From Sakaska Spot where I was the Project Leader, l came to Techiman on release and transfer by Ghana Education Service.

Upon reaching Ameyaw school, l saw that the learners’ reading skills were very low so l decided to set up a reading club in the school. I saw that the learners were responding positively so in one of our staff meetings l shared
EduSpots’ vision, mission and our dreams with my colleagues. Almost all the teachers including the then headmaster showed interest, we applied, and were successful in joining the network in 2023 as one of seven new Spots joining the Ignite Programme Regional Academies. In Ameyaw Spot we take part in all of the strands: EduLit, Ignite Equity, EcoSTEM, EduKidz and Spot Lead, with clubs running for each, equipped with resource kits. With the support from EduSpots, we have been able to make a lot of changes and impact thousands of learners, teachers, fellow Catalysts and community members. We have many committed catalysts who are always ready to support the Spot. Currently, Ameyaw Spot has the strength of twenty Catalysts, with each Catalyst having a strand to work on.

On the part of the learners l have seen drastic change in their attitudes and behaviors. They now have a positive attitude towards their books, learning, themselves and others. They have also passed through a lot of activities like debate, dramatisation, poetry recitals, dancing, article writing, personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene, career awareness, sexual harassment, to mention but a few. We have been able to bring the community to the school through a lot of activities like a clean-up campaign, the launch of our period poverty social enterprise, and our careers choices session. We have had a number of parents coming to the school to appreciate us. That they have seen tremendous change in their children’s attitudes towards their learning. That is they have improved academically, socially and even the way they dress, talk and conduct themselves have changed. The Director too is very much appreciative of all our activities in the Spot and he wishes that all schools in Techiman Municipality have a Spot.

I have also changed a lot through coming in contact with EduSpots. I have learnt to be receptive, tolerant, patient, and accepting. I now know how to use the internet frequently and how to use Canva for design work. I have also come to understand different behaviours and how to deal with situations that I find myself in. I have also realised that l need to acquire more knowledge and skills needed to manage together with other Catalysts for Ameyaw Spot to become a more vibrant Spot where students can come and access knowledge and skills in a violence free environment, where students can access knowledge without intimidation. As long as l have life and good health, l will explore the possibilities in nurturing the learners wherever I find myself, in this community and the country at large.

Long live EduSpots! Our Collective Future!!!

Janet Owusuaa Karikari
Ignite Equity Catalyst of the Year
Spot Leader and Founder, Ameyaw Spot