Martha Fillastre, known to some of us by a couple of nick names, has been a very active member of the 1980 year group even though she did not join the initial group of ninoes in 1975. Although she is resident in France, she regularly attends group functions in London. Martha has been happily married for the past 23 years and has been blessed with three beautiful girls aged twenty, sixteen and thirteen. She also has a cat who is diabetic.

Most of us started Form One together but you joined us in the sixth form. Why was that? 

My elder sister went to Aburi Girls Secondary school so my parents in their wisdom decided we should be together. As it happens, my sister finished form five in Aburi Girls and entered Achimota so it was a natural progression for me. I also entered the sixth form and thoroughly enjoyed my two years, with Mrs Sey being my favourite teacher.

 I was always getting into a couple of scrapes like hanging out on the blue bench in front of Lugard house, running off to go and jam at Cave du Roy with Ebo Lamptey, Yaw Boohene, Tutu Agyare and other’s in Pop Sowah’s Subaru, and being pursued by Zors in the street while on our way out of school. Worst of all, I was suspended in my first term for allegedly gating with Ben Owusu Frimpong (BOF).

Tell us more about Martha  

After spending a fantastic two year stint in Motown, I entered the University of Legon to study for a degree in French, Literature and Philosophy. After graduating from Legon and spending two years of National Service at the then UST, I came to France on a scholarship to study applied linguistics. The first two years after graduation were really tough since it was difficult to find a job in the early nineties as a non-EU member.

The simplest solution was to become a freelance translator, which I did in 1993. Translation is a fascinating job because you learn something new each time. Today it may be translating a cookery book, the next a maintenance manual for a submarine, a company’s annual report or a sales contract. However, in recent years, globalisation and artificial intelligence have affected the translation industry and many companies are increasingly reluctant to pay for good quality translations, preferring to use translators from low-cost countries or even machine translation.

That led me to diversify, and in 2016, I went back to school to do a Masters in Intercultural Management. Today, in addition to translation and lecturing, I provide intercultural training to expatriates going to work or do business in Africa. My ultimate aim would be to train Africans to work with foreigners. Plans are underway for this new venture.

Are you involved with other pursuits outside work?  

I have been a local councilor since 2014 and the Deputy Mayor of my small village since 2015. I have also been the President of the local chapter of the parents’ teachers’ association, in charge of two secondary schools since 2016. Running all aspects of village life has been a very fulfilling experience: managing the school, fixing day-to-day problems, developing local infrastructure. Being a mayor has really given me a different perspective of life. Although we do get an allowance to cover basic costs, it is in effect a voluntary role. I have learnt how to serve the people and solve all kinds of problems without thinking of personal gain. I have been blessed to work with some really dedicated people who actually want to make a difference. Sadly, I will not be standing for re-election because we will be moving to another town in the South of France next year.

What positive impact has being a Mayor had on the lives of the villagers?

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic, the government has asked the outgoing teams to stay on so the new teams are not immediately saddled with the crisis. Unfortunately, the Mayor suffered a stroke three weeks before the elections. Instead of handing over on 20 March, I’m still acting Mayor. Talk about a chapter of accidents! I had to organise the elections, with all the sanitary precautions. On Election Day, I was in the town hall from 7 am to half past midnight. This would not have been possible without the support of my family.

My job today, since everything is practically at a standstill, is to ensure that the lockdown is being complied with, make sure that the elderly people and other vulnerable people are being looked after. Sometimes, I even end up going shopping for them. Luckily, we have had only two cases in the village, who are doing well.  

How is France coping with the lockdown and COVID-19?

After three weeks, things are beginning to sink in although, since the curve has not started to flatten, people are a bit sceptical. The lockdown is being questioned by the French, who hate things being imposed on them, and people are wondering if more testing should not be done. What I have observed about the epidemic in France, is the increase in actions of solidarity, with people looking out for their neighbours, whether or not they knew them before. We now have a solidarity WhatsApp group in the village, and people are learning to know each other and focus on the important thing. Hopefully, that will be one good outcome of the epidemic.

How do you relax after such a busy work schedule?

I love exercising so I enjoy Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Hiking and Jogging. My favourite pastime is travelling to a different country lazing about on the beach, tasting the local dishes and spending quality time with my family on holiday. I have been to Japan, Cuba, Malta, Tunisia, Morocco and most of West Africa. However, my favourite country is Greece.

Martha Fillastre  (nee Asmah)

L6A and U6A,

Clark House