Clement's Corner

Clement Donkor, GHEI Country Director

Throughout humankind, we have been told that everybody would account for his or her stewardship in one form or the other.  This notion is reflected in our everyday actions or inactions. We are taught from the very beginning that we would reap what we sow.

The reality of these principles dawned on me on Tuesday December 4th when I strayed into a GHEI classroom. After observing the spectacle for a while I journeyed into the library and the picture was no different. But for the whining of the fans I could hear a pin drop.

As part of our Youth Education Program, selected Junior High School students are given supplemental teaching in the four Ghanaian core subjects namely, English, Mathematics, General Science and Social Studies, and GHEI's addition of Critical Thinking.  On that day the students were being tested on what they had studied in the course of the term. The test, part of the organization’s evaluation process, is also aimed a testing the students’ level of assimilation.

The students were well spaced, supervision very strict and disciplined. The atmosphere, devoid of intimidation, underscored my early assumption that everybody would account for his or her stewardship and the students knew it too; they were being trained to be largely independent.

Sometimes they say that, “each one for himself and God for us all.” That is why time and again, at every public gathering I advise the youth of Humjibre to take advantage of all our programs and that when they do, they stand the chance of feeding and fending for themselves and not go cup in hand waiting to be spoon fed.

The next day December 5th I observed the same group of Students hard at work, cleaning their classrooms and the library, chatting and sharing jokes, not in the least bogged down by what the result of their test might be. The Greeks say, “Cordi, Manui et Capiti” and GHEI strikes it to the core. We train the mind, heart and hands.

We have just celebrated Christmas – a season reminiscent of GIVING. Whilst acknowledging all your contributions and support in sustaining the organization this far, I wish to remind you that one of life’s most important virtues is “GIVING.” Your continued support is important to fulfill this all-important virtue so that together we help the under-served in society.

I congratulate all Volunteers, Coordinators, Interns, Philanthropists and Staff, past, present and to come for your support. May you find joy and prosperity in the New Year!

Thank you,

Clement Donkor

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International Voices: What Makes a Good Teacher?

It doesn’t matter where you live, or what your background is. At some point in your life you will find yourself in a classroom. At the front of the classroom is a very important individual, and chances are that person could change the course of the rest of your life. Teachers.

At some point in our education we’ll all sit through a class or two that might not be that interesting to us, but what about those teachers whose lessons really grab our attention? At the time, it’s just nice to have a class where you’re not looking at the clock, watching the minute hand go by until a ringing bell signals sweet release, but years down the road you may very well look back on that class, and in particular the teacher, that made that subject so interesting. That teacher that somehow defied all odds and made school fun!

What is it about those special teachers that make us care? How do they take a textbook that could so easily induce a mid-day nap and bring it to life? How do they make the curriculum not only relevant but also enjoyable and memorable?

Here are some insights from teachers around the world, as well as from our education staff here in Humjibre, on what makes a good teacher.

What makes a good teacher?

“Any of the teachers I’ve ever admired were passionate about the material, patient when students don’t understand, and committed to ensuring their students not just remember the material, but understand it. Those are the teachers people remember.”
- Taryn Assaf, Busan, South Korea

“I've learned there are several factors that make a “good teacher”. The first is their knowledge on the subject they teach, and their capacity to share the information they've acquired. The second is how they approach the different teaching methods, and how appropriately they adapt to a certain audience. The third factor is their willingness to level with the students, understand them, research what they are interested in, and how they would benefit most from the way a lesson is planned.”
- Marcella DeDiego, Madrid, Spain

“A good teacher is someone who explores different teaching methods and who is willing to deploy these methods in new ways.”
- Happy Nkrumah, Humjibre, Ghana

What made you want to become a teacher?

“I always found most teenagers more interesting than most adults! Plus, I always had a passion for History. Teaching about the past gives you perspective and an appreciation for sacrifices needed to effect positive change.”
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“My experience in a peer tutoring program in high school and coaching football.”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

How do you deal with troublesome students?

