Durham Teens’ Life-Changing Trip to Ghana
A group of teens from the POOF Teen Center in Durham, North Carolina, recently completed a transformative trip to Ghana after overcoming significant obstacles. Just weeks before their departure, the students had raised over $90,000 for the journey, but faced a major hurdle: their passports were still with the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., awaiting visas.
Urgent Help Needed
Despite paying for expedited processing, POOF founder Destiny Alexander struggled to get updates on their passports. In a bid to salvage the trip, she reached out to ABC11 Troubleshooter Diane Wilson, whose involvement ultimately led to the timely return of the passports and approved visas.
A New Perspective
Now back home, the teens are reflecting on their experiences in Ghana, which for many marked their first international travel opportunity. “It was 100% worth it,” said Arrie Clendenning, a 16-year-old participant. The trip allowed them to immerse in Ghanaian culture, learning about local customs and visiting schools.
Samantha Fisher shared how the trip opened her eyes to the privileges they often take for granted in the U.S., noting the contrasting living conditions in Ghana.
Inspiration to Give Back
The experience ignited a desire among the students to contribute to their Ghanaian peers. They discovered local students were learning computer skills without actual computers, prompting POOF to set a goal of raising funds for 25 computers for a local school.
Hands-On Learning
The trip also emphasized entrepreneurship, as students encountered local business owners, like “The Chicken Man,” who turned a small pizza-making venture into a successful business.
Looking Ahead
With gratitude for the community’s support, Destiny Alexander noted the rich educational takeaways from the trip. POOF plans to continue its mission, with their next trip scheduled for December in New Orleans. For more information about the POOF Center, visit their website here.
