A weeklong UMass Lowell study abroad trip to Ghana has grown into a partnership that’s transforming education for hundreds of children in the coastal town of Winneba.
UML alumnus Gordon Donkoh-Halm ’12, ’13, founder and executive director of the African Community Center of Lowell in Ghana.
Professor Emeritus of Computer Science Jesse Heines, who was also on the trip, came home inspired to collect books for the school. What began as a few boxes quickly grew into a large-scale effort involving community supporters, local schools and alumni. To date, more than 170 boxes—over 3,500 pounds—have been shipped to Ghana.
Working closely with Donkoh-Halm, Heines also helped raise more than $10,000 to fund major renovations at the school, including repairs to classrooms and construction of a new library building to house the donated materials. Teachers and parents volunteered alongside laborers, carrying bricks and materials by hand.
Donkoh-Halm, who has lived in the Lowell area for nearly 30 years, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s in peace and conflict studies from UML.
“UMass Lowell made me who I am today,” he says. “The knowledge, support and network I gained there opened doors and inspired me to give back.”
He hopes the partnership in Ghana will continue through internships and teaching exchanges.
“My dream,” he says, “is that someday, the headmistress and students from Winneba will visit Lowell and share their story themselves.”