1-Get to know them as people/ establish a rapport of trust
2-Be patient/ find creative solutions
3-Create a network of support. Many colleagues will offer good ideas.
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“I’ll talk to them individually about their behaviour after or before classes to see what the problem is. Sometimes I just need to encourage them, and let them open up and tell me what their problem is. Some teachers here in Ghana showcase their level of education but still ignore students, or will even use the cane on them, and this leads to kids not wanting to go to class at all. We don’t do that here! (GHEI) So by being open with a student he or she will see you as a friend and enjoy class.”
- Happy Nkrumah, Humjibre, Ghana

“I try to connect with them on a personal level, figure out what is going on with them. If they are attention-seeking students, give it to them in the constructs of the class (i.e., Get them to answer the questions in front of the class). If you can get these kids on your side early, classroom management becomes much easier.”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

How do you help students who are falling behind in class, and just don’t get it?

“Reading supports, frequent journal checks, purposeful seating arrangements so they can have a study partner, time before school, lunch, and after school.”
- Amy Compton, San Diego, California

“Pair them with stronger students in group work, give them more opportunities to hand in work/extra work, spend more time with them specifically during class, and offer help outside of class.”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

“Everyone has different learning strengths, styles, and needs which need to be addressed in class. That’s something teachers really need to remember – it’s always easier to teach to your own styles/preferences, but lessons need to be inclusive to reach all of your students. Teaching to student’s interests, and using examples that students can relate to is also important.”
- Jen Matthews, Humjibre, Ghana

What inspires you as a teacher?

“Seeing my students develop as learners and people. It is the only currency that matters.”
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“When students come back from a break and say how much they missed school. When a student who normally does not excel (majority of my inner city population) and I see the change and see them show effort for maybe the first time. When a student comes in excited that they heard something about economics on the news and they were able to explain to a family member what was being discussed. When students write thank you letters for Teacher Appreciate Day that say exactly what my efforts mean to them.”
- Amy Compton, San Diego, California

“Seeing my students participate actively in class by teaching entertaining materials that make them enthusiastic and eager to learn. The most empowering aspect of teaching is hearing or seeing your students use information or life lessons they have learned from class in their everyday lives.”
- Marcella DeDiego, Madrid, Spain

What advice would you give to a new teacher?

“Set rules early and be a stickler with them for the first part of the year. Don’t let things slide early on, or classroom management will become an issue. Also, it’s way better to over-plan than under-plan a lesson - free time is the enemy!”
- Gabriel Gregorich, Medellin, Colombia

“Every student is different; they respond differently to discipline; they study differently; they approach the world differently. Learn who they are, not just their names. Watch them, listen to them and study them. You have just as much to learn from them as they do from you.”
- Taryn Assaf, Busan, South Korea

“For someone who finds themselves new to the teaching field, it’s important to remember that it’s a matter of practice. Also they should really feel it in their hearts that this is a chance to help students, especially those who may come from a disadvantaged background.”
- Happy Nkruma, Humjibre, Ghana

What’s the best part of your job?

“The kids! Simple as that.”
- Taryn Assaf, Busan, South Korea

“Being able to take part in educating and socializing children for the future that awaits them.”
- Marcella DeDiego, Madrid, Spain

“The daily contact with my students. I look forward to it everyday.”
- Mario Polisena, Ottawa, Canada

“It’s really refreshing teaching in Ghana because students really value and get excited about their education. Promoting education in an atmosphere where education is still very much a privilege, rather than a universal right, especially among girls, is important.
- Jen Matthews, Humjibre, Ghana 

“I naturally love people, and it’s a way to reach many people. Once, when I was in primary school my teacher asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I said I wanted to be a leader! I didn’t know exactly what I meant back then, but I always knew I wanted to lead people. I saw this teacher recently and he reminded me of this. He really encouraged me to pursue this goal of mine from my childhood.”
 - Happy Nkrumah, Humjibre, Ghana

Many of these remarks echo with similar insights. A good teacher is one who is patient with their students and passionate about their subject. When things get tough, they are creative in finding new approaches in reaching out to their students. Ultimately, the greatest reward for a teacher is to see the minds of their students flourish. Let’s honour these great educators and remind ourselves of the great potential they have in positively shaping the lives of so many.

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World AIDS Day in Humjibre

Saturday December 1st was World AIDS day, and GHEI had a very special outreach planned for the community of Humjibre to mark the occasion. This year’s theme for World AIDS Day was “Getting to Zero,” eliminating HIV and AIDS altogether for this generation.

The evening began at 7:30 pm at the local taxi stand on the main road of Humjibre. The arranged seating filled up fast as inquisitive members of the community arrived to see what we had in store for them. In a matter of minutes the crowd multiplied and before long hundreds of people had formed a semi-circle around the projection screen and DJ booth.

