Something Obama didn't do in Ghana!!

This week of Obama's arrival was a glorious one. Everyone here in Ghana was excited that the US President was coming to Ghana for his visit! From infants to Elders, the country was dancing and singing praises to Obama. Even i got a little excited from the Hysteria. Really though, i like Obama and what he stands for globally for all communities. But this summer i managed to run into Obama's Hellicopters traveling to Cape Coast while i was on the beach in Apam. My friends and I were watching Obama pass through on his way to Cape Coast Slave casltes. We were all excited. We even waved at him while we were on the beach in Apam. I just couldn't let it go though. I have been to Ghana 3 times and felt that i was the best guy here to give him a tour! Ha ha:) Aha! I thought, there is something that Obama hasn't done in Ghana. He has never slept at an original Slave Castle. I felt i could top him with this one and brave out the night along with my ancestors of the past. Yes i slept at Fort Patience Slave Castle in Apam! It was built by the Dutch in 1697. Now a resting home for visitors since the late 1700's. Well Obama, it looks like i got you on this one. Next summer maybe you can come stay with me in the slave castle here in Apam my new home! We won't need the secret service, the ancestors will protect us, so don't worry.
Peace and Blessings yall!!!

Royal Prepatory School in APAM! ! !

On this visit, i had a chance to meet Mr. Hayford Quaye of Apam. He is the brother of the chief of Apam Nana Apaa and Owner of the two schools. His school is the #1 school in academics in the Apam region. I was particularly impressed with this school because of the conditions it exist in. The land that it resides in gets very wet in the rainy season. This school has been opened for over 25 years. Mr. Quaye manages a primary and junior high school for kids at this same site. I had a chance to meet both schools and speak with the kids. I introduced myself and told them instead of having a pen pal from the US, they can have what i call "Video Pals". This is where the kids would ask questions to my students in the US and my students will respond back via internet. (This will come on a later post) I was also able to answer many of the questions they had as well about teaching and our school system. They were all excited and ready to ask some of their most interesting questions. I was able to observe that although being in a 3rd world country, these students here in Apam have some of the same interests as my students in the US. (Video Games, Sports, and Academics) We had a wonderful time and by the end of my visit i managed to fall in a big puddle! Ha ha! No problem, i was able to change and claimed this fall an initiation in the city of Apam! I had a wonderful time. This was also the day President Obama visited cape coast and gave his speech. The kids were all excited and shouted out Obama's name! I thought Obama may be visiting the school they were so excited. With Mr. Quaye's help, we will begin an environment clean up project in the beach area of Apam. Apam is the home of many long time and experienced fisherman and has an original slave castle named "Fort Patience" in existence since 1697. Mr. Quaye will begin a clean up project with his students for the beach, urging that a clean environment outside of the waters will produce cleaner waters for Apam. He and his students have already been cleaning the inner city on occasion. Teaching the students early about keeping their city clean will bring awareness not only to new visiters but also to its community members. Way to go Royal Prep! Keep up the good work! We will see more of Royal Prep in August...

My Redeemer School in Ghana

I had a chance to visit a 2nd grade class in Ghana at "My Redeemer School" The teacher's name is Miss Rebecca Ocloo. Although this was a last minute visit, the administrator and owner of the school accommodated my wishes to take pictures and videos of the class. I especially loved this class because it reminded me of when i began my first teaching assignment in San Diego at Nubia Leadership Academy (A Christian School at Bayview Baptist). I taught the 2nd grade class. I had the most fun with these little guys! Miss Ocloo let me start off with a read aloud called the Ant and the Bird. After the reading I asked some comprehension questions that led to the students writing the answers in their books. The kids were well behaved and carried on a fine tradition of learning at My Redeemer School. This Wednesday, 7/8/09 I will be joining the school again and visiting the upper grades at the junior high level. This is when i will take the opportunity for these students to communicate via videos and/or writing to our students in the U.S. Since i teach at the High School level now, i am interested in what kinds of questions these students may have for my students. It should be interesting. Making friends through education can create long lasting partnerships that can benefit both groups. Our kids in the US are interested in what happens in Africa and likewise the students in Africa are interested in what happens in classrooms in America. So look for the next post from "My Redeemer School". It should be a cool one. I want to thank Miss Ocloo and the school for their time and support.

Visiting Jopat Academy of Success in Ghana

This school is called Jopat Academy of Success. It is 2 years old and in its beginning stages of building. Josephine Agbenozan (Head Teacher and Owner) is building this school piece by piece. She started off last year with one classroom built and 10 kids. Now through donations and other supports has managed to erect two more buildings and enroll over 50 kids. Often she has to teach children month by month without pay due to economic issues with some of the parents not being able to afford it. Her heart goes out to these children and their families through her personal donations and gifts to the community there. I had a good time teaching a small writing lesson with her kids and listened to them sing songs and role play key family and community positions. Through my organization, Follow the Leader Foundation (FTL) and the University of San Diego, our aim is to continue to support schools and kids abroad from instructional methods and technology to financial support. Check out some of the cool videos her kids did for me.