Barkingside teacher makes journey of a lifetime to Ghana

A primary schoolteacher made the journey to Ghana for a once in lifetime trip to aid her pupils’ understanding of the country.

Tess Theron, 40, a Year 4 teacher at Clore Tikva Primary School, Fullwell Avenue, Barkingside, spent a week in the north of Ghana as part of her school’s partnership programme.

The South African-born teacher, who now lives in South Woodford, said: “I have always been interested in teaching children about different cultures and I thought the trip would give me first-hand experience which I could link into our curriculum.

“There is no better way than to enrich yourself as a teacher.”

The small charity Tzedek took three teachers to Ghana with funding from the British Council.

They spent time teaching lessons, receiving training and observing the different types of teaching with their partner schools.

She said: “I had such admiration and respect for the teachers over there and I look forward to strengthening the bonds between our schools.

“The schools in Ghana have very basic classrooms and facilities and no computers but the children were very motivated to learn and treated all adults with respect.

“The children have been exchanging their work and are learning that they have a lot in common.”

The programme focuses on a year-long learning partnership where students share their playground games, a view from the window and a day in the life of their school, by post due to the resources available in Ghana.

Tess added: “The only thing I missed while I was there was not being able to brush my teeth with water from a tap.”