Stepping into the ASCD Ghana’s International Educators Conference, our primary objective was clear: to immerse ourselves in knowledge that would profoundly refine Black Tech Lead’s training curriculum and, in turn, cultivate a new generation of truly global tech leaders right here from Africa. What we discovered over those days — the sheer depth of expertise, the innovative spirit, and the genuine warmth among the attendees — far surpassed all our expectations. It was an environment ripe for growth and collaboration.
A highlight of the conference was Steven Elam’s insightful Friday afternoon session. His presentation on fostering civic engagement through robust school-community-business partnerships was nothing short of inspiring. His profound passion for community development resonated deeply with the very core mission of Black Tech Lead, providing invaluable insights into how we can build even stronger ties within the communities we serve. A truly fortunate turn of events then led to insightful conversations with both Steven and his partner, Carmen Elam, sparking exciting ideas for a meaningful collaboration between our organizations. The potential for synergy there feels immense.
Following that, we had the privilege of attending Jim Playfoot’s thought-provoking session, which delved into the complex challenges of employability across Africa. His in-depth knowledge of the continent’s dynamic workforce landscape offered perspectives that were incredibly valuable. We found his practical approach to identifying existing gaps and conceptualizing actionable solutions particularly enlightening, providing a clearer roadmap for addressing these critical issues within our programs.
Saturday brought another enriching experience as we were immersed in Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez’s masterclass, “Guiding Collective Progress.” This innovative approach to leadership learning presented a fresh paradigm, emphasizing collaborative growth and shared vision. Subsequently, Johnetta Nzali Abraham’s session on the employability challenges faced by African graduates offered practical insights that further solidified our understanding of the pathways needed for our young talents.
Sunday rounded out the conference with another truly enlightening experience, this time with Yaritza Villalba. Her expertise in cultivating global citizens, particularly through the strategic application of technology in remote regions, was profoundly inspiring. It underscored the transformative power of digital tools in breaking down geographical barriers and fostering a broader worldview, a concept central to our mission at Black Tech Lead.
Beyond these specific sessions, the conference was replete with insightful panel discussions and inspiring keynote speeches that significantly enriched the entire experience. We relished the privilege of connecting with fellow attendees, not just during formal classroom sessions and networking breaks, but also in casual, spontaneous interactions that often sparked the most profound conversations. Our sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Charles Yeboah, PhD, for extending the opportunity to be part of this truly transformative event. It has provided Black Tech Lead with a renewed vision and practical tools to continue empowering Africa’s tech future.