Leadership & Service in Children's Education

Step into the classrooms of the Billa Mahmud Future Leaders School, where the vibrant energy of young children greets you each morning. In the heart of the Tse Ado community in Accra, you’ll take on the role of a teaching assistant, guiding and encouraging students who might not otherwise have access to education. Whether helping a child solve a math problem, leading small group activities, or creating fun, interactive lessons, you’ll see the direct impact of your contributions as you connect with students of all ages.

Recess offers a chance for cultural exchanges—sharing U.S. games like Red Rover while learning local games from your new friends creates moments of joy and connection. Working alongside your peers and local teachers, you’ll collaborate on group projects, address classroom challenges, and develop creative teaching methods that strengthen teamwork and cross-cultural understanding.

This experience extends beyond the classroom. Through reflection sessions and service learning seminars, you’ll gain leadership skills, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for community building. These lessons will stay with you, inspiring a service-oriented mindset that you will bring into your education, future career, and everyday life.

Step into Kejetia Market, the largest open-air market in West Africa, and let the vibrant chaos of Kumasi take your breath away. There’s nothing like this in the U.S.—stalls stretch as far as the eye can see, overflowing with colorful fabrics, handmade crafts, and fresh produce. The air hums with the energy of bargaining, and with a little guidance, you’ll try your hand at negotiating for a keepsake or a handcrafted treasure, adding a personal touch to the rich tradition of trade.

This weekend excursion is a journey into the cultural legacy of the Ashanti people, filled with awe-inspiring moments. In a kente cloth-weaving village, you’ll watch artisans create intricate patterns steeped in history, and even try weaving your own piece. At the Manhyia Palace Museum, the story of the Asante Kingdom unfolds, connecting the traditions you’ve seen—like cloth weaving and market trading—to the Ashanti’s enduring cultural power.

Through guided discussions, you’ll reflect on how collectivism and individualism shape communities in Ghana and at home. This experience will spark your curiosity for the world, for travel, and for the endless possibilities of connecting with cultures beyond your own.