World Voice Teddy AkrofiView larger image

Teddy Akrofi

Ghanaba Arts

Storytelling, Culture, Art

Scope

Continents: Africa

Countries: Ghana

Topics: Culture, Dance, Festivals, Music, Stories, Storytelling

Age & ability range: All Ages

Charge

There is a charge for this service

Contact

Telephone: (01473) 271669

Additional information

Bringing African Arts and History into Education.

Description of the sessions

African Folk Stories (Session 1)

Growing up in Ghana, story-telling was part of everyday life. These stories have meanings and sometimes take the form of proverbs. Most of the stories are funny; however lessons are learnt from them. They helped in guiding and shaping us as children growing up. Kwaku Ananse is the leading character in Ghanaian folktales. Folktales among the Akan tribe of Ghana are called Anansesem (e.g. Ananse stories). Ananse is usually portrayed as a spider turned into a man indulging in repeated adventures. Ananse stories are educative and entertaining. Listening to such stories enables children to understand the difference in culture and does support learning and development as well as raising awareness.

African Culture (Session 2)

African culture is rich and exciting. One of the most attractive aspects of African cultural life is that of the colourful traditional festivals and durbars. The festivals create a feeling of pride in Africa's cultural heritage. The delicious tasty food varies from country to country and even from region to region. Traditional and modern music are enjoyable. Drumming and dancing which are a media of expression, and recreate characteristics of African culture. Working with children on this topic opens their eyes to a range of African culture such as food tasting, traditional clothes, drumming and songs. This helps in breaking down barriers.

African Art (Session 3)

African art involves a lot of creativity. Original pottery, metalware, basketry and beadware have been created by craftsmen down the generations. Among the most popular products of these craftsmen are tie and dye, carvings and hand-woven fabrics of beautiful designs which have stories with proverbial meanings, giving each cloth its own distinction. The children have the chance to experience African art which will enhance their skills and creativity.

About this World Voice

Teddy's cultural heritage is rooted in the countries about which he is educating us.

References, Recommendations

The session was lively and interesting. The children particularly enjoyed the mixture of story, questions and answer session, music etc.

We have used the information and your views in further discussion following the session. The children were left with a very clear memory of nearly everything you said.

I liked the way you told the story using the expressions and actions.

It was lovely learning about Ghana. It was an enjoyable lesson. Thank you for coming to see us, I like the bits you said in the story and I hope you will come back. I would like to come to your country, I like the music, it's very nice.

Work will be continued in PSHE lessons. We have already referred back to this session. The children have had to reflect on the visit. Hopefully it will develop their ideas and help them to think from other people's viewpoints.

Comments from Clifford Road CP School, Ipswich

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