Ortonville, Michigan and the small central African village of Elmina, Ghana are nearly 4,000 miles apart. Yet this summer, the two communities will share at least one thing in common ‘Crystal Wilkerson
A 1999 graduate of Brandon High School, Wilkerson, 21, a junior in Elementary Education at Oakland University in Rochester is trying to raise the necessary funds to travel to Ghana as part of the Operation Crossroads Africa.
‘I just think it’s important as a future teacher to experince life outside our country,? said Wilkerson.
‘I’ve long had a desire to teach, help others and visit other countries.?
The 10-week African program, which costs volunteers $3,500 in travel expenses, will focus on the Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association of Ghana, a national non-governamental organization aiming to improving the socioeconomic status of women. Its sponsors train women and enhance their fishmongering (buying, smoking, salting, processing and selling) skills.
Ghana is located in Western Africa bordering the North Atlantic between Cote d’Ivoire and Togo just north of the Equator. The tropical rain forested country is about the size of Oregon and has a population of 18 million.The programs of Operation Crossroads Africa are designed to promote understanding of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora based on the belief that one can enter another culture only by living and working in it.
For more information or to help call (248) 891-7113.
‘I’ll take what ever help I can get for this trip,? added Wilkerson.
‘It’s a great program.?
As of May 1, Crystal needs about $2,500 for the trip.