Renford Reese, Ph.D.
Cal Poly Pomona University
CIEE SEMINAR IN GHANA TESTIMONIAL
July 8-18, 2001
Last year I participated in the CIEE Seminar (2000) in South Africa. This year I participated in the CIEE Seminar in Ghana, July 8-18. Although the themes of these two seminars were different, the educational value of each was superb. South Africa's recent history of apartheid and its current challenges in coping with the AIDS pandemic made that experience more intense and emotionally draining than my recent experience in Ghana. Nevertheless, I am positive that both of these rich CIEE experiences will have a significant mpact on my pedagogy and my scholarship. My most recent experience will enable me to further internationalize my courses.
Moreover, the CIEE seminar in Ghana gave me a superb opportunity to explore the dynamics of economic development in this region. Lecturers from the University of Ghana, Legon gave candid and insightful presentations on issues ranging from "Structural Adjustment and Economic Reform" to the "Democratization of the Ghanaian Administrative State." These lectures comprehensively examined the socio-political and economic changes that have taken place from the post-colonial administration of Kwame Nkrumah to that of Jerry Rawlings up to the new administration of J.A. Kufuor. I was thoroughly impressed with each lecture. This seminar taught me that the progress of a developing country hinges on three major factors: the transparency of bureaucratic operations, easy access to education, and economic development.
This seminar maintained a refreshing melange of lectures and cultural activities. Cultural activities included visits to Kumasi and the Ashanti region, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the Accra Cultural Arts Center, Artists' Alliance Gallery, CENCOSAD, a city-based NGO that addresses problems of urban plight and its effects on urban youth, and the Elmina Slave Castle. Council representatives were flexible and sensitive to the needs of the participants. They exemplified professionalism at all times.
On a personal note, I became fond of the warm personalities and the resilient spirit of the Ghanaian people. The trip to the Elmina Slave Castle on the Cape Coast was the most emotional for me--and other African American participants. This slave castle was the first permanent structure built south of the Sahara for slave trading to the Americas. I am grateful to Council for including this venue in the seminar itinerary.
During my brief stay, I had the opportunity to speak at a local elementary school assembly to a group of 2,000 students. This school, like many others, desperately lacked basic resources. As I toured the schoolyard, I saw both ambition and frustration in the eyes of the students. My words to these students were Ebe Ya Ya. In the native Twi language this means "It will be alright." Their response to me was Ebe Ya Ya.
I am hopeful that I can convey a fraction of what I learned at this CIEE seminar to my students at Cal Poly Pomona. Keep up the good work Council and I will see you next year.