APGSS
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Flown Away
It is well with my soul.
The rocks cry out!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for the life's works, your life's legacy.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Parent-Teacher Association
Experiencing a PTA meeting here at APGSS is so different from any of my experiences at any US school, even my daughter's schools in the 'burbs were not like this. First, the room is packed - after several hours into the meeting because Ghanaian people do not live as if they are chained to a clock. Although the meeting began promptly at 9AM, parents continued to file in until about noon and no one looked at them sideways as they filed in front of a speaker or the head table. The meeting is run by the PTA Chairman. The Headmistress is given the opportunity to speak and answer any question that might pertain directly to her administration and the school's agenda.
Funny thing though, much of the meeting was focused on money, their accounts. Yes, the PTA has funding from various strands at the school, and even more, they use different banks to hold their funds. Agendas with financial reports attached were distributed to attendees as we entered the assembly hall, allowing everyone to follow line-by-line items. Remarks were made about each item by the auditor (an outside hired source). Interestingly, he did not know exact figures (which were in the packet we received) because of the change of hands - PTA admin and Headmistress. Maybe this only happens in Ghana, but folks at Overbrook HS would be enraged if no one knew exact figures nor had proof of any funds at the time of the meeting. No one in the audience seemed to be angry or frustrated about that, there was no challenge from the floor.
I must mention, everyone spoke English throughout the meeting until the very end, so I understood what as happening. Also, my ear for Ghanaian English is becoming fine tuned... I understand most of what us being said. Even when those around me speak a little Fante blended with English (Fante-English), I can dance through a basic understanding of the conversations. Moreover, after the financial reports were completed, the Chairman asked for all the parents to give an additional 20GHC to purchase a 4-wheel drive vehicle for Headmistress Aggrey (retired) as a gift from the parents at her Send-Off Party, to be held this coming weekend. The Chairman went on to say, she had done a fine job at the school and lost lots of sleep dealing with their children and should be duly rewarded for her efforts of 4 years. Now, I almost fell out of my seat. Not a peep came from the floor against the motion - and baskets were passed around the room by students who served us refreshments and provided other hostess services for attendees.
Can I get a Headmistress position please? I put my 20GHC (equivalent to @ $8.50 presently) in the basket though, she was good to me and still is good to me!
Next, the Chairman explained he had a wedding to attend and that Headmistress Armah-Brako had to attend a funeral, both having to leave earlier than what is normal for the meeting time span. No argument from the floor again and no questions asked about it. Except -- a parent complained he had not received the mailing notice about the meeting. This was a crazy request from my viewpoint, mail is not delivered to homes, you must have a P.O. Box to get anything like our US mail. Oh, and most Ghanaian adult folks don't have email either. Sooooo, the phone number game is the same - changed numbers, cut-off lines, lost phones, everyone is using mobile phones here - confusion. I have 2 mobile lines myself; one for regular use, the other for US calls (better minute plan and bonus); when the other network is down. Oh, let me give those companies shout-outs MTN is my main line and TIGO is my US rock - having the best ever bonus plan I've found. Parents were told by Headmistress, the school will attempt to try an email relay, parents would have to return the greeting area to give updated information for this and to pay any outstanding fees they might have for their "ward."
Thereafter, an MTN representative came to introduce a new mobile money transfer that will allow them to pay school fees at APGSS - it's a new service being offered by the Ghana mobile phone service giant, at the low cost of 2GHC for each payment transfer. I took my calculator out for that one. Dannnnggggg, there are 1600 girls at APGSS and there are about 19 other schools using the service now -- imagine how much money one can make on that charge. The other option presented was for them to continue to use the 5GHC transfer service or come to the school to pay. Y'all the latter option is almost out of the question when roads are not that good and some parents are traveling for hours to get to the campus. One parent (smart lady) asked the MTN Rep, so what will the school get for their participation in the program -- he smiled and politely sat back down. That was all the time he was given. Headmistress responded by saying she would look into that further (smart lady).
