Connecting across Cultures
Reclaim the Journey: A Journey Rooted in History, Excellence, Service, and Culture
In the summer of 2026, a group of Westchester County teens traveled to Senegal, West Africa, from July 7–15 with most recently retired and beloved chemistry teacher Mr. Seck, whose unwavering dedication, mentorship, and passion for education have profoundly shaped generations of students. Their journey was made possible through the vision of Kris Acosta, founder of Reclaim the Journey, whose mission empowers young people to reconnect with their ancestral homeland through education, service, and cultural immersion.
This inaugural trip brought together 8 teens and 2 college graduates who visited Gorée Island, fed children at the Village d’ Enfants SOS de Dakar local orphanage, and painted the learning center. Through Reclaim the Journey, participants symbolically retraced the transatlantic route once forced upon their ancestors, crossing the Atlantic on their own terms with dignity and pride. The experience celebrated Black excellence while fostering a deeper understanding of history, identity, and global citizenship.
Reclaim the Journey’s Call to Action
We are accepting donations to sponsor 2-3 teen participants for next summer's Reclaim the Journey Black Excellence Trip. Interested students can apply in the fall, with notifications going out in January.
All proceeds benefit Reclaim the Journey’s partner Students for Senegal, a nonprofit organization, and will go directly toward:
Sponsoring two to three teens who need financial assistance to participate
Supporting the mission of Students for Senegal at the Lambaye Learning Center
Addressing critical infrastructure needs such as solar power, safe furniture, and classroom repairs
Providing school supplies for preschool-age children
How You Can Help
Your tax-deductible gift, of any size, helps a new generation of teens carry forward this legacy of history, excellence, service, and culture, while making a lasting, tangible difference in the lives of students in Senegal.
Thank you for considering a donation to support next summer's trip and the Senegalese community that welcomed us so warmly, aka Teranga.
Documents To Review
Welcome packet with itinerary from first meeting, download here.
Trip Contract is linked below in step 3
Trip FAQ Page (A great place to start if you have questions!): Link to FAQ
Packing list link
Important Website Resources
CDC Senegal: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/senegal?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001
Travel Clinic: https://www.passporthealthusa.com/clinic-locator/
Travel Insurance: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
State Department Website for Senegal: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/senegal.html
Key Dates
Trip dates: July 7, 2026 to July 15, 2026
Deposit due: 1/23/2026
Purchase Plane Tickets (individual): 2/1/2026
Second payment: 4/15/2026
Final Payment: 5/15/2026
Communication
We will mostly communicate by email messages, but we will also have WhatsApp Chat’s. These are mostly used in the last few weeks before the trip and during the trip.
You can always email reclaimthejourney@gmail.com for individual questions.
Things to do before you go
Review all trip information and forms carefully
Purchase your own plane tickets (link below)
Please think about what project you want to do in Senegal.
Please register with the state department here.
Join this WhatsApp Group for realtime updates while in Senegal and other important reminders.
What You Need To Do
Follow these steps below in order. Please reach out if you have questions
Step 1: Pay initial $350 Deposit - Due 1/23/2026
Please make checks out to “Students for Senegal Inc.” In the memo line write the travelers name and “RTJ2026-Deposit”. Deliver checks to Dana Smith at 83 Paine Ave New Rochelle, NY 10804
Step 2: Buy your own plane ticket on Delta from JFK to Dakar. Due 1/23/2026
Make sure you are purchasing the correct flights. Use this link: https://www.google.com/travel/flights/s/TAfw1oTjXT4oUhAF7.
Delta 216 from New York JFK to Dakar (DSS) on Tuesday July 7, 2026 departing 6:45PM
Delta 217 from Dakar to New York JFK on Wednesday July 15, 2026 departing 9:00AM local time.
If you are booking a connecting flight from another U.S. city, we highly recommend you book everything as a single reservation so that if there are any delays you have the best chance of being accommodated by the airline.
See below for screenshot of the flights. You can book the flight any way you would like. Make sure to select “Delta Main Classic” as the fare so you will have a checked bag included and can select a seat. You can feel free to use credit card points or miles to book the flight as you would any other flight or just pay directly with the airline.
Step 3: Complete the traveler information Form and upload the signed contract - Due 2/1/2026
Please download the trip contract by clicking here.
Write your names and sign on each blank line. Please double-check that you have signed all locations.
Change the file name by replacing the part that says “***YOURNAME***” with the full name of the traveler.
Set aside about 30 minutes to complete the form in detail. You will need health information, passport information and the signed contract to complete the whole form.
Step 4: Make second payment - Due 4/15/2026
Please make checks out to “Students for Senegal Inc.” In the memo line write the travelers name and “RTJ2026-Second Payment”. Deliver checks to Dana Smith at 83 Paine Ave New Rochelle, NY 10804
Step 5: Make final payment - Due 5/15/2026
Please make checks out to “Students for Senegal Inc.” In the memo line write the travelers name and “RTJ2026-Final Payment”. Deliver checks to Dana Smith at 83 Paine Ave New Rochelle, NY 10804
Make a donation to Reclaim the Journey + Students for Senegal
Your contributions through this link will directly support the partnership between Reclaim the Journey and Students for Senegal, including funding programs in Senegal and making these trips accessible to as many individuals as possible.
