The program, which was inspired through a partnership between AFS IEP Ghana and the Safe Water Network Ghana, provided an opportunity for the students to learn about the water filtration systems and technology, and included intercultural learning activities that are designed to build global competence skills.

Over the course of 4 weeks, the students visited two water filtration and treatment stations in the Greater Accra and Volta Regions. Also, within the same period, they helped local operators test the quality of the water before distribution and presented their ideas on how to make clean water more accessible.

Other activities included drumming and dance lessons and making tie-dye fabric. The students also spent time with their younger peers at a local primary school.

Each student lived with a Ghanaian host family during their visit to learn and enhance their language and intercultural skills. They also used the opportunity to experience the richness of the Ghanaian culture and history through visits to the Cape Coast Castle, where they learned about the devastating history of the transatlantic slave trade and witnessed a “Year of Return” chiefs’ durbar in Cape-coast.