This summer, Oliver Tiani Vessah, a member of Withrow's National Honor Society, returned to his home country of Cameroon. During his visit, he aimed to make a positive impact by invoking three pillars of the National Honor Society: Service, Leadership, and Character.

With financial backing from local businesses such as Connect S.A., Ecobank, and Neptune Oil—collectively donating around 5 million FCFA (just under $10,000 USD)—Vessah organized a community event focused on empowering youth and supporting orphanages in Cameroon. His objective was to foster connections and inspire the younger generation.

The event included activities designed to engage children and emphasize community importance. Children welcomed participants with songs and poetry. They cooked together, engaged in arts and crafts, and shared stories. These activities were meant to show children that they are valued.

A local youth group also participated in the event. Their involvement highlighted their ongoing work within their communities. Vessah intended for this collaboration to raise awareness of the group's efforts and encourage them in their advocacy work.

The outcomes were significant. Orphanage children left feeling supported while youth leaders gained confidence to pursue their initiatives. Conversations during the event sparked ideas for future projects. Witnessing young leaders interact with orphanage children emphasized the potential for change through collaboration.

Vessah expressed that organizing this event reinforced his belief in empowering youth to effect change. He hoped the event laid a foundation for building a supportive community network. He committed to continuing support for such initiatives, recognizing that shared experiences can inspire future generations toward positive change.