Social media has its good bits and its bad bits. There can be no doubt that the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have helped bring people closer, but they have also pushed some communities further apart and can often be seen as a cesspit of abuse, controversial opinions and division.
However, while the likes of WoahVicky and 'Cash Me Outside' girl are two frustrating examples of people who have gained undeserved fame through mediums such as Instagram and Youtube, there are some inspirational people out that get the credit they deserve.
Recently, a teacher in Ghana has gone viral after photos of him teaching a computing class was posted on Facebook. In the photos, the man in question can be seen teaching his students how to use Microsoft word, without actually having any computers in his classroom.
The teacher uses his blackboard to meticulously draw out a complex and accurate diagram of the Microsoft Word programme. The images were posted to Facebook, with the caption:
"Teaching of ICT in Ghana's school is very funny. ICT on the board paa. I love ma students so have to do wat will make them understand Wat am teaching."
The man has been identified as 33-year-old Richard Appiah Akoto. Akoto is an information and communication teacher at Betenase M/A Junior High School in Sekyedomase.
Despite the fact that the school has no computers, the students at the school are expected to still sit a national ICT exam before they can progress to high school. However, despite the lack of resources, Akoto still manages to teach the subject.
"This is not my first time [of drawing] it. I have been doing it anytime I am in the classroom," Mr Akoto told Quartz.
"I like posting pictures on Facebook so I just felt like [sharing it]. I didn't know it would get the attention of people like that."
"Definitely those in Accra [Ghana's capital] will pass the exam because you cannot compare someone who is in front of a computer, who knows what he is doing with the mouse to someone who has not had a feel of a computer mouse before."
The photos gained particular prominence on Facebook, where a Ghanaian comedian, who is also a teacher, shared the images with his 140,000 fans. One the post gained traction, it wasn't long before the world started to share the inspirational story.
On Sunday, Rebecca Enonchong, an entrepreneur, also shared the story on her Twitter account and asked Microsoft Africa to help to the teacher out. The company responded to the request and pledged to send Akoto a computer and give him access to the educational material he requires.
“Supporting teachers to enable digital transformation in education is at the core of what we do. We will equip Owura Kwadwo with a device from one of our partners, and access to our MCE program & free professional development resources on education.microsoft.com”
While social media may have its issues with the people who achieve fame through the platforms, people who are genuinely as inspirational and heroic as Akoto deserve all the praise that they can get. What a man!
