Philadelphia students embark on 10-day learning expedition to Ghana

A group of West Philadelphia seventh graders is taking their studies overseas, traveling from the East Coast to the Gold Coast of Africa.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A group of 7th grade students from Philadelphia is on its way to Ghana for a one-of-a-kind educational experience. The 10-day excursion is being led by the school's co-founder and civil rights activist, Dr. Naomi Johnson Booker, who has a long history of educational activism and advocacy. The students have been studying the African continent with a particular emphasis on Ghana, and the journey is part of their curriculum.

Why it matters

This trip carries added significance at a time when Black history is being challenged in parts of the United States. Trips like this are important for providing students with direct exposure to the people and places they have studied, offering opportunities to build connections across cultures.

The details

While in Ghana, the group will visit the University of Ghana, an elementary school, and several museums as they learn directly from the people and places they have studied in class. In addition to academic activities, students will also have downtime to interact with peers their age.

  • The send-off celebration was held on Wednesday at Global Leadership Academy in West Philadelphia.
  • The group is expected to return to Philadelphia after completing the 10-day program.

The players

Dr. Naomi Johnson Booker

The co-founder and civil rights activist of Global Leadership Academy, who has a long history of educational activism and advocacy, including marching with Martin Luther King, Jr. and learning from longtime U.S. Congressman John Lewis.

Dr. Tamika Evans

The CEO of Global Leadership Academy Southwest, who emphasized the importance of this trip given the erasure of Black history in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“Trips like this are important now more than ever given the erasure of Black history in the United states.”

— Dr. Tamika Evans, CEO of Global Leadership Academy Southwest (6abc.com)

The takeaway

This international trip to Ghana is part of the school's education model that has sent thousands of inner-city students across the globe on special learning trips, providing them with direct exposure to the people and places they have studied and opportunities to build connections across cultures.