A Day of Encounters – and an Evening of Gratitude

What a Thursday at the German International School Accra! A visit from a high-level delegation from North Rhine-Westphalia, a magical St. Martin’s Lantern Festival, and finally a very special evening of appreciation for the medical team of the Gerald Asamoah Foundation for Children with Heart Conditions – 12 November 2026 was a wonderful reflection of just how vibrant, diverse and connected our school community is.

The grand finale of this eventful day was an evening of gratitude and appreciation at the Swiss Club. After five intensive days and numerous successful, life-saving heart operations, the spotlight was finally on those who normally devote their full concentration, expertise and energy to caring for others: the doctors and other members of the medical team. For four years, the Gerald Asamoah Foundation and kinderherzen e.V. have been working together in Ghana to provide children with heart conditions access to life-saving treatment and the prospect of a brighter future.

Earlier that evening, many of our guests had spontaneously joined GISA’s traditional St. Martin’s Lantern Procession. Together with our children and families, they walked through the streets of Nima, surrounded by the warm glow of countless lanterns and accompanied by St. Martin himself on horseback. It was a particularly touching moment, beautifully illustrating how the message of sharing and caring for others at the heart of St. Martin’s story reflects the mission of both organisations.

The appreciation evening was co-organised by our Grade 8 students as part of their social responsibility project supporting children with heart conditions. Throughout the medical mission, the students had already played an active role in helping to provide meals for the medical team. Now, they also helped create a memorable evening for the people behind this extraordinary commitment. A wonderful example of how learning to take social responsibility extends far beyond the classroom and gives young people the opportunity to make a real difference.

The Urban Groove Band provided the perfect musical backdrop, quickly filling the evening with infectious rhythms and a joyful atmosphere. A very special surprise came from the Universal Wonderful Street Academy: an impressive performance combining breathtaking acrobatics, music and even a fire-eater! The young performers captivated the audience, earning enthusiastic applause and plenty of amazed smiles.

There was also no shortage of culinary delights. The Paloma Hotel, our school's new catering partner, treated everyone to a delicious buffet. After days of demanding surgery, intense concentration and deeply moving encounters, it was finally time for the medical professionals themselves to be looked after – to enjoy good food, celebrate their achievements, dance and unwind to the rhythms and vibrant spirit of Ghana.

But the evening was about much more than a wonderful celebration. It was about gratitude for lives saved, recognition of extraordinary voluntary commitment and the friendships that grow when people come together for a shared purpose.

A day that began with international exchange, continued with the shining eyes of children carrying lanterns, and ended with music, dancing and heartfelt appreciation. Three very different events, yet all sharing one message: At GISA, we build bridges. Between people, generations and cultures. And sometimes, between life-saving medical care and a whole new future for a child.

Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made this extraordinary day and evening possible – and above all, to the entire medical team of the Gerald Asamoah Foundation and kinderherzen e.V. for their tireless dedication.

You have not only operated on hearts – you have touched so many hearts along the way!