Children love to hear and read stories that help them discover their own uniqueness and affirm good values. I use the vehicle of storytelling and story creation to drive home important messages like honesty, self acceptance and building safer communities.

1. School
projects
Hannah Yaawusuah Adjepong

2. 2
Introduction
“My sessions are specially created to answer some of the problems children face
today. They cover critical thinking, listening and speaking skills. Also they involve
intercultural understanding, diversity and using symbols to communicate.
Children are empowered to be active global citizens by learning to build a caring
and supportive community. I was invited to work with Telford and Wrekin Council
Schools, Multicultural Development Services as a storyteller after giving a key
note speech at Black history month celebration. The sessions and school
assemblies have developed into the creation of beautifully illustrated children’s
books with unique messages.”
Biography:
Hannah Yaawusuah Adjepong is a retired
nurse/midwife has lived in the United
Kingdom for the past three decades. She
is an award-winning international poet,
storyteller and published author. Born
and raised in a Ghanaian village where
stories, music and dance were used as
educational tools for centuries, Hannah’s
stories are crafted in response to some of
the problems children face today. She is
a passionate and inspiring lady who uses
her skills as a storyteller to inspire and
educate children and adults. Her
message is that despite outward
appearances we are all the same and
should dwell on the positive in each
other and ourselves. We have a common
humanity and should practice self-
acceptance.

3. 3
+
Panda Song:
Panda Song is a humorous story about all the animals living in an
imaginary rainforest. They wonder how the Creator painted them
in all their different colours. Pamela Panda doesn’t think she’s
beautiful like the other creatures. This story teaches children to
discover the joy of living in supportive and caring community. It
also helps to build confidence in children with low self-esteem.
Zelia The Young Gazalle:
An enchanting story about a baby gazelle named Zelia who is
fascinated by the world around her and has many questions for her
parents, Fabra and Tetegumu.
She explores the plains of Africa where she lives and very curios
about other animals.
Children will love to read about Zelia and her exploration of the
world around her. Zelia’ story is about family communication. The
book helps parents to discuss emotive issues with their children.
Spotty Blue Ted:
This is the saga of Blue Ted, a little blue teddy bear who lived in
the Land of Blue Grain, which was really his owner Tom’s
bedroom. One day Blue Ted’s life changes in a wonderful way and
he finds that he has become a real live bear!
Sporty Blue Ted addresses the excitement of a new beginning, like
starting school or nursery, meeting new people and making
friends. Reading the book will help parents discuss real issues
such as rejection, feeling lost and learning the value of friendship.
Anyi’s Cat:
This book is about a little girl who loves animals. She rescues a
kitten which was being mishandled. Although she already has a
cat she still brought it home without her parent’s consent. Later her
parents found out the kitten was missing and had to be returned to
the owner. Anyi’s cat teaches children to be kind and caring
towards animals and to not keep things that do not belong to them.
Published books

4. 4
“GOD’s Wonderful World”,
I covered the everyday things, which bring happiness.
I talked about grandparents and babies. I also talked
about the whole world as if it were a village where we
need to watch out for each other and care for those who
are vulnerable and take care of the environment by
keeping surroundings tidy and using recycling bins.
“It Is Good To Be Me”
Every one of us is very special and can do some things
others may not be able to do. Equality and Diversity
means accepting that everyone is given a talent for the
benefit of society, so that we can all live in harmony.
When people become lazy or don’t care, we are all
affected. If we do not learn to forgive and help each
other, many more people will live sad lives. Learning to
appreciate what each person does brings the
community together.
Special Places
I got the children involved to talk about places that are
special to them. It was a time of sharing about listening. I
spoke about a lady who found a very special place when
she sat quietly and listened to a good teacher. It
changed her life. Listening is very important because
we learn about what other people see in us and it
motivates us to be the best we can be.
Full day Story time
Structure
 9.10 - 10.10 am Class 1
Workshop (KS1)
 10.15 - 10.30 am Assembly
 10.30 - 10.45 am
Breaktime
 10.50 - 12.00 noon Class 2
Workshop (KS2)
 12.00 - 1.00 pm Lunchtime
 - 1.40 pm Class 1
Workshop (KS1)
 1.50 - 2.30 pm Class 2
Workshop (KS2)
 2.40 - 3.20 pm Sharing
Assembly of days
activities with parents
School Story Time
School story time & Educational Equalities Enrichment Projects

5. 5
School Workshops
School story time & Educational Equalities Enrichment Projects
“All different- All Equal”
I used silk flowers and got children to choose their favourite
flower and colour. We then made a beautiful arrangement with
all the flowers to show how beautiful society can be when we
work together even though we are different.
“Ghanaian Culture Children’s Workshop”
Learning about Ghana in detail this includes the country’s
history, languages spoken and Ghanaian food. The workshop
also taught children about Ghana’s natural resources some of
which connects us globally such as cola nuts and cocoa beans.
Rubber trees, gold and diamond mines.
The children learn about crafts and musical instruments.
They also learned to create their own stories in groups which
they shared with to the rest of the school and their parents who
were invited.
“Millennium development goals”
I discussed the Eight Millennium goals with children
concentrating on the universal primary education goal. The
workshop highlighted to children the importance of primary
education, which is lacking globally affecting 123 million
children and young people.
Workshop Structure
 9.10 - 10.10 am Class 1
Workshop (KS1)
 10.15 - 10.30 am
Assembly
 10.30 - 10.45 am
Breaktime
 10.50 - 12.00 noon Class
2 Workshop (KS2)
 12.00 - 1.00 pm
Lunchtime
 - 1.40 pm Class 1
Workshop (KS1)
 1.50 - 2.30 pm Class 2
Workshop (KS2)
 2.40 - 3.20 pm Sharing
Assembly of days
activities with parents

