1. 2. 3.
African sees U.S.
By PAULA MYERS
Mix 12 barrels of ambition with 10 kegs of courage, add a ton of understanding to make such a student as Thomas Ohene Wilson, Acra, Ghana, sophomore.
Being over 10,000 miles from home, in a strange place with hopes of being an aerospace engineer, ambition and courage are the main ingredients of Wilson's life.
Wilson has been in America since his arrival at KU in the fall of 1965. Before his arrival, he had formed an image of America, which for him, has partially fallen through.
WILSON WAS encouraged to come to America by an American Cultural Attache in Ghana.
"The American image is built up. Most of us in Africa believe that you are free and easy going, willing to help. In general, I find that the Americans concentrate on themselves. You have to be forced to do anything," Wilson said.
The biggest contrast that he has found between the U.S. and Ghana is found in the people.
AMERICANS ARE wrapped up in themselves. According to Wilson, there is individuality, not unity in America.
The Americans, he says, are not willing to learn. "They lack a knowledge of what they don't know apart from the American life. Americans are not broad-minded and act superior to the cultures of other countries," he said.
"We live our culture, We know it. There are deep feelings of brotherhood and nationalism," Wilson said.
proximately the same size as Alabama. Since there are so many dialects, Wilson said that English is the main language taught starting in primary schools.
There are about 30 different dialects in Ghana, which is ap-
AFTER SIX YEARS in a primary school, an exam is taken. Elementary school is the next four year step. During the second year, another exam is taken. If this exam is passed, the student can go immediately to the secondary school.
Secondary school is taught entirely in English. By the third year in secondary school, the student in Ghana begins to decide what he wants to do. The fourth year, the student selects six subjects in line of the future career.
The fifth year the students have to pass the London University certificate examination in order to go to the six forum, a two year specialization program in three subjects.
From there the student goes to the university.
WILSON CAME TO America before the Six Forum and the university, so he could come to KU.
"We are not here to be produced; whatever I study I should apply to the future," he said.
The professor's role to Wilson is one of a torch-bearer. "The teacher has to be free with the student. He must not let the student be afraid of him. He must be a light to lead the way so that the student can help himself. By the teacher being the torch-bearer the student will not lose courage.
"Teachers are here to help us understand by explaining, not to just cover material," he said.
Daily Kansan Friday, April 21, 1967
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