It is due to the efforts of our local volunteers (‘Catalysts’) that EduSpots is able to succeed in its mission of empowering rural communities in Ghana to create the futures they want to see in education.
In these monthly series, we celebrate Catalysts who have gone the extra mile in making an impact in their communities, with consistent hard work, enthusiasm and dedication. We were thrilled to be able to sit down with Yaw Kuma Pele, a Catalyst from Savelugu Spot, to celebrate his achievements as Catalyst of the Month for August. Pele has been particularly recognised by his peers for his exceptional dedication and unwavering daily efforts during the school holiday period, which led to learners actively utilizing the Spot during what would have been an otherwise quiet period.
Follow the interview below:
Q: Hello, and thank you for joining us today! Please can you start by briefly introducing yourself. What do you do for work and when did you join EduSpots?
A: My name is Pele and I am a teacher by profession. I joined EduSpots in 2018.
Q: And what is your role within EduSpots?
A: I am a Catalyst for Ignite Equity and EduLit, but I render service as may be needed anytime in any of the strands.
Q: Amazing! What made you sign up to become an EduSpots’ Catalyst? How did you hear about us, and have you always had a passion for education and change making?
A: I actually joined EduSpots during an EcoSTEM camp when my school was invited to take part, and, being the science teacher of my school, I had to send the kids to the camp. Beforehand, I had been introduced to the mobile library which made me learn more about EduSpots. My passion and zeal for education has been strong from childhood and I believe that change in our societies is inevitable. As such, I have always desired change. Seeing the kids and learners who are eager to learn gave me the opportunity to join EduSpots as well as to give the little I have.
Q: This is fantastic, it is great to hear how your interest in EduSpots was through a school education experience! Do you think your educational experiences as a young learner made you want to be a teacher in the future?
A: Yes I do. I used to dream of becoming a computer scientist but suddenly (for reasons I can’t actually tell) the desire to teach and reach out to people, especially the younger ones, increased and hasn’t changed ever since.
Q: Thank you for sharing your background with us. Now, we would love for you to introduce us to your Spot, Savelugu. What are the active strands? How many learners / Catalysts are involved? Where is it located?
A: For Savelugu I can say all the strands are very active with full participation and if my count is correct we have more than 20 Catalysts. Savelugu is in the Northern Region of Ghana, 25 kilometres away from the Regional Capital along the Bolga Tamale highway.
Q: Wow! It is a big Spot! What does a busy day look like for you then? Can you describe to us your personal responsibilities and areas of work within the Spot?
A: A big Spot as you rightly said it is. On a busy day you have over 80 pupils gathered to take part in one strand or the other. My responsibility is to take them through their strands and relate what they do to practical living within the community. I guide them to identify how their presence could be felt and how they can be useful within their various areas. It is also worth noting that to deal with kids from different homes is quite interesting and at the same time requires a high level of patience.
Q: Can you maybe give us an example of how a lesson you teach in a strand relates to practical living in the community? Maybe this ties in with your role helping with Ignite Equity?
A: An example from not too long ago is related to the August challenge with the theme ‘Becoming an Active Citizen’. With this very challenge, during the discussion the pupils themselves identified what they do to become either active or passive citizens. In a task they were required to identify what happens when one decides to remain passive and the effect it has on the society and themselves. Furthermore, they had to reflect on how it will affect them in the near future if they do not do what is required.
Q: I think this is a very powerful example of the positive impact of EduSpots in the community, so thank you for sharing. You were recognized as the Catalyst of the Month for August because of your excellent help during the vacation period at Savelugu. Please, tell us more about this. Why do you believe that supporting learners during the holiday is important, and what was some of the impact you made?
A: After teaching for some time now I realise that pupils most often do nothing during vacation and find it very difficult to study, so the idea to engage them came up and we took it upon ourselves to offer help to them. My target was to see their vocabulary and fluency improve, thus activities were designed to keep them busy. Truthfully, it was very interesting to know that there were times when we were even closing but learners didn’t want to go home. The objective was to help those who couldn’t read yet develop their reading levels before school reopened. I can say without fear that with the support from fellow Catalysts we were able to achieve about 75 percent of that objective.
Q: What are some other success stories at Savelugu, if you don’t mind sharing with us?
A: Parents who have issues with their wards’ lackadaisical attitude towards learning have always visited the library to tell us about the impact of EduSpots on their wards. The community is excited with what EduSpots is doing for their kids. Reading and learning as well is becoming part and parcel of the learners. Attitudinal change in the kids is no exception.
Q: It is great to hear how both parents and the wider community are really appreciative and supportive of the efforts of Catalysts. I know you recently commissioned a new solar-powered library. This is very exciting! How are Catalysts and learners finding the new space?
A: Catalysts are always happy and excited to come around – they even wish it was open 24/7. As for the learners it has become a second home for them. A home away from home. And if it continues that way we have yet again a reason to call for expansion.
Q: What are some of the facilities and equipment available?
A: We have a projector, stocked shelves for all ages, fans, study tables and chairs for both kids and adults.
Q: Now onto the last couple of questions for you Pele, thank you for your great answers so far! What do you envision for the future of your Spot?
A: Growing and glowing on a daily basis. Becoming an educational Spot as the name suggests, running 24/7. Benevolent philanthropists coming to support in one way or the other.
Q: What would you say is your biggest motivation for volunteering in your community and in general for your work? What drives you each day to do your best and help the community?
A: My biggest motivation is to see a generation that will fill the gap left by this current generation in a way so great. You haven’t lived yet until people see the light that you hold in your hand shining for them to see the path they should take.
Q: Thank you for your insights. What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Savelugu and in EduSpots in general?
A: I enjoy contributing in the midst of challenges, that empowers you for a stage that transcends the place that you currently are. It is a very conducive environment and I enjoy having the opportunity to serve.
Q: I agree, it’s amazing to be part of a supportive team that pushes you to be your best self. And now it is time for the final question! Pele, please share any advice you have for your fellow Catalysts.
A: Well, I would like to urge us all, whenever and wherever you find yourself, ask yourself one question: what I will be remembered for in the event I am no longer around? The answer is enough to motivate you to impact the people you are privileged to serve. We are called to serve and not to be served. Until you serve you don’t deserve to be served. Whatever you do today wholeheartedly shall be rewarded in ways unimaginable. We have been entrusted with these little ones. Let’s make the most of our time for them and we shall have a peaceful and a beautiful life.
Q: Thank you so much Pele for your incredible contributions and brilliant insights. We have learnt so much about you, your philosophy of life and your impact at Savelugu. Your dedication to EduSpots and your community do not go unnoticed! Once again, well done on your achievement as Catalyst of the Month and thank you for your time today!
A: It’s an honour and a great privilege to be part of EduSpots. Thanks to you.