In the lively neighbourhood of Ashalley Botwe in Ghana, Nancy Swatson walks with quiet determination to her school building every morning. Little does she know, that the children watching her from their doorways see her as a guiding light in their lives.

As a dedicated teacher and the Principal of Teachinaid School, her classroom is a welcoming place where children find their voice through her patient teaching. Every weekend, she gathers with children from the community under a tent in the schoolyard, making learning enjoyable with laughter and cheers when they finally understand something new. These students don’t just learn reading and math; they learn self-respect and confidence from a woman who believes that every child can reach their full potential.

Today, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want you to know that even though your hands might feel small as they help children write, they are actually building paths to futures that once seemed impossible. The light you bring to a child’s eyes travels far; to homes, through generations, and across communities. Never doubt that by teaching a child to read, you are teaching a community to have hope. Your work is not just about education; it is about freedom. Today, we honor the quiet change you lead every day, one lesson at a time.

Happy International Women’s Day, Nancy Swatson!

By Isaac K.D. Teye,
ISHR Ambassador (2025)
Ghana