Every Wednesday, something special happens in Dadwen Spot. Monica Turkson, a dedicated lower primary teacher and passionate Catalyst, shows up at the Spot, not only as a Catalyst (volunteer), but as a force of hope, learning, and joy. Monica joined the EduSpots Network in November 2024 as the EduKidz strand lead at Dadwen Spot.
Her EduSpots journey began when Mr. Daniel Manso, the Spot Lead and Assemblyman in the Dadwen Community, introduced her to the network. During the Ignite Academy in November 2024, she discovered that EduSpots shared the same vision she had always carried, helping children grow through engaging, playful learning. It was here she earned the name Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are”, a name that now follows her everywhere, even in her school.
Monica leads the EduKidz strand at Dadwen Spot, creating space for children to learn through play, improve their reading, and build confidence. “Before EduSpots, I used to engage learners. But now, I understand how powerful learning through play can be,” she says. Her sessions have become so lively and impactful that parents are now joining in and loving it.
Like every journey, hers hasn’t been without challenges. Getting to the Spot wasn’t always easy, and sometimes she had to work with limited teaching materials. But Monica never gave up. “We always found a way to make things work. We improvised, we kept going,” she explains.
One of her proudest moments was helping a young girl who was once too shy to speak and couldn’t read a single word. At first, the girl’s parents didn’t want her to join the club. Monica personally visited their home, shared what the EduKidz club was about, and encouraged them to give it a try. With time, the girl not only opened up but began to thrive. She became one of the most active Sparks (learners) in the club, confident, eager to learn, and now reading fluently. Her performance in school also improved significantly, and she now ranks among the top learners in her class. Her parents, once hesitant, are now proud supporters of the Dadwen Spot and encourage other families to send their children too. It’s a reminder that with a little belief and support, every child can shine.
Through EduSpots, Monica has found confidence. Her public speaking and play-based engagement with early year learners has improved, and she now leads activities in other schools, sharing what she learns from EduSpots with both learners and teachers. Her dream is bold but clear: “I want Dadwen Spot to become a leading place for literacy and digital skills in my community, with more Catalysts working together.”
Monica’s exceptional way of igniting engaging and inclusive play-based activities with the EduKidz learners at the Spot is a true reflection of her passion, creativity, and deep commitment to learner-centred education. This led to her recognition as the Catalyst of the Month for March 2025.
To her fellow Catalysts, Monica says, “Be passionate. Learn from each other. And most importantly, practice what you learn so the children benefit.”
In 10 years, Monica sees EduSpots in every corner of Ghana, making learning joyful, community-driven, and accessible to all.
She is a true embodiment of Ubuntu, living proof that one committed person can spark joy, confidence, and lasting change in the lives of young learners, and inspire an entire community in the process.