AgriCorps is launching a crowdfunding campaign!!!

As many of you know, I have been living and working in Ghana, West Africa for the last year and a half. Last academic year, I was working with students and teachers at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua, Eastern Region. Seeing students grow and flourish through agriculture, education, and leadership, not only in the classroom but also in their communities, is incredible. This year I am lucky enough to be working in the Tamale, Northern Region 4-H office with the director of 4-H Ghana in the Northern Region, Alhassan. This has given me the opportunity to work with 4-H clubs, students, and advisors all over the Northern Region as well as the current AgriCorps members (volunteers).

AgriCorps takes a bit of a different spin on development than many other organizations. We send young adults with college degrees in agriculture, production agriculture experience, and strong 4-H and/or FFA backgrounds to live and work in communities all over Ghana for one year. Our volunteers spend their time working in schools, with farmers in their communities, and with local extension services.

I never thought I would become a teacher. I also never thought 4-H would take me somewhere global. But it has, through AgriCorps and encouragement from my family and community at home. This is an incredible organization and I would not have been able to have this experience without them. It has encouraged me to see the value of relationships, driven me to empower students, see positive change, and create that change in their communities and beyond. It has challenged me to take chances, to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. I love my job.

Doing my job would not be possible without people like you. People who give their time and their resources. If you have an extra $5, $10, or $100, I want to encourage you to help support AgriCorps and the incredible work they are doing globally.

Melissa Tabke received a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a masters in Ruminant Nutrition from Texas Tech University. This is Melissa’s second year as an AgriCorps Member in Ghana and she previously served as an agricultural intern in Panama.