They received bicycles. But these teachers from Ghana also give to Rock Hill Schools
The Rock Hill school district’s newest teachers have received a lot of love in their two weeks in new jobs -- in a new country.
They’ve been given other things too, like pots and pans, mattresses and lamps, rides to work each morning and rides home each afternoon.
This month, as part of an international teachers program the district has had for years, Rock Hill Schools welcomed seven teachers from outside the U.S. The seven add to the 22 international educators already teaching in the district before the 2021-22 school year began, per Rock Hill Schools communication director Lindsay Machak.
“The community in which we’ve found ourselves, they’ve been very kind to us in all aspects,” Clement Manu, who teaches eighth grade math at Saluda Trail Middle School, recently told The Herald.
Manu is from Ghana, just like three other Saluda Trail teachers who arrived with him this summer. His kind words came just after he and his colleagues took a spin on the latest products of Rock Hill’s generosity: Bicycles.
“Day in, day out, we have received things from the community members, from our own colleagues here,” Manu said.
He said he can use the bicycle to go to work and the grocery store and other places.
“And when the school district said they were meeting us (after school on Friday), though we were not expecting anything like (the bikes), we were very appreciative to see them,” Manu said.
And, similarly, the district is very happy to host the teachers.
“Being able to bring in international teachers gives our community unique perspectives that they otherwise might not have been able to experience or learn from,” Machak said in an interview. “These teachers are incredibly valuable to our cultural competence committment, and we are so happy to have them.”
The four Ghanaian teachers at Saluda Trail Middle are: Manu, who’s from Ghana’s Western North region; Arthur Isaac, who’s from the Ashanti region and who teaches seventh grade math; Matthew Eshun, who’s from Busia and teaches eighth grade science; and Anne Chege, who’s from Bibiani and who teaches eighth grade english.
All four said they are excited to teach in Rock Hill for the next three years.
“Growing up in the country, I’ve seen people from all over the world visiting Ghana, especially the little community that I come from, Busia,” Eshun said. “It’s a tourist site that people come visit all over the world. And so, upon getting this program, I (realized) that this is an opportunity to bring Busia — Ghana — to the United States.
“It’s not just about academics. It’s about bringing my culture to the U.S., where people have the opportunity to experience the culture that we have. The beautiful culture. Our dance. Our food. Our clothing. So if, say, you’re a kid thinking about traveling to Ghana, you will already have a fair idea of the country called Ghana, of the continent called Africa.”
The Rock Hill Schools human resources department will host a housewarming gathering for all of the new international teachers on Sept. 9. Those interested in donating to support can contact Melissa Tate at mtate@rhmail.org.
This story was originally published September 2, 2021 at 8:12 AM.
.jpeg)