Midwood High School at Brooklyn College, Brooklyn NY
Embark on an immersive journey exploring Ghana’s rich culture, traditions, and history to bridge the gap between African and African American studies, foster a more nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of these histories, and provide students with a more authentic and globally informed educational experience.
During my fellowship in Ghana, one particularly powerful learning experience was visiting the Cape Coast Castle, a significant historical site from the transatlantic slave trade. Walking through the dimly lit dungeons, where countless enslaved Africans were held, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of history and suffering. The physical space made the history tangible in a way that no book or lecture could. Standing in the same quarters where people endured unimaginable hardships---profound.
Immersing myself in Ghanaian culture and history, particularly through interactions with locals and visits to historical sites like the Cape Coast Castle, I discovered my ability to process and engage with heavy, complex topics like colonialism and its long-lasting effects. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of understanding history to advocate for equity and justice in the present. Professionally, I learned the importance of education as a tool for change.
I had initially planned to focus heavily on academics and professional development. However, the actual experience expanded beyond that, emphasizing personal growth, human connection, and the importance of cultural context in education. Also, the profound emotional connection I developed with the students. I had anticipated sharing knowledge but what I didn’t expect was how much they would teach me in return. Their curiosity, resilience, and eagerness to learn were inspiring.
Integrate more culturally diverse perspectives into my teaching, using my experiences in Ghana to highlight the importance of global awareness. Design projects that encourage students to engage with their communities or global issues in meaningful, hands-on ways. Foster Global Collaboration. Partner with the school in Ghana for students to engage with peers internationally. We will do this via zoom classroom meetings.
Create an authentic learning experience for students is by organizing a cultural exchange project that connects my students with students in Ghana. This project would involve virtual pen pals or group discussions where students from both countries engage in dialogue about their cultures, education systems, and shared global issues such as climate change, social justice, and historical perspectives. Students would work together to research topics relevant to both communities.
Develop a school-wide cultural awareness week that features themes and activities inspired by my fellowship in Ghana. Start an afterschool global issues club where students can explore topics related to the fellowship, such as education inequality, climate change, and cultural identity. Professional Development for Colleagues: share insights and strategies I gained during my fellowship through professional development workshops for fellow educators.
