My name is Fosu Alexander, a graduate from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, but at MMC Camp, I’m simply known as Rock. Interestingly, Alexander is a very common name in Russia. People often shorten it to “Sasha” or “Sanya”, and though I have occasionally been called those names, “Rock” has become my true identity at the camp – a name everyone recognizes, calls out with joy, and associates with energy, warmth, and fun.
I have been a teacher in MMC for five sessions now. I joined MMC Camp through my old friends from university back in Ghana, David and Davido. They had been part of the camp in earlier years and believed it would be a great experience for me as well.
When I first arrived at MMC Camp, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It was my very first time in a setting like this, in a foreign country, surrounded by a language I didn’t speak. I wondered: how would they receive me? Would I be accepted? Could I truly connect with the kids and the team?
From the very beginning, however, both the staff and the children welcomed me with open hearts. But the lesson planning proved to be the most difficult challenge. I often spent long nights thinking about how to create fun, engaging lessons that kids would love. Thankfully, Elijah, the head teacher, was incredibly supportive—always giving me sincere feedback and helping me improve every step of the way. I am so glad that with each session, my relationship with the children and the staff has grown stronger and deeper.
Those early nerves soon turned into comfort and joy. I started to feel like this camp was where I belonged. One child in particular, Nadya, from the first session, became like an infant sister to me. She was always by my side—curious, caring, and kind. She constantly asked questions about Africa, my life, and everything unfamiliar to her. She even helped me learn Russian words. When I had to leave for a short time to present my thesis in Moscow, she wouldn’t stop asking about me—especially bugging my friend David for updates. She left an indelible mark in my heart that I can never forget. That’s the kind of bond this camp creates.
Being a native English speaker from Ghana, teaching in Russia has been an interesting and rewarding experience. Most of the children do not speak fluent English, and I don’t speak Russian. But that barrier became our bridge. The children realized that the only way to communicate with me was to speak English—and so they tried. That effort boosted their confidence, vocabulary, and fluency far more than many expected. They became bold, curious, and expressive.
We used creative methods to connect: making videos together, taking photos, decorating shirts with my name, and simply laughing through misunderstandings. I remember one boy, Ivan, from the first session, told me:
“I have really had a good time with you. You’ve helped me improve my English so much.”
Many children have expressed the same. Some even said they do not learn English at school; however, the short time they spent with me at MMC changed their English completely. Their appreciation touches me deeply. We always take group photos in the classroom on our last days of the session and share them via Telegram, making sure to connect with each other even in our absence.
As a teacher, I do not limit my interaction with the kids to lessons. I eat with them, play table tennis, basketball, and volleyball, and join them for swimming and English stations. During activities and competitions, the children love to call me over:
“Rock! Come watch me perform!”
They love to involve me in their world. In floorball, I usually join the younger kids in the Yellow Team—and those are some of my happiest moments.
I’ve taught age groups ranging from 8 to 17 years old, and each session has brought new age mixes, especially as older kids began to join. No matter their age, the kids are always curious, energetic, and kind. The love and kindness I receive from these kids are overwhelming. They greet me everywhere:
“Hi, Rock!” – in the hallways, at lunch, during walks. Some offer hugs, high-fives, or just a big smile.
Just yesterday, my Yellow Team students surprised me in the middle of our lesson. They had hidden a small gift and suddenly handed it to me, saying:
“Rock, you are the best teacher we have ever had. These chocolates are for you!”
I was so touched. I took a photo with the gift, and it’s a memory I’ll always treasure.
Kids often ask me fun and curious questions:
“Rock, where are you from?”
“Why is your skin dark?”
“What’s Ghana like?”
And every time they see me with my backpack, they ask:
“Rock, where are you going?”
Some even get scared, thinking I might be leaving camp. It’s both funny and heartwarming.
Every session ends with Lipsy Night, our final evening performance. It’s always emotional. The children give heartfelt speeches, sing, perform, and—most importantly—express their sincere appreciation. They tell me how much they’ll miss me and how I made a difference in their camp experience. Those words stay with me.
I’ve learnt so much from these children. They are a blessing—sometimes joyful, sometimes wild, but always full of love. They will make you laugh, and sometimes they’ll drive you crazy, but they’ll also turn around and hug you when you least expect it.
This experience has changed me. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, from uncertainty to comfort, from being “the new guy” to being “Rock”—a name that now echoes joy across this camp.
Though every good thing must come to an end, I will never forget this chapter of my life. I believe the kids won’t either. Many of them have already told me:
“Rock, I hope to see you in next year’s camp!” And honestly, I hope so too.
