EBI CONNECT

At Expanding Boundaries International (EBI), we believe that a student’s mindset is just as important as their technical skills. As I celebrate 12 years of impact since founding EBI in 2014, I am reflecting on how far we have come in bridging the digital and cultural divide. This year, we started our journey by focusing on the power of the mind.

The Power of the Circle

We kicked off the year with mental health sessions for our students in Baltimore City, Carroll County, and Ghana. Our youth often struggle with self-doubt. They sometimes tell themselves that things are too hard or that they simply cannot do it.

To help them, we used a simple exercise called the Control Circle. I watched as students drew a circle and filled it with:

• Outside the Circle: Things they cannot control, like the color of their skin, their family, or the food on their table.
• Inside the Circle: Things they can control, like how they treat others, their study habits, and their commitment to finishing homework.

By focusing on what they can change, our students are learning to move from being their own worst critics to being their own best advocates.

Learning from Human History

Our high school students spent three weeks with mental health professionals diving deep into these conversations. Meanwhile, our younger students explored the history of human innovation. We showed them that humanity has always been a story of perseverance.

We looked at how far we have come:

1. Communication: From the very first telephone to the smartphones we use today.
2. Transportation: From the first automobile to modern electric cars.
3. Light: From the basic light bulb to advanced electric systems.

The inventors of these things did not stop when they faced a problem. They took breaks, they thought, and they tried again. I want our STEAM Exchange students to have that same spirit. Just because a math problem is hard today does not mean you will not solve it tomorrow.

Updates from the Field: Accra, Kibi, and Beyond

While we work on mindsets, our teams in Ghana are working hard on our physical and community foundations. In Accra, we are currently facing some hurdles in finding a permanent home for our Chokor team. Having a dedicated space is vital so our students can be consistent in their studies and projects. Mr. Sam has been very proactive, meeting with Members of Parliament to advocate for our youth. These conversations are ongoing, and we are hopeful.

Simultaneously, our Kibi Team in the Eastern Region is buzzing with activity. They are busy on the ground as we prepare for our upcoming Global Young Innovators STEAM Fest (learn more at gyisf.org). This landmark event will bring together over 2,000 innovators, and the team’s hard work is ensuring that this will be a life-changing experience for every participant. January has truly been a productive month as we navigate these challenges and plan for a massive global impact.

My Personal Journey with Perseverance

I often share my own story with my students because I want them to see what is possible. I did not use a computer until I was 16 years old. Later, I studied abroad in China, facing new languages and a world I did not know. These experiences taught me that success comes to those who refuse to give up.

Whether our students are in Maryland or Ghana, they are learning that they are like babies learning to walk. You might fall, but you must get back up. Perseverance is our official theme for the year. I am so proud of our 80% to 90% attendance rate and the 400 youth we support annually who choose to keep going every single day.