Bridging Continents: How Local Citrus Students Are Empowering a Community in Ghana

Education has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools for changing lives. In Citrus County high schools, that belief extends far beyond the classroom.

Over the past several months, Ashley Shidner, Ph.D., who recently served as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Coordinator and IB Global Village Advisor at Lecanto High School, has led an inspiring humanitarian effort. This initiative has beautifully connected students in Citrus County with children thousands of miles away in Ghana, West Africa.

A Global Vision and Local Action

Working alongside Lecanto High School’s IB CAS Coordinator, Angela Rausch, and Yolanda Carlisle of YWAM and First Coast Global Servants, Dr. Shidner and the students of IB Global Village launched a service initiative to support the APAM Orphanage and Foster Home School in Ghana.

Their primary focus was providing essential educational resources and opportunities for children who face significant daily challenges. The APAM Orphanage and Foster Home, a recognized childcare facility under Ghana’s Department of Social Welfare, is located in Mayera, near Pokuase/Faase in the Greater Accra Region. Through its integrated educational programs, the home serves orphaned children living on campus, students from the surrounding community, and others who travel long distances each day, providing educational opportunities and resources to children facing significant daily challenges.

Through the dedication and compassion of Lecanto High School’s IB students, faculty, and volunteers, the team achieved remarkable results. Dozens of science kits were carefully assembled. In addition, critical school supplies and athletic equipment were collected to help enrich classroom instruction and extracurricular activities. These resources provide teachers with valuable new instructional tools while giving students greater opportunities to explore science, engage in physical activity, and develop life skills that extend beyond traditional academics.

Developing Caring Citizens

This ambitious project exemplifies the core mission of the International Baccalaureate Programme, which encourages students to become caring, knowledgeable, and principled global citizens. Rather than simply learning about world issues through textbooks, Lecanto High students took meaningful action to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Through IB Global Village, a student-led humanitarian organization, students gain firsthand insight into the realities faced by children in other parts of the world. They participate in internationally focused volunteer initiatives and cross-cultural partnerships that foster deep empathy and global awareness. Ultimately, they discover how service and compassion can create lasting change, learning that true leadership is measured not only by personal accomplishments but also by what we do for others.

Sharing Knowledge Across Continents

The impact of this partnership has extended well beyond the donation of physical supplies. The initiative has evolved into something even more profound: the sharing of knowledge, encouragement, and hope across continents.

Recently, Dr. Shidner was invited to lead a special virtual professional development session for teachers and upper-level students at the Ghanaian school. Her presentation, Motivation and Academic Ownership Through Discipline, focused on helping educators and students cultivate personal responsibility, perseverance, and a mindset that empowers academic success.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Shidner shared a deeply held conviction: “Education has the power to transform lives, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share.” Those words capture the very spirit behind the entire initiative.

Expanding the Vision to Crystal River

The success of this Ghana initiative demonstrates the remarkable impact that can occur when students are empowered to serve. It also highlights the steadfast dedication of educators who continue to inspire students to think beyond their own communities.

Dr. Shidner has transitioned to Crystal River High School, where she is expanding her commitment to international service by establishing the Global Village model on her new campus. Through this initiative, students will have meaningful opportunities to engage in humanitarian projects while developing leadership skills and a lifelong commitment to service.

Projects like these remind us that education extends far beyond the walls of a classroom, a campus, or even a country. It is about building bridges, fostering understanding, and empowering future generations to make a positive difference wherever they are called to serve.

Through the collaboration of dedicated educators and engaged students, meaningful opportunities to serve others, locally, nationally, and globally, become possible. Together, they have demonstrated that even from a small community in Citrus County, it is possible to create a lasting impact on lives around the world. Their collective efforts serve as a powerful reminder that kindness knows no borders, service has no limits, and education has the power to transform lives across communities and cultures.

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