🎓 GISA Named a Campus School of the University of Potsdam – Celebrating a Thriving Educational Partnership! 🌍📚

It is with great pride and joy that the German International School Accra (GISA) has been officially recognized as a Campus School of the University of Potsdam! The award honors our school’s active role in the innovative cooperation network BE A PART! – Promoting Vocational, Political, and Cultural Participation by Supporting (Written) Language and Communication Skills, led by Prof. Dr. Winnie-Karen Giera, Chair of Inclusive German Didactics at the University of Potsdam.

Former GISA board member Lucas Müller proudly accepted the award on behalf of the school community – a symbolic moment that showcases GISA’s strong and lasting commitment to international teacher training and inclusive education.

🗣️ The celebration featured opening remarks by State Secretary Mr. Fischer (MBJS) and a powerful keynote by Ms. Gnadt, Head of the Teacher Training Department at the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports:
“Making Little Noise About MUCH – A Salute to You! A Critical and Multi-Perspective Look at the Campus School Network.”

But this award is more than a recognition – it reflects a deep and multifaceted partnership that connects theory and practice, academia and school life, across continents:

🌐 Student Teaching Placements: Student teachers from Potsdam complete internships at GISA, gaining invaluable pedagogical and intercultural experience in an international setting.

🎭 Theater Workshop in Accra: In August 2024, Prof. Dr. Giera and Lilly Woltersdorf (research assistant) visited GISA and conducted a theater workshop for Grades 5–7 on the topics of bullying, empowerment, and social cohesion. Students embraced the experience with confidence and enthusiasm.

💻 Virtual Language Exchange: In May 2025, under the guidance of Dr. Torsten Andreas, GISA students participated in one-on-one online conversations with student teachers from Potsdam. This interactive format fostered vocabulary development, confidence, and cultural awareness.

🎓 Teacher Training & Research: The University of Potsdam provides academic support, conducts research, and offers professional development opportunities for GISA’s teaching staff – particularly in the field of German as a foreign language.

🤝 Visit from University Leadership: In early 2024, GISA welcomed a high-level delegation from Potsdam, including University President Prof. Oliver Günther, Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Wolf, Prof. Dr. Andreas Borowski, and Katharina Schmitt. A vibrant exchange with school leadership, parents, and cultural partners confirmed the win-win nature of this growing collaboration – with future projects such as student trips to Potsdam already in planning.

🌟 A Living Bridge Between Research and Practice
The German International School Accra is proud to strengthen its cooperation with the University of Potsdam. We thank Prof. Dr. Giera and her team for their trust, expertise, and commitment to a shared vision of global education.

Together, we are shaping meaningful learning experiences that reach far beyond the classroom.