BY JACKIE WEISER
After traveling to West Africa last summer, Cooper City High School junior Camille Traslavina was inspired to establish a non-profit organization called Orphans of Ghana Outreach (OGO) in order to create awareness and raise funds for kids in Ghana whose parents have died from HIV/AIDS. The organization will host its first annual fundraising event, a cultural festival on Saturday, March 31st from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m. on the CCHS athletic field.
The cultural festival will include food, music and performances including local dancers, singers and bands. There will also be live African music from the Sound of Pride percussion line, as well as a 5 v. 5 soccer tournament, in honor of one of Africa’s most popular sports with players from schools throughout the county.
Traslavina traveled to Ghana last summer with Global Leaderships Adventures, an organization that gives students the opportunity to volunteer abroad. Aside from assisting schools and enriching the minds of the children, Traslavina also got to volunteer at local orphanages. One of the orphanages in particular, New Seed International, made an impact on Traslavina as it serves children who have lost their parents as a result of HIV/AIDS.
“I really fell in love with the orphanage and the kids there,” Traslavina said. “I decided I wanted to raise public awareness for them once I got back home.”
She started a Key Club committee, named it Orphans of Ghana Outreach and has been planning this weekend’s event for the past several months. Proceeds will help construct three new dorm buildings which will house sixty additional children. Money raised from the event will also be used to help expand the orphanage farm to help provide food and nutrition for the children living there.
“Right now they have three dorm buildings that are under construction,” Traslavina said. “But they had to postpone the construction due to lack of funding.”
Traslavina hopes to continue helping the Orphans of West Africa for many years to come. She is planning on returning to Africa this summer and having another event next year to help raise more funds and awareness.
“I feel it’s our duty to help others who weren’t born as fortunate as us,” Traslavina said. “They should have the same opportunities as we have.”
Pre-sale tickets to the event will be sold for $10 during both A and B lunches up until the event. Tickets will be $15 at the door. To find out more information or to get involved, e-mail [email protected] or contact (954)632-2529.
For more on Traslavina’s trip to West Africa, check out The Lariat’s feature: https://www.thelariatonline.com/?p=2803
