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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jewell Williams |
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Williams secures funding for youth trip to Africa
Trip will allow children to experience and
appreciate African heritage
PHILADELPHIA, March 5 – State Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Phila., brightened the day for a group of Peirce and Whittier Elementary school students set to travel to Ghana, West Africa this month. Williams secured a $3000 grant for the students, who fell short of funding for the trip.
“This is a once in a lifetime experience for these young people and I am humbled to have the opportunity of making it happen for them,” Williams said. “I have always been a strong advocate for education and I believe this trip will be an indelible experience for them academically and personally.”
The trip was arranged by the Bright Lights Initiative, a positive youth development program aimed at encouraging students to exhibit Bright Light principles. Activities are conducted around the following objectives: outstanding literacy, strong cultural enrichment and a positive sense of citizenship.
“The Bright Lights Initiative and the children going to Africa are very grateful for the generous donation to help with trip expenses,” Ann Guise, director of the organization, said. “Representative Williams stepped up to the plate and secured the remaining funding necessary to make this project a reality for the children. They recognize the opportunity they have been given and we appreciate his consistent support of schools in his district.”
Williams said the trip is not a tourist visit but an opportunity for the children to experience and appreciate their heritage as African people. They will interact with parents and children from another culture and language.
Williams is planning a reception upon their return so they can share their experiences. Their official send-off is set for 9 a.m. Sunday, March 9 at the Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center located at 22nd & Huntingdon Streets.
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