I finally have time to realize that I am in Africa. As I walked to school today, I saw this lovely yellow butterfly, I have never seen before. The butterfly was really beautiful. Accra, Ghana, does not spell Africa all the time, because it is a city. Moreover, I am busy with school. But once in a while the flash of colors of a butterfly, a colorful lizard, or a bird I have never seen before brings me to awareness that I am indeed in Africa!
As I walk down the market the beaded jewelry is all ceramic and really beautiful. Africa means strong colors. The people have given up colors but the flora and fauna have not and it is quite a thrill. People of Ghana are really friendly. I have never come across friendly people like this. On Sunday, a school was transformed in to a bunch of churches. All the singing from these different groups made me feel like it is Christmas time. They kept shaking hands and welcoming us, strangers from a different land.
The art and people of Ghana rocks. Now on the down side, Ghana really needs to work on its sewage systems. The current sewage systems in Accra is unacceptable and needs more urgent attention than global warming. I will ask the world to step in and help these wonderful people address this health hazard. I am at a loss how alarm bells did not ring for any one yet, for me it surely did.
Teaching in Ghana is no different from teaching in America. The TA system, course outline, even the books are familiar. This week was busy figuring out school. Hopefully the weekend will be spend figuring out Africa.
Cheers!
happy to add the first comment, Maya. I am so happy to see you have decided to blog. What a treat for those of us reading it from afar. This is a wonderful way of sharing your new experiences. What is the age of the kids you are teaching? Enjoy exploring this weekend.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Shalini
Yes, tell us more about the school experience... what are you teaching and how is the University?
ReplyDeleteAshesi university is a lot like TIFR, it is up to global standards. Teaching here feels like teaching in America. Ashesi is a project of a man called Patrick Awuah who left Microsoft to start this university. His ted talk on YouTube is worth a watch. Now Tifr funds are mostly Indian but Ashesi funds are mostly American. Therein lies the difference between India and Africa at large. TIFR by being independent financially feels different whereas Ashesi feels a lot like America. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this difference.
ReplyDeleteMy students are second year undergraduates. So they must be 18 or 19 years old. I am not sure. I teach them Discrete Mathematics.
Hi, Maya i saw your comments about Ghana in face book. I am a ghanian working in houston with thomas cherian. Its a big thrill to hear someone like you to have good intentions about my county and how lovely the people inter act with you. thanks and wish the best.
ReplyDeleteEva Kramo.
Thanks Eva. I must say I do get along with the people here.
ReplyDelete