Accra, Ghana – The February 2026 edition of the PAIS Ghana Brain Gain Webinar brought together students, professionals, and Pan-African enthusiasts for an engaging discussion on volunteerism and the transformative role of diaspora contributions in Africa’s development.
The session featured Tsion Asmare, a leadership development specialist and project manager with the Center for Creative Leadership in Addis Ababa, who shared her inspiring journey from studying pre-med in the United States to volunteering as a teacher in a remote Ethiopian village. Tsion emphasized that volunteerism can take many forms, from small acts of kindness to long-term commitments, highlighting that consistent service builds trust and creates lasting community impact.
Drawing from her experiences, Tsion illustrated how volunteer work can lead to broader opportunities for empowerment. She discussed how her volunteer efforts culminated in the establishment of Barabaso, a leather products business in Ethiopia that currently employs 50 people, primarily women, fostering economic empowerment and social transformation.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage throughout the session, sharing reflections and commitments to give back to their communities. Among the attendees, Reverend Jako committed to volunteering at a local hospital and providing mentorship to young people and families in his estate over the next 30 days. Several others pledged to follow PAIS Ghana’s initiatives on social media and to implement community projects inspired by the webinar.
The session opened with a prayer from Dr. Abubakar Sarko and a welcome address by Abigail Amoah, who highlighted the importance of harnessing the expertise of Africans at home and abroad for continental development. Valentine Crystal, National Coordinator for PAIS Ghana, introduced Tsion and set the stage for a conversation that emphasized the power of intentional contribution, consistent service, and practical action toward Africa’s growth.
Concluding the webinar, participants were invited to share their commitments in the comments section, reflecting the session’s interactive approach and reinforcing the transformative potential of volunteerism. The PAIS Ghana Brain Gain Webinar series continues to inspire actionable change among Africans and Pan-Africanists worldwide, bridging knowledge, experience, and impact.