From Katakyiase to the United States, Enoch Damte’s journey is a powerful example of how education, resilience, and volunteerism can transform lives.
Growing up in Katakyiase, a remote village in Ghana, Enoch faced the challenges of navigating basic school education without structured mentorship or access to reliable guidance. Despite these hurdles, he earned First-Class Honours in Geography and Resource Development with Sociology from the University of Ghana. He later served as a Teaching and Research Assistant and completed an MPhil in Climate Change and Sustainability Science, funded by the Africa Climate Change Adaptation Initiative (ACCAI).
Enoch reading with a learner at the commissioning of the Aburi Cluster of Schools library, Eastern Region
During his postgraduate studies, Enoch co-authored a scholarly article titled “Urbanization, Climate Change and Health Vulnerabilities in Slum Communities in Ghana”, published in the Journal of Climate Change and Health. He also worked as a Health Administrative Manager at the 37 Military Hospital, gaining valuable leadership experience.
Today, Enoch is a Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship Awardee at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he is pursuing a PhD in Geography and Environmental Systems. His research explores the intersection of climate change, water security, human health, and environmental sustainability.
Networking and Real-World Impact
For Enoch, volunteering with Spring-UP Global Network has been more than a way to give back; it has been a platform for growth, connection, and relevance. As a doctoral researcher, he brings his academic expertise into Spring-UP’s Career Guidance and STEM Mentorship sessions, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.
“Volunteering with Spring-UP Global Network gave me the chance to turn my own challenges into something meaningful for others. Being part of a network of young, passionate, and experienced volunteers and alumni has been incredibly energising. We’re all committed to making a real difference in communities that need it most, through literacy, mentorship, and STEAM education.”
Through these interactions, Enoch not only shares knowledge but also builds trust and inspiration. Students see someone who looks like them, speaks their language, and is actively solving global problems—making careers in STEM and climate science feel attainable.
Before travelling for his PhD, Enoch actively participated in several outreach programmes. In May 2024, he attended the launch of the Aburi Cluster of Schools Library, the eighth library under the Deloitte WorldClass Initiative and the tenth under Spring-UP’s iRead iLead Campaign.
Enoch Dampte with some Spring-UP volunteers at Agbekotsekpo D/A Basic School for a Career Guidance and STEM Seminar
In January 2025, he joined the team at Agbekotsekpo D/A Basic School for a Career Guidance and STEM Mentorship Seminar held in commemoration of International Education Day, reaching 80 students with mentorship and climate awareness activities.
Final Thoughts
Enoch’s journey illustrates the transformative power of education and service. His story is a reminder that volunteering isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about building bridges between knowledge and opportunity, between local action and global relevance.
At Spring-UP Global Network, while we remain committed to driving literacy equity and career readiness, we are equally passionate about championing youth empowerment. By providing platforms for young people to nurture their skills, we open doors to global opportunities, just like Enoch’s. His journey affirms that when young changemakers seize opportunities to serve their communities, they rise, and, in doing so, sharpen their skills for national and global impact.
