Everyone Knows a Good Teacher When They Encounter One. Why I Teach, and the Journey That Brought Me Here.


Growing up, school wasn’t easy for me. I struggled, especially with mathematics, and found the system harsh. But somehow, I’m here today: a proud educator and Lead For Ghana Fellow. This is not just my story. It’s a reflection on educational inequity, second chances, and why I believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they come from.

Livingstone Delali Agbo in a pose with pupils of Metsrikasa D/A Basic School.

As a child, I found education incredibly difficult. I remember being caned repeatedly, and I wrestled constantly with mathematics. If it hadn't been for the persistence and care of my teachers, I might have dropped out as early as Class 3. In fact, I did leave school for a while. For nearly two months, I roamed the streets during school hours. Every morning, I’d dress in my uniform, take lunch money from my mother, and disappear, returning home only after school had closed. No one knew... until I was caught.

This early experience taught me something profound: we are all born into a world of unequal outcomes. A child from a wealthy household is far more likely to access opportunities than one born into poverty. I’ve seen both sides of this reality, having experienced hardship in my early years, but also receiving the gift of education through the support of my family. I was fortunate to attend St. Mary’s International School in Ashaiman, then Mawuli Senior High School, and later, the University for Development Studies in Tamale. But not every child gets that chance.

During my year and seven months as a Lead For Ghana fellow, I’ve encountered these sharp disparities firsthand. What does it mean for a child to be in school from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM without a single meal? How can that child be expected to concentrate, to learn? What about the JHS 2 student who still struggles to read or express themselves fluently in English, not because they lack intelligence, but because the system failed to support them earlier?

This is why I joined Lead For Ghana: because I believe I have a role to play in bridging this educational inequity gap. In my classroom, I strive to deliver lessons that not only strengthen academic performance but also shape mindsets and expand access to opportunities. I’ve worked to create a space where my pupils feel safe to express themselves freely without the fear of punishment for making mistakes. Most importantly, I’ve built a bond with the community. Their support has been instrumental to the small but meaningful wins we’ve achieved together.

Yes, there have been challenges. But with Lead For Ghana, I’ve come to believe that impossible is nothing.

Livingstone and his students engaged in an icebreaker activity during lessons.

Comments

  1. community and volunteer work - Livingstone Delali Agbo21 April 2018 at 12:05

    I believe education is a determinant of life outcomes, and I’m committed to the Teach For Ghana's vision of ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to quality education.
    My motivation comes from seeing my pupils succeed in the classroom and society, heedless of their poor educational and economic backgrounds.

    ReplyDelete

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