Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Angela M. Coggs
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— During the Spring of 2018, three San Bernardino City Unified School District students embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Beijing, China. They, along with 18 Los Angeles high school students, were selected by On A Mission, Inc., a Los Angeles-area based mentoring program, to attend this trip designed for academically strong students ages 14 to 17. They returned to Tom Bradley International Airport on April 28, 2018, with an international stamp in their newly issued passports and a cultural experience.
Edwin Henderson, President and CEO of On A Mission, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an after-school program serving students living in Los Angeles area, and beyond. The organization aims to teach life skills to the students, help them become productive adults in today’s changing world. They conduct youth educational trips to places Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia. This year he decided to take the organization first international trip.
Henderson opened the opportunity up to SBCUSD students when he addressed parents and student at a monthly District African American Advisory Council meeting with hopes to recruit local students. SBCUSD students selected were Yonathan Habtemariam (Cajon High School- 12th), Trayvon Davis (San Bernardino HS- 12th) and Anise Tyehimba (Cajon High School- 11th).
In 2016, Edwin Henderson, Founder, and President of OAM, decided to expand and open the application process to students in the Inland Empire because he saw the need in the community. Habtemariam and Davis also attended On A Mission’s annual trip to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New Your City in 2016. The trip included a tour of the White House, U.S. Capitol, the Martin Luther King Jr and Lincoln Memorial, V.I.P. tour of the Pentagon, Howard University, and more.
This was On A Mission, Inc. 8th Annual Student Educational Tour (however this was its first international trip). Some of the experiences and places the students had the opportunity to participate in include: Forbidden City, Beijing Capital Museum, Tiananmen Square, 2008 Olympic Games Sites, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Rickshaw Ride through Beijing, Kung Fu Show, and an Acrobatic Show.
While visiting a local school in Beijing, they recognized many differences from the schools in the United States. While some in the study group learned how to write calligraphy, a few of the Chinese students asked a few of their American counterparts to play basketball with them. While playing basketball, Davis noticed the one of the Chinese student’s shoes were in bad condition. He opened his duffle bag and gave him a pair of his basketball shoes. The player was very appreciative. “I was humbled that I was able to give those (shoes) to him. He was grateful,” said Davis. “It felt good.”
“I had a window seat and was able to take some pretty amazing pictures as we flew across the Pacific Ocean and other countries such as Russia,” said Tyehimba of the 13-hour flight.
“Although Anise would miss one week of school, going to China in of itself was an educational experience that no teacher or a textbook could provide,” stated Desney Tyehimba, parent, and educator in the SBCUSD. “Being immersed in another country’s culture, customs, time zone, language, and food for an entire week is a true example of what it means to be a global citizen.”
Before going on the trip, the students were given ideas and tips on how to raise money, so the trip would not put a strain on the family’s household budgets. Habtemariam took advantage of the tips and in addition to receiving support from family and friends, he was also able to secure a donation from the San Bernardino Police Foundation.
“Going to China reassured my appreciation for the county I live in,” reflected Habtemariam. “I think it’s cool how OAM, Inc. is intentionally showing students the world through a different lens.”
From October 24 to October, 28, 2018, Henderson will once again invite approximately 30 deserving students the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance visit five Historical College and Universities at The HBCU College Tour- Atlanta Homecoming 2018. The schools the students will be visiting are Alabama State, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse, Spelman College and Tuskegee. It is important to note, only academically strong students, grades 9th– 12th only, will be invited to participate in the trip. The students must also pass a vigorous interview and selection process. In addition to the visiting the educational institutions, the students will also have an opportunity to visit CNN Headquarters, Coke Cola Headquarters and attend the Morehouse Homecoming football game.
On A Mission, Inc., looks forward to including more students from the SBCUSD on next year’s international trip. For more information contact On A Mission, Inc. at (323) 298-4779 or email: info@joinoam.org
