📰 AFS Ghana Newsletter | December 2025 Edition
As we bring 2025 to a close, this December edition reflects on a year defined by global connection, youth leadership, volunteer commitment, and meaningful impact. In this issue, we spotlight exciting opportunities for 2026, celebrate the achievements of our volunteers, educators, and alumni, and share stories that demonstrate how intercultural learning continues to shape communities in Ghana and beyond. From global leadership platforms to environmental action and heartfelt moments of solidarity, we invite you to journey with us through the highlights of the month.
🌍 Applications Now Open: 2026 AFS Youth Assembly — Geneva
The next chapter of global youth leadership has begun.
Applications for the 2026 AFS Youth Assembly are officially open, with the early bird deadline closing on 31 December 2025.
Recognised globally as a premier platform for young leaders advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the AFS Youth Assembly goes beyond dialogue—it equips participants with the tools, networks, and inspiration to drive real change.
For the first time in over 20 years, the Assembly will be hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, a global hub for diplomacy and humanitarian action. Delegates will engage with international organisations, including those within the United Nations system. We extend our sincere appreciation to AFS Switzerland for their partnership in making this historic edition possible.
Who Should Apply?
Young leaders aged 18–35 who are actively contributing to their communities—students, entrepreneurs, activists, creatives, and emerging changemakers committed to global citizenship.
Key Details:
- 📆 Dates: August 12–14, 2026
- 🗺️ Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- ⭐ Early Bird Deadline: December 31, 2025
- 🎙️ Event Theme Webinar: November 3, 2025 | 9:00 AM ET
Take the Lead—Apply Early
Early applications offer reduced fees and priority access to program updates.
Your journey to global leadership starts here.
🌐 AFS 2025 International Education Week (IEW) Webinar Series
The AFS 2025 IEW Webinar Series successfully concluded, bringing together students, educators, alumni, and intercultural learning advocates from around the world.
Across multiple interactive sessions, participants explored timely and impactful themes, including:
- Global competence in education
- Safe and inclusive digital learning spaces
- The career impact of studying abroad
- Fostering global citizenship values
- Gen Z trends in global education
- Expanding access to global learning opportunities
Sessions featured experts and leaders from Teach For All, Soliya, AFS Global STEM, Girls Toward Leadership, and other partner organisations, offering practical insights and best practices.
Participants earned the International Education Week Digital Badge, strengthened globally relevant skills, and connected with a vibrant international learning community—reaffirming AFS’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality intercultural education.
🇪🇸 Accra Chapter Represented at AFS Global Leadership & Volunteer Development Summit
AFS Ghana was proudly represented by Joan Pamela Quartey, Vice President of the Accra Chapter, at the AFS Global Leadership and Volunteer Development Summit held in Mollina, Spain.
The three-day summit brought together over 100 volunteers from more than 30 countries, focusing on leadership development, volunteer engagement, programme excellence, and impact creation across the AFS network. The summit highlighted the critical role of chapter leaders in translating AFS’s global mission into meaningful, community-based action.
Reflecting on her experience, Joan shared:
“This summit reminded me that AFS leadership is not about titles—it’s about people. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this movement. We are the bridge builders, storytellers, and community shapers.”
The summit forms part of AFS’s ongoing investment in equipping volunteers with the skills and inspiration needed to sustain impactful intercultural engagement worldwide. Explore study in Spain programs
✈️ Your 2026 AFS Global Adventure Awaits
Applications are now open for 2026 AFS Global Exchange Programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
🌍 Why Choose AFS?
AFS offers immersive, life-changing experiences designed to build:
- Intercultural understanding
- Leadership and communication skills
- Resilience and adaptability
- Language proficiency
🌟 Program Pathways
- 🎌 Year Program in Japan
- 🇫🇷 Semester Program in France
- 🇿🇦 Short-Term Service Projects in South Africa
- 🇲🇽 University Programs in Mexico
💼 Financial Support
Through collaborations with global AFS partners, special discounts are available on selected 2026 programs. Begin your global journey from as little as $5,000.
Schools interested in tailored cultural exploration packages are encouraged to contact us.
👉 Explore programs and apply today—the world is waiting.
🏆 AFS Effect+ for the Classroom (2025–26)
Fully Funded Virtual Scholarships for Educators
AFS is offering 150 fully funded scholarships for teachers through the AFS Effect+ for the Classroom programme.
What Educators Receive:
- ✅ 6-week Global Up Educator Certification
- ✅ Credly Digital Badges
- ✅ Practical SDG-focused teaching resources
- ✅ Global peer networking
- ✅ Recognition for student-led SDG action projects
📌 Available strictly through scholarship awards
🗓️ Application Deadline: January 14, 2026
🔗 Apply here
🇬🇭🇩🇰 AFS Ghana Hosts Danish Volunteer and Family
AFS Ghana warmly welcomed Hudson Nzawo Ndudi, an AFS Denmark volunteer, and his family during their visit to Ghana.
The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to exchange experiences, reflect on similarities and differences between AFS Ghana and AFS Denmark, and celebrate the global AFS family. It was a simple yet inspiring reminder of the power of intercultural connection. Volunteer with us
🌱 YES Alumni Support Environmental Action through Tree Planting
In alignment with Ghana’s Green Ghana Project, the YES Ghana Alumni Association undertook a tree-planting initiative supporting SDGs 11, 13, and 15.
In collaboration with the Forestry Commission and environmental partners, YES alumni, students, and community members planted over 300 trees at Accra STEM School and Shai Hills Resource Reserve. The activity also included awareness sessions on climate action and sustainable environmental practices. The initiative strengthened youth leadership, civic engagement, and alumni contribution to national development efforts. Volunteer with us.
🌍 High School & Volunteer Exchange Moments
In recent weeks, exchange students in Ghana have enjoyed meaningful moments with their host families deepening cultural understanding through everyday experiences. AFS continues to offer immersive programs that develop global competencies and leadership skills for young people.
👉 Are you a high school student or a volunteer in Ghana interested in an exchange program abroad? Explore opportunities and apply today.
🕊️ Condolences to Dr. Agyeman Badu and Family
AFS IEP Ghana extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Jarvis Reginald Agyemang-Badu, long-time volunteer and AFS alumnus to the United States, following the passing of his wife, Mrs. Comfort Agyeman Badu.
Dr. Agyemang-Badu was among the pioneering group of Ghanaian students selected in 1967 for a year-long AFS exchange to the United States. His legacy of service continues to inspire generations within the AFS community.
As we reflect, we invite all AFS Ghana alumni to reconnect and strengthen our growing network.
👉 Reconnect with AFS Ghana today
🎄 Season’s Greetings from AFS Ghana
As 2025 draws to a close, we extend sincere appreciation to our volunteers, students, alumni, partners, and supporters for your commitment and trust.
May this festive season bring you peace, joy, and renewed hope—and may 2026 be filled with continued learning, global connections, and shared impact.
Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!
💬 Stay Connected
🌐 Website: www.afs.org.gh
📷 Instagram: @afsiepghana
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/afsiepghana
📧 Email: [email protected]
Together, we continue to build bridges of understanding—one story, one student, one step at a time.
— The AFS Ghana Team