Bryn Ferris

Playing xylophone in Zinpen, Ghana - 2006

When asked by friends and family what I want for Christmas, I can never name anything in particular. I have what I need around me, and I don't really want any more "stuff". To me, the greatest gift would be to help empower my friends in Ghana -- farmers and entrepreneurs that I really respect and admire.

Last year I set up a fundraising page and 86 people donated. It was nothing short of overwhelming. I'm hoping that we can do something incredible this year, and so I've set what I think are completely unreasonable targets -- 200 donors and $5000 total.

The goal is incredibly ambitious, but I'm hoping that it can be achieved through a diversity of donors, especially those that can only spare $5, $10 towards the cause. Every little bit helps and it's together that we can provide a great positive impact.

During my time in Ghana I really found that rural Ghana -- particularly the Upper West -- has limited access to public services and infrastructure. There are not enough wells and hand pumps for clean water, only a few reliable roads to transport food, and minimal schools to secure a strong future. For the people in these vibrant communities, the lack of infrastructure severely inhibits their potential.

EWB is focused on addressing the root causes of widespread infrastructure failure. EWB volunteers are testing new approaches to evidence-based planning and improving leadership in local governments to ensure that infrastructure investments are made where they are needed most.

I'm hoping that if you were considering buying any gift for me this season, that you'll instead consider supporting EWB. And I'm hoping that even if you had no intention of buying any gifts, that you'll also consider lending your support.