In the small town of Enchi, Ghana, a meaningful change is unfolding. Hannah Foust of Durham, and Lydia Pope of Burnsville, both alumni of the University of Mount Olive’s Agriculture Education program, undertook a transformative journey to teach middle school students the fundamentals of agriculture.
Their two-week adventure, guided by their former UMO Professor Dr. John Blackwell, combined hands-on education with a mission to foster self-sustainability in the community.
Foust and Pope reflected on their challenges, the surprises they encountered, and the unforgettable experiences that defined their time in Ghana.
Their journey highlights the profound impact of education and the far-reaching potential of agricultural innovation.
Planting the Seeds of Opportunity
Q: How did you learn about the opportunity to travel to Ghana?
Foust: “I first heard about the trip through Dr. Blackwell, who had been traveling to Ghana for years. He texted me about going to Kenya in June of 2023, but I couldn’t go due to my school schedule. Later, he mentioned another opportunity. It aligned with my schedule, and I decided to join.”
Pope added, “Dr. Blackwell’s dedication to Ghana was inspiring. I knew this trip would be a chance to make a difference while applying what we learned at UMO.”
An Ambitious Mission
Q: What were your goals for the trip?
Pope: “We aimed to teach students about chicken farming and gardening to help their school become self-sustaining. The plan involved bringing an egg incubator and live chicks, teaching the students how to hatch and care for the chickens.”
Foust added, “A significant challenge in Enchi is child slavery, with parents often sending children to work on farms or marry young. We wanted to encourage students to stay in school by giving them ownership of projects like the chicken farm.”
A World Apart
Q: What were your first impressions of Ghana?
Foust: “It was eye-opening. Livestock roamed freely, and vendors sold goods along the roadsides. It was vastly different from North Carolina, but also vibrant and full of life. The humidity, though—it was intense!”
Pope reflected on the cultural differences: “From the bustling streets of Accra to the remote town of Enchi, every moment felt like an adventure. The simplicity of their resources, like chalk-painted walls for teaching, was a stark contrast to the technology we rely on back home.”
Teaching through Challenges
Q: What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Foust: “The humidity posed challenges for the egg incubator, as high moisture levels can hinder chick development. We had to monitor and vent it regularly. For the garden, we pivoted from using a large plot of land to a smaller, more manageable area near the science lab.”
Pope emphasized the learning curve: “It was humbling to teach with minimal resources. We drew diagrams on chalkboards and used blank walls for projecting lessons. It was a lesson in adaptability.”
Moments of Joy and Connection
Q: Were there any standout moments with the students?
Foust: “Teaching the students about flight zones and watching them act it out was unforgettable. We also taught them the chicken dance and hokey pokey to break up lessons—it was hilarious and energizing!”
Pope: “One of the best moments was when the students saw our instructional videos from the U.S. They thought they were professional films! Seeing their joy and excitement over something so simple was heartwarming.”
A Lasting Legacy
Q: How has this experience influenced you?
Foust: “This trip showed me the power of small, focused efforts. Teaching these students not only helped their school but also gave them a sense of purpose. It reinforced the importance of agriculture in building communities. I want to incorporate more hands-on, resourceful teaching strategies in my classroom. The call-and-response technique the students used is something I’ve already adopted.”
Pope: “I will never be the same after this trip. It has given me a fresh perspective on teaching. I have found myself returning to basic, simple lessons, and my students have seemed to enjoy this. I am also more grateful for the simple luxuries that we have here in the U.S.”
Roots of Preparation
Q: How did your time at UMO prepare you for this experience?
Hannah: “My time at UMO really prepared me for this experience by providing me with a solid foundation in agricultural knowledge and resources. I frequently apply the animal science concepts Dr. Glennon taught me in my own teaching. I also draw on a lot of the information I learned from Dr. Edwards about FFA. UMO was a fantastic institution that helped equip me for the world of teaching.”
Looking Ahead
Both Foust and Pope are planning future trips to Ghana and Kenya, with ambitions to expand agricultural initiatives. They hope to secure funding to introduce fencing for the chicken coops and explore sustainable solutions like planting fruit trees and incorporating dairy goats.
Reflecting on their time at UMO, both credit the University for preparing them with a strong foundation in agriculture and a passion for teaching. Foust summed it up: “UMO gave me the tools to step into the world and make an impact. This trip was a testament to that.”
As they prepare for their next journey, Foust and Pope’s efforts in Enchi continue to grow, nurturing not only crops and chickens but also hope and empowerment in the lives of Ghanaian students.
About Hannah and Lydia
· Hannah Foust graduated from UMO in 2020 with a degree in Agriculture Education. She teaches Agriscience Applications and Animal Science I at Jordan High School in Durham..
· Lydia Pope graduated from UMO in 2021 with a degree in Agriculture Education. She teaches agriculture at Madison High School in Marshall and advocates for sustainability in her local community.