The outreach started with several short videos on HIV and AIDS, covering such topics as HIV prevention, treatment, and ending the stigma against those who suffer from the disease. GHEI Health Program Assistant Aggie Obeng interpreted the English language videos into Sefwi for our audience, with the help of GHEI Country Director Clement Donkor. The crowd watched, wide-eyed and completely silent, fully concentrating on the messages of the videos.

Up next were GHEI’s Community Health Workers, who had been rehearsing a play for this moment for the past two weeks. They were nervous as they prepared and stepped into character, but their nerves soon settled as they walked into the centre of the taxi stand. The play featured four scenes. In Scene 1, CHWs Lydia and Rose played two women talking one-on-one about the consequences of HIV/AIDS and the importance of being tested. Once again our audience was hushed, hanging on every word.

In the next scene, Lydia's character visits a health clinic, where she met a couple who were both HIV positive, played by Isaac and Aggie. Aggie's character explained that since they were both receiving antiretroviral treatment, they were able to live normal and fulfilling lives. The crowd laughed in delight as Isaac hopped onto his feet, puffing out his chest while describing his footballer-like athleticism.

Following this Lydia's character is called into the doctor's office to be tested for HIV. The doctor, played by Shadrack, pleasantly informed his patient that she was not infected with the HIV virus. At this point, Lydia – fully enveloped in her character – jumped to her feet and began dancing around in jubilation, promising to herself and the doctor that she would forever remain cautious in protecting her status by always using a condom. Our audience, still silent up until this point, erupted in a massive cheer.

The next segment had Lydia’s character discussing the hazards of HIV with her boyfriend, played by Francis. She encouraged him to be tested for HIV and they discussed how they would protect themselves from contracting the virus. Again, our audience showed their engagement with the story and its characters by cheering joyfully. The play ended by coming back to a conversation between Lydia and Rose’s characters, summarizing the lessons learned throughout the play.

GHEI had invited Madame Marcelline, the manager of Humjibre’s local health clinic, to give a lecture on safe sex and HIV prevention in the community. She showed her dedication to the cause by giving her presentation despite having not slept the night before, as she was delivering a child all through the night in her role as a midwife.

The next segment of the outreach -- condom demonstrations -- proved to be among the most compelling of the evening. Lydia, with the help of Shadrack, demonstrated how to open a condom package properly without damaging the condom. Next she rolled the condom onto a wooden penis model. Naturally, this elicited some muffled giggling in the crowd, which can be expected when conducting such a demonstration to all age groups at once in a culture that does not often speak of sex freely in public. The crowd was fascinated. Next, Aggie opened and displayed a female condom. Some gasps were heard as she unrolled the contraceptive, and it was apparent that many of the onlookers had never seen a female condom before. If we did not have anyone’s attention before, we certainly did at that point!


Selected CHWs then gave some closing remarks, with a final word from Clement, who thanked everyone for attending and encouraged everyone to consistently apply the principles presented over the course of the evening. GHEI staff then pulled out a large supply of condoms and distributed them free of charge to anyone who requested some. Many people were very excited by this, treating this gift as a sort of loot-bag for the evening.

The adults quickly dispersed after receiving their share of condoms, but many of the youth stuck around to chat with one another excitedly about all they had seen. I managed to get a few of their perspectives at this time.

“My favourite part about the outreach was the condom demonstration. I have to know this so that one day, when that day comes I am ready!” exclaimed Daniel, a junior high school student. His friend Charles was quick to jump in: “Yeah we liked it because HIV prevention is something that is important to everyone.” A high school-aged girl named Janet had this to say: “My favourite part was the play. I liked it-o! This drama taught me how to protect myself.”

I was also fortunate to catch the Chief of Humjibre, Nana Kwado II, just as he and his elders were leaving the grounds. He shared his thoughts on Humjibre’s World AIDS day celebration: “It is so important that our community knows about the risk of HIV, and how to prevent it. The play showed how to be careful and how to make sense of HIV with your partner. We thank GHEI for this education - we appreciate it, and we will always accompany and support outreaches for the program.”

GHEI would like to thank our wonderful CHWs and our health team for their tireless efforts in preparing for the event. Thank you also to everyone who attended. Together, let’s end the stigma and prevent the spread of HIV as we work towards an AIDS-free generation!

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