While growing up, Dominic Bentum wanted to become a meteorologist or a lawyer but these dreams did not materialise due to financial constraints and lack of guidance. However, in later years, he discovered that he had a love for teaching and determined that he would become a teacher. Even though he failed the entrance interview thrice, he was not deterred and on his final attempt he gained admission to focus on his dream.
During this time, Dominic unfortunately lost his job, so paying for school became difficult for him. But he persisted through these challenges, taking his lessons and religion seriously, and finally, he completed his training.
As an educator, Dominic is inspired by the recognition he receives from the society at large. The opportunity to impart knowledge also pushes him to do more. He loves the practical aspects found in STEM. He explains that, using practical demonstrations in teaching STEM improves the students’ academic knowledge, and helps him to be a great teacher. He explains further that being a STEM educator has built his skills as such, he has been able to expose his students to various science programmes. “I have had an NGO congratulating me on my good work and that makes me happy and I see that it’s part of the benefits,” Dominic says. Some of his students whom he taught electricity as a topic are now pursuing the course at a technical school. This shows that his students are making progress and it means a lot to Dominic.
Mr. Bentum is a member of Youth Bridge foundation (YBF). He enhances his knowledge and practice of teaching by attending workshops. He has been teaching for 6 years and presently teaches about a hundred and sixty-nine students. In the future he hopes to teach at a training college. He has had many interesting experiences as a teacher. He recalls, for example, that during one class, one of his students suggested the use of methylated spirit for the removal of chlorophyll from a leaf. That experience taught him to always prepare before class and most importantly to learn from his students and listen to their views.
Regarding the JUNEOS Challenge, Dominic’s students were very excited about demonstrating their experiment for the competition. Participating in the challenge has made Dominic’s lessons more practical. Dominic has also learnt that one has to invest resources in order to achieve a good outcome.
He hopes that the JUNEOS Challenge will continue to run, and produce more students who will grow to become great scientists in the future.
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Article by Kofi Konadu Berko.
Kofi Konadu Berko is passionate about education and youth development. He holds a B.A in Adult Education and Human Resource Studies from the University Of Ghana. His works have been published in the historic Afroyoung Adult anthology titled Waterbirds On the Lakeshore, Adabraka: Stories From the Center Of the World, Tampered Press and the Kalahari Review. He blogs at obolokofi.wordpress.com
Great one there!
Killer, we are proud of you. Soar higher.