When I embarked on launching the Inspire, Educate, and Transform study abroad program in Ghana, I was driven by the desire to create an immersive experience that would push my students to think beyond the traditional classroom. This program not only gave them the opportunity to study in a new cultural context but also emphasized the importance of social justice, inclusion, and community partnership in education.
Why I Started It
The decision to create this program was rooted in my belief that future educators must understand education beyond their local settings. I wanted them to witness firsthand how education systems in different parts of the world address issues such as disability, inclusion, and social justice. Ghana, with its rich cultural heritage and evolving educational practices, presented the perfect setting for this transformative experience.
I chose Ghana because of its unique positioning as a place of historical significance for the African diaspora and its commitment to educational reform. The chance to explore how Ghanaian schools address special education, particularly in urban and underserved settings, aligned perfectly with my goals to prepare future teachers who are passionate about equity and inclusion.
Accomplishments of the First Trip
The first Inspire, Educate, and Transform trip was an overwhelming success. One of the major highlights was the partnerships we developed with several schools and organizations that are doing incredible work to advance inclusive education and social justice in Ghana. These partnerships allowed my students to engage deeply with both educators and students, fostering learning that goes far beyond textbooks.
Demonstration School for the Deaf (Demodeaf) - Mampong School for the Deaf
Our visit to Demodeaf was both inspiring and eye-opening. This public and coeducational school serves around 400 students, ranging from ages 4 to 25. The school’s vision to produce “deaf scholars who would be socially, emotionally, economically, psychologically, and academically upright” resonated deeply with the mission of our program. My students had the opportunity to observe how the school uses social and vocational training to equip deaf students with life skills. The school motto, “Together we build,” encapsulates the community spirit that is so central to their mission.
Echoing Hills Village
At Echoing Hills Village, my students were moved by the dedication of the staff and the resilience of the children. Echoing Hills houses and serves approximately 40 children, many of whom are homeless, orphans, or victims of abuse. The center’s focus on rehabilitation and care for special children and persons with disabilities provided a profound learning experience. Students saw how education extends beyond the classroom into social and emotional rehabilitation, which further underscored the importance of social justice in education.
Empower Challenged Children
Our partnership with Empower Challenged Children was equally powerful. This organization works to destigmatize disabilities in Ghana and provides support to both children with disabilities and their families. Empower’s mission, to “empower disabled children through physical therapy and education,” as well as its focus on parental support and socialization, provided my students with an understanding of how education can break down stigmas and offer new possibilities for students with disabilities.
Garden City Special School
Garden City Special School, a live-in school for youth and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, was another key partner. Students here face a range of challenges including autism, cerebral palsy, and speech disorders, but they are taught life skills through social and vocational training. Observing this gave my students invaluable insight into the critical role of vocational education and physical therapy in supporting students with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
Al-Waldeed Basic School and Legon University Basic School of Ghana
We also visited Al-Waldeed Basic School, an Islamic Junior High School, and Legon University Basic School, a K-12 private school committed to improving mathematics, engineering, and science studies. These visits highlighted the range of educational approaches in Ghana, from Islamic schools to private institutions focused on STEM education, broadening my students’ understanding of the diversity of educational settings in the country.
What It Means to Me
The first trip to Ghana left a lasting impact on both me and my students. Watching them grow—personally and professionally—through this experience affirmed the value of global education. They returned more empathetic, culturally aware, and eager to implement what they had learned about inclusion and social justice in their own classrooms.
For me, this program reaffirmed my belief that education is a powerful tool for transformation. I saw firsthand how exposure to different cultural contexts can inspire future educators to think more critically about their role in promoting equity and justice in education. Ghana was the perfect place to begin this journey, and I am excited to continue expanding the program and deepening our partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on the accomplishments of the first Inspire, Educate, and Transform trip, I am filled with excitement for what the future holds. The partnerships we’ve developed with schools like Demodeaf, Empower Challenged Children, and Echoing Hills are just the beginning. Moving forward, I hope to expand the program to involve more students and continue fostering collaborations with Ghanaian educators. My ultimate goal is to build a global community of educators committed to inclusion, social justice, and equity.
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