Nationwide — The Youngsters Free Journey to Africa Program (KFTTA), based by Paul Allen Billings of WUVS 103.7 The Beat, is making goals come true for seven distinctive college students from low-income communities in Muskegon, Michigan.These vibrant younger minds, all first-generation worldwide vacationers of their households, have been chosen for an awe-inspiring expedition to Ghana and Egypt after profitable a Black Historical past Month essay contest sponsored by the radio station.
This yr’s ambassadors embrace Chantel-Brean Boseman from Muskegon Covenant Academy; Asia Fletcher, Lawrence Paskel, and Taimya White from Muskegon Heights Excessive Faculty; and Kimora Stedman, Keyvonte Taylor, and Isis Carter from Muskegon Excessive Faculty.
“Our mission is to interrupt down boundaries and open doorways for these deserving youngsters,” mentioned Paul Allen Billings, founding father of KFTTA and WUVS 103.7 The Beat. “The essay contest not solely showcased their understanding of Black historical past but in addition their potential as future leaders. Many of those college students have by no means left the Midwest, not to mention the nation. This journey is not going to solely broaden their horizons but in addition encourage them to dream larger and attain greater.”
The itinerary guarantees a wealthy cultural expertise throughout West and North Africa. In Ghana, college students will go to historic websites just like the Elmina Slave Fort and the W.E.B. DuBois Centre in Accra. New to this yr’s program is Egypt, the place they’ll marvel on the Pyramids of Giza, encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, and expertise the bustling markets of Cairo. The journey will even take them to the traditional metropolis of Luxor, the place they’ll discover the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, house to the tombs of pharaohs together with Tutankhamun, and witness the grandeur of Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complicated.
Since its inception in 2017, the KFTTA program has despatched over 40 highschool college students from Michigan & Florida to Africa, all freed from cost. This outstanding achievement underscores this system’s dedication to creating life-changing alternatives for underprivileged youth.
Whereas this system has obtained early native help from Corlis Watkins-Nass & Robert Nass and The Neighborhood Basis of Muskegon, KFTTA is now calling on the broader neighborhood to assist make this life-changing alternative a actuality for these deserving college students.
“Each donation, irrespective of the scale, brings these youngsters one step nearer to an expertise that can form their futures,” Billings added. “We’re not simply sending them on a visit; we’re investing within the subsequent era of leaders, thinkers, and international residents.”
The youngsters go away for Africa the final week of June.
Donations will be made via this system’s GoFundMe web page:
GoFundMe.com/f/2025-kids-free-trip-to-africa
About
Based by Paul Allen Billings of WUVS 103.7 The Beat, the Youngsters Free Journey to Africa Program supplies life-changing journey alternatives to deserving college students from underprivileged communities in Muskegon, Michigan, fostering international understanding, private progress, and neighborhood growth. Since 2017, this system has despatched over 40 highschool college students to Africa without spending a dime, deciding on its members via an annual Black Historical past Month essay contest, celebrating tutorial achievement and cultural consciousness.
For press inquiries, contact [email protected] or 231-727-5007
