OLEAN — In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting their initial plans, students and staff at New Life Christian School had to postpone their service trip to Ghana, Africa four years ago.
Despite the setback, the aspiration to visit this West African nation persisted, culminating in its realization just last year as students and staff rallied to revive the service trip, as noted by Dr. Sarah Hutter, Principal at New Life.
Departing on Wednesday, thirteen high school students from New Life, accompanied by two staff members, are embarking on a journey to Ghana for slightly over three weeks. Their itinerary includes engaging in service activities and immersing themselves in the cultural diversity at the Baptist School Complex And Orphanage (BASCO) — an endeavor that has evoked excitement among all participants.
Nii Narku Hanson-Nortey, the Student Council President, expressed his profound satisfaction at the prospect of his peers visiting his homeland and actively contributing to the welfare of his people. He highlighted the gratification derived from organizing various aspects of the trip, ranging from fundraisers like car washes and culinary events to logistical arrangements such as securing affordable airfare and planning recreational activities for the children.
The team’s presence at BASCO from March 27 to April 18 is attributed to the collective efforts of the students, teachers, and the benevolence of New Life’s supporters, according to Hutter.
Throughout their stay, New Life’s students and educators will dedicate their time to tutoring, painting, cooking, cleaning, engaging in cultural performances, and partaking in sports and recreational pursuits with the children at BASCO.
Kadience Hanies, another student, expressed her anticipation for an enriching Easter holiday experience, resonating with the sentiment of discovering the roots of her cherished friendships at New Life. She emphasized the profound blessing of immersing herself in the culture of her peers, underscoring the team’s diligent preparations and fundraising initiatives in anticipation of the trip’s rewarding outcomes.
As their visit draws to a close, Hutter disclosed plans for a celebratory event where the New Life travelers will engage the children in festive activities, exchange gifts, and distribute new clothing and footwear as tokens of goodwill.
The culminating celebration aims to leave a lasting impression of joy and camaraderie, fostering meaningful connections and embodying the spirit of Christian love in action, fostering personal growth and spiritual enrichment among the students.
The transformative impact of this journey lies in the reciprocal exchange of love and joy, as the New Life students extend compassion and friendship to the children at BASCO, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity.