While many of us spent time relaxing before the new school year, Professor Ethel Morgan Smith had other plans. Professor Smith spent her early August participating in the LEAP for Ghana organization in the Konko Village near Accra, Ghana.

Children enjoying the camp.

The LEAP (Literary Empowerment Action Project) movement’s mission is “to use innovative literacy, school improvement, and girls’ empowerment programming to expand educational opportunities and to strengthen communities” in developing nations. LEAP for Ghana runs many projects. In particular, Professor Smith mentioned a camp for elementary-aged children, fundraisers to send three girls to high school every year, and a program at the universities on “Choosing Careers.”

More children at the camp.

In Ghana, Professor Smith encountered history firsthand. “Going to Africa is a very emotional experience for African-Americans,” she said. “It was a difficult trip—going into the ‘Slave Castles’ and hearing the stories about how the soldiers raped captured women. And if they turned up pregnant they were thrown in the ocean. No books or films could’ve prepared me for the stench of 400 years of evil.”

Buildings in Ghana.

When asked about enjoyment, Professor Smith emphasized the emotional complexity of the situation. “Enjoyment is not a word I would associate with such an experience,” she said. Nevertheless, she added, “In spite of the extreme poverty, working with the children was a moving experience.”

All photos provided by Professor Ethel Morgan Smith.

Professor Smith has no current plans to write about her time in Ghana. “Much too soon for that now,” she said. But she is certain her experiences will find a way into her writing in the future.