The very successful GBS Annual Experience Abroad 2023 included 13 participants traveling to the Ho, Volta Region, from 21 June to 10 July.
Cultural Immersion experiences included an audience and discussion with Togbe Kotoku XI and traditional leaders in Kpenoe, an audience with Sariki Turawah of the Ho Islamic community, drum-dance classes, traditional storytelling in Wegbe-Kpalime, and tours of the Cape Coast Slave Castle, El Mina Castle in Cape Coast, and the National Museum in Accra.
In partnership with the Ghana Education Service and Communities of Thinking, teachers collaborated with 45 local Junior High and Primary school teachers on Project-Based Learning. GBS brought gifts of a portable digital video and audio system, consisting of a projector, sound bar, connecting cables, a dozen computer mice, and a power strip for each of eight schools. GBS also gave each teacher and administrator participant a flashdrive. The 6 US teachers enjoyed four mornings split into group to observe and work with teachers in 6 schools.
With the help of retired Ghanaian head nurse, Sr. Christine Keh, a US traveler, who is an obstetrician-gynecologist, observed rounds at “Trafalgar” Ho Regional Hospital, presented a lecture-discussion to nurse midwives on helping their patients recognize the signs of Preeclampsia, and consulted with a mental health nurse about providing medications and food to 18 patients in her town.
After a community entry meeting with the leadership of the Evangelical Presbyterian church, 7 travelers traveled to Kpenoe to meet with Microloan and Savings groups from Kpenoe, Takla, Hodzo, and Akoefe-Gadza. A workshop with leaders and farmers discussing the viability and needs of a Agricultural Maker Space led to plans for animal immunization and animal treatments, additional chicken hutches for two towns, and visits to palm oil and akpeteshie production sites.
At the end of their fruitful work trip, the 13 GBS travelers still had US$800 in their travel fund. They agreed to donate $100 to each of the 8 Junior High schools to improve the classrooms where they had worked during their residency. One school immediately purchased and installed two beautiful new toilets for student use. Another repaired some of their desks. The teachers in the other schools continue to seek consensus to choose their upgrades.
Stay tuned for the invitation to next year’s GBS Immersion Experience Abroad.
Comments