Twelve young Ghanaian students, led by Grade 8 learner Charlia Kweh from Delhi Public School International (DPSI), have departed for Canada to participate in a prestigious three-week global summer camp hosted by Upper Canada College (UCC) in Toronto.
Organised by the Institute of Executive Studies (IES) Ghana, the educational initiative aims to provide students with transformative cross-cultural learning experiences. The team departed Ghana on Friday, July 26, 2025, and arrived in Toronto on Sunday, July 27, joining over 150 participants from 14 countries including the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, and Malaysia.
For over 13 years, IES Ghana has facilitated international academic programmes, notably in Canada, offering Ghanaian students the opportunity to explore global education, cultural diversity, and leadership development.
UCC, located just 20 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport, offers an immersive summer programme that blends academics, arts, sports, and excursions. Campers will engage in activities ranging from theatre arts, public speaking, robotics, and coding, to sports such as hockey, golf, basketball, and baseball. They will also visit tourist attractions like the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
Speaking to the media at Kotoka International Airport prior to departure, Charlia Kweh expressed enthusiasm about the learning opportunities ahead.
“I’m optimistic the UCC Summer Camp will greatly impact my public speaking skills and boost my confidence,” she said.
Born in Ghana on December 17, 2011, to Liberian parents, Charlia began her education at Excel Community School in Spintex, Accra. She credits her upbringing with instilling in her values such as empathy, solidarity, and responsibility.
She added, “The summer camp will afford me the opportunity to learn about other cultures from around the world and network with students, something I believe would have a long-term positive impact on my life.” She pledged to serve as a good “brand ambassador” for both Ghana and Liberia during the programme and vowed to share her knowledge and skills with her peers upon return.
Anne Appiah, Customer Service and Marketing Officer of IES Ghana, said the camp aims to shape the lives of participants positively through global exposure and personal development.
She urged Ghanaian parents to consider future summer and winter camps organised by IES Ghana, adding, “This is an opportunity for young learners to grow in a multicultural environment and learn leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.”
The IES summer camps are open to children aged 8 to 16 and categorised into three age groups—Juniors (8–11), Intermediates (12–13), and Leadership (14–16). Each group follows a customised curriculum that builds social interaction, outdoor adventure, arts, and academic excellence.
Students in the Leadership category benefit from both academic and practical coaching, with prospects of returning in future years as camp counsellors.
The camp continues to build a strong foundation for the next generation of global citizens, with Charlia and her peers representing the latest cohort of Ghanaian youth to benefit from this enriching experience.
