Matthew Lee is a high school student from Hawaii who believes in the power of education. Matthew has started the first ever Asante Ambassadors Club at his school! A friend who created a club for a different organization inspired him to do the same. Get to know Matthew with this Q&A and tips on how to start your own Asante Ambassadors Club.
Q&A, Matthew Lee:
1. How did you hear about Asante Africa Foundation?
I am a 16 year old boy who has just begun his junior year at school. As a junior, it is a stressful time due to SAT’s, academics, and extracurricular activities, but this year I wanted to do something special. I wanted to do something memorable for our school and others to participate in. With this, I Googled “organizations which help children in Africa” and found Asante Africa Foundation.
2. Why did you want to be a part of Asante Africa Foundation and start a club?
I had a friend who did a similar project to the Asante Ambassadors Club. At his school, he contacted an organization from Guam and had his club teach kids there through “Skype”. With this, I was inspired to do the same and decided to make my own club.
3. How does it feel to be the first established Asante Ambassadors Club?
It feels awesome to be the first to start a club especially when it is helping a greater cause. I hope that throughout this year, this club will be successful in helping to teach the kids in Tanzania and Kenya, and hopefully inspire many other young students to do something similar to helping the world. I would like to expand this club as I go to college, and have more kids involved.
4. What are your project ideas for the club?
For this club, we have started on projects such as video tutorials. We have assigned club members on video topics such as addition, subtraction, the alphabet, and Hawaii’s culture. We are also planning on creating funds for the foundation through car washes and other fund raising events.
5. How important do you think it is for young people to get involved in their own communities and/or the global community?
I feel it is very important for kids to be active in participating to help their community. Even though it may seem like small contribution, every small change makes a huge difference in the long run. It’s never too late to start giving back to the community. There are plenty of ways to help, such as creating your own club, volunteering at hospitals, picking up trash, and etc.
6. Why do you think Education is important?
Education is the key that helps open doors and opportunities for us, which open to our destination, dreams, goals, and desires. We need to be educated so that we can help create change not only for ourselves, but also to others around us. It also gives us something to be proud of, because it can’t be taken away from us. It is ours to keep forever and it helps to develop our sense of maturity in that we learn to look at life in a whole new perspective.
7. What are your educational goals?
I really want to get into a college that is ranked top 20 in the nation. My dream college is to get accepted into Duke University. As for majors, I want to become a doctor one day because I enjoy helping other people and interacting with them.
8. What are your other extra curricular activities or hobbies?
I am training hard to get onto my school’s varsity tennis team. I recently played tennis for my school’s JV team and was elected to be the team captain. I have been on the team for three straight years and now managing the intermediate tennis team at my school in order to show a sense of leadership. I am also a part of my school’s JROTC program. This program helps “motivate young people to be better citizens”. It also does community service events and also teaches cadets (students) to gain a sense of leadership and selfless service through hard work and effort.
9. What advice would you give other students who want to make an Asante Ambassador Club at their school?
My advice to other people who want to make their own Asante Ambassador club at their school is to not be afraid and take initiative. Have your friends join and support you and find people who will be committed to helping to improve the quality of the club. Then the rest should fall into place. You’ll be surprised of how much can get accomplished and feel great!
Other tips on starting an Asante Ambassadors Club:
- Have fun.
- Stay organized.
- Talk to your parents and school administration.
- Find a Teacher Advisor that can mentor your club.
- Once your school approves the club, decide on who will be the club’s officers.
- Have a clear club goal and mission.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We are here to help. Contact us using the contact form or at yia@asanteafrica.org