Alum opens education center in Ghana

After her post-graduation trip to Ghana in 2011, Rebecca Kuntz ‘11 realized her passion for volunteering, and has since opened the Light for Children Educational Center for the Ghanaian town of Atonsu on Oct. 9 and started a nonprofit organization called The Treasured Ones.

“The Center has created a space for children to let their creativity run wild, has allowed the children to develop, opening their eyes to new experiences, new information and new ways of learning and has created security for these children,” Kuntz said. “We work hand in hand with the community to listen to problems, assess strengths and abilities, brainstorm creative solutions and then work towards our dreams together.”

The Education Center cost just over $60,000 to build and open. There are five periods per school day and, for each period, there is one class in the computer lab and another in the library. While in the library, students work on reading comprehension, creative writing, storytelling and art. While in the computer lab, they are taught the government issued Information Communication Technology curriculum, Kuntz said.

Kuntz headed fundraising for the project. She received money from various outlets, including school and community organizations, such as Rotary Club, International Club and Black Culture Club. Kuntz also proposed her idea to LT’s student council, which decided to take on fundraising for the education center as their cause for the year.

“Student Council was very impressed by the presentation that Rebecca made,” Director of Student Activities Peter Geddeis said. “It tugged at their heartstrings, but they also felt a connection because Rebecca is an LT alumna. She is making a real, sustainable and deep impact on those communities. She has represented and continues to represent LT well.”

LTTV Advisor Bill Allan got to know Kuntz very well throughout her years at LT. During her four years, she was involved in LTTV, directing nearly 200 shoots by the time she graduated. Because of this close connection, Allan helped Kuntz since the day she brought him the idea for an education center.

“Through the entire process, I’ve tried to be like a reflecting board,” Allan said. “She has ideas, she bounces them off me, we discuss them to try to figure out what works and what doesn’t work and then she pulls together a strategy to make it work.” Kuntz used what she learned during her time at LT to discover her passion and make her dreams a reality.

“Without a doubt, LT helped create the platform for me to realize and pursue my dreams, and more importantly, through the classes and extracurricular activities, LT developed my leadership skills and my passion for volunteerism that were used in every aspect of the Education Center, from planning to opening day,” Kuntz said.

Kuntz plans to continue living full-time in Ghana with her newly adopted 18-month-old daughter with special needs.