What began as an academic visit to Ghana ended up becoming a lesson in service, culture and community for 17 students from Northeastern University in Boston, USA.
Over several days, the students stepped outside lecture halls to engage with schoolchildren, teachers and healthcare professionals, combining academic learning with practical volunteer work in communities across the country.
Led by Associate Professor of Applied Psychology, Dr. Vanessa Dianna Johnson, the group visited schools and health facilities under an academic exchange programme organised by OG World Foundation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Edward Tetteh.
Their itinerary included a stop at Peace and Love Hospital in Kumasi, where the students interacted with medical professionals to better understand breast cancer treatment and Ghana’s healthcare system.
More Than a Study Tour
For Dr. Johnson, international education is most meaningful when students experience life beyond the classroom.
She believes exposing young people to different societies allows them to understand challenges, appreciate resilience and discover how they can make a difference.
“It makes me feel useful and at the same time, it makes me feel like I have a lot more to do,” she said.
Dr. Johnson, who was honoured as a Queen Mother in Ghana in 2023 for her humanitarian contributions, said each visit inspires her to deepen her relationship with communities across the country.
She explained that the experience also challenged her students to look at healthcare from a different perspective.
Asked about Ghana’s healthcare system, particularly emergency care, she stressed the importance of continuous professional development.
“I think it has more to do with training of health staff to deliver better services than anything else,” she said.
Small Gifts, Big Difference
The students also visited Bonwire Primary School, where they donated backpacks packed with exercise books, pencils, crayons, erasers and modelling clay to pupils preparing for the new school year.
They spent time interacting with the children, teaching simple lessons on oral and personal hygiene before distributing toothbrushes and other dental care items.
To the children, the visit was more than receiving gifts. It was an opportunity to meet visitors from another part of the world who took an interest in their education and wellbeing.
Headmistress Akua Serwah Boateng said the donations had arrived at the right time.
“The new academic year begins in September, so I can say all of them are ready. They have their books, backpacks, pencils and erasers,” she said.
She believes the supplies could motivate pupils to report to school when classes resume.
“I am hopeful it will boost attendance on the first day of school because every child will be eager to come to school knowing he or she has almost everything required for the academic year.”
She appealed for additional support, particularly teaching aids and audiovisual learning materials for early childhood education.
Building Better Readers
At the Junior High School section, the visiting students donated exercise books and reading materials to support literacy.
Headmistress Rebecca Nkrumah Mponponsuoh said the books would greatly improve the school’s reading programme, explaining that students had long needed more materials for library sessions.
She added that the hygiene education would also leave a lasting impression on the students.
Friendships That Last Beyond the Visit
Although the programme lasted only a few days, it demonstrated how educational exchanges can create value for both visitors and host communities.
The American students returned home with a deeper appreciation of Ghana’s education and healthcare systems, while the schools they visited gained practical learning materials and encouragement for their pupils.
For Dr. Johnson, the trip reinforced a simple belief that education is not only about earning qualifications but also about building relationships and serving others.
The smiles on the faces of the children, she said, are enough motivation to return.
