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Sankofa Scholar Anye Jones Brings Her Ghana Experience to Petersburg City Council
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.
Trekking with Giants: The Promise & Peril of Gorilla Tourism
Trekking with Giants: The Promise & Peril of Gorilla Tourism World Gorilla Day: Celebrating Our Big, Furry Cousins Every year on September 24, the world marks World Gorilla Day, a time to celebrate our big, furry cousins who share almost 98 percent of our DNA. That’s right—genetically speaking, gorillas are closer to us than your second cousin who still owes you money. In Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, tourists hike into misty forests to meet gorillas face-to-face, and for many, it’s the kind of bucket-list experience that beats out swimming with dolphins or trying—and failing—to surf in Bali. But behind the magic of the encounter lies a complex story of conservation, economics, and yes, the occasional gorilla side-eye when humans get too close. The Pull of Gorilla Tourism The pull of gorilla tourism is easy to understand. Imagine trekking through tangled jungle trails, sweating buckets, wondering if that sound in the bushes is a gorilla or just your stomach growling from skipping breakfast. Then suddenly, there they are—a family of gorillas lounging around like it’s Sunday afternoon. The silverback, built like a linebacker, keeps a watchful eye, while the babies wrestle and roll around, completely ignoring your presence. It’s hard not to feel like you’ve wandered into the gorilla version of a reality TV show. And on the flip side, these treks aren’t just about Instagram bragging rights—they’re also a major source of funding for conservation and local communities. Tourists’ dollars help pay for ranger patrols, schools, and jobs that give locals every reason to protect gorillas instead of, well, competing with them for land. The Risks and Realities Gorillas are incredibly susceptible to human illnesses. A simple cold for us could be life-threatening for them. Tourists are told to stay several meters away, even though gorillas don’t always respect personal space. Tempting as it may be, this isn’t the moment for a gorilla selfie—think of it like flu season etiquette. Concerns About Long-Term Impact Dian Fossey’s Warning: “Tourism might change how gorillas act, making them too comfortable around people or disrupting their natural routines.” Too many tourists can stress gorillas, change their feeding habits, and turn trails into rush hour. Strict rules limit how many people can see gorillas each day and how long they can stay. Conservation Success Story Despite the risks, gorilla tourism has become one of conservation’s unlikely success stories. When managed carefully, it funds protection efforts, supports local economies, and raises global awareness about these gentle giants. But the balance is delicate. Visitors need to follow the rules, wear masks when required, and remember that the experience is about gorilla survival, not human entertainment. Think of yourself less as a star of the show and more as a respectful guest—because let’s face it, the gorillas are the real celebrities here. Looking Ahead The future of gorilla tourism will depend on whether we keep that balance. It’s a paradox: the very thing that saves gorillas could also harm them if not handled with care. If we get it right, these treks will continue to inspire, educate, and fund protection for decades to come. If we get it wrong, we’ll be left with only stories and photographs of what once was. On World Gorilla Day, the message is clear: if you’re lucky enough to trek with giants, laugh at the muddy boots, marvel at the hairy cousins, and remember that their survival—not our selfies—is the prize worth protecting.
