“I am the future of Africa.”
Although many present at Wilfrid Laurier’s 2008 Global Citizenship Conference were moved by Torwomenye Kwasi (TK) Azaglo’s simple phrase, this statement, so spontaneously spoken, proved to have the greatest inspirational impact on TK himself. Following keynote speaker Romeo Dallaire’s presentation, TK, despite being overwhelmed by nerves, felt compelled to ask a question, shocking and amazing even himself with the powerful words he then voiced: “I am the Future of Africa, and I will do everything to make a difference.”
TK found himself motivated to act, fueled by the comments of fellow conference attendees, Dallaire’s encouragement, and an increased feeling of responsibility and commitment to the future of the continent. Upon reflecting on his own past experiences as a Ghanaian international student and meeting John Tsirimbis, who provided support, shared ideas, and instilled a sense of accountability, TK resolved to create an organization focused on confronting and eradicating misconceptions and stereotypes about Africa.
Future of Africa (FOA) became a Wilfrid Laurier Campus Club in October 2008, co-founded by TK and John. Although initially the objectives of the group were vague, FOA’s first Journey for Change to Uganda with Peace for All International during the summer of 2009 provided direction and—in conjunction with Wilfrid Laurier faculty members who challenged TK and his ideas—led the organization to find further definition. Through the Journey for Change experience, Future of Africa built knowledge of development and sustainability, acquired an understanding of the value of learning through service and community engagement, and recognized the existence of a multitude of different realities, which has subsequently provided the foundation for many FOA campaigns.
In 2010, Future of Africa truly began to flourish. Campaigns demonstrated FOA’s passion, vision, and ambition to the Laurier community, attracting the attention of students, staff, faculty and Waterloo community members, and building the membership of the campus club. A second campus chapter was also formed at the University of Windsor. Representatives from both Laurier and Windsor participated in Future of Africa’s second Journey for Change (2011), an 8 week service learning trip focusing on a refurbishment project at a primary school in Ghana’s Volta Region.
Future of Africa became registered as an NGO in Ghana in 2011. In light of this development, FOA is currently pursuing the growth of its Ghanaian volunteer base in order to further its domestic work in Ghana. Not only did the acquisition of the official status provide recognition and formal authorization to actively conduct FOA initiatives, it also inspired the passion of Future of Africa and its volunteers, encouraging continued dedication to ensure that the NGO remains active and that FOA values are upheld and goals achieved.
Through its Canadian programming hosted at both participating campuses, Future of Africa continues to challenge misconceptions and raise awareness about issues in Africa. FOA’s primary focus, however, is on supporting and encouraging the potential of children and youth, who constitute the future of Africa. Despite its short history to date, Future of Africa has already developed considerably and achieved much, and the FOA team believes confidently in a rich future of progress, youth empowerment, and change for Africa.
“I have a lot of hope for the future and I feel whatever we are doing is going to go a long way to make a significant impact, because it’s very easy to make an impact. We just need dedication. We need people who can identify with that passion and ambition and who have the motivation to work toward making a difference.”
- TK Azaglo