There was a motion and a second to adjourn the meeting. Chairman ran out the door, Headmistress and her team remained seated. Each Assistant Headmistress presented issues in the areas of their charge and sat back down. Then, parents began complaining about their unhappiness that the meeting was ending; many having just arrived. Headmistress agreed to stay and answer any questions or note any of their concerns. It got out of hand, parents were typical parents. This part of the meeting was when mostly Fante was spoken. I wondered what any Ga, Ewe, or others felt when this switch in spoken language occurred. Anyway- thankfully, a distinguished gentleman rose and was permitted to speak. He scolded his fellow parents for not having the guts to challenge the Chairman when permission was given to end early, but now with the female leader at the helm -- it's a problem. I was dumbfounded, too. Thank God for that man, who defended the honor of Headmistress.
She permitted parents the opportunity to I believe two or more questions/comments and then she shut it down. Oh, I almost forgot. I must give props to my Mr. Christian Djokotoe (TGC Host Teacher) for handling the sound system, Mr. Bentum & Mr. Mixon circulating the room with the microphone for parents to be heard and more importantly - Mrs. Roxanne Kwaitoo (English Dept. Chair) who took the minutes of the meeting! The meeting closed with a prayer given by one of the parents and visiting began with the children thereafter. Parents are permitted in specifically assigned areas, most having so much food you would have thought their children had not eaten for days.
Lastly, the refreshments were APGSS purified water, a Coca-Cola or Sprite can soda, a sandwich (my first here in Ghana and it was good), or a meat pie. Props go out to Asst. Headmistress Theodora for having the hostesses get all the bottled water off the head table having them bring APGSS sachet water in its place. Only right when the parents pay for the refreshments served at their meetings, plus parents drink the purified drinking water sachets (and the purification system itself was paid for by the PTA).
This system works, it has its bumps, but it works. I enjoyed the time with all.
Funny thing though, much of the meeting was focused on money, their accounts. Yes, the PTA has funding from various strands at the school, and even more, they use different banks to hold their funds. Agendas with financial reports attached were distributed to attendees as we entered the assembly hall, allowing everyone to follow line-by-line items. Remarks were made about each item by the auditor (an outside hired source). Interestingly, he did not know exact figures (which were in the packet we received) because of the change of hands - PTA admin and Headmistress. Maybe this only happens in Ghana, but folks at Overbrook HS would be enraged if no one knew exact figures nor had proof of any funds at the time of the meeting. No one in the audience seemed to be angry or frustrated about that, there was no challenge from the floor.
I must mention, everyone spoke English throughout the meeting until the very end, so I understood what as happening. Also, my ear for Ghanaian English is becoming fine tuned... I understand most of what us being said. Even when those around me speak a little Fante blended with English (Fante-English), I can dance through a basic understanding of the conversations. Moreover, after the financial reports were completed, the Chairman asked for all the parents to give an additional 20GHC to purchase a 4-wheel drive vehicle for Headmistress Aggrey (retired) as a gift from the parents at her Send-Off Party, to be held this coming weekend. The Chairman went on to say, she had done a fine job at the school and lost lots of sleep dealing with their children and should be duly rewarded for her efforts of 4 years. Now, I almost fell out of my seat. Not a peep came from the floor against the motion - and baskets were passed around the room by students who served us refreshments and provided other hostess services for attendees.
Can I get a Headmistress position please? I put my 20GHC (equivalent to @ $8.50 presently) in the basket though, she was good to me and still is good to me!
Next, the Chairman explained he had a wedding to attend and that Headmistress Armah-Brako had to attend a funeral, both having to leave earlier than what is normal for the meeting time span. No argument from the floor again and no questions asked about it. Except -- a parent complained he had not received the mailing notice about the meeting. This was a crazy request from my viewpoint, mail is not delivered to homes, you must have a P.O. Box to get anything like our US mail. Oh, and most Ghanaian adult folks don't have email either. Sooooo, the phone number game is the same - changed numbers, cut-off lines, lost phones, everyone is using mobile phones here - confusion. I have 2 mobile lines myself; one for regular use, the other for US calls (better minute plan and bonus); when the other network is down. Oh, let me give those companies shout-outs MTN is my main line and TIGO is my US rock - having the best ever bonus plan I've found. Parents were told by Headmistress, the school will attempt to try an email relay, parents would have to return the greeting area to give updated information for this and to pay any outstanding fees they might have for their "ward."
