TEACHING FELLOWSHIP

SAMUEL AMOASAH FROM AWUTU-WINTON SCHOOL IN GHANA

Samuel Amoasah, a teacher from AwutuWinton school in Ghana spent three months at Canford between January and March this year as part of a teaching fellowship between the two partner schools.

Samuel’s input into Canford life across the board proved invaluable to the whole school community - educating pupils and staff on Ghanaian culture, teaching English, Art, Geography and coaching football among his very busy timetable. Samuel also spent time in Monteacute house, teaching Ghanaian cooking and educating the boys on his culture. Samuel gave a talk to Upper Sixth pupils on the emotional impact the teaching of slavery has on African students. In Art he taught pupils how to make traditional Ghanaian clothes and he organised an online debating competition between Canford and Awutu Winton pupils on the motion ‘This House Believes Migration of Africans to Europe has benefitted Africans more than Europeans.’

His visit culminated in a celebration of the 66th Independence Day of Ghana where Samuel worked with pupils Kerry and Isaac to put together an exhibiton and competiton and gifted staff and pupils some of his amazing homemade Ghanaian clothes. Canford staff and pupils will be resuming the partnership visits this summer to continue that mutual connection and learning at both schools.

“When Samuel came into the house, he was immediately welcomed as one of our own. The pupils and staff alike were eager to learn about his Ghanaian culture and heritage and he was eager to learn about ours. Personally, having a member of staff of colour made me, and I’m sure other black and mixed heritage pupils, feel much more recognised. It seemed that the school was making an effort to diversify their staff and what the pupils are exposed to, even if only temporarily. Having Samuel in the house was a joy, whether it be beating us in ping pong, or just talking proudly about his debate team, he will definitely be missed by all.”

“I think that Samuel’s time at Canford was very beneficial to the community as we learned a lot from him about his experience of life and the culture in Ghana. He was very helpful in the Art department, teaching us how to make traditional Ghanaian clothes as well as the fundamental steps in dress making. We all appreciated his kind feedback on our projects. He also generously made numerous pupils Ghanaian clothes which we will treasure.”