About us
A non-profit connecting young Africans to educational travel, skills, and purpose. Building bridges across the continent for over 30 years.
Our heritage
Our Story
Three Decades of Transforming Young Lives
Born in 1994 from a radical idea, that Africa is a source of knowledge, not merely a recipient of it. Today we operate across six countries.
1994Founded in Accra
Dr. Edmund O-T. Prempeh and Ms Marian Thompson establish SYTO Ghana with a mission to promote Africa as a source of knowledge through educational travel.
2000sRegional Expansion
SYTO extends its reach across West Africa, forging partnerships in Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire.
2010sProgramme Growth
Launch of Teach Ghana, Internship in Africa, and Adventure & Study Tours, serving thousands of young people across the continent and beyond.
2020Digital Pivot
SYTO adapts to a digital-first approach, launching virtual exchanges and online Digital Youth Skills training during the pandemic.
2026Re-Institutionalisation
Strategic repositioning as Africa's Leading Youth Mobility, Skills, and Purpose Travel Institution with a new HQ, modern governance, and SYTO Clubs nationwide.
Founders
The Visionaries Behind SYTO
Two educators with a shared conviction: that young people everywhere deserved more than what the world offered them.
Co-Founder · 1994
Dr. Edmund O-T. Prempeh
Dr. Prempeh co-founded SYTO Ghana with a vision to reframe Africa as a source of knowledge, not just a destination for aid. His work has shaped educational travel policy and youth development practice across the continent for over three decades.
Co-Founder · 1994
Ms Marian Thompson
Ms Thompson co-founded SYTO with a commitment to cross-cultural exchange and economic empowerment for youth. Her leadership built the organisation's community and institutional partnerships from the ground up.
2026 Vision
Re-Imagining SYTO for the Next Generation
SYTO is undergoing its most ambitious transformation, a full re-institutionalisation befitting Africa's leading youth organisation.
“Africa's Leading Youth Mobility, Skills and Purpose Travel Institution.”
Modern Governance
A restructured Board of Directors and professional management team delivering accountable, transparent, and high-impact leadership.
New HQ & Youth Hub
A professionally branded headquarters in Accra serving as a Youth Innovation Hub and SYTO's flagship operational and community centre.
Digital Transformation
A new digital presence including a website, CRM, and social media strategy to connect and serve youth across Africa and beyond.
SYTO Clubs
Grassroots chapters embedded in Senior High Schools and Universities across 6+ African countries as the primary community touchpoint.
Our Heritage
Explore 30+ years of SYTO's history, milestones, and legacy from 1994 to today.
Leadership & Board
Meet the team driving SYTO's mission and the 2026 re-institutionalisation.
Youth Innovation Hub
Our new professionally branded HQ and innovation space in Accra, Ghana.
Impact Reports & SDGs
Measuring our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals across Africa.