POOF | Durham after-school program Planning Our Own Future plans visit to Jamaica for teenage entrepreneurs

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Two dozen young entrepreneurs are set to take off in June for an educational vacation to Jamaica, if they can raise enough money to finance the trip.

They participate in the after-school program for teens called POOF, which stands for Planning Our Own Future.

“We are a safe space,” said POOF founder Destiny Alexander. “We are a program for entrepreneurs. We teach financial literacy, world travel, life preparation. We are currently in our world travel phase.”

That's why they spent much of Saturday washing cars and serving plates of fish to people who support the program's mission as well as the planned trip to Jamaica.

“It would keep the kids out of trouble, I think. Get them more involved in fun things, rather than violence and other things,” Virginia Tabor said while waiting for her car wash.

Alexander told ABC11 that as part of the world travel phase, the young participants studied Jamaica's culture, cuisine and more in preparation for their scheduled departure on June 17 for a five-day stay. days there.

“Twenty of them have never left the country before,” she said. “So I’m like a proud mom to be able to get them out of the country for the first time.”

Kelvin Williams, owner of a mobile car wash, has a son who participates in POOF, and the young man was part of the team that gave the cars very thorough baths. Williams donated the equipment used Saturday to the fundraiser organized by his former classmate, Alexander.

“They’re doing a great job,” he said, watching the teens work on the cars. “They’re just learning something and having fun.”

That and other donations of time, talent and money from other local small business owners who also promoted their products and services that day add up. POOF is now looking for help to cross the fundraising finish line.

“You can go to our website. The donate button is there,” Alexander said.