In conversation with Natalie Fordwor
“I believe that we are raising innovators, and we want to ensure they will have a keen understanding of the African context…”
- Natalie Fordwor
Natalie Fordwor, Image: Caesar Kofi Sakyi (Kairos House Media)
Natalie Fordwor is an artist and the founder of WonderspacED. She is an experienced educator who is passionate about innovative teaching methods, creativity and environmental sustainability. Natalie has a masters degree in Education and Technology from University College London (UCL). She was born in the UK, raised in Ghana and spent four years in the USA for her undergraduate degree.
Can you tell us about WonderspacED—how it began, what you intend to achieve?
WonderspacED creates exciting learning experiences, spaces and content that lets children explore and discover their environment. We offer fun theme-based learning activities for children ages 5-11. Our uniquely designed lesson plans allow children to build their artistic, writing and critical thinking skills. We utilise an interdisciplinary approach to teach children about Ghana. Our goal is to infuse wonder and excitement into every learning experience. I believe that we are raising innovators, and we want to ensure they will have a keen understanding of the African context and steward its resources in a way that creates lasting global impact.
Why did you start WonderspacED?
As a teacher, it was difficult finding exciting or engaging lesson materials or content focusing on Ghana or Africa. Most international schools in Ghana use an international curriculum which means that the children are not learning about the continent.
When I was younger, I thought it was "cooler" to identify with everything foreign or “other” because I didn't see exciting books, shows or lessons about our landscape, resources and history. I want to change that narrative. I want children to be able to explore Ghana, and the continent, in engaging ways through fun lessons, books, shows and wonder-filled learning spaces. As educators we have a responsibility to introduce children to the rich landscape and environment that surrounds them in exciting ways. They need to understand their space and feel equipped to be changemakers.
At WonderspacED, interdisciplinary learning is an important teaching approach. Children need to see the endless connections that exist between subjects. I want to change the perception that artists are not usually scientists or vice versa. The traditional categories we place people in are very limiting. We can have artistic scientists, creative mathematicians; everyone has the potential to be creative.
What are some of the major challenges you encountered when you were starting WonderspacED and how did you overcome them?
The first major challenge I faced has been balancing the role of educator and entrepreneur. In both capacities, I have had to step outside of my comfort zone. Then there are the negotiations that have to take place between the educator and the entrepreneur - the difficult balance between creating exciting learning spaces and experiences, and trying to find innovative ways to fund a start-up without depleting the limited resources we have. Tapping into my network of family and friends has helped greatly, however, in order to scale up and advance the vision for WonderspacED, external sources of funding and partnerships will be essential.
Secondly, finding well-documented information online about Ghana, and Africa in general can be quite challenging. There are a number of journal articles and credible websites but most of the knowledge of our rich history, biodiversity, culture and landscape resides in the minds of the elderly or hidden away in our museums and cultural centers. Creating an engaging curriculum that accurately reflects our stories will require regular visits to these knowledge centers, collaboration with knowledgeable resource persons and lots of cross-checking between key people or institutions.
Image: @wonderspaced
What impact has coronavirus had on your business and how have you been able to pivot your business in light of the current pandemic?
During the first few weeks of the global pandemic, I tried not to worry about the next steps for WonderspacED. The business was only about 5 months old and I was just starting to find my feet as an entrepreneur. Fortunately, the people around me made it impossible for me to give up. In almost every conversation I had, someone would say, ‘Have you considered virtual options for WonderspacED?”
After some encouragement and prayer (my faith forms an important part of my decision-making process) we started offering virtual lessons and activities. Being “forced” to consider virtual options was an enormous blessing in disguise. Starting our online programme opened up doors to a new group of participants - families in the diaspora. I also started creating educational videos for YouTube. During our online lessons, I realised that I was relying heavily on existing videos for our assignments on the learning platform, but it was difficult finding the content I needed for our activities. There was a gap in the content available. Using a platform like YouTube has been a great opportunity to inform people about the activities and curriculum that WonderspacED offers.
In your opinion what are the biggest challenges that currently exist in the education sector in Ghana?
My answer might have been different if you asked before COVID-19 but considering the fact that most children have had little or no access to their teachers for an entire academic year, I have to say that the digital divide is our greatest challenge.
A significant number of private/international schools were able to make a relatively smooth transition to online school, but for the majority of schools in Ghana, classes came to a complete halt. Children have missed a whole year of school. The lack of technological resources is a complex problem with lots of factors to consider. Most schools do not have the ICT facilities required to run any virtual lessons, whether synchronous or asynchronous. Regular internet access is unfortunately a luxury that many cannot afford. Additionally, most children do not have access to a device of their own.
What do you think can be done to improve the current industry?
Bridging the digital divide on an institutional level requires a large number of key players to work together. Attempts to digitise our educational system may have to look different from what other countries have achieved.
I can make recommendations based on theories and case studies we explored in my master’s in Education and Technology, but the most important question is, will those recommendations work in our context? I think I have more questions than answers but I am looking forward to having more informed discussions with people in the telecommunication industry, governmental roles, education sector and corporate businesses. Some immediate steps that can be taken:
Formalise the use of television and radio as delivery modes for educational information.
Use our community centers as digital hubs or libraries where children and parents have access to books and the internet.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
During an uncertain time a friend sent a very encouraging message and the one line that stood out was: "Remember to enjoy the process." I think that's one of the best pieces of advice I have received because I tend to overthink the little decisions, and sometimes, doubt turns into fear. In those moments I say to myself, "Natalie, enjoy the process!" Enjoy the little victories, enjoy the opportunities for growth.
Image: @wonderspaced
What do you love about Ghana?
I have developed a deeper appreciation for Ghana as I work with the children. As I teach the children at WonderspacED to explore Ghana and discover their environment, I am learning more about our rich landscape/resources, culture, history and biodiversity. I am learning to see Ghana, and the world, through the children’s eyes and share in their contagious excitement.
What is next for you and WonderspacED?
I am excited about next year. This year we experimented with the idea of making our online programme a permanent service. We had a successful trial and so I am looking forward to creating the online curriculum, increasing the number of participants and meeting children located all over the world.
I am also excited about creating more educational videos for our YouTube channel. The feedback from viewers has been fantastic, and many people have suggested that it could be on TV; let’s see what happens. Another goal set for the upcoming year is the development of children’s books that align with the different themes we are exploring, both in our online sessions and in-person programmes.
You can find out more about WonderspaceED on on their website and Instagram. Click here for more interviews from our Ghana Culture Series.
