PALCS Social Studies teacher Ms. Kristen Waltz had a perspective-changing experience in Ghana this summer.
Ms. Waltz participated in The Witness Tree Institute, a non-profit that connects educators in the United States and Ghana. Together, they share their experiences and learn about each other’s culture.
The experience was eye-opening for Ms. Waltz, who is now able to draw upon her experiences when she teaches in PALCS’s University Scholars Program.
In her own words, here’s what Ms. Waltz learned during her two-week trip.
“When I applied to Witness Tree, I didn’t know anyone who had participated in the program. Although we met on Zoom, it was hard to tell how the group would coalesce. I felt shy at first, but quickly felt ease and trust with the cohort. When you are greeted with a band of drums, you have to dance a little.
Something special happens when teachers connect outside of their normal routines. For two weeks – and two weeks only – we are all on Ghana time. Outside of school schedules and pressures of everyday life, we are free to find a new rhythm.
In a relatively short span of time, we have experienced highs and lows as a group. We took on the canopy layer of Kakum National Park, swinging as we walked across seven suspension bridges.
Together, we confronted the past at Cape Coast, Elmina, and Donkor Nsuo. The gravity of these places will continue to weigh heavily on my mind moving forward. I can only hope that we learn from this experience and take these lessons to heart at home. Like the dance goes, “plant the seeds today, harvest them tomorrow.”
Click here to read more about Ms. Waltz’s experience in Ghana.
