MAFI ATITEKPO, GHANA — “A’WHAT!?” Yes, yes. From crunk to classrooms, Jonathan “Lil Jon” Smith is still pushing education hard as ever. Having opened his second school, the famed rapper is looking out for those seeking higher learning.
“You never know who our future leaders are going to be, who is going to create the next technology to change our world,” Lil Jon mentions via Pencils of Promise’s official website page.
Nevertheless, according to AOL, the rapper’s new institution is called Mafi Atitekpo DA Primary School. Reportedly, it broke ground in December 2017 and was officially inaugurated in July 2018.
The source says it’s been operational ever since, with 313 children enrolled so far.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Via the website, Lil Jon points out he’s been working with the organization since 2011. Through a special note to donors, he mentions as follows.
“For me, education is so important. I launched my birthday campaign in January and was able to raise $70,000 to build two schools in Ghana. In October 2017, I spent a week in Ghana to see Pencils of Promise’s work and visit one of the schools we funded. It was a very special experience for me and my family.”
“When I saw the conditions where these children were trying to learn, one community they had a big mango tree and two classes were sitting under the mango tree and that’s not a condition conducive with learning,” Lil Jon told CNN during an exclusive interview. “Kids are going to get distracted, plus it’s extremely hot. It compelled me to want to do more.”
According to the rapper, no child should have to suffer for any reason — valuing education to the fullest, as he was also incredibly intelligent during his school and college years. Even now, he has a son attending New York University.
Through and through, during his CNN interview, Lil Jon stated that parenthood helped influence his decision to assist other children in educational need.
If you don’t know, the famed rapper first opened a school in October 2017 — the Abomayaw D.A. Kindergarten —in the same East Ghanaian village as the second school.
Pencils of Promise CEO Tanya Ramos told Vibe Magazine the following statement regarding Lil Jon’s commitment to the cause:
“Lil Jon is one of our most loyal and passionate celebrity supporters, from his work in the field to donating his birthday to make two schools a reality, he continues to impact education needs for those in rural communities. It’s been really fulfilling to see the impact these schools have made on so many of these children’s and families’ futures.”
The rapper and super producer has also extended the cause’s goal of $70,000 to $100,000, having surpassed the former amount in donations.
https://twitter.com/KarenCivil/status/1062869178577809409
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[Featured Photo via Lil Jon / Instagram]
