There is nothing like loving what you do and doing it effectively under little or no supervision. Someone once said what you love to do is what you do effortlessly even without being paid. I also know that when you are driven by passion, nothing else matters, all side distractions become irrelevant as your mind is focused on your goal. Such is the persona of my ‘date’ for this week, whose love for humanity has made him a blessing to Africa and other parts of the world even as he is in the Diaspora. A friend, an inspiration and a blessing to mankind, welcome to the world of Erwin Boateng.
You can define his style as simple but I must add the words –detailed, refined and posh because these are words that best describe Erwin however, he defines his style and tells me what his mother says. “Simplicity is a perfect word to describe my style. My mother has always taught me to be genuine in everything I do.” He reveals.
Erwin Boateng is a Ghanaian born philanthropist and entrepreneur living in Washington DC. Erwin’s deep passion for philanthropy, derived from growing up in several countries including Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the United states, has placed him a prime leader in the African Diaspora as an advocate for equality among all people.
Due to his selflessness and constant desire to serve, Erwin joined the United State Marine Corps in 2008. His superb performance of his duties including deployments to Afghanistan in support of operation enduring freedom and managed several US government Assets valued over $50M while meeting expectations of senior leadership. Erwin received several notable awards for his exceptional leadership skills and service in the Marine Corps including: Joint Service Commendation Medal, United States Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal ISAF Afghanistan, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Through his experience and exposure from living in different countries, Erwin has become a prominent voice in the African Diaspora for healthcare system strengthening in Africa and underprivileged communities all over the world. Erwin’s Global Leadership skill and patriotism transformed into a lifelong passion to be in the forefront of healthcare systems strengthening.
In 2013, Erwin founded Quality Health Africa (QHA), a non-governmental organisation focused on improving the quality of Africa’s Healthcare system. QHA’s vision is to be the leader in improving and strengthening Africa’s health outcomes through facility renovation, specialty programs, community responsive, culturally competent, patient care, education, and clinical research programs. QHA sets the standard for excellence in quality and patient safety in hospitals all over Africa.
Some of QHA’s specialty programs include: QHA Malaria prevention Initiative, Eva’s Breast cancer Prevention Initiative, and HIV/AIDS prevention Initiative “It’s the social responsibility of each and every one of us both in the Diaspora and the rest of the world, to implement the changes we hope to see through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Africa is the future and the future is now. We must also encourage Grassroots leadership.” Erwin says.
With strong belief that the future of Africa resides in the hands of the upcoming generation, Erwin founded the Erwin Boateng Community Center (EBCC) in 2014.
EBCC is an afterschool program that provides educational and recreational materials for children in underprivileged communities. The program includes access to the internet, computer classes, educational books, games, and also serve as a safe haven for homeless children.
Growing up for Erwin was intriguing and exceptional. “I had the privilege to live and study in Ghana, Italy, Germany, Denmark and the United States of America. I was exposed to different cultures and traditions that have shaped my perspective about life. Therefore, I see myself as versatile, unconventional, diversified, broad-minded and adaptable to any culture, people or place.” He tells me as the interview kicks off.
Erwin’s first degree is in IT and Anti Terrorism, so I sought from him the reason for his choice and he says “Considering my father lived in New York at the time, I was particularly motivated and terrified after watching the news while in Denmark about the tragic collapse of the twin towers on September 11th 2001. I got encouraged to further study about security, safety and information technology that would help prevent such tragedy in the future especially knowing I could be an advocate to save people’s lives.” He says.
From growing up in several countries, Erwin tells me he has learnt “to appreciate every color, race, culture, religion and tradition. Growing up in different countries has broadened my scope of thinking; I am more open-minded and more accepting of different beliefs and perspectives.”
For Erwin, joining the US Marine Corps was a life changer. Hear him “I joined the US Marine Corps in 2008. I joined to challenge myself to reach new heights. I wanted to push myself in an unconventional way. It was the platform that gave me the discipline and shaped me to be the man I am today. I chose the Marine Corp because it is the most elite fighting force in the world.”
Erwin tells me his experience in Afghanistan, just like other experiences in his life made him reflect on who he is and his purpose in life. “I am grateful to God”. Erwin expresses.
Boateng is passionate about promoting healthcare in Africa; I know this because in his words, he says “I have been promoting healthcare in Africa by creating the awareness on health disparities in Africa and the need for healthcare system strengthening. In 2013, I hosted a health fare in Bosuso Health Centre located in Ghana. My team and I provided free screening sessions for over a thousand people and donated free medical supplies to the health centre. It was heartbreaking to see deficiency in the healthcare system.”
“Additionally, QHA hosted a reception in Washington DC, USA speaking about the need for an enhanced health system in Africa. I also spoke at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA to emphasize the importance of quality health care system that is lacking in most rural areas across Africa. The responses have been rather shocking because the Pan African community shares the same concern and realizes the need for change. It is encouraging to say that we have motivated doctors, nurses and students who volunteer and help the vision of QHA.” Says Erwin, adding that “On April 10th, QHA will be hosting its 2nd annual health fare in Ghana. There will be free screening sessions, donation of medical supplies and the plan to renovate Bosuso Health Centre hospital located in the Eastern region of Ghana. On April 30th, QHA will be collaborating with Columbia University Health Care System located in New York to hold a symposium on the urgent need of a better health care in Africa.”
EBCC is an afterschool program that provides educational and recreational materials for children in underprivileged communities. It is another brainchild program for Erwin. For him, “Keeping children engaged in educational activities reduces the risk of them getting into bad company and brings hope to the future.” He says.
Though filled with several happy moments in his life, Erwin says the one he is not quick to forget is witnessing the inaugural ceremony for President Obama’s second term in office. “Not only does his presidency confirm Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.’s dream, it also reassured me that through perseverance and determination, whatever we dream, we can achieve”.
It is important for Africans in the Diaspora to impact Africa positively and Erwin has his views on this. According to him, “The future of Africa is the social responsibility of every African both in the Diaspora and back home. Africans in the Diaspora must understand this responsibility and be part of the solution through philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and development.” Erwin remarks.
On a final note, Boateng has this to say “Restoring the value of Africa will take a collaborative effort from each and every African. The Pan African dream will visualize through partnerships and alliance with Africans both in the Diaspora and in Africa.” …And I completely concur!
Kemi Ajumobi