Sankofa Scholar Anye Jones Brings Her Ghana Experience to Petersburg City Council

Sankofa Scholar Anye Jones is taking her experience from Ghana beyond the classroom and into the heart of local government.

Anye will address the Petersburg City Council to share what she learned while traveling to Ghana through the Sankofa Scholars Program. Her presentation represents more than a report about an international trip—it is an opportunity for a young Petersburg leader to explain how cultural education, global travel, and meaningful exchange can transform a student's understanding of herself and the world.

During her journey, Anye explored Ghana's history, culture, food, music, and traditions. She visited important heritage sites, connected with Ghanaian students and community members, and experienced the deep historical relationship between Africa and the African diaspora.

These lessons cannot be fully captured in a textbook. Standing in places connected to the transatlantic slave trade, engaging directly with Ghanaian culture, and building relationships with young people across the Atlantic gave Anye a personal perspective on history, identity, and global citizenship.

Her City Council presentation also reflects one of the central goals of Sankofa Scholars: preparing young people to find their voices and use them.

Our Scholars are not simply traveling. They are learning how to communicate, lead, serve, and advocate for their communities. Anye's willingness to speak publicly about her experience demonstrates the confidence and sense of purpose that the program seeks to develop in every participant.

Her leadership does not end with this presentation. Anye is also serving as president of the Petersburg NAACP Youth Council, where she and her fellow Scholars will help identify and address issues affecting young people in Petersburg. Through the Youth Council and the Rotary Interact Club, the Scholars will turn what they learn into advocacy and community service.

Anye's appearance before City Council is also an opportunity to thank the Petersburg community for investing in its youth. Every donor, volunteer, parent, partner, and supporter who helped make this journey possible contributed to this moment.

When Petersburg students are given access to meaningful opportunities, they do more than benefit personally. They return home with new ideas, greater confidence, and a broader understanding of what is possible.

We are proud of Anye for representing Sankofa Scholars and sharing her story with the Petersburg City Council. She is showing other young people that their experiences matter, their voices belong in important spaces, and they do not have to wait until adulthood to lead.

To learn more about Sankofa Scholars or support future student travel and educational opportunities, visit Sankofa Travels with Kofi.