Ubuntu

1794. Enoch Mintah

Enoch came from a poor background in Ghana, but through regular work at a local market was able to save towards studying at university in the UK, first at Lincoln and currently at Liverpool. From his own experience, he wanted to find a way to help connect students in the UK with young people in Ghana, not only to support the development of school pupils in Ghana but to provide a different perspective on education for students in the UK. As a former learning support assistant at Grange Academy in Bedfordshire, a co-educational special needs school, Enoch partnered with the school to create his cross-cultural education ‘Ubuntu’ project, and he has now connected them with Rhema International Academy in Ghana. Together they have fundraised to send over 5,000 books, items of stationery, lunch boxes and educational DVDs to Rhema International Academy. Enoch has since established further partnerships with other schools in the UK, as well as with other institutions such as the Red Cross Society.

In a personal letter to Enoch, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“Congratulations on the success of ‘Ubuntu’ – pairing schools in the UK with those in your homeland of Ghana. Your work epitomises the true meaning of ‘Ubuntu’ growing humanity and compassion and teaching schoolchildren to explore the world around them.

“Even through the pandemic, you have continued to promote cross-cultural partnerships in virtual classrooms. You have also sent thousands of books, DVDs and pens to schoolchildren in Ghana, allowing them the materials they need to carry on learning.”

Paula Barker, MP for Liverpool Wavertree, said:

“I am delighted that my constituent, Enoch Mintah, is being recognised by the Prime Minister for his Ubuntu project which partners schools in the UK with schools in his native Ghana to share virtual lessons promoting cultural understanding. Liverpool, past and present, is the story of different communities coming together in the spirit of tolerance, solidarity and our shared values – at home and abroad. We are a global city and our diversity is our greatest strength. Enoch epitomises that spirit that has come to define our people. He has lived and breathed his work, is deserving of this award and most importantly, is writing the next chapter of our city’s story. Well done Enoch.”

Enoch said:

“I am humbled and encouraged to continue with this social good. This recognition is a strong statement of the Prime Minister’s Office’s acknowledgment of voluntary work and its persons, as the lifeline augmenting social and cultural development. This award also amplifies the voice of diversity and inclusion, without leaving anyone behind.”