RGS Worcester and Talensi Community Development Foundation: Building Connections in Ghana
RGS Worcester staff members visited Ghana to strengthen the school’s partnership with the Talensi Community Development Foundation (TCDF). The visit focused on building relationships with local schools and communities, delivering educational support, and exploring future collaboration opportunities.
Highlights included living with the Chief’s family, participating in a community assembly, and observing the resourcefulness of local teachers. Staff taught lessons, delivered CPD sessions on innovative teaching tools, and donated refurbished iPads to support digital learning.
Plans were discussed for future pupil visits and collaborative projects to ensure sustainable impact.
The trip celebrated the resilience and hope of the community while demonstrating RGS Worcester’s commitment to fostering meaningful global connections and contributing positively to education and development.
Aims
The partnership between RGS Worcester and the Talensi Community Development Foundation (TCDF) aims to:
Support educational development in Ghana by providing resources, training, and expertise to local schools and teachers.
Strengthen relationships between RGS Worcester and the Ghanaian community to develop cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Empower young leaders in Ghana through improved teaching practices, access to technology, and collaborative learning opportunities.
Develop sustainable strategies to address local challenges and ensure long-term benefits for the community.
The partnership addresses several key needs within the local community:
Limited resources and technological tools in schools that hinder effective teaching and learning.
A need for professional development for teachers to align with modern teaching methods and tools.
A lack of access to international collaboration and cultural exchange opportunities for pupils and teachers.
The necessity of creating sustainable support systems to enhance education and community development in the region.
Critical Factors for Success
Strong Relationships: Building trust and understanding between RGS Worcester, TCDF, and local communities.
Sustainability: Developing strategies that ensure the long-term success of initiatives, such as providing training and access to technology.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting and integrating local customs, traditions, and values into the partnership approach.
Community Involvement: Engaging local stakeholders, including school leaders, teachers, and families, in the decision-making process.
Resource Allocation: Providing appropriate and practical resources, such as iPads and training, to meet the community’s specific needs.
Immediate Beneficiaries and Those in the Wider Community
Teachers and pupils at partner schools in Ghana, directly benefited from access to training, digital tools, and improved teaching methods.
Local school leaders, gained enhanced capabilities to manage educational programs.
Families and communities in the Talensi region, benefited from better-educated young people and strengthened local schools.
RGS Worcester staff and pupils, gained opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration, and global citizenship development.
Future generations in the region, as the partnership aims to create a lasting positive impact on education and community development.
Background
The partnership between RGS Worcester and the Talensi Community Development Foundation (TCDF) came about through the shared vision of supporting education and community development in Ghana. It was initiated by Juliana and Nick Parker, founders of TCDF, who have dedicated their efforts to improving education, health, and infrastructure in the Talensi region.
The collaboration was further strengthened by RGS Worcester’s commitment to encouraging global connections and meaningful partnerships. Recognising the potential for positive impact, RGS Worcester staff members, brought their educational expertise to the initiative. Their involvement was a natural fit, aligning with the School’s ethos of promoting cultural exchange, outreach, and global citizenship.
Resources
Resources critical to the success of the partnership is RGS Worcester and RGS The Grange staff encouraging pupils to take part in the collaboration.
Educational Expertise
RGS Worcester staff contribute their professional knowledge and teaching experience to support the training and development of local teachers in Ghana.
CPD sessions, such as those on digital tools (e.g., screen mirroring, Artificial Intelligence, and Book Creator), equip local educators with modern teaching techniques.
Refurbished iPads and other digital tools provided by RGS Worcester helped improve access to technology for both teachers and pupils in Ghana.
Resources like lesson plans and educational materials aided in enhancing classroom experiences.
The strong relationship between RGS Worcester staff, pupils and the Talensi Community Development Foundation (TCDF) builds trust and ensures the partnership’s alignment with local needs.
Cultural sensitivity in designing programmes helps ensure the initiatives are practical and well-received by the community.
Impact
The partnership between RGS Worcester, RGS The Grange, and the Talensi Community Development Foundation (TCDF) is an ongoing and evolving relationship, with pupils from both schools regularly ‘meeting’ virtually with pupils in Ghana. These virtual exchanges provide opportunities for cultural understanding, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas between students across continents, fostering a global perspective for all involved.
Following the success of the recent visit to Ghana by two RGS Worcester teachers, there are now exciting plans to organise a pupil visit in the coming years. This visit aims to build on the strong foundations already established, allowing RGS pupils to experience first-hand the culture, community, and education system in Ghana while contributing to meaningful projects.
Such initiatives continue to strengthen the relationship, deepen the impact of the partnership, and provide transformative learning experiences for pupils and staff alike. The ongoing collaboration demonstrates the power of education to bridge cultures and create lasting connections.
Pupil Involvement
Virtual Exchanges: Pupils from RGS Worcester and RGS The Grange regularly participate in virtual meetings with pupils in Ghana. These sessions develop cultural exchange, mutual learning, and the sharing of experiences, helping to build global awareness and understanding.
Collaborative Projects: RGS pupils are involved in cross-cultural activities, such as shared educational projects, discussions on topics of mutual interest, and exploring global issues.
Future Visits: Plans are in place for RGS pupils to visit Ghana in the coming years, providing them with an immersive experience to engage with the local community, participate in educational activities, and contribute to meaningful projects.
Ghanaian Pupils and Local Participants:
Pupils from partner schools in Ghana are key participants in the virtual exchanges and collaborative projects. They share their experiences and learn about life in the UK, building connections with their peers at RGS.
Ghanaian pupils benefit directly from the partnership through resources such as refurbished iPads, enhanced teaching methods provided through CPD training for their teachers, and lessons delivered by RGS teachers during their visits.
The partnership is designed to ensure mutual benefit for all participants, with both RGS pupils and Ghanaian pupils gaining opportunities for personal growth, cultural understanding, and skill development.
Teachers and staff from both sides work collaboratively to design activities and projects that maximise engagement and learning for pupils, ensuring that the partnership has a meaningful and lasting impact.
Frequency
This is an ongoing event, with the RGS Worcester Schools continuing to work with the Talensi Community Development Foundation