School

projects

Hannah Yaawusuah Adjepong

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Introduction

“My sessions are specially created to answer some of the problems children face today. They cover critical thinking, listening and speaking skills. Also they involve intercultural understanding, diversity and using symbols to communicate. Children are empowered to be active global citizens by learning to build a caring and supportive community. I was invited to work with Telford and Wrekin Council Schools, Multicultural Development Services as a storyteller after giving a key note speech at Black history month celebration. The sessions and school assemblies have developed into the creation of beautifully illustrated children’s books with unique messages.”

Biography:

Hannah Yaawusuah Adjepong is a retired

nurse/midwife has lived in the United

Kingdom for the past three decades. She

is an award-winning international poet,

storyteller and published author. Born

and raised in a Ghanaian village where

stories, music and dance were used as

educational tools for centuries, Hannah’s

stories are crafted in response to some of

the problems children face today. She is

a passionate and inspiring lady who uses

her skills as a storyteller to inspire and

educate children and adults. Her

message is that despite outward

appearances we are all the same and

should dwell on the positive in each

other and ourselves. We have a common

humanity and should practice self-

acceptance.

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Panda Song: Panda Song is a humorous story about all the animals living in an

imaginary rainforest. They wonder how the Creator painted them

in all their different colours. Pamela Panda doesn’t think she’s

beautiful like the other creatures. This story teaches children to

discover the joy of living in supportive and caring community. It

also helps to build confidence in children with low self-esteem.

Zelia The Young Gazalle: An enchanting story about a baby gazelle named Zelia who is

fascinated by the world around her and has many questions for her

parents, Fabra and Tetegumu.

She explores the plains of Africa where she lives and very curios

about other animals.

Children will love to read about Zelia and her exploration of the

world around her. Zelia’ story is about family communication. The

book helps parents to discuss emotive issues with their children.

Spotty Blue Ted: This is the saga of Blue Ted, a little blue teddy bear who lived in

the Land of Blue Grain, which was really his owner Tom’s

bedroom. One day Blue Ted’s life changes in a wonderful way and

he finds that he has become a real live bear!

Sporty Blue Ted addresses the excitement of a new beginning, like

starting school or nursery, meeting new people and making

friends. Reading the book will help parents discuss real issues

such as rejection, feeling lost and learning the value of friendship.

Anyi’s Cat: This book is about a little girl who loves animals. She rescues a

kitten which was being mishandled. Although she already has a

cat she still brought it home without her parent’s consent. Later her

parents found out the kitten was missing and had to be returned to

the owner. Anyi’s cat teaches children to be kind and caring

towards animals and to not keep things that do not belong to them.

Published books

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“GOD’s Wonderful World”, I covered the everyday things, which bring happiness. I talked about grandparents and babies. I also talked about the whole world as if it were a village where we need to watch out for each other and care for those who are vulnerable and take care of the environment by keeping surroundings tidy and using recycling bins. “It Is Good To Be Me” Every one of us is very special and can do some things others may not be able to do. Equality and Diversity means accepting that everyone is given a talent for the benefit of society, so that we can all live in harmony. When people become lazy or don’t care, we are all affected. If we do not learn to forgive and help each other, many more people will live sad lives. Learning to appreciate what each person does brings the community together. Special Places I got the children involved to talk about places that are special to them. It was a time of sharing about listening. I spoke about a lady who found a very special place when she sat quietly and listened to a good teacher. It changed her life. Listening is very important because we learn about what other people see in us and it motivates us to be the best we can be.

Full day Story time

Structure

9.10 - 10.10 am Class 1

Workshop (KS1)

10.15 - 10.30 am Assembly

10.30 - 10.45 am

Breaktime

10.50 - 12.00 noon Class 2

Workshop (KS2)

12.00 - 1.00 pm Lunchtime

- 1.40 pm Class 1

Workshop (KS1)

1.50 - 2.30 pm Class 2

Workshop (KS2)

2.40 - 3.20 pm Sharing

Assembly of days

activities with parents

School Story Time

School story time & Educational Equalities Enrichment Projects

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School Workshops School story time & Educational Equalities Enrichment Projects

“All different- All Equal”

I used silk flowers and got children to choose their favourite

flower and colour. We then made a beautiful arrangement with

all the flowers to show how beautiful society can be when we

work together even though we are different.

“Ghanaian Culture Children’s Workshop”

Learning about Ghana in detail this includes the country’s

history, languages spoken and Ghanaian food. The workshop

also taught children about Ghana’s natural resources some of

which connects us globally such as cola nuts and cocoa beans.

Rubber trees, gold and diamond mines.

The children learn about crafts and musical instruments.

They also learned to create their own stories in groups which

they shared with to the rest of the school and their parents who

were invited.

“Millennium development goals”

I discussed the Eight Millennium goals with children

concentrating on the universal primary education goal. The

workshop highlighted to children the importance of primary

education, which is lacking globally affecting 123 million

children and young people.

Workshop Structure

9.10 - 10.10 am Class 1

Workshop (KS1)

10.15 - 10.30 am

Assembly

10.30 - 10.45 am

Breaktime

10.50 - 12.00 noon Class

2 Workshop (KS2)

12.00 - 1.00 pm

Lunchtime

- 1.40 pm Class 1

Workshop (KS1)

1.50 - 2.30 pm Class 2

Workshop (KS2)

2.40 - 3.20 pm Sharing

Assembly of days

activities with parents

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Educational Enrichment Programme

“Ghanaian Culture” Staff Workshop

School staff meetings were held with senior managers from SMDS. Ghanaian culture, family

structure, place of religion and child rearing practice were explained. School staff were

taught in detail about the expectations of children in terms of behavior and the place of

discipline including corporal punishment. The session included how Ghanaian culture may

affect new comers in the country such as making eye contact with authority figures, which is

considered disrespectful.

