In terms of yearly structure, the secondary school system in Ghana differs from Canada's. Instead of having two semesters and a summer break, the schools have three semesters separated by shorter vacations. This week marked the end of the spring term, so the girls wrote exams and began their month-long break.
Despite exam revision, I was still able to have one final class with each grade that I teach. Instead of trying to load the girls with new information, I decided to look over everything we had learned, discuss the athletics season that we had, and talk a little bit about their futures.
I was really happy to see that the girls had retained much of our previous lectures. The questions I asked were enthusiastically answered (perhaps because it was the candy reward, but I like to think they enjoyed the subject matter, too). But it felt really great to see that the girls had actually learned a thing or two. It was also nice to talk about the athletics season that they had participated in. They were really proud of their accomplishments, and excited to continue improving in future years. Their natural talent was visible throughout the training, but it was really nice to see this talent harnessed, with their skills being refined and developed. I really hope they all stick with it. Finally, we discussed their futures. The career goals of my students are really great-many of them wished to be accountants, doctors, nurses, and police women. I wanted to add that proper health and fitness can make these goals easier to obtain. By honouring their bodies, they will be more likely to succeed, have greater quality of life, and be able to accomplish more in their futures.
 |
| Playing a Game of Umpay with the Girls |
On Tuesday, I attended the girls' final assembly. I could feel my heart begin to pound as I walked toward the hall filled with all the students I have taught over the past four months. Although I had gotten used to standing in front of groups of 50 or so, it felt a little more intimidating when this number increased to nearly 200. My throat felt like sandpaper as I tried to swallow and I needed to be mentally reminded to breath. Oh, nerves!
 |
| All of my students in one class! |
I made a little speech to the students and teachers. I thanked them for welcoming me so graciously into their school, helping me learn their language, giving me responsibly and respect, and sharing their wonderful selves with me. I could feel tears threatening to leak out of my eyes as I thought about how these girls have forever changed my life.
Then it was time to say goodbye. I had not anticipated how difficult actually leaving would be. Working with the Kingsby girls was more wonderful than any of my expectations in so many ways. Even outside of all the teaching and training, they are really just amazing people that I have been grateful to spend the semester with. Classes were full of laughs, hugs, and dancing. Spirits always seemed to be high- even when there were bats flying through class or rainstorms so loud that we couldn't hear anything.
 |
| Bernice, the school's start sprinter |
 |
| Wendy and Joyce- funny funny girls |
 |
| A few of the form 3s |
 |
| Linda and Mavis |
 |
| Joyce |
We took lots of pictures and tears were no longer just a threat as I felt the salty drips run down my cheeks. Many of the girls started to cry too, and I had to sit down as the weight of emotions started to push down on my shoulders. This initiated a pile up- I could only see slivers of light beneath all the arms and legs: almost like some sort of mining accident. It was a nice send off, though. I walked home, my heart heavy with happiness, love, and hope. I was sad to leave Kingsby, but excited to spend a couple more weeks at the orphanage- and starting to look forward to coming back to Canada.