Thereafter, an MTN representative came to introduce a new mobile money transfer that will allow them to pay school fees at APGSS - it's a new service being offered by the Ghana mobile phone service giant, at the low cost of 2GHC for each payment transfer. I took my calculator out for that one. Dannnnggggg, there are 1600 girls at APGSS and there are about 19 other schools using the service now -- imagine how much money one can make on that charge. The other option presented was for them to continue to use the 5GHC transfer service or come to the school to pay. Y'all the latter option is almost out of the question when roads are not that good and some parents are traveling for hours to get to the campus. One parent (smart lady) asked the MTN Rep, so what will the school get for their participation in the program -- he smiled and politely sat back down. That was all the time he was given. Headmistress responded by saying she would look into that further (smart lady).
There was a motion and a second to adjourn the meeting. Chairman ran out the door, Headmistress and her team remained seated. Each Assistant Headmistress presented issues in the areas of their charge and sat back down. Then, parents began complaining about their unhappiness that the meeting was ending; many having just arrived. Headmistress agreed to stay and answer any questions or note any of their concerns. It got out of hand, parents were typical parents. This part of the meeting was when mostly Fante was spoken. I wondered what any Ga, Ewe, or others felt when this switch in spoken language occurred. Anyway- thankfully, a distinguished gentleman rose and was permitted to speak. He scolded his fellow parents for not having the guts to challenge the Chairman when permission was given to end early, but now with the female leader at the helm -- it's a problem. I was dumbfounded, too. Thank God for that man, who defended the honor of Headmistress.
Lastly, the refreshments were APGSS purified water, a Coca-Cola or Sprite can soda, a sandwich (my first here in Ghana and it was good), or a meat pie. Props go out to Asst. Headmistress Theodora for having the hostesses get all the bottled water off the head table having them bring APGSS sachet water in its place. Only right when the parents pay for the refreshments served at their meetings, plus parents drink the purified drinking water sachets (and the purification system itself was paid for by the PTA).
This system works, it has its bumps, but it works. I enjoyed the time with all.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Leavers Celebration
Just a collage of photos for your viewing pleasure. This weekend was filled with activities from the graduation party (called the Leavers Celbration). Please post your questions in the comment sections of the blog. I will answer you.
That's me at the end of the head table.
Our Mary!
Djokotoe & Bentum were there.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Intramural Track & Field, Regional too
Right before I felt a little under the weather, I observed and cheered with the girls for their dormitory halls at the annual Intramural Track & Field event. It was such fun watching the girls compete amongst one another, and serve water to those in need of reviving. It was 90 or more degrees outside that day. The comedy - the all female ambulance squad equipped with gurney and ambulance smocks for easy identification. Those girls did more dancing than running to help their peers, but they always carried their cases to the nurse who sat at the bottom of the onlookers. I had a ball!
I was told the girls volunteer to run without any real formal training, some are real competitors in the sport. Those girls are the ones who had everybody on their feet as they flew to the finish line. I must say how surprised I was to see even more girls running barefoot in their heat. Upon asking about it, I was told if they make it to Regionals, they will be loaned running shoes owned by APGSS. I was pondering and shaking my head, "All those once worn, got a smudge on them, pairs of sneaker in the States..." The courage, simplicity, bravery, determination of the girls was astounding. Nevertheless, the girls who move on toward Regional competitions will receive training from the teachers in the physical education department.
The DJ was hyped, the speakers were jumping and the MC for the event, a male teacher, was all pumped. Now, my students know I am the Queen of MC's at Overbrook and often that day -- I wanted to take the mic and give them a little of what West Philly likes --
I was told the girls volunteer to run without any real formal training, some are real competitors in the sport. Those girls are the ones who had everybody on their feet as they flew to the finish line. I must say how surprised I was to see even more girls running barefoot in their heat. Upon asking about it, I was told if they make it to Regionals, they will be loaned running shoes owned by APGSS. I was pondering and shaking my head, "All those once worn, got a smudge on them, pairs of sneaker in the States..." The courage, simplicity, bravery, determination of the girls was astounding. Nevertheless, the girls who move on toward Regional competitions will receive training from the teachers in the physical education department.
