Mwalimu Van Putten has served as an “Educator-in-Residence” a number of schools in the United States, Bermuda and Ghana, West Africa. In that capacity, she provides curriculum consultation, student workshops, teacher professional development sessions and parent programs.
In March, 2018, Mwalimu conducted a month-long residency at Atasemanso R/C Primary School in Kumasi, Ghana at the invitation of the school and Bridge-to-Africa Connections, Inc. In preparation, The Ashay Experience curriculum was developed for students and teachers. The Ashay University Community in Bermuda, Strategic Solutions and Friends of Mwalimu in the United States raised monies to send her and 150 pounds of school materials.
Students at Atasemanso R/C Primary School
Atasemanso R/C Primary School Faculty
Mwalimu’s month-long trip to Ghana yielded contributions of Ashay Curriculum lessons and materials to Bonwire Primary School, Loki’s Bantama Children and Dawn’s Sunday Morning Girls. Additionally, a Ghana Ashay Club! has grown from 25 children to over 100!
Loki’s Bantama Children
Bonwire Primary School and Ashay Experience work booklets
A student from Ashay Club Ghana!
The program has been conducted in schools in Charlotte, NC, West Palm Beach, FL, and Milwaukee, WI, among others. In 2008, after a week-long residency, the Ravenswood School District of Palo Alto, California, called Van Putten, “…a true champion of children and the learning process.”