Date:
4/18/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Colleen Wright
PORTALES – Eastern New Mexico University's Family and Consumer Sciences and Agricultural Department have received a grant to participate in the United States Department of Education Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program.
The program offers a chance for 18 public school teachers to travel to Ghana, Africa, for one month to live in a rural Ghanaian village. The program gives participants the chance to gain knowledge about the Ghanaian culture, history, geography, religion, and educational systems through classroom and field work. Air travel, room and board is being provided for the 29 days.
In order for teachers to apply they were required to submit an application, a letter of support from a supervising administrator, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a 300-word statement of intent. Application reviews began April 20.
Dr. Caryl Johnson, ENMU Family and Consumer Sciences assistant professor, is director of the project with co-director Vannetta Perry of Socorro. "It was a difficult process we went through in order to get the grant for us to participate" Dr. Johnson admitted, flipping through the multiple-page proposal she put together. "Now that the ball is rolling, I am very excited."
Dr. Johnson's passion for travel makes this opportunity even more exhilarating. "My husband and I absolutely love to travel," Dr. Caryl says with a smile. "This is my second time to Ghana, but the first time being involved in a program such as this."
Prior to living and teaching in Portales, Dr. Johnson, her husband, and their two basset hounds lived in the Virgin Islands. "I loved working out there; I just adore working and traveling in different places.
"I think this program is going to be a great opportunity, for those of us going especially, but I also think the knowledge we will be able to share when we return will be useful."
Caryl Johnson: Grant to go to Ghana.