Sanaya and Christopher's Journey to Ghana

Help Us Experience Ghana: A Cultural Journey for Our Family

Story:

Hello friends, family, and kind-hearted supporters,

My name is Shari a Uniondale school district resident and Alumni, Class of 2002. I’m reaching out on behalf of myself and my two wonderful children—Sanaya (16) and Christopher (15). We’re a close-knit family with a dream: to travel to Ghana for the very first time with their school, Uniondale High School, from August 1st to August 9th, 2025 to experience the beauty, culture, and history of a country so deeply connected to our heritage.

Sanaya is a bright, dedicated student with big dreams of pursuing a career in criminal justice. She’s passionate about her studies and always eager to learn more about the world around her. Her brother Christopher is equally focused—an energetic 15-year-old who excels in both academics and sports. They both have expressed how much this trip would mean to them—not just as a vacation, but as a once-in-a-lifetime educational and cultural opportunity.

As their mother, I want nothing more than to give them this chance to explore, connect, and grow. Visiting Ghana would not only allow us to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions and vibrant life of West Africa, but it would also strengthen our understanding of who we are and where we come from.

We are humbly asking for your support to help cover the costs of flights, lodging, transportation, and basic travel expenses. Every dollar helps bring us closer to this dream. Whether you can donate or simply share our story, we are deeply grateful for your support and kindness.

Thank you for helping us take this life-changing journey to Ghana. Your generosity means the world to us.

With love and gratitude

Shari, Sanaya & Christopher

Message from Uniondale High School:

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

We are excited to offer students from Uniondale High School the opportunity of a lifetime: a 9-day educational and cultural immersion trip to Ghana from August 1st to 9th, 2025! This journey will allow our students to connect with their African heritage, learn firsthand about history, and experience a vibrant culture that will shape their worldviews forever.

Why This Trip Matters

For many students, this will be their first time traveling internationally, and for some, their first time leaving their community. This trip is more than just a vacation—it’s an educational, emotional, and transformative experience that will provide lifelong lessons about identity, history, and global connections.

Students will visit historic landmarks such as the Door of No Return, Cape Coast Dungeon, and Assin Manso Last Slave Bath, where they will reflect on the resilience of their ancestors. They will also participate in a Ghanaian naming ceremony, engage in school exchange programs, and immerse themselves in local culture through drumming, dance, and fashion.

How You Can Help

Each student must raise $3,950 to cover the trip’s core expenses, but they must also pay separately for their airline ticket, passport, visa, and vaccinations. This is a huge financial undertaking, and we are seeking support from our community to ensure that finances do not become a barrier to this incredible opportunity.

Your donation will help cover:

✅ Educational and cultural experiences

✅ Accommodations and meals

✅ Ground transportation in Ghana

✅ Professional photography/videography to document the trip

✅ School and community service projects

Every contribution—no matter how big or small—brings our students one step closer to this dream. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with others who may want to support!

✨ Let’s make this journey possible together! ✨

Thank you for investing in the future of our students! ❤️