News Summary
Four Savannah State University students traveled to Ghana for a summer study abroad program focused on community outreach and addressing social issues like substance abuse among youth. Coordinated by Dr. Roenia DeLoach, the program involved the students in educational initiatives across multiple schools, aiming to inspire positive life choices and highlight alternative career paths. Their experiences underscored the impact of education while fostering resilience in local communities, as they worked alongside the Network for Rural Missions to promote mental health support and community well-being.
Savannah, Georgia – Four students from Savannah State University (SSU) engaged in a transformative summer study abroad program in Ghana, where they focused on community outreach and education aimed at addressing pressing social issues, including substance abuse among youth. The program, which took place in summer 2025, was coordinated by Dr. Roenia DeLoach, the coordinator of SSU’s Master of Social Work Program, and was organized in partnership with the Network for Rural Missions (NRM).
The students who participated in the program were Jessie Herbert and Kyla Chandler, both seniors in mass communications, Kayleen Tarentine Hill, a senior biology major, and sophomore Jamya Brundage, who is studying middle grades education. Their four-week journey involved significant immersion in rural villages in Ghana and aimed to inspire hope and healing in communities facing various challenges.
Upon their arrival in Ghana, the SSU students encountered numerous issues affecting locals, particularly among children and youth. Substance abuse was a prevalent concern, with many students from local schools citing peer pressure and a lack of guidance as major contributing factors to their struggles. Grace Combian, the chief executive officer and founder of NRM, stressed the urgent need to address these issues, especially in Northern Ghana, where the problem had reached concerning levels.
During their time in Ghana, the SSU students actively participated in community outreach initiatives and educational programs across seven schools in six different communities. The programs were designed to enlighten local youth about alternative career pathways and the importance of making positive life choices free from the influence of substance abuse. Teachers expressed gratitude for the outreach efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for mental health support in the face of rising substance abuse cases in their communities.
The impact of the program was evident not only in the local communities but also on the students involved. Turning academic knowledge into practical skills, the SSU students applied their studies in mass communications, biology, education, and social work to effectively engage with the youth and foster connections. Their efforts bore testimony to the transformative power of education in a rural setting where students openly discussed the potential consequences of substance abuse, including increased dropout rates and long-term health issues.
Furthermore, District Chief Executive Ali Joseph Lechir expressed deep concern regarding the implications of substance abuse on life expectancy and overall community wellness. He noted the importance of ongoing educational efforts to combat these issues and improve the quality of life for young people in the area.
As the outreach program concluded, NRM reaffirmed its commitment to making lasting impacts in Ghana, advocating for continuous educational interventions to combat substance abuse. The exchange between the SSU students and the rural communities of Ghana not only helped to inspire local youth but also instilled a sense of purpose in the students. They returned to Savannah State University with a renewed commitment to community service and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by underprivileged populations.
The collaborative effort between SSU, the Network for Rural Missions, and local schools not only addressed immediate social concerns but also paved the way for future initiatives aimed at reducing human suffering and extreme poverty through education. The students left Ghana with invaluable experiences and insights that emphasize the importance of community support and resiliency in the face of adversity.
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Additional Resources
- BMC Public Health
- Wikipedia: Substance abuse
- GBC Ghana Online
- Google Search: substance abuse among youth
- GhanaWeb
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug abuse
- BBC Pidgin
- Google News: Ghana substance abuse
- AllAfrica
- Google Scholar: Ghana drug abuse
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SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
