Teaching in Ghana (2014)

april/may 2014
3
The Indo-Canadian Telegram
Helping Africa Through Education
Professor Singh Offers Training Sessions in Ghana, Delivers Supplies to Grade School
by MELVIN DURAI
Dr. Satyendra Singh, professor of
marketing and international business
at University of Winnipeg, knows the
importance of education in helping people overcome poverty. That’s why he has
made almost 10 trips to Africa since 2007,
sharing his knowledge in workshops and
training sessions and helping to improve
schools and universities.
“Education is the main thing,” he said.
“You can’t achieve anything; you can’t
earn money if you don’t have a good education. And that’s why I go to only poor
countries, because that’s where they
need me most.”
Earlier this year, during a sabbatical
from U of W, he spent a month in Ghana,
conducting workshops and training sessions at a large university in the capital
city of Accra. He offered three types of
training: staff development, data analysis
for undergraduate students, and corporate training for fundraising.
“The way we raise funds in North
America is very different from fundraising in emerging markets,” he said. “So
that’s why we train people how to generate money.”
Singh, who visited Ghana from Jan. 17
to Feb. 18, spent part of his time advising the university president on new programs. He is helping them set up a doctoral program in business administration
that will be offered partly through online
courses.
He may return to Ghana later this year
to attend the inauguration of the university’s new campus. “They have four campuses and are going to consolidate all
four campuses into a new one,” he said.
During his recent visit, Singh also
delivered pens, books, erasers, calculators and other supplies to a new elementary school on behalf of the Academy of
Business and Emerging Markets (ABEM). Singh serves as president of ABEM, which
has existed informally for several years
but was formalized last year. It has
published the International Journal of
Business and Emerging Markets since
2007, conducted training programs since
2010 and plans to hold its first conference
in 2015.
“It will be an annual conference and it
will be held in emerging markets only,”
Singh said.
ABEM is helping to build a library at the
school in Ghana, which will eventually
offer classes up to Grade 7.
“Every year, we are adding one more
class,” Singh said. “At this moment, we
are up to fourth grade, next year we will
add fifth grade.”
The fledgling school gets its funding mostly through fees that parents
pay. “Our support is very minimal at this
moment,” Singh said. “We are doing
whatever we can.”
During his next trip to Ghana, he hopes
to take plastic models of fruits and scientific posters for the school. “We are trying
to take something that they do not get
there easily,” he said.
He may travel to Africa again during
his holidays this summer. He often uses
vacation time for charitable work.
Aside from having his expenses covered, he receives little compensation, he
said. But he remains passionate about
the work, partly because he knows he’s
making a significant difference.
“Everybody will not teach in those
countries,” he said. “It’s not easy, given
the low resources. You have to have a lot
of patience.”
He’s thankful that University of
Winnipeg allows him to share his knowledge and expertise. “I would like to thank
my university for supporting my activities in developing countries and emerging markets,” he said.
How You Can Help
To donate money for needy students in
developing countries, including the students at the elementary school in Ghana,
go to www.abem.ca/about and click on
the “please donate” link on the right. You
may specify what you want your donation used for.
Best Wishes
for a
Happy Vaisakhi
Dr. Singh with students at Lospat School in Accra, Ghana.
India Canada Culture
and Heritage Association Inc.
Symposium and Mentorship Program
for Career Development
Are you a student?
Do you know which career is right for you?
Do you need mentorship and guidance from professionals?
Dr. Singh with students and faculty members of the university in Accra, some
of whom are pictured with laptops in bottom photo.
Come join us and see what this program can offer you
Where and When:
Charisma Restaurant (83 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg)
May 31, 2014, 9.30am-2.30pm
Professionals will offer discussion on topics to include
health, marketing, management, business and finance.
Complimentary lunch and refreshments will be provided
for registered student participants
For further information and registration please email at
mentorship@iccha.ca
Include your name, school and current education status
Please also visit: www.iccha.ca