It Matters People

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark against poverty, and a building block of development, an essential complement to investments in roads, dams, clinics and factories. Literacy is a platform for democratization, and a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity... Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.” -- Kofi Annan

I was attacked by mosquitoes in Cape Coast. My legs are covered. I know what you’re all thinking: malaria. Believe me, it’s on my mind. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. Hopefully that Doxycycline is doing it’s job. Some nights in my room, I am also occasionally attacked by teeny tiny little gnats. I find myself constantly scratching some part of my body. I’m not even always sure that I physically have an itch, but it’s in my head now and my mind is set on the idea that there are creepy crawlies roaming my body. AAAHHHH!!!

Independence is the element I was missing for the last month. Upon my arrival in Ghana, people have been guiding me in all elements of living like Pinocchio on a string. Though I of course appreciate every bit of assistance I have received, it is much more empowering to live at my own pace as I please. Generally speaking, I think I have conquered traveling and shopping: two essentials here in Ghana. I’ve made my way to several major cities, all on my own, have hit up several markets, and have lived to tell the tale. I’m starting to feel more at ease and comfortable, and getting out on my own has helped this. Personally, I enjoy being self-sufficient. I am woman, hear me roar! and all of that.... People are going to continue to laugh at my attempts at Twi, children of all sorts are going to shout “obruni” at me, and it’s likely that the snickering will continue when I’m teaching because apparently my version of English is different from Ghana’s. A month ago these things made me cry. Now I’m just shrugging my shoulders. Good sign I think. J

Unfortunately, that shrugging of the shoulders is happening at the end of my classes as well. Today, after I noticed students’ eyes closed, pairs of young men whispering, and several lads checking their cell phones – all while I was speaking to the class, I halted. I then asked calmly and out of simple curiosity, “For those of you that don’t care at all about being here and seriously pursuing the teaching profession, why did you come to a teacher-training college?” One brave soul rose and explained that the students receive a stipend from the government to attend this school, many students’ parents make them come, or some simply want to spend time with friends. Though I suspected this already for many, actually hearing it from the mouth of a student only affirmed the distress I felt. I know this isn’t true of all because there are definitely some students taking their education very seriously, but they seem to be few and far between. A wave of passion swept over me at that moment and I preached about the value of a quality education system in terms of developing a nation. I told these students that anyone could become a teacher, which is true. Anyone can stand in front of fifty kids and sing a song about ducks (which seems to be common practice in primary classrooms here). But I emphasized the idea that to become a high quality, extraordinary teacher is a different story. Education changes people’s lives and to be the teacher that helps make this happen is really something amazing. With a few nodding heads, I’m confident that I planted some seeds in at least a few young minds. At this point, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that even just one of these young ladies or men will truly hear me out and make the choice to become an extraordinary teacher who instills a love of reading and lifelong learning in their students.

Look around Ghana! Sure, things are better here than many other African nations, but people are still living in shacks and huts, walking around with no shoes, and missing out on school because fees can’t be paid. It’s so disheartening to bare witness to the apathy at, not just a university, but a teacher-training college! “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I’m sure most of you have seen or heard that quote at some point in your life. Well, it’s the absolute truth. Any doctor or lawyer or scientist started out in an elementary school and some teacher along the way inspired them, taught them to love books, and opened their mind to possibilities. Teaching is the profession that this nation should be focusing the most on! And more importantly, effort needs to be put forth to get motivated and innovative young people enrolled in these teacher-training colleges, not just random kids with nothing better to do. Teachers are the key to developing an educated society that will help eradicate the poverty that engulfs so much of Ghana. A former volunteer with my program told me that it’s very difficult to help people who are not willing to help themselves, and I sensed a real frustration from her about working in Africa. More than ever, I completely understand what she means.