Welcome
Let's Learn Together
I began learning about Ghana in 2013. First it was in a consulting role, learning about the existing businesses and contributing where I could from a training perspective. Over time it became something else entirely. I was learning about how things worked. I was learning about the tourism sector, and all the businesses that contributed to it. I was meeting students and educators, leaders within the community, and getting involved in events. I then decided to make Ghana the focus of my doctoral program.
After three years of research, I determined that there is a low-tech solution to a problem facing communities all over the world - how to develop a strong tourism ecosystem. My research suggests it starts with the youth and involves domestic tourism education. It's about helping them to recognize the things that are beautiful or interesting in their backyards, and how to develop revenue streams for them. These young men and women, given the tools to think differently about what's around them, can grow up to be tourism entrepreneurs and in some cases make an immediate impact.
The low-tech solution comes in the form of a MicroSD chip loaded with video, pictures, texts and challenges designed to engage young people. I call these 'HospiPods.' My thesis is that young people are incredibly resourceful, and with access to the simplest Android phone they can interact with the chip's content. No data or Wi-Fi required. They can learn alone or in groups, working on challenges collectively or individually. What they come up with will eventually be uploaded and shared, each time benefiting the next individual. The chips can be passed on indefinitely.
Distribution of HospiPods began in Accra, Ghana. It seemed only natural to start in the place where the idea emerged. While there is a decent amount of tourism in the country, the percentage of GDP has not met expectations for many years. The young people I interviewed reinforced a need for increasing domestic tourism, and entrepreneurship is a great solution when 95% of college graduates have no job prospects.
I don't want to sound like countless commercials out there for great non-profits. But here is what you need to know... I have funded most of my trips personally. Hospitalented is not a 501(c)(3) organization - it is a social good enterprise. To buy and distribute the chips, I pay for the bulk of them but appreciate any individuals or organizations that want to help.
If you are interested in collaborating somehow, please let me know!
Damien L. Duchamp, Ed.D
Executive Director
Hospitalented
How it Works
You don't need Internet access - no data or Wi-Fi
You just need a working Android phone
Insert chip, watch videos, read texts, look at pictures, work on challenges, save your work and pass it on!
Materials
H O S P I T A L E N T E D 1 2 3
When you have completed the challenges, post your answers using this FORM.
If you have any questions, please use contact info below. GOOD LUCK!!
SPONSORS
Want to make a difference? Help us get more HospiPods into the world.
Companies are in a great position to make an important contribution to educating young men and women, and they can do so using a fraction of their budget. We see companies as the main funding source for HospiPods. For $10 each, companies can brand the case with a card insert and have a video introduction loaded on each chip. Minimum of 50 for $500.
Many clubs and organizations seek to do good things for others. A batch of HospiPods can make a real impact on the other side of the world. Organizations can choose either a branded ($10 each, minimum of 50) or unbranded ($5 each, no minimum) option. For branded, you provide logo and we print.
Many clubs and organizations seek to do good things for others. A batch of HospiPods can make a real impact on the other side of the world. Organizations can choose either a branded ($10 each, minimum of 50) or unbranded ($5 each, no minimum) option. For branded, you provide logo and we print.
Transparency
The following is a breakdown of overhead for each HospiPod to make it to a young boy or girl in Ghana:
Distribution covers a portion of air travel and ground transportation to reach the kids. Companies or organizations paying $10 each offset the lower cost of $5 non-branded units. Thank you!
When you receive a HospiPod please register.
If you did not receive one, please request one using contact info below.
© 2023