Smith has made her time in Ghana the foundation for a cultural study unit for her students. Hundreds of photos and hours of videotape, along with artwork she brought back, have helped bring Ghana to life. I had to get the experience of other cultures firsthand before I could try to teach that experience to my kids. Smith's trip has led to a sisterschool exchange program with a school in Oda, Ghana. Smith's students have raised money and sent books to the school.
Penpal letters arrive regularly, as Ghanian students share their lives with the Vermont students.
They've learned that, in many ways, we are more the same than different.