My name is Rachael Antiedu Forkuoh and this is “My Teacher Story” – the story of the teacher who changed my life.
It was 1995. I was very excited to be starting class 5, but I dreaded what -or rather who- awaited my arrival, THE MASK.
Unlike the other classes where it was A and B, Class 5 was a single class. The competition was tough and according to our seniors the class 5 teacher, Mr Michael Amoah Sakyi Kelvin aka the MASK was the strictest and the scariest of them all. He disciplined students mercilessly. But we were in for a surprise.
He taught us that whatever boys could do girls could also do the same. He was my number one cheerleader, always pushing me to be the best I could be.
Some of my fondest memories are how he taught us English. He wrote a book titled ‘MASK.’ This book helped me with my English skills. Even after I continued from his class, my academic performance continued to rise; I was always taking the first position in the school I moved to.
I remember when he took us on an excursion to the Owabi Dam. My closest friend Stella Opoku Mensah and I were over the moon. He taught the whole class Michael Jackson songs and ‘Jamaica Farewell’ by Harry Belafont which we sang on the bus. After the excursion, he took us on a picnic. For me, it is something I will never forget. He made us feel like his family. We sat on the green grass listening to tales of his high school days whilst we enjoyed our food.
Speaking of food, On Fridays, Mr. Michael organised continental cooking lessons. We all contributed and came along with utensils and other kitchen wares.What I loved most about these lessons was that both boys and girls would partake in the cooking. I was usually in charge of dicing the meat. Whenever I was sure no one was watching I would sneak a piece or two into my mouth, but Mr. Michael would always catch me, “Rachael, what is in your mouth?” He would ask. I would reply “Bones.” Everyone would burst out laughing.
I will never forget how he would mention my full name “Rachael Antiedu Forkuoh” whenever I was up for punishment. I loved how even after punishing you he would bring you closer to him. His class was always fun even though he was strict. He really had a unique bond with everyone in the class.
Time flew by so fast and before we knew it, it was our last day as his students. “Don’t let anyone make you feel like you cannot achieve anything”, he said. “With hard work, dedication and determination you can and will succeed. Now go out there and make me proud!” And we sure did.
Years later, I am working as a Health, Safety and Environment Supervisor. I am the only woman on a team of about 100 workers. And I am not intimidated by the men. I always do my work diligently. And it’s all due to what Mr. Michael taught me in class 5 that my gender didn’t matter, I only needed to be the best anywhere I found myself. That I could achieve anything once I set my mind to it.
I will always be grateful to Mr. Michael for how he changed my life in class 5. I treasure him so much. He turned a little girl into a successful woman.
Mr. Michael, I hope you are reading this, “ I was a carefree child, but you saw my potential and shaped me into the person I am today. I love the fact that you always encouraged me and directed me to good places. If I hadn’t met you. I don’t know where I would be today. For that, I will always cherish you for the impact you have had on my life.”
Rachael completed Kings International School in Dichemso, Kumasi in 1996. Did you attend Kings International School (3rd site) too? Were you a student of Mr. Michael Amoah Sakyi Kelvin aka the MASK? Share this article to your former classmates and tell us more about Mr. Michael in the comments section.
