GHANA WEST AFRICA

SPEAK OUT TO REACH OUT YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS IN GHANA

Michael Walton has partnered with the Cheerful Hearts Foundation (Ghana) and Star Service and Study Abroad (facilitated by Brittni Howard, U.S. Fulbright student) to equip approximately 3,000 youth in Ghana, West Africa with tools for success. Over twenty plus schools will be visited over a three-day period, March 23rd through the March 26th. We believe that this International and truly special program for the Bright and Motivated Students in the Greater Accra Region, will prove to be a lifelong enhancement to their future endeavors.

Theme: SEE, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE!

Speak Out to Reach Out Youth Empowerment Event The presentations will last approximately 1.5-hour, giving students the opportunity to experience a powerful demonstration of ways to “not just get through ‘it’ but to thrive through [life’s challenges] ” (Michael Walton). Michael Walton, former world-class professional athlete, will be the featured guest presenter.

It is our belief that through providing positive alternatives and programs to combat the negativity that our young people face, we can guide them to be exceptional citizens and leaders of tomorrow. ~Michael Walton
The Michael Walton Foundation has reached approximately 170,000 youth worldwide. The goal is for these collaborations to develop long-term partnerships with schools and communities to educate and empower young people from all walks of life.

About the Michael Walton Foundation the Michael Walton Foundation 501(c)(3) is an organization that provides creative outlets for youth development. Its goal is to foster leadership skills and behaviors in young people by helping them to identify and cultivate their talents, set goals, and make informed career choices. Founded in 2002, this premier youth-empowerment organization in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area endeavors to increase academic performance, decrease dropout rates, support more applicants to colleges and universities and increase self-esteem. www.michaelwaltonfoundation.org

About the Cheerful Hearts Foundation The Cheerful Hearts Foundation (CHF) is a registered, grassroots, non-profit organization founded in 2008 focusing on ending child labor and trafficking within fishing communities in Ghana. CHF works to educate and empower citizens through human rights, public health and education initiatives so they can sustain an improved standard of living. They inspire people to take small actions every day to improve the well-being of their community and country. http://cheerfulheartsfoundation.org/about-us/

About Star Service and Study Abroad Star Service and Study Abroad was created by two Five College women, Brittni Howard (UMass doctoral student and US Fulbright Student 2018) and Nialena Ali (MHC senior). We aim to combat voluntourism and address exploitative volunteering practices by giving our students opportunities to engage and make meaningful contributions to community projects in Ghana, while also educating them on the social, political and historical factors that contribute to the projects at hand. With our holistic approach, students have an enhanced learning experience and the community has more capable and informed volunteers. https://www.starserviceandstudy.com