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Bridging Cultures in Ghana Through STEM: Philadelphia Inquirer's Jenice Armstrong visits Ghana's JacK Jill & Jill Brooklyn STEM Center

Writer's picture: Maurice CheethamMaurice Cheetham

Updated: Jan 7

The African STEM Academy was thrilled to host a distinguished visitor, Philadelphia Inquirer journalist Jenice Armstrong, alongside her husband, Cameron Turner, during their recent visit to Ghana. Armstrong, on assignment with the Philadelphia Inquirer and the National Association of Black Journalists, is documenting the growing trend of African Americans migrating to Ghana—a story that resonates deeply with the diaspora community.



Africa STEM Student's celebrate the visit by the photographer Cameron Turner and journalist Jenice Armstrong. Photo credits by Motherland Media


Their visit included a stop at the Jack and Jill Brooklyn STEM Center, a state-of-the-art STEM lab operated by the African STEM Academy in Mamprobi, Accra Ghana. This center, established through funding from the Jack and Jill Brooklyn Chapter, is dedicated to equipping Ghanaian youth with career pathways in STEM education and emerging technologies, preparing them to compete on a global scale.

"Students explore how STEM principles are applied in journalism to create impactful news stories. Photo credit by Motherland Media.

"Africa STEM Academy students proudly showcasing their skills with joyful smiles during a special visit."
Nothing like smiles during the visit where Africa STEM Academy Scholars were allowed to showcase their STEM Projects. Photo credits by Motherland Media

During the visit, Armstrong toured the facility, met with the school’s headmistress, and engaged with Africa STEM Academy staff and protégés. The highlight of the day was the students’ demonstrations of their skills, showcasing their achievements in coding, robotics, and drone operation. Students proudly shared their knowledge, programming mini traffic lights with STEM kits donated by African Roots Travel guests. One student explained, “Learning coding was challenging, but with focus and dedication, I succeeded.”


Armstrong also took time to share how STEM principles play a role in her journalism career, enabling her to create impactful content that reaches audiences across the U.S. and beyond. She inspired the students with her journey, emphasizing the value of education, determination, and hard work. Her words resonated the scholars who understood her visit to the program highlighted the theme "Bridging Cultures Through STEM in Ghana"

**Alt text:**   *"Photojournalist Cameron Turner demonstrating to African STEM Academy scholars how coding is applied in business applications."*
**Caption:** *"Photojournalist Cameron Turner demonstrates to scholars how coding is applied in real-world business scenarios." Photo credits by Motherland Media

The visit underscored the mission of the African STEM Academy to create opportunities for Ghanaian youth while fostering connections within the African Diaspora. Ghana Government Programs such as Ghana’s Beyond the Return Campaign under the leadership of Director Annabelle McKenzie have positioned the country as a hub for Diaspora engagement, and visits like Armstrong’s exemplify the synergy between cultural exchange and community empowerment.

"African STEM Academy Scholar showcasing her skills gained from participating in the Afrobyte Coders Program."
African STEM Academy Scholar showcasing her skills she used through her participation in the Afrobyte Coders Program. Photo credit by Motherland Media

“We are truly blessed to have the support of organizations like Jack and Jill Brooklyn Chapter and special guests like Jenice Armstrong and Cameron Turner,” said Maurice Cheetham, the program director. “These partnerships inspire our students and open doors for future opportunities.” These scholars need to be able to acquire skills to compete in an global employment entrepreneur market that is demanding individual trained in STEM. Why not provide a strong do


As Armstrong departed, she left behind not only encouragement but also a sense of unity—one built on shared heritage, mutual support, and a commitment to bridging cultures through education and technology.


For more information contact:

Maurice Cheetham

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