Cynda Schneider has been accepted into Operation Crossroads Africa’s 2007 program. After three days of orientation and training at Adelphi University in New York, she and nine teammates from the United States and Canada will spend seven weeks in the rural area of Eastern Ghana, living and working side by side with members of the African village of Marfokrom. Projects this year include teaching primary school children who cannot afford the books and uniforms required to attend government sponsored schools, constructing a two-room school and hut, and generating income for the community by harvesting and processing corn and cassava.

This is the 49th year for Operation Crossroads Africa, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to mutual understanding and respect between program participants and members of host villages in over 40 African nations. Operation Crossroads Africa only participates in communities that specifically ask for assistance.

Schneider, who funded her participation fee and expenses with savings from her waitressing job, stated, "I feel the need to help others obtain some of the resources and opportunities that I have been so fortunate to have. I also enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and learning about other cultures. "

Schneider, a 2007 honors graduate of Richmond Hill High School, will be continuing her education at Georgia State University this fall, where she will major in social work with an emphasis in international development.