Blake McAfoos’ passport tells a story of adventure—colorful stamps from Indonesia, Bali, Turkey, and Mexico mark his travels. But his recent journey to Ghana left an indelible mark on his heart.
In January, Blake joined a group of adventurous students and parents on a multi-stop tour through Ghana, a West African nation rich in culture and resilience.
Witnessing Resilience Amidst Challenges
In Accra, Blake visited informal settlements lacking basic services like clean water, waste management, and electricity. He recalls, “A huge river runs through this area, but it was dry season, so there was no water—only a dry riverbed of trash.” Despite the hardships, he was struck by the warmth and determination of the people. “Kids help carry goods on their heads, people sell food in the streets, and young women are learning to make and sell soap,” he observed.
His mother, Kerri McAfoos, co-chair of Opportunity International’s Board of Governors, noted, “It was truly subsistence living: having what you need to stay alive, but no more.”
A School That Changed His Perspective
In northern Ghana, Blake visited a school that redefined his understanding of education. “It didn’t look like a school. It was a structure with dirt floors and a tin roof that shook with the wind,” he described. Fifty children crowded into small rooms, standing to greet their visitors in English. When dust filled the air, Blake stepped outside, reflecting on the contrast to his own school in Denver. “I thought of my school’s carpeted classrooms and functional desks,” he said, gaining a deep appreciation for his own educational opportunities and for the students’ resilience.
Across Ghana and other parts of the world, Opportunity International partners with schools just like this one—working to expand access to quality education in communities where it’s needed most.
A Future Inspired by Compassion
Blake’s journey to Ghana wasn’t just a travel experience—it was a turning point. For years, he watched his mom, Kerri, dedicate herself to serving communities around the world. Her commitment to expanding opportunity and dignity through education and economic empowerment left a lasting impression. In Ghana, Blake saw firsthand what that work looks like on the ground—and how deeply it matters.
As he prepares to graduate from Mullen High School in Denver and embark on studying in Barcelona before attending the University of Miami, Blake carries with him more than just memories. He carries a deepened sense of responsibility—shaped by the people he met, the stories he heard, and the values instilled in him at home.
For the McAfoos family, philanthropy isn’t just a tradition—it’s a way of being. And now, a new generation is ready to carry it forward.
