Monsignor Edward Pace High School’s (Pace) rising senior David Barbier has been selected as one of twelve Miami-Dade high school students who will travel to West Africa’s Republic of Ghana with the Nyah Project Fellowship in July.
Program founder Leigh-Ann Buchanan created The Nyah Project Fellowship organization in 2014. The organization seeks to offer diverse youth from underserved communities with opportunities to experience the world as they define their own life’s purpose. Nyah’s core belief is that “Travel Awakens Leaders,” and through journeys to international destinations like Ghana, Costa Rica, South Africa and Namibia they have done just that.
Barbier is an active member of the Pace’s Black Student Alliance, Future Business Leaders of America and he is Student Government president for the upcoming school year. Throughout his time at Pace, Barbier has constantly stood out as a leader and has been involved in service projects both in and out of school.
As a selected “Nyah Fellow” Barbier will receive intensive leadership training as well as social entrepreneurship and experiential learning in Ghana at no cost. Through donations from organizations and individuals such as Miami Heat’s Hassan Whiteside, the Nyah Project is able to offer Barbier and the other fellow’s with international airfare, all meals, accommodations, medical insurance, any applicable vaccinations as well as the ability to experience cultural excursions and service learning activities.
This will be a trip of a lifetime for Barbier. The Nyah Project will broaden his horizons, strengthen his leadership skills and open doors to many future opportunities beyond high school as he prepares for life in a global society.