LISBON — During the summer months, most teenagers spend their time off from school working extra shifts at their places of employment, enjoying the beach, spending time with friends and relaxing with their favorite pastime activity.

Over the summer, Jennifer Lynn Clifford, a member of the Lisbon High School Class of 2014 and a young adult Lisbon volunteer, embarked on a journey of passion, commitment and dedication by volunteering her summer in Ghana, Africa. Jenna, participated in a youth trip through the Free the Children group.

Group members built a school along the coast in the small village of Asemkow, which has a population of 900 and is located a few hours from the capitol, Accra. Jenna and other members of the group broke ground for a third school building. Volunteers made and transported cement for the two standing buildings scheduled to open in September.

The students also worked on a bathroom and sanitation project, broadened their cultural horizons in the Ghanaian world and joined young girls from the community on their water walks. Students witnessed first-hand how much of an issue clean water is in the region. Volunteers witnessed children as young as three years old carrying water several times per day.

Jenna saved and worked toward bringing this trip to fruition with her own fundraising efforts over the past four years.

“I wanted to strengthen education globally and by doing so, I hope to increase an appreciation for education in my home community,” Jenna said.

Jenna is the daughter of Christie Clifford of Lisbon Falls and Dan Clifford of Sabattus.

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