Staff testimonials

“Hannah is very engaging and everyone was enthralled. I honestly felt that it was all great and

really enjoyable. The content was organized and it was naturally delivered, lots about the

family and tradition in Ghana. This helps us to understand more about the culture our lovely

Ghanaian students come from. An inspiring woman who conveyed how important her culture

and country is to her. Also how proud she is of the progress her country is making.”

- Helen Bibby, Lakeside Academy Telford

Hannah had everyone engaged and involved with her presentation. It really helped to have a

Ghanaian person explaining about the culture. Hannah really brought it to life. It was all really

interesting and engaging the PowerPoint was a useful introduction and the talk that followed

kept our interest throughout. Probably the best part was when Hannah presented a male

member of staff with cup of tea as if he was a Ghanaian husband!

- Ruth Mason, Lakeside Academy Telford

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Panda song was launched on the 5th of March 2013 at the open gates theatre in Telford. 600

people attended the launch at which three local school choirs joined together to sing their

own songs as well as panda song. Please follow the address below for a video trailer of the

event. http://youtu.be/MMw2ENac0Fo

“It was fantastic, the children loved it they were really into the performance and they loved

listening to Hannah. She’s so interesting she had them in the palm of her hands and she always

tells interesting stories. She always catches the children’s imagination. It was a wonderful

evening.”

- Choir leader St Patricks School Wellington

“My favourite book is Panda Song. My favourite bit is “You are a very beautiful bear like me.

You must learn to love yourself as you are and stop wishing you were different.”

- Amy Lake Aged Eight Appley Wood Primary School Telford

“The book illustrates how policies on lifelong learning are themselves in part premised on the

contribution education and training can make to promote an inclusive society. Social

exclusion offends against human dignity, denies people their fundamental human rights and

leads, to marginalization thereby deepening inequalities. The book illustrates social exclusion

and inclusion.”

- Solomon A.Kumah, London

Panda’s Song Launch

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Description:

From the overwhelming positive feedback I received from

teachers, parents and grandparents I was inspired to convert

Panda Song into a theatre production in partnership with

Simply Smiley Productions. The story communicates the

positive and powerful message of self- acceptance, confidence

and the importance of friendship.

Panda song will be performed in Shropshire schools as

an on-stage play for children in key stage two to fit the

national curriculum. This will also involve the school

liaison via head of year or headmaster initially.

Aims and objective

Panda’s Song has been converted into a stage production

To create a community with children from different schools, by learning to interact with each other as they

explore the emotions of the characters in the story.

Children will understand the importance of inclusion , will develop their emotional intelligence, communication skills

and creative potential.

Panda’s Song is now a stage

production.

Please click on the following

links to view the trailers.

http://youtu.be/4IeGHDpnpm

g

http://youtu.be/eGVclcKcqHY

Panda Song and Future Projects

Schools may book Panda’s Song production From this site or from Simply Smiley Productions.

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Project Description:

The project will follow the journey of cocoa beans

from a farm in Ghana to England supermarkets. The

project will last a year and involve key stage two

children from three schools from Shropshire.

Aims and objectives:

To develop intercultural understanding.

To empower children to actively engage in

global citizenship.

Project Outcome: 1000 children from three schools will benefit

from this project which will help them

appreciate the journey of the cocoa bean,

the hard work it takes to produce cocoa and

the various people involved in bringing them their favorite snack.

Future project

Snack Learn and Connect

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Section of Schools

Visited

From 2004-2014

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“I enjoyed the book. It inspires people who are down I'd say. The message is very encouraging

and well written. You could say it paints a picture of the story in my mind." Key Stage Two Pupil (Windmill Primary School & Children's Centre)

“MANY MANY THANKS for yesterday. The students (and staff!) loved you. I do hope you will come

back another time.” Cath Pocock

“Thank you for all the wonderful sessions you have completed for us this for the Educational

Equalities Enrichment Sessions. Your work has been invaluable to the schools and us. They have

been very much appreciated by SMDS and by the schools” Jenny Mcbride – Senior Administrator SMDS, Dale Acre Way

Testimonials

And samples of Children’s work

Testimonials –

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To view more videos of Hannah, please visit You Tube: Hannah Yaawusuah Adjepong

“She captivated the Year 7’s with her exciting and unusual stories. There were so many interesting

things to see and hear” Abraham Derby Academy

“Your reputation is still sky high from your last visit!” Windmill Primary School and Children’s Centre

“As always we welcome you into our school with open arms and you never leave us without our

gratitude and warmth and us having learned huge amounts from you.” Windmill Primary School and Children’s Centre

“My son was at the High Ercall session & thoroughly enjoyed it!” Parent

Hannah has been working with the young people of Meole Brace School,

Shrewsbury, for the past three years as part of our annual

Multi-Cultural Week of activities. Her work involves the culture,

traditions and storytelling folklore of her Ghanaian background.

Hannah works with groups of between 25-50 students of ages 11-14 and

her sessions are always eagerly anticipated and hugely enjoyed by

staff and students alike.

Hannah is a reliable, committed and much valued friend of Meole Brace

School and I would not hesitate to recommend her to any school or

other organization.

Richard Tillman

Assistant Headteacher

Meole Brace School

Shrewsbury