The DJ was hyped, the speakers were jumping and the MC for the event, a male teacher, was all pumped. Now, my students know I am the Queen of MC's at Overbrook and often that day -- I wanted to take the mic and give them a little of what West Philly likes --
when they hear my voice give 'dem rhyming sounds, grooving to the spirit of all those around -- swaying the crowd this way and that -- taking count of all da' claps, when at first glance those teens makes me quiver, but the shiver ceases when the first child takes a picture.
And then we rock and we roll, all the Black ancestral soul
enters the room while we take flight -- to do what we might
raising the roof - the legacy of Panther Country. Ya' heard me
Oops upside my head, I forgot -- I'm here on the blog, not spittin' on the mic. Anyway, the girls who watched the action were cheering, dancing, singing and just having a good time. Not unlike our children, some of them knew all the lyrics to every track. My question, "What are the grades like when you know all that music?" Momma Albs, Senior Housemistress said I was on to something and to check those girls later. I shall see.
Hats off to the teaching staff who make all this possible.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
May Day sets the month in Motion
Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st of May, here in Takoradi. One of my drivers, Ebo, accompanied me to the festivities which were only 5 minutes away from the house. Lots of people were in attendance; the rain held off until everything was over and I was almost back home.
Next up, we will be holding the first ever global read with students across the ocean and country - South High School in Minneapolis; Overbrook High School in Philadelphia and Archbishop Porter Girls Senior High School. This idea was spawned by the overwhelming joy the Ghanaian girls had when receiving books from America. Not sure if you remember, it was the Overbrook High School students who first said, "Let's send them books for their library, Ms. Breese!" This was only after seeing the first set of photos from the APGSS campus. I must have been crazy to listen to those children.
Anyway, I diverted my thoughts, much to the surprise of the girls at APGSS, it was decided to read a Ghanaian authored title, Faceless by Ama Darko. Get your copy - it's a goodie! American schools have recently received there books, so more to come later! The APGSS community has been supplied the book for every girl on its campus. The former Headmistress Aggrey thought the title worthy of that purchase for her school as she approached her retirement.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Been such a long time...
Hello Everyone, Please excuse the absence of posts for this time. I completed my online graduate school coursework and am prepared to keep you updated on my goings and comings on the Motherland.
Ghana is still a vibrant, lively and warm place for me to hibernate over these 6 months. I am loving life and glad to be here. Despite not having a vehicle to drive, I'm okay. I have hosted Alahyo Young, here in Ghana and collaborated with Samuel Bentum, we spread the wings of A Matter of Xpression (AMX) since the last time I wrote. AMX is the business I created back in the 90's, only having to do business with individuals when the need came to view. Now, AMX is alive and jumping. All those books my friends, colleagues, choir mates, family donated was over the top. Donations couldn't sustain the shipping costs, therefore making my business the avenue to make the venture a reality for schools here in Ghana. Ironically, APGSS couldn't house anymore books!! So, we took our show on the road to Eastern Region, Ghana in Koforidua.
We landed at Koforidua Secondary Technical Senior High School, and were greeted by the newly installed Headmaster Samuel Foli, who graciously accepted our donations of three barrels of books and sporting equipment for the 2500 student population of that group there are only approximately 167 girls from the local community attending the historically male school. Yes, Koforidua SecTech, as students and alumni fondly call the school, is a boarding school that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017.
We were so pleased to tell four of those girls how much we look forward to supporting them as they matriculate in a mostly boys school. The smiles, the smiles on their faces were priceless. Even Headmaster's smile was beaming with pride that folks from America were thinking about them. He is a graduate of the school and formerly served the school as Chemistry teacher and Science Dept. Chair. Big things are happening at SecTech!
