American rapper and philanthropist Ja Rule has returned to Ghana, reaffirming his dedication to education as he prepares for the commissioning of a six-unit classroom block at Nuaso Anglican Primary School in the Eastern Region.
Initiated last year in collaboration with the non-profit organization Pencils of Promise (PoP), the project aims to enhance learning conditions for young students.
A Visit to the National Museum
Ahead of the commissioning, Ja Rule took a private tour of Ghana’s National Museum, where he reflected on the significance of the initiative and his growing connection to the country.
“Education is something I’m really passionate about. Beyond classrooms, I want to build more facilities, including a gymnasium and other extracurricular spaces that will enhance learning for these kids,” he shared.
A Deepening Connection to Ghanaian Culture
Having visited Ghana multiple times, Ja Rule acknowledged the country’s influence in shaping African identity on the global stage. However, his museum visit was particularly emotional as he encountered the history of slavery, which he described as deeply moving.
“It broke my heart,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of remembering history while striving for a better future.
Music and a Possible Afrobeats Collaboration
When asked about his music, Ja Rule hinted at a potential Afrobeats collaboration, recognizing the genre’s growing global dominance.
“I actually collaborated with a Ghanaian artist more than 15 years ago. But Afrobeats is huge now, and the sound is evolving. Maybe I’ll hop on,” he revealed.
Summing up his musical journey in three words, he described it as: “Promising, tough, and fulfilling.”
A Call for Artists to Inspire Change
Looking forward to the school’s commissioning, Ja Rule urged fellow artists and entertainers to leverage their platforms for positive impact.
“We have a platform, and it’s important to use it to create real change,” he emphasized.
Pencils of Promise CEO on the Project’s Impact
Leslie Engle, CEO of Pencils of Promise, highlighted the long-term significance of the initiative, calling it a transformative investment in the future of the community.
“This is more than just a school building—it’s an investment in the future. We have many more projects in the pipeline globally, and we’re particularly looking to invest more in education for young girls,” she stated.
With the commissioning set for tomorrow, excitement is building as Nuaso Anglican Primary School prepares to embark on a new chapter of educational growth, made possible through Ja Rule’s commitment and Pencils of Promise’s dedication to global education.