We were thrilled to once again attend the Global Teachers Institute annual GTI Axis Summit in July. The 2024 Summit theme, “Lead from any Chair,” drew inspiration from Ben Zander’s approach, which advocates for leadership that extends beyond traditional roles and titles.
This inclusive theme underscored the belief that leadership potential exists in every position, challenging conventional hierarchies and fostering a participatory approach to leading and learning. (from Global Teachers Institute)
Dr. Sepadi opened the Summit with a powerful keynote address encouraging the audience to pursue their dreams with a call to action.
Dr. Mercy Sepadi giving remarks at GTI Axis Summit.
Following her message, delegates were invited to join a series of workshops led by a wide range of educators and professionals from other industries. Coupled with workshops, there was a panel discussion and additional electives with which to engage.
Teach With Africa cohort team members Rachel Hollister and Michelle Lawton presented multiple interactive workshops titled, “The importance of open-ended materials in the development of literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
These workshops were very well received and attended and were later replicated in Mpumalanga Province at various early childhood centers.
Participants at GTI Axis Summit.
Graduation Ceremony
Our Teach With Africa cohort was honored to attend a graduation ceremony for 27 GTI interns who completed their studies in 2023– some of whom have participated in the TWA educator exchange program.
Prior ceremonies had been held via Zoom during the Pandemic and it was a joyful experience to witness their graduation in person. All are now fully employed as teachers in various provinces.
Day of Service at Khanya Lesedi Early Childhood Center
We are very grateful to our GTI partners who arranged a variety of meaningful opportunities for the TWA Fellows who toured Soweto and Alexandra Townships and partook of the school milieu at LEAP 3 Maths & Science and at the Emshukantambo Secondary School.
As part of a pre-Mandela Day service experience, the TWA Fellows shopped and helped cook food for the Khanya Lesedi Early Childhood Center. They also donated food and toiletries.
Our visit was featured in the Soweto Urban Pimville, a local South African publication! Below is an excerpt– please see the full article here: Local School Welcomes Educators from the USA
“The school’s Deputy Principal, Vuyiswa Mdletye, expressed her joy about the opportunities offered by the Global Teacher Institute and Teach South Africa. ‘We’re very blessed and honoured to have them visit our school especially because it is their second time visiting.
It’s really pleasing to see our learners go to other countries because they represent Emshukan- tambo Secondary School and that means they will put our school on the map.’”
The SEED School: Nairobi, Kenya
Following our trip to South Africa, Flora (TWA Team lead) travelled to Nairobi, Kenya to revisit a potential partner school in Kibera. The SEED School is an early childhood through 7th Grade in Sub-Saharan Africa. SEED was established in 2007 to serve children in Kibera-the largest urban informal settlement in Africa.
Flora met with all the teachers to gauge their professional development training needs and also spent some time with their learners. There is a significant need for teacher development training workshops and coupled with supplies for learning materials.
Partnership with Tongabezi Trust Preschool
Finally, we continued our partnership with the Tongabezi Trust preschool in Zambia. Our kindergarten teacher at Town School coordinated a pen pal exchange with kinder and first grade students. Below are photos of our adorable pen pals!
