Cumbria has been buzzing with the energy and joy of the Ankoma Dreamers – eight young people from a small rural, poverty-stricken village in Ghana.
The group of nine to 14-year-olds are currently touring the county thanks to local charity The Ankoma Dream.
The Dreamers have already made a big impression since arriving in Cumbria. They’ve spent the past week visiting schools, where they’ve performed traditional Ghanaian songs and dances, shared stories about life in Ankoma, and made connections with Cumbrian children.
Their adventure so far has also included special visits to Kendal police station, Appleby Fire Station, and Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team.
At each stop, the Dreamers have been welcomed by local emergency services, learning about the vital work they do and even getting hands-on with some of the equipment.
Asha Richardson, co-founder of The Ankoma Dream, said: “Watching the Dreamers grow in confidence each day has been truly heartwarming. They’ve brought so much joy to every place they’ve visited, and seeing the friendships forming between our young visitors and local children is exactly what this project is all about — building bridges between communities and cultures.
“Some of these Dreamers didn’t speak English until a couple of years ago, others have been foraging in rubbish dumps for food and now just look at them. What a dream come true.”
The visit marks a milestone for The Ankoma Dream, as this is its third visit and the 17th child to experience Cumbria.
Sister charity, Ankoma Outreach, which has spent over a decade supporting education, health care and community empowerment in Ankoma village, will co-ordinate several local school staff to do a reciprocal visit in February 2026 to help enhance these relationships even more.
Over the coming weeks, the Dreamers will continue to visit more schools and community groups, sharing their music, dance and stories, and learning more about life here in the Lake District.
Ankoma Outreach is inviting anyone who’d like to meet the Dreamers or get involved in future projects to reach out. The charity hopes this visit will inspire more local families, schools and businesses to support opportunities for children and young people in Ghana.
To get involved, email Asha at info@ankomaoutreach.co.uk
