This past summer, a dream came true. Through the Harris Institute Global Classroom, we traveled to Accra, Ghana, on an education mission with several remarkable teenage boys.
For a few years, I’ve dreamed of taking young men on such a journey—to expose them to the beauty, complexity, and history of the world beyond our borders.
At Harris Institute, we believe that the world is our classroom. We travel. We teach. We learn.
It’s through experiential learning and exposure to the variety of people, languages, and cultures that make up what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “God’s World House”that our worldview expands. These encounters deepen our self-knowledge, broaden our understanding of the world, and cultivate compassion for humanity.
Below are testimonials from some of the teens–in their own words.
Jaden Norman
“Going to Ghana changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It made me feel more connected to my roots and opened my eyes to a deeper history than I ever learned back home. Visiting places like the Slave Castle and the W.E.B. Du Bois Center was emotional—it made the past feel real and personal. But what really stayed with me was the culture and the people. Life in Ghana felt welcoming… I’m grateful for all that I have.”
Nehemiah Anderson
“I thank the Lord God for traveling mercies and for orchestrating my life so that I could attend this trip. It was my first-ever flight and my first trip outside the country. From learning to play the Dondo drum to standing in the slave castle and teaching STEM to Ghanaian students—every day was meaningful. The experience awakened something in me and healed parts of my identity I didn’t know needed to be refreshed. I now see myself as a citizen of the world and want to inspire others to become the next generation of greatness.”
Derrick Norman
“I enjoy visiting places that connect me to history and purpose, like the Slave Museum and the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum, because they remind me of where we come from and the strength of our people. These experiences help me stay grounded and motivated. I also find real meaning in helping children in Ghana—supporting their education and well-being, and seeing their smiles makes it all worth it. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about building a better future for them.”
Myles Wilson
“My trip to Ghana was a mix of good moments, challenges, and lessons I didn’t expect. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me think differently about the world. Seeing how hard people work to provide for their families made me appreciate what I have. The history hit me the most—standing in the places where our ancestors lived and suffered gave me a deeper respect for the past. Ghana taught me to be thankful, humble, and aware of the world around me.”
Why It Matters
Each of these young men returned home transformed—more thoughtful, grounded, and inspired. They discovered that faith, history, and identity intersect in powerful ways when we step outside our comfort zones and into the larger story of humanity.
This is what we mean when we say: Education is Transformation!
Join the Movement
Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support make journeys like this possible. Together, we are shaping a generation of moral and socially conscious global leaders—young people who don’t just read about the world, but experience it firsthand.
With gratitude and hope,
Dr. Antipas
Chairman, Harris Institute
