Connecting Africa’s Skilled Professionals
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Delali Bentsi-Enchill
I was educated at....
....Achimota School for O’ Levels, Mawuli School 6th form, then Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (UST) for a degree in Art (Textiles) in Ghana. I then did an MSc in Textile Technology at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) after moving to the UK. Twenty years later, I decided on a career change and studied for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
My first job was....
....after my A’ Levels, when I did a six-week stint at Real Estate Development Company (REDCO) Ghana, as an office assistant.
What I do now is....
....I teach in Qatar International School; an English-speaking private day school in Doha, Qatar. The school follows the National Curriculum of England for students ranging between 3 and 18 year of age, coming from over 50 countries. This is my 2nd year teaching a Year 5 class of inquisitive, lively and adorable (most of the time) 10 year olds.
Delali Bentsi-Enchill is a Secondary Design and Technology trained teacher, specializing in Textiles.
Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked in the clothing and fashion industry in the UK and Ghana, spanning a period of over 15 years where she held a range of positions.
She completed a degree in Textile Design at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana in 1986. After completing her Masters in Textile Technology at UMIST, she trained as a Fabric Technologist at Laura Ashley in 1992. She subsequently worked in production management, controlling garment production off-shore for UK retailers like Burberry, Thomas Pink and Adams.
The turning point came after giving a talk in a local secondary school in 2007. Finding the interaction with students rewarding and invigorating, she eventually decided enter the teaching profession. She obtained a PGCE form Goldsmiths College in 2009.
Delali was born in Ghana and spent her formative years there before relocating to the UK in 1986. She moved to Doha, Qatar in 2010 with her husband, where she now teaches at an international school.
What I learned along the way is....
....that it is important to pick up a whole range of skills as we go through life. We have the ability to adapt to a variety of situations if we give ourselves the chance to.
My greatest motivation has been....
....my parents; their attention to detail, perseverance, work ethic, etc. In challenging situations, I can almost hear them reminding me to ‘persevere’.
The best advice I ever received is....
....follow your gut instinct. Do what is right for YOU.
My top tips for succeeding in my career area are....
....having had the opportunity to have pursued two very different career paths, I’ve learned that, whatever the career, there are common attributes that make up a good work ethic: patience, diligence, attention to detail, creativity, and preparedness to try new ideas. Above all, know yourself and work to your strengths.
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