Written by Matt Magoon, two time Akaa traveler – College of Wooster ’14
It was bright and early when the roosters started crowing and I could hear the loud yawns of the volunteers as we prepared to begin our very first day. It was approximately 6AM and I was eager to walk to the Asiafo Amanfro Community School. As the volunteers wolfed down our breakfast, we discussed what lesson plans we had for the day. I remember being quite nervous because I have never taught in a classroom with elementary level students. Little did I know, these children would change not only my life, but they would change my way of viewing education forever.
It wasn’t the overall experience I had living in a village that made me return to my favorite place on earth. What made me return was the everlasting relationships I developed with each child, specifically, in the classroom. Here are my top experiences as an educator in the village:
Teaching children from the ages 3-6. Oh Boy! I am planning on becoming a high school teacher after I graduate and I could never see myself teaching little ones. Nevertheless, even with the language barrier, I had the time of my life learning from and teaching the youngest children in the classroom.
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The supplies we used in the classroom. Whether it was a piece of wood with black paint as a chalkboard, or the walls made out of the concrete blocks the volunteers constructed on my first trip; I had more fun teaching in such an environment than I think I ever will in an American classroom.
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Teaching English as a second language. I have never been a part of such an experience, but I would not trade it for anything in the world. Besides, how many other people in the world can say water in Twi?Nso!
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The walk to school everyday. I have never felt so wanted from anyone the way I did when almost every student fought to hold my hand on the way to school each morning. I will never forget trying to carry three or four little ones on my back just to see them giggle and smile.
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The experience as a whole. I want teaching to be my life. Not many people in the world can say they have had the same experience as us volunteers, and I am thankful to have been blessed with the opportunity to meet such amazing humans halfway across the world.
I end this excerpt with hopes for a new beginning. Everyone, no matter what age, ethnicity, or religion deserves a chance to be educated. I believe that not only did the volunteers help teach the children of Akaa basic education, but each and every relationship I developed with the students will be ingrained in my memory until the day I die. I look forward to my future visits to Akaa, and may every child in the world be blessed with the opportunity of education.
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