Event promotes service to Ghana

African beats filled the room as Patrick Kwesi Arthur followed the rhythm, demonstrating traditional Ghanaian dance.

“A Ghanaian Experience,” sponsored by Union Board on Thursday, presented Ghanaian traditions in forms of dance, food, presentation and bead-making.

Junior Jasmine Starks, union board director of international and cultural events, said the event was planned as a follow-up of last semester’s “Brazilian Experience.” She said senior Lauren Hall approached her with the idea of Ghana as the next country to celebrate.

Organizers asked for donations for Future for the Youth, which works with children in Ghana to empower them in rural communities.

“It fit perfectly with what my committee wants to accomplish,” Starks said.
Cofounder of Future for the Youth, Hall said she was inspired to help create the organization after spending six months there studying abroad.

Founded in July 2008, Future for the Youth was created in response to the Ghanaian government cutting back farm subsidies. This caused a huge pull for Ghanaians to move to urban cities in hopes of more opportunities.

“It’s not true,” said Talya Silver, another founder of the organization.

Silver spoke to the guests about the culture of Ghana and told them more about the organization, showing photos of the Ghanaian children her organization is helping.
“We started with 12 students and now there are about 60,” she said.

She encouraged the audience to join the effort by donating time, items or money. Simply spreading the word was another way to help.

Hall and Silver travel to Ghana about once a year, spending the rest of the time raising funds for the program. They brought items from Ghana to sell at the event, including jewelry, clothing and other traditional items.

Arthur, the third and last cofounder, is traveling with them during their national campaign, which is supposed to last a few months as they travel to different locations teaching others about the organization.

Junior Kailee Cooper, said she came because her major focused on African music. She enthusiastically danced with Arthur as he gave lessons.

The experience has increased her interest in traveling to Ghana.

“I didn’t realize there would be a cause presented,” Cooper said. “They’re organizing something really cool here.”