“A big achievement on a small scale,” is how primary school teacher Siobhan McElroy describes her experience of facilitating a Skype lesson between primary four pupils in St. Ronan’s, Lisnaskea and young pupils from Ghana whom she taught during summer 2012.

“It’s something that I haven’t heard of happening before in a local school,” says Siobhan, who had the innovative idea while on her final teaching practice in St. Ronan’s earlier this year.

Siobhan, from Lisbellaw, travelled to Ghana after hearing about the opportunity while studying Primary Teaching with Art at St. Mary’s University College, Belfast.

“Travelling to Africa had been one of my life ambitions and when the chance came along to teach in Ghana I snatched the opportunity with both hands,” she says. Siobhan and friend Rebecca were inspired by independent organiser Joanne Laverty who “spoke with genuine love of her previous experiences of teaching in Ghana”.

During her two months in the Darkuman region, Siobhan taught in two schools; R.A.M.S which was located in a rundown area, with an old building and staff comprised of a majority of teachers having little or no teacher training, and D.O.M.S.C.O, a newly built private school, with a staff made up entirely of teaching graduates.

In D.O.M.S.C.O, each class had their own spacious room and each child had a seat to sit on, not to mention a selection of basic textbooks. This was not the case in R.A.M.S.

“Both schools had recently introduced ICT into their curriculum and the children had weekly ICT lessons,” Siobhan explains. “The material the children learned during their ICT lessons included the basics of computer parts and the basics of software and internet use. However ICT lessons were solely theory based as both schools could not afford a computer.” Siobhan and Rebecca had raised money prior to their trip which went towards a laptop. “The decision was made to give it to R.A.M.S the evidently poorer school so the children could put theory into practice.” They also hoped the R.A.M.S teachers could make use of the internet for information as the school lacked essential books. “In addition Skype had been set up and the vice-principal of the school, Moses, was shown how to use it so that we could stay in touch with the school and children when we returned back home.” While on her final teaching practice in St Ronan’s Primary School she thought it would be a great idea to allow her P4 class to Skype the class in Ghana and exchange questions and learn about each other’s culture and interests first hand.

With the full support of Principal Teresa Murray and class teacher Ciaran Carey, she showed the P4s a slideshow of photos from her trip which was a stimulus for them to discuss the similarities and differences between their culture and the Ghanaian culture. She also showed them videos of the Ghanaian children playing and dancing with their friends, listening to music and talking about their favourite football teams. “The Ghanaian schools, food, dress and landmarks were hot topics for discussion and it was great that the P4 children realised from the photos how lucky they are to have such a fantastic school, nice clothes, hot food and not to mention books, computers and many games,” Siobhan comments.

“Although it was apparent there were many differences it was important that the children in St Ronan’s could see that they had a lot in common with the Ghanaian children.” Poor electricity connection in Ghana meant there were many failed attempts at the Skype call (which was made from St. Comhghall’s College).

“Finally a connection was made and the children were able to communicate and talk to each other. The children spoke about their favourite subjects in school, their hobbies and interests. The children’s learning was brought to life by this unique experience in which they were all able to talk and ask questions freely using the fantastic technology available. The children on both sides enjoyed this opportunity.” The children in P4 told Siobhan how they were amazed at how talkative and open the Ghanaian children were.

“The whole experience was a great success and it is something I hope to bring to more schools,” says Siobhan.

“I wanted to get across what a fantastic country Ghana is and how important it is that children realise that they have much in common with those they perceive as being ‘poor and unhappy’. I wanted to explain how talking first hand is a means of breaking down that barrier and realising how those children make the best of what little they have, however, it’s important to note what a massive difference charity and volunteer work, and one laptop, can make to their lives!”