Writing for Change

In this interview, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews Ghanaian teacher, Delali "Dela" Samuel Awutey, who teaches computing and creative arts at the Doryumu Methodist Basic School, Dodowa in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Dela has participated in the Witness Tree Institute of Ghana's transformative summer program for teachers for five years. He talks about how the program has impacted him and his teaching.

In this Teaching for Change interview, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews Kwasi Daniel Aygei Ntim, a Mathematics, Science and Creative Arts teacher for grades 7-9 at the Kpohe D/A Basic School in Kpohe -Prampram, GhanaKwasi shares his journey into teaching, motivated by a vision to build the nation through educating the youth. He describes his involvement with Witness Tree Institute of Ghana, where he was recommended by his college vice principal and later became the music director. Kwasi emphasized that his role in music was a natural development, and he has been involved with the organization since 2021. Kwasi also shares his perspective on music as an unspoken language that carries emotional weight and connects him to his ancestors, noting its healing properties and ability to foster community. He emphasized the importance of unity and support within a community, drawing parallels to the strength found in the Witness Tree program's cohorts. Kwasi talks about how the experience has enriched his sense of identity, adding a layer of emotional and spiritual knowledge beyond academic learning. He explains his mission to nurture cultural roots in his students, weaving African traditions into his teaching of math and science to create a more holistic educational experience.Dirge and Ancestral Ceremony.Kwasi discusses the significance of a dirge called "Blewe" played at a ceremony honoring enslaved Africans and the bones that were returned. Kwasi explained that the dirge, played slowly, is an African funeral song that brings back ancestors to the land and offers them dignity. Nancy expressed her thoughts on the overwhelming loss and injustice of the slave trade, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment of the suffering that occurred. Kwasi discusses the wisdom and complexity of Ghanaian poetry, particularly Akan proverbs, which convey deep meaning through intricate language patterns. Kwasi recited and translated a few lines, explaining that each word and rhyme holds significant wisdom and power. Nancy and Kwasi discuss the Witness Tree program, which is available to teachers from other countries as well as Ghanaian teachers. Kwasi expressed hope that participating teachers would gain a renewed sense of pride and purpose in their pedagogical heritage, emphasizing the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge and storytelling into teaching. He highlighted the program's potential to empower African children by making education more relevant through the itegration of local languages and traditions. In this conversation, Kwasi discusses his teaching philosophy, explaining that he teaches for change by connecting with students' hearts, heads, and hands, aiming to develop their intellectual, emotional, and practical skills. He emphasizes that great teaching involves understanding and directing students towards their rightful destinations, rather than just delivering content, and he draws inspiration from multiple role models in his community. Find more information about The Witness Tree Institute of Ghana at witnesstreeinstitute.org.

In this interview, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews Madeline Vukson about her experience with the Witness Tree Institute of Ghana's summer program. Madeline is a teacher at Humboldt High School in St. Paul Minnesota. She teaches English language arts. She discusses how her experiences in Ghana impacted her and her teaching and encourages others to apply for the program. You can read more about her experiences on her blog at: https://www.witnesstreeinstitute.org/2025blog/the-places-that-speak-by-madeline-vukson

In this podcast, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews Ghanaian teacher, Olivia Williams, about her experiences with the Witness Tree Institute of Ghana summer program. She talks about how what she learned helps her in her teaching. Olivia teaches grades 7-9 in English Language and Creative Arts in Ghana. She is also an artist and dance instructor. The Witness Tree Institute provides a two week transformative education experience for teachers in Ghana where they learn about the culture and history of Ghana. Find out more on their website at: witnesstreeinstitute.org. You can email Olivia at [email protected]

In this podcast, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews Akomeah Seth Obeng, a teacher in Ghana who teaches for change. Seth discusses his experiences with The Witness Tree Institute of Ghana in their summer program during July 2025. He talks about the things he learned, how it will impact his teaching and also about his own approach to teaching for change at Battor Senior High School in the Volta Region of Ghana where he teaches music and Christian Religious Studies to grades 10, 11 and 12.

In this podcast, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews educator David Duane about his work in teaching for change with The Witness Tree Institute of Ghana. witnesstreeinstitute.org

In this Writing for Change interview, Author NancyFlinchbaugh interviews Author Libby Peyton, about her memoir,The Thin Ice of Reality, which discusses her journey with schizophrenia. In telling her story, she hopes to educate and teach others how to best advocate for people livingwithmental health disorders. She talks about what the listener can do to help themselves and/or those in similar situations. She offers resources, as well. Find out more about the author at libbypeyton.com.

In this Writing for Change interview, Author NancyFlinchbaugh interviews Author Libby Peyton, about her memoir The Thin Ice ofReality which discusses her journey with schizophrenia. In telling her story,she hopes to educate and teach others how to best advocate for people livingwithmental health disorders. She talks about what the listener can do to helpthemselves and/or those in similar situations. She offers resources to help, aswell.

In this podcast, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews Kathy Handrock, a Voice Artist who has narrated 140 books. She brought Nancy's 2025 novel Revelation on the Sea Island to life, now available on Audible.com. Kathy talks about her decision to become a voice artist and the many books she has narrated. She talks about what she likes about Revelation on the Sea Island and why she recommends others read it.

In this interview, Nancy Flinchbaugh interviews Author LeahRampy, co-author of Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees. Leah talks about her life work which led her to teaching and leading workshops and retreats with co-author Beth Norcross on the spiritual wisdom of trees. She discusses what she hopes people will learn from the book and also the spiritual wisdom she has gained from trees. Find moreabout Leah on her website at leahrampy.com. Subscribe to get notified of Leah’s upcoming events, book news and blogs at https://leahrampy.substack.com/

In this podcast, Author Nancy Flinchbaugh discusses the concept of Vision Quest and how she's experienced God's voice directing her in her life and writing. She talks about the inspiration for her books. Nancy is the author of seven books, including Revelation in the Cave, Revelation at the Labyrinth, Revelation in the Roots: Emerald Isle, Revelation on the Sea Island, Letters from the Earth, Awakening: A Contemplative Primer on Learning to Sit and Mariah of the Wind