Seeds of Empowerment at FertileFields School
Last week, something beautiful happened in Ofankor, Accra, Ghana—the kind of moment that reminds us exactly why the Certified Africa Foundation exists.
Our co-founder Nii Armah Quaye stood before a room full of young, bright-eyed students at FertileFields School, and what he shared wasn't just a motivational speech. It was a truth so powerful, so liberating, that it has the potential to change the trajectory of every young life in that room—and now, every life it reaches beyond those walls.
The Power of the Tongue
Nii's message was simple yet profound: Children have the power to accept or reject the seeds that are planted in their lives through the power of the tongue.
He reminded the students of Genesis 1:3, where God spoke—and something was created. "Let there be light," and there was light. In the same way, our words—and the words of others—have the power to create something about us, to shape our identity, and to define our path.
But here's the liberating truth that Nii wanted every young person in that room to carry with them:
When someone says something negative about you, you have the power to quietly reject it.
You don't have to accept it.
You don't have to carry it.
You don't have to let it become your story.
Why This Message Matters
In a world where young people—especially young Africans—are constantly told what they can't do, what they won't become, and what limitations define them, Nii's message is revolutionary.
It's a reminder that identity is not imposed; it is chosen.
It's a declaration that the future is not written by the voices around you, but by the truth you choose to speak over your own life.
And it's an invitation to step into power—the power to define yourself, to dream without borders, and to reject any narrative that tries to make you smaller than you are.
This is the kind of empowerment we believe in at Certified Africa. This is the work we're committed to through the Certified Africa Foundation.
🌍 The Certified Africa Foundation: Our Commitment to Africa's Future
The Certified Africa Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through education, empowerment, and cultural connection.
We believe that travel is more than just seeing new places—it's about building bridges, creating opportunities, and giving back to the communities that welcome us with open arms.
That's why we've committed to channeling a portion of our annual earnings and grants into three powerful initiatives:
🎓 1. Education & Tuition Support
We're partnering with schools and centers across Ghana to cover tuition and participation fees for deserving students who need support. This year, our first project focuses on supporting autistic students in Ghana, ensuring they have access to the education and resources they deserve.
Education is a bridge to opportunity, and we're honored to help build that bridge.
💧 2. Community Water Projects
Clean water is a basic human right, yet many communities across Africa still lack access. We're committed to funding village water wells and clean water initiatives that serve entire communities for generations to come.
✈️ 3. Study Abroad & Cultural Exchange Programs
We're launching the Certified Africa Foundation Exchange Program Scholarship to bring 2 African-American students (ages 15-25) to Ghana for an 8-day cultural immersion experience. This isn't just a trip—it's a homecoming, a journey of identity, resilience, and connection.
Imagine being a young person who has never left the United States, who has been told that the world is a certain way, who has been fed limited narratives about Africa—and then suddenly, you're there. You're walking the land of your ancestors. You're meeting young Ghanaians your age. You're discovering that Africa is vibrant, innovative, beautiful, and full of possibility.
That's life-changing.
And that's exactly what we're creating.
💡 How Nii's Message Connects to Our Foundation's Mission
When Nii told those students at FertileFields School that they have the power to reject negative words and choose their own narrative, he wasn't just speaking to them—he was speaking to every young person who has ever been told they weren't enough.
He was speaking to the students we'll support through tuition scholarships.
He was speaking to the young people who will participate in our exchange programs.
He was speaking to the next generation of leaders, creators, innovators, and change-makers who will shape Africa's future.
Because empowerment starts with belief—the belief that you are worthy, that you are capable, and that your story is yours to write.
🙏 How You Can Be Part of This Mission
The work we're doing through the Certified Africa Foundation is only possible because of our family—people like you who believe in the power of education, empowerment, and cultural connection.
Here's how you can help:
💵 Donate Monthly
Imagine if 50 members of our CA family donated just $16 per month—that's $200 per person for the year, which would fully fund both students' life-changing journeys to Ghana.
Your monthly contribution doesn't just support study abroad; it fuels all CA Foundation projects: village water wells, tuition for students in need, support for autistic students in Ghana, and cultural exchange programs.
Your $16/month helps:
- Send 2 students to discover their heritage in Ghana
- Provide clean water to communities in need
- Cover school fees for deserving students
- Support autistic students in Ghana
- Build bridges between the diaspora and the continent
You can make a one-time, monthly, or yearly recurring donation.
📢 Spread the Word
Share Nii's message. Share the work of the Foundation. Help us reach more people who want to be part of this movement.
✈️ Travel With Purpose
Every time you travel with Certified Africa, a portion of your trip supports the Foundation's work. Your journey to Africa becomes an investment in Africa's future.
🌱 Seeds Planted, Lives Transformed
Nii's message to those students at FertileFields School was more than words—it was a seed. A seed of empowerment, of possibility, of hope.
And just like the students at FertileFields, we all have the power to accept or reject the narratives planted in our lives. We all have the power to speak truth over ourselves and our communities. We all have the power to create change.
Thank you for being part of the Certified Africa family. Thank you for believing in the power of education, empowerment, and connection. And thank you for helping us plant seeds that will grow into forests.
The future of Africa is bright—and it starts with moments like these.
Thank you to FertileFields School in Ofankor, Accra, Ghana, for the invitation and for the incredible work you're doing to shape Ghana's future leaders. We see you, we celebrate you, and we're honored to partner with you in empowering the next generation.
💙 Join Us in Making a Difference
Ready to support the Certified Africa Foundation?
Every dollar plants seeds of transformation. Every trip builds bridges. Every story connects us closer to home.
Welcome to the family. 🌍✨