Why We Are Here
For 10 years now, the American University of Rome’s Ghana program has given young people their first taste of Africa. AUR works with its Ghana partner, the Kokrobitey Institute which has a 20 year track record of showing Ghana and Ghanaian culture to foreign students.
Our goal is to raise $2,200 USD to send a young University Student with limited resources to see the reality of an emerging African nation and then work in development.
Over 100 students from all over the world have participated since we first launched the program 10 years ago and it has often been hailed as a life changing experience by those able to attend. After the course, participants have gone on to work in development NGOs, the Peace Corps, international organizations and pursued graduate studies. Some have stayed in Ghana or came back as interns or to work full time.
What We Need & What You Get
We're looking to raise $2,200 for one scholarship to help a deserving student have the experience of a lifetime. Any funds raised, no matter the amount, will go towards our scholarship and help defray the program's costs. Should we happen to raise more than our goal, extra funds will go towards a second scholarship to enable another deserving student to study abroad in Ghana.
Donors will receive recognition of their support on AUR's website and in any printed program materials related to the Ghana Program. In addition, donors who give $25 or more will receive hand-crafted items made in Ghana such as brass adinkra symbols (for luck and prosperity), shell earrings, bracelets, a CD of Ghanaian music, as well as AUR mugs and T-shirts.
The Impact
Your donation will make a huge impact in the life of one deserving student as well as allow that person to take part in the development of Africa and be equipped to work on and in one of the fastest growing regions of the world.
Next to the academic part of the program is the community work and development projects. Participants listen to local voices, identify an issue which they can address and complete during the program and then execute it (painting and maintenance work in schools, building a shelter for the village playing field, teaching in the schools). Then there are the ongoing projects with both the Kokrobitey Institute and the Cape Coast School for the Deaf. For both we have raised our own funds and been given grants by the Latium Regional Government. For the Cape Deaf Project, we have supported their school farm and with the Kokrobitey one, an artisanal manufacturing plant which recycles plastic and other waste to make school bags for Ghanaian school kids and fashion items for sale in Ghana and abroad.
Other Ways You Can Help
Any amount you donate to our scholarship fund will make a huge difference. However, if you can't contribute at this time, please DO share this project with your family, friends, and colleagues and help us to spread the word!
Meda ase! (Thanks so much!)