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I also attended Kings International School and Mr Michael is still my best teacher too. I still send him a copy of every certificate I achieve as a way of reminding him of his good works. I wish he could have been my teacher throughout my school days. He is truly a hero but without a cape☺️ and I’m privileged to be his product. We love you so much Mr Michael❤️❤️ and we thank God you are part of our success story. Even in my adult life, you are still interested in every aspect of it and it feels good to still have a father figure in my life. Your spoken words to some of us shaped us into the women we are today. Ayekoo THE MASK
My class 5 teacher, Mr Michael Kelvin, one of the best teacher we had in our days at Kings International school 3rd Site, the good old days when Kings was the Ish becauseof the academic records and discipline instilled in the school and we cannot talk about discipline without mentioning Mr Michael lol we thank you for being such an amazing teacher and for all your great lessons. We feel so fortunate to have been placed in your class. You have amazed and inspired us and it was worth it and for that we are thankful because you were truly a wonderful teacher. As a teacher you gave us all the tools we needed to face in life and we are proud of the persons we have become .i am now a holder of Masters in Leadership and Management @ University of Ghana and is because u formed part of my foundation and this success. Thank you Mr Michael Kelvin
Aw..l am tearing right now as I type about this incredible human being called Mr Micheal Aka Micheal Jackson (my nickname for him?). Mr. Micheal made my life at Kings 3rd site class 5 a successful one due to his principles, direction and guidance in all class students. He loves everyone equally in his class whether rich or poor. I grew up from a poor background but I was a smart and ambitious girl who needed a direction and Mr. Micheal of my class 5 teacher made sure I got that motivation I needed to succeed. He taught us to be self motivated, ambitious and goal getter especially the girls in his class. Most of the boys in his class were sometimes jealous of how much attention he gave to girls BUT God knows girls needed that motivation from such an angel like Mr. Micheal to shape our lives in the right path.
I remember vividly well when one day, one of my classmate girls started a serious rumor about me pertaining to those fake pastors with their spiritual revelations and quickly enough Mr.Micheal heard about it and shut up my classmate to stop spreading that story…men …my whole life changed that day with that intervention from this angel called Mr. Micheal ❤. Because, some of my classmates started believing that rumor spreading and they started bullying me, avoiding me and making me feel unwanted human being on earth at that tender age in class 5. I didn’t have anyone to complain to in school expect my then class 6 brother who told me to just ignore their gossip but it was hard to ignore students bullying .
I thank and bless God for bringing you into my life at that time Sir Micheal . I really do appreciate all your love, kindness and support you show to someone nobody like myself. May the good Lord continue to bless you and your family abundantly.
ps: l have 2 bachelor’s degree in biology and Nuclear medicine , and I am getting my Nursing degree in December 2021. I am on becoming a medical doctor someday and it is all due to your guidance and encouragement to not settle for anything small.
Love always Saint Michael ❤
I did not get to the chance to bake in Mr Michael’s oven because i left Kings before i could sit in his class. However i felt his impact because i had my senior brother and cousins in his class. He always had a session after school on Fridays where he taught his class motivating and inspiring songs. I recall how after school on such days as i wait for my brother and cousins, i would sneak into their class and sit at the back to partake in learning the song (am sure he noticed me but never bothered to sack me). To date i can pretty sing most of Michael Jackson’s song all thanks to him.
I was in St MASK’s class too so I do attest to everything said here. As a guy in Mr. Michael’s class, my experience was similar but not such a smooth ride as the females. The guys, including myself believed St MASK was very stern with us and had a soft spot for the females. And by saying that, it doesn’t mean he spared anyone who deserved to be lashed – because he didn’t. I recently talked with him and he explained to me in detail his reasoning behind making the females feel at ease slightly more than he did with the guys. Trust me, he was right. As much as we were sometimes terrified of getting punished, he treated us like family. He was passionate about making all of us succeed. He gave us a firm foundation in class 5 and many of us built up on it to turn out to be who we are now. Funny thing is, he’s still got his influential touch. He genuinely cares about people and set them on paths for success. St. MASK has a heart carved by God himself. It’s his ministry and he has made God and all of us proud. Love u St. MASK. U are “good people”.
Also about the “stone-age folks” who still discriminate against people because they belong to a certain gender, race, have a particular shape or size, no one should pay any mind to their ignorance. I witnessed to extremely smart females spawn from grade 4 ( Rachael Forkuoh and Stella O. Mensah). It was hard not to see such geniuses when they outperformed everyone they came in contact with. YOU CAN’T DEPRIVE A GENIUS WITH A PURPOSE.