6. 6
Educational Enrichment Programme
“Ghanaian Culture” Staff Workshop
School staff meetings were held with senior managers from SMDS. Ghanaian culture, family
structure, place of religion and child rearing practice were explained. School staff were
taught in detail about the expectations of children in terms of behavior and the place of
discipline including corporal punishment. The session included how Ghanaian culture may
affect new comers in the country such as making eye contact with authority figures, which is
considered disrespectful.
Staff testimonials
“Hannah is very engaging and everyone was enthralled. I honestly felt that it was all great and
really enjoyable. The content was organized and it was naturally delivered, lots about the
family and tradition in Ghana. This helps us to understand more about the culture our lovely
Ghanaian students come from. An inspiring woman who conveyed how important her culture
and country is to her. Also how proud she is of the progress her country is making.”
- Helen Bibby, Lakeside Academy Telford
Hannah had everyone engaged and involved with her presentation. It really helped to have a
Ghanaian person explaining about the culture. Hannah really brought it to life. It was all really
interesting and engaging the PowerPoint was a useful introduction and the talk that followed
kept our interest throughout. Probably the best part was when Hannah presented a male
member of staff with cup of tea as if he was a Ghanaian husband!
- Ruth Mason, Lakeside Academy Telford

7. 7
Panda song was launched on the 5th
of March 2013 at the open gates theatre in Telford. 600
people attended the launch at which three local school choirs joined together to sing their
own songs as well as panda song. Please follow the address below for a video trailer of the
event. http://youtu.be/MMw2ENac0Fo
“It was fantastic, the children loved it they were really into the performance and they loved
listening to Hannah. She’s so interesting she had them in the palm of her hands and she always
tells interesting stories. She always catches the children’s imagination. It was a wonderful
evening.”
- Choir leader St Patricks School Wellington
“My favourite book is Panda Song. My favourite bit is “You are a very beautiful bear like me.
You must learn to love yourself as you are and stop wishing you were different.”
- Amy Lake Aged Eight Appley Wood Primary School Telford
“The book illustrates how policies on lifelong learning are themselves in part premised on the
contribution education and training can make to promote an inclusive society. Social
exclusion offends against human dignity, denies people their fundamental human rights and
leads, to marginalization thereby deepening inequalities. The book illustrates social exclusion
and inclusion.”
- Solomon A.Kumah, London
Panda’s Song Launch

8. 8
Description:
From the overwhelming positive feedback I received from
teachers, parents and grandparents I was inspired to convert
Panda Song into a theatre production in partnership with
Simply Smiley Productions. The story communicates the
positive and powerful message of self- acceptance, confidence
and the importance of friendship.
Panda song will be performed in Shropshire schools as
an on-stage play for children in key stage two to fit the
national curriculum. This will also involve the school
liaison via head of year or headmaster initially.
Aims and objective
 Panda’s Song has been converted into a stage production
 To create a community with children from different
schools, by learning to interact with each other as they
explore the emotions of the characters in the story.
 Children will understand the importance of inclusion , will
develop their emotional intelligence, communication skills
and creative potential.
Panda’s Song is now a stage
production.
Please click on the following
links to view the trailers.
http://youtu.be/4IeGHDpnpm
g
http://youtu.be/eGVclcKcqHY
Panda Song and Future Projects
Schools may book Panda’s Song production
From this site or from Simply Smiley Productions.

9. 9
Project Description:
The project will follow the journey of cocoa beans
from a farm in Ghana to England supermarkets. The
project will last a year and involve key stage two
children from three schools from Shropshire.
Aims and objectives:
 To develop intercultural understanding.
 To empower children to actively engage in
global citizenship.
Project Outcome:
1000 children from three schools will benefit
from this project which will help them
appreciate the journey of the cocoa bean,
the hard work it takes to produce cocoa and
the various people involved in bringing them
their favorite snack.
Future project
Snack Learn and Connect

10. 10
Section of Schools
Visited
From 2004-2014

11. 11

12. +
“I enjoyed the book. It inspires people who are down I'd say. The message is very encouraging
and well written. You could say it paints a picture of the story in my mind."
 Key Stage Two Pupil (Windmill Primary School & Children's Centre)
“MANY MANY THANKS for yesterday. The students (and staff!) loved you. I do hope you will come
back another time.”
 Cath Pocock
“Thank you for all the wonderful sessions you have completed for us this for the Educational
Equalities Enrichment Sessions. Your work has been invaluable to the schools and us. They have
been very much appreciated by SMDS and by the schools”
 Jenny Mcbride – Senior Administrator SMDS, Dale Acre Way
Testimonials
And samples of
Children’s work
Testimonials –

13. 13
To view more videos of Hannah, please visit You Tube: Hannah Yaawusuah Adjepong
“She captivated the Year 7’s with her exciting and unusual stories. There were so many interesting
things to see and hear”
 Abraham Derby Academy
“Your reputation is still sky high from your last visit!”
 Windmill Primary School and Children’s Centre
“As always we welcome you into our school with open arms and you never leave us without our
gratitude and warmth and us having learned huge amounts from you.”
 Windmill Primary School and Children’s Centre
“My son was at the High Ercall session & thoroughly enjoyed it!”
 Parent
Hannah has been working with the young people of Meole Brace School,
Shrewsbury, for the past three years as part of our annual
Multi-Cultural Week of activities. Her work involves the culture,
traditions and storytelling folklore of her Ghanaian background.
Hannah works with groups of between 25-50 students of ages 11-14 and
her sessions are always eagerly anticipated and hugely enjoyed by
staff and students alike.
Hannah is a reliable, committed and much valued friend of Meole Brace
School and I would not hesitate to recommend her to any school or
other organization.
Richard Tillman
Assistant Headteacher
Meole Brace School
Shrewsbury