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On Friday, 20th June 2025, Youth Advocates Ghana (YAG) proudly hosted a distinguished U.S. delegation consisting of 13 members, including professors, school principals, directors, researchers, and educationists from Ohio University and State Columbus. The visit marked a pivotal moment in fostering cross-cultural learning and exploring the nuances of Ghana’s educational landscape.

The delegation, led by Catherine Cutcher, Associate Director of Center for International Studies, College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio University, will embark on a month-long mission across Ghana to understand and document the country’s educational dynamics. Their first stop in the Eastern Region brought them to the headquarters of YAG in Nsawam, where they were warmly welcomed with a rich cultural display.

The team was officially received and participated in a roundtable discussion led by Ms. Gifty Boahemaa Appea, Programs Coordinator at YAG. She provided an in-depth overview of YAG’s core initiatives and project portfolios including Youth for Health, Hope before Vows, Aspire Innovate, Youth Peace and Security, Youth Advocacy and Participation for Electoral Transparency in Ghana, and Youth for COVID-19 Immunization and Vaccination among others. Also, submission from other team members emphasized the organization’s commitment to equipping children and young people with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their lives.

Mr. Emmanuel Ametepey, Executive Director of YAG, also shared insights into the YAG University Partnership Initiative, aimed at connecting global academic institutions through internship and exchange programs. The delegation expressed strong interest in this collaboration, with Dr. Collin stating, “This is something I can do. I will introduce this idea to my students and ensure their buy-in.”

Mr. Assan also proposed co-creating outreach programs with YAG, underscoring the organization’s proximity to underserved communities: “I am here to identify brilliant minds, especially those far from the gates of power.”

The next destination was Ambassadors of Christ School, a charitable institution founded by Mr. Ametepey in Nsawam to provide quality education to vulnerable children. Founded just three years ago with only six students, the school now serves over 100 children. The school not only offers free or subsidized education but also provides daily meals to its students.

Sir Enoch, a staff of the school, shared how the school actively seeks out children not attending school due to financial constraints, conducting home visits and working with families to find solutions. The heartfelt stories and cultural presentations left a deep impression on the visiting team.

Dr. Saumya Pant of Ohio University commended the school’s efforts and expressed her team’s commitment to offering virtual and in-person support, adding, “We are happy to take your home with us when we go back.” The team also viewed blueprints of the school’s proposed ultra-modern facility and made a donation of stationery supplies to support its mission.

Following lunch, the delegation paid a courtesy call to the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality, where they met with the Public Relations, Human Resources, and Monitoring and Evaluation Managers. Discussions centered on pressing challenges within the education sector such as drug abuse, corporal punishment, infrastructural deficits, teacher-pupil ratios, academic performance and teacher welfare.

The final stop was the Presbyterian Basic School an alma mater of Francis Ametepey, a former YAG Communication Officer and recent Ohio University graduate. The delegation was warmly received by the school’s staff and students, and Dr. Pant was honored with a citation recognizing her positive impact on Francis’ academic journey.

The visit ended with a donation of stationery and a spirited conversation with the school community.

This engagement underscored the power of partnerships, community-rooted development, and shared commitment to inclusive education. Youth Advocates Ghana looks forward to deepening collaboration with Ohio University and similar institutions to create lasting impact across borders.