Young Heroes: Ashley Carter & Shawn Henry

How did one 11-year-old girl ultimately touch the lives thousands of young people in Africa? How did one teenage boy in New York City change an abandoned lot into a garden… while also changing the lives of many in his community?

Today we meet Ashley Carter & Shawn Henry, two inspiring young people who have won the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

Ashley founded a nonprofit group called Africaid that supports education and entrepreneurship training for girls across East Africa.

Shawn founded an organization in New York City called Garden Angels that has planted many seeds – some in the ground, some in the heart.

T. A. asks these young heroes why they did what they did and how it has made a difference to others and to themselves.

We discuss the difference that one person can make, and how we can all overcome obstacles and doubt.

Tune in to meet these young heroes… and to learn the meaning of the Swahili proverb “Haba na Haba, Huiaza Kibaba.”

Learn more about how Africaid is still changing lives.

Shawn and Ashley’s heroic stories (and many others!) are also featured on our sister site, Inspiring Young Heroes.

Check out the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

Magic & Mountains is hosted by T. A. Barron, beloved author of more than 30 books. Carolyn Hunter is co-host.

Magic & Mountains Theme Song by Julian Peterson