22/07/2025
I had the incredible opportunity of being a Designated Support Officer in the Ghana International School for the first six months a few months after my national service. I encountered all kinds of children. I was working with students in Year 6 who will soon graduate to High School.
The switch from Vilac International School where I had my National Service to Ghana International School shocked me. Whereas students in VIS were bubbly, outgoing and very friendly, most GIS students in year 6 especially were laidback, cool calm and collected, some were indifferent towards me.
Initially, I thought I was the problem. Only to realise, they were observing me and watching closely. These youngsters just wanted to be sure I was genuine and truly cared about them before they warmed up to me.
I was confused the entire 6 months as a Designated Support Assistant as students in GIS school would never run up to me like students in VIS and give me a hug or even have moments were we played or laughed out loud together. I was amazed when on their Kumasi trip, almost every student who appeared cold and distant warmed up to me and told me how they discussed me among themselves everyday and watched my every move and reaction. I was almost moved to tears by their display of love on the last day of that academic year.
That was when I got it, " not every child would ask for love but they'll show how they want to be loved through their actions and sometimes it's in the ways you least expected".
However, be assured of one thing, " those little eyes are watching you, they're observing, they know those adults who truly have them at heart".