Tessark International School began with an act of kindness. When Faustina’s mother, a retired educationist, noticed her neighbor struggling to find daycare for her toddlers, she stepped in to help. What started as simple caregiving soon grew into something extraordinary. With a natural love for education and a knack for nurturing young minds, this wonderful teacher couldn’t resist teaching the little ones the basics—colors, shapes, and the magic of storytelling.
One afternoon, inspired by the joy in their curious eyes, she asked herself: “Why not open a school?” And so she did. In her own home, Tessark International School came to life as a small daycare, offering local parents a safe space for their children.
What began as a humble effort quickly grew into a vital community resource. Parents saw their children thriving, and word spread. Soon, the student numbers exceeded the home’s capacity, and Faustina, having just completed her studies, eagerly joined her mother in the venture.
The Wonderful Teacher
Faustina recalls those early days with a laugh. “The children spilled out of the house,” she says, describing the wooden structure they built on the roof to create more space. It was unconventional but brimming with hope and purpose.
As the school grew, so did the challenges. Faustina stepped into a leadership role, searching for ways to improve operations. When she attended an Edify training in Accra, Ghana, she discovered invaluable tools for financial management. Returning with a newfound vision, she shared her plans with her mother.
At first, there was resistance. Transitioning from traditional methods to modern practices wasn’t easy, especially for Faustina’s mother, who hadn’t grown up in a technology-driven world. But the desire to see the school succeed overcame hesitation. Together, they embraced the changes and partnered with Edify in 2007, setting the school on a path of growth.
Transforming Education
With Edify’s support, Tessark School implemented proper accounting systems, introduced QuickBooks, and focused on financial sustainability. The results were transformative. By 2013, the school moved out of their home and into a dedicated facility. A computer lab followed, sparking creativity and confidence in their students.
Edify’s training didn’t just improve the school’s operations; it redefined the learning environment. Classrooms that were once plain and functional became vibrant spaces filled with colorful charts, maps, and student projects. A school garden brought new opportunities for hands-on learning, where students cultivated patience and an understanding of growth, both in plants and in themselves.
A Lasting Impact
Today, Tessark International School is home to nearly 1,000 students, from infants to teenagers. Many come from under-resourced backgrounds, yet the school has become a launchpad for their dreams. Graduates have gone on to study pharmacy, medicine, and engineering, inspired by the solid foundation they received at Tessark.
But beyond the numbers and achievements, what makes Tessark truly special is the beauty of teaching. The school embodies what it means to nurture potential, to meet students where they are, and to guide them with care and purpose.
As Faustina reflects on the journey, she sees the fingerprints of love, dedication, and innovation in every corner of the school. “Education is about opening doors,” she says. “When you teach a child, you don’t just change their life; you change the future.”