Mike Clarke ’11 spent two weeks in Africa last summer on a missionary trip, and the people he met there changed his life. Now, back at Union and half-a-world away, he’s trying to do the same for them.
His goal: Build a library for a small village outside Accra, Ghana, a place where the things we take for granted – shoes, eyeglasses, a good education – are luxuries.
“I learned from people in Ghana that education is one of the best means for overcoming the hardships so many of the people face there,” Clarke said.
The library would be part of the village’s Redemption Hour Christian School, where Clarke spent most of his time.
"I became really close with the teachers and the kids,” Clarke said. “They really touched me. Their enduring spirit of happiness and optimism is amazing.”
Clarke will speak about his experience in Ghana and his efforts to build the library Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Golub House. Next Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, he will set up a table in Reamer Campus Center to collect monetary donations as well as books and eyeglasses.
“If there’s extra money, I’ll buy shoes for the kids. None of them have shoes that fit or are the same on each foot,” he said.
For more information, contact Clarke at clarkem2@union.edu or Prof. Anastasia Pease at peasea@union.edu.