By Sr. Erlinda A. Macatol, RVM

I came to Ghana in 1982 through the invitation of Peter Kwasi Sarpong was for a long time very concerned about the number of girls especially from the poor homes who could no longer get access to the expensive Boarding School System in Ghana.

Headmistress
So I was given the job of Headmistress (High school Principal of a newly establish Day Secondary School for the Girls named Prince of Peace Girl’s Secondary School. This day school is also a vehicle for preparing possible candidate to the religious life. Prince of Peace then was established as the a Day Secondary School (just like our school in the Philippines where student go home to their respective families). At the moment, we have about thirty aspirants who wish to become Sisters recommended by their Parish Priest.

I have Learned from the Ghanaians
The school is only eight years old since it started when I came in 1982. When I arrive I had to do 3 months of Language and Culture study. Since the education system of the country is entirely different, I had to study and adapt, I had to “let go of many things…to see and observe…to step back and observe…to really see where they are. I learned many things from the Ghanaians; they have enriched with their culture…so Rich!

Eight have Answered a Call
We have graduated four batches of student since 1987 (Secondary School here is 5 years) By God’s grace we had have good results as the government exams which are given at the end of their secondary studies and some even passed with flying color. I thank God for this wonderful achievement. It may interest you to know that eight of our graduates are in their initial formation in the religious life. We pray that more young woman will come and answer our Lord’s call.

Patience Tested
Even in a school setting, it has been an easy work at all. My patience and understanding have been tested almost to the limit. I thank the Lords for sustaining me with his grace, for being able to integrate in to the culture of the people and for making me an instrument in sharing His Love and Faith to the academic community of Prince of Peace Girls Secondary School and to community as a whole. I am ever grateful that I am given this opportunity to come, live and experience the warmth, hospitality and “riches” of the Ghanaian people.

I had to “let go of many things… I learned much from the people; they have enriched me with their culture…so rich!