BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn (PIX11) — Fifteen students from Frederick Douglas Academy VII in Brownsville had the experience of a lifetime.
They raised money to travel to Ghana and learn more about their heritage and ancestors.
“If I could relive this whole experience again, I would,” said Jhalil McKenzie.
He and Shani Weekes were returning from a ten-day trip to Ghana organized by the school’s Brownsville Abroad program.
“I never would have thought that when I was outside the country,” Weekes said.
Once in Ghana, the students participated in various activities, including an art festival and a canopy walk in a rainforest. They also visited a local school for a day.
But perhaps the most revealing experience was their visit to the dungeons where thousands of slaves were held captive.
“We had to put our hand on the wall to have a connection with our ancestors,” Shani added. “We lit candles and it was especially spiritual for some of us because some of us felt something of that connection.”
Bijoun Jordan has been teaching English for 20 years and is also the travel coordinator for the Brownsville Abroad program, an initiative that launched in 2016.
“There’s something about travel that you can get out of a book, but we take you straight there and give you direct access to an experience,” he said.
After the scientists visit Africa, Asia and Europe, they will next visit Central America or South America.
But traveling abroad comes with a hefty price tag. That’s why families only have to pay 15% of the trip. The rest is paid for by fundraisers like art auctions, 5K runs, and partnerships with local businesses, but that’s not all.
“The vast majority of our funding comes from our donors, staff, fundraisers, and the scientists who participated in crowdfunding and organizations,” Bijoun said.
Shani and Jhalil will never forget their trip to Ghana.
The students have officially begun fundraising for their next educational trip. If you would like to contribute to their learning experience, please visit the fundraising by Eric Jordan: Brownsville Abroad Future Fund.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Visit PIX11 for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.
