Unlocking the World: Philadelphia Students' Journey to Parisian Exploration

In a heartwarming display of opportunity and empowerment, a group of Philadelphia students from YESPhilly Accelerated High School are preparing to embark on a transformative journey to Paris, France. With the support of a local bookstore owner, these young scholars are set to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the City of Lights, an experience that could forever shape their perspectives and aspirations.

Empowering the Next Generation of Global Citizens

Cultivating Cultural Awareness and Travel Skills

Instructor Barbara Eubanks, who runs the Going Global with Barbara program, has been working tirelessly with the students to prepare them for their upcoming travels. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from the allure of all things Parisian to the practical skills needed to navigate the international landscape. "All things Paris. All things travel skills, Black history with Paris, importance of studying abroad and preparation for our trip in November," Eubanks explained, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the program.The students, including Kareem Blair and his peers, are eager to embark on this journey, but they face a significant challenge. Each student must raise $5,000 by November 1st to fund the trip, a task that Kareem acknowledges is complicated. "A lot of people don't want to donate to random kids that they don't know," he said, reflecting the societal stigma that these young scholars often face.

Overcoming Stereotypes and Empowering the "Other"

Jeannine Cook, the owner of Harriett's Bookshop in Fishtown, has taken it upon herself to spearhead a travel fundraising campaign to help the YESPhilly students reach their $50,000 goal. Cook, who has traveled to more than 15 countries to teach inner-city youth, sees these students as warriors, fighting against the negative stereotypes that often plague them."Society tends to say we don't really want to deal with them. They're the other. They're the bad kids," Cook said, expressing her determination to challenge these perceptions. Her mission extends beyond just raising funds; it's about empowering these young individuals and providing them with the opportunity to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings.

Discovering the Wonders of Paris

For students like Nymir Foster, the prospect of this trip to Paris is both thrilling and transformative. "The overnight plane ride, I'm also looking forward to the Eiffel Tower," he shared, his excitement palpable. The chance to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the French capital, to witness the iconic landmarks, and to experience the unique Parisian way of life is a dream come true for these Philadelphia students.Despite the financial hurdles, the YESPhilly students are halfway to their fundraising goal, and the support of the local community, led by Jeannine Cook, is making this dream a reality. This trip has the potential to be a life-changing experience, opening the doors to a world of possibilities and empowering these young scholars to become global citizens, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the world beyond their immediate surroundings.