My first month as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer in Bogupalgu, nestled in the Kumbungu district of Ghana’s Northern Region, has been a journey of discovery, both personal and communal. Settling into this small community has brought moments that are equally heartwarming, challenging, and enriching. Here, every day is a lesson, every interaction a bridge to new understanding. The road to becoming part of Bogupalgu’s daily rhythm hasn’t been smooth, but it has been profoundly rewarding.
When I first walked into Bogupalgu Primary School, I could sense the children’s curiosity, mixed with a bit of hesitation. This made me think of my younger self, stepping into unfamiliar classrooms. The excitement was mutual, though, and I found my footing by simply meeting them where they were – at play. Joining them for a game of football was all it took to melt away those first walls. Despite the language barrier, laughter became our common language. The children’s eyes lit up, and we connected in a way that words could never capture.
Teaching, however, presented its own set of challenges. The language gap initially made every class feel like a silent tug-of-war, and keeping their attention was no easy feat. There were days when I wondered if I was reaching them at all. But as I stood in front of those students, I remembered my struggles learning English, and this memory changed my perspective. I decided to introduce a new rule in class: “Every answer is correct.” Suddenly, hands that used to stay down shot up. Kids who barely spoke started participating, knowing they were safe from judgment. This simple change unlocked a door and bit by bit, our classroom became a place where everyone had a voice.
As the days passed, I saw small yet meaningful changes. Students began to show progress in their reading and spelling, while our connection grew stronger. I’ve learned to be patient, empathetic, and calm – qualities I didn’t realize would matter so much until I was here. Now, the children look at me not as the “new teacher” but as a familiar face they trust.
Reflecting on this first month, I feel both humbled and inspired. Being in Bogupalgu has opened my eyes to the resilience of these young learners, who meet challenges every day but keep showing up with hope. As for me, I’m finding that this journey isn’t just about teaching – it’s about learning how to make a real difference, one day and one connection at a time.