We were given a tour and lunch guided by the most gracious Asst. Headmaster Amoasi. He is a force for the children at the school, and in the community. When he walks the campus -- students scatter or stand tall in his presence. We will return to the lovely campus and buildings of Koforidua. We are considering doing a fundraising drive for the pressing hall - it's where students do all of their ironing. The wall has crumbled, but students continue to use it to full capacity
Koforidua Secondary High School - Eastern Region, Ghana
Also, we did not forget about our relationship to Archbishop Porter Girls' SHS, the new Headmistress Mary Armah-Brako and one Assist. Headmistress Aidoo greeted Alahyo and I with open arms and warm hearts to give me a certificate of appreciation for the books that were sent prior to my return to the school and Ghana. The new Headmistress is making moves to reconstruct the library to house all the titles we sent them. Their cup runneth over, but that is okay. The girls were telling me about different books they read and couldn't wait for them all to hit their library's shelves. I'll get more details from them in the coming months. My visits to the school have been short and quick, so many other things to do when you live here and take a full-time class load.
Archbishop Porter Girls' Secondary High School
However, the new Headmistress was installed on the same Sunday as was SecTech's new Headmaster. We couldn't attend either program, but we were there in spirit. We were travelling the countryside with Alahyo on her whirlwind 10-day visit.
More tomorrow!
Ghana is still a vibrant, lively and warm place for me to hibernate over these 6 months. I am loving life and glad to be here. Despite not having a vehicle to drive, I'm okay. I have hosted Alahyo Young, here in Ghana and collaborated with Samuel Bentum, we spread the wings of A Matter of Xpression (AMX) since the last time I wrote. AMX is the business I created back in the 90's, only having to do business with individuals when the need came to view. Now, AMX is alive and jumping. All those books my friends, colleagues, choir mates, family donated was over the top. Donations couldn't sustain the shipping costs, therefore making my business the avenue to make the venture a reality for schools here in Ghana. Ironically, APGSS couldn't house anymore books!! So, we took our show on the road to Eastern Region, Ghana in Koforidua.
We landed at Koforidua Secondary Technical Senior High School, and were greeted by the newly installed Headmaster Samuel Foli, who graciously accepted our donations of three barrels of books and sporting equipment for the 2500 student population of that group there are only approximately 167 girls from the local community attending the historically male school. Yes, Koforidua SecTech, as students and alumni fondly call the school, is a boarding school that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017.
We were so pleased to tell four of those girls how much we look forward to supporting them as they matriculate in a mostly boys school. The smiles, the smiles on their faces were priceless. Even Headmaster's smile was beaming with pride that folks from America were thinking about them. He is a graduate of the school and formerly served the school as Chemistry teacher and Science Dept. Chair. Big things are happening at SecTech!
We were given a tour and lunch guided by the most gracious Asst. Headmaster Amoasi. He is a force for the children at the school, and in the community. When he walks the campus -- students scatter or stand tall in his presence. We will return to the lovely campus and buildings of Koforidua. We are considering doing a fundraising drive for the pressing hall - it's where students do all of their ironing. The wall has crumbled, but students continue to use it to full capacity
Koforidua Secondary High School - Eastern Region, Ghana
Also, we did not forget about our relationship to Archbishop Porter Girls' SHS, the new Headmistress Mary Armah-Brako and one Assist. Headmistress Aidoo greeted Alahyo and I with open arms and warm hearts to give me a certificate of appreciation for the books that were sent prior to my return to the school and Ghana. The new Headmistress is making moves to reconstruct the library to house all the titles we sent them. Their cup runneth over, but that is okay. The girls were telling me about different books they read and couldn't wait for them all to hit their library's shelves. I'll get more details from them in the coming months. My visits to the school have been short and quick, so many other things to do when you live here and take a full-time class load.
Archbishop Porter Girls' Secondary High School
However, the new Headmistress was installed on the same Sunday as was SecTech's new Headmaster. We couldn't attend either program, but we were there in spirit. We were travelling the countryside with Alahyo on her whirlwind 10-day visit.
More tomorrow!
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