Yesterday was our last day teaching in Presentation Junior High School. The school had an assembly for us and we were presented with traditional clothes and the students sang for us. It was a really memorable day! We had a meeting with the staff afterwards where we shared some of our observations about the school and teaching methods. We tried to encourage the teachers and empathise with them about the difficulties and challenges teaching classes of 60 students presents. We also tried to convey the importance of being approachable and encouraging students to ask questions. Corporal punishment is very much part of education in almost all schools in Northern Ghana, but Brother Ben the principal has banned this at Pres. However, old habits die hard so many students probably still experience this method of discipline on occasion. In other schools, caning is sadly part and parcel of education. "Spare the cane, spoil the child" would be the attitude of many parents and teachers. In fact, I think it would the attitude of the vast majority here.
The students are beginning their end of term exams. We were shocked last week when we were come back home late, about 10pm, to see the classrooms full of students. Most do not have electricity so they walk (sometimes for miles) just to use the light in the school to do their homework and study. Observing things like this has taught us about how many challenges these students face in their education and what a struggle it is for many of them. I have found that the girls in particular here are very much 2nd class citizens. They are mostly shy and timid, and lack any self-confidence. I would have loved more time to do some after-school activities with them, maybe drama or public-speaking, to give their self esteem a little boost. Most of their parents will not invest money in educating them beyond the age of 15 or 16, as they will probably marry soon after this.
We visited a primary school in Logre last week also. This was a stark reminder of how much Northern Ghana is neglected by the government. Most classes had over 100 students. There were 14 teachers in total, for almost 1,000 children. There were not enough classrooms for all of them so we saw blackboards outside hung on trees with stones and benches scattered around...they were literally being taught under a tree. The classrooms themselves were depressing, to tell the truth. They were gloomy, dull with holes in the roof, dirt on the floor and the atmosphere was pretty miserable. The children were so excited to see us and they were literally falling over one another to try and shake hands with the 'solomia' or white person!! A very bizarre and memorable experience!
So we are heading off to Mole National Park next week. We would have both loved more time teaching. It has been incredibly rewarding, eye-opening and I have learned so much about the education system, the children and the difficulties they face. We spoke to them yesterday about how they think we can help them and have drawn together some ideas which may make their lives a little easier, such as providing a few bicycles for those students who walk very far. But more of that when we return! If nothing else, I have learned how much I still do not know and how much I have yet to learn. The students dedication and struggle to educate themselves is really so admirable.
P.S. Peter has saved a draft but needs a bit more time to finish so hopefully he will write something soon. Also have taken loads of photos but uploading them takes forever, but I'll keep trying!
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