About
Mission Statement
The mission of THR Global Institute is to provide youth with a foundation that prepares them for community and global service leadership.
Theophous H Reagans
Global Institute
For more than a decade, THR Global Institute has been at the forefront of cultural exchange and youth leadership development, leading teams to South Africa, in collaboration with Allen
Temple Baptist Church Global Ministries, while also equipping young leaders within the United States. Our mission is rooted in preparing youth and young adults to transform their communities through leadership, service, and global awareness, while cultivating meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Through our South Africa exchange programs, participants from the U.S. and South Africa engage in educational, cultural, and service-learning activities that provide hands-on leadership practice. Our hosts in South Africa have always received us with love and warm hospitality, creating an environment where friendships and collaborations are forged that last long beyond the trip. For African American youth in particular, these exchanges offer a powerful encounter with their heritage and history, while South African youth gain encouragement and renewed hope for their future. Together, both groups realize how much they share in common and how learning from one another can spark innovative solutions to shared challenges.
These experiences have inspired THR Global Institute to build programs where youth and young adults serve as agents of change through bilateral community initiatives. For example, South African participants established a women’s support group for young women living on the streets of Kliptown, as well as a computer training program for both youth and seniors in an underserved community. Such initiatives illustrate how leadership cultivated through global
exchange can ripple outward to create tangible, lasting impact.
Programs
Leadership Development
Equally important, THR Global Institute invests deeply in youth leadership development in the United States. We provide programs that cultivate critical leadership skills, civic engagement, and career readiness among African American youth and young adults. These
initiatives include:
-
Leadership Academies and Workshops – equipping participants with tools in public speaking, strategic planning, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
-
Civic Engagement and Social Justice Projects – encouraging youth to take active roles in addressing local issues such as education equity, racial justice, public health, and housing.
-
Mentorship and Coaching – connecting young people with seasoned leaders, professionals, and community organizers who guide them in setting goals and building networks.
-
Internships and Career Exploration – partnering with local schools, congregations, and community organizations to place youth in roles where they gain practical work experience and exposure to diverse career pathways.
-
Faith and Community Partnerships – collaborating with churches, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations to provide spaces for leadership practice that blends service, advocacy, and community building.
By integrating leadership training into both our domestic and international work, THR Global Institute ensures that participants are prepared to lead in their local contexts while also being globally aware and connected.
Our comprehensive global education framework incorporates global justice awareness, public health education, vocational exploration, career development, and financial literacy. These courses and training experiences empower African and African American youth with practical skills and critical awareness, preparing them to become changemakers in their own communities and across the globe.
This integrated model of leadership training—anchored in both U.S.-based youth development and international cultural exchange—demonstrates the power of partnership to inspire a generation of globally minded leaders. It provides invaluable practice in multicultural activism, civic responsibility, vocational readiness, economic empowerment, and service learning, laying the groundwork for sustained global collaboration and transformation.
Dr. Allan Boesak Workshop
"Through the Lens," a workshop on Black Liberation Theology, was led by one of Africa's most respected theologians, Dr. Allan Boesak. As preacher, prophet, pastor, theologian, ecumenist, author, political and human rights activist for many years, he represents perhaps the clearest picture of a truly organic theologian. Through the lens of Boesak's work and experiences, young adults discussed the resilience of black liberation theology and its continued application to today’s social justice issues.
Staff
Theophous H Reagans
As Executive Director of THR Global Institute, Mr. Reagans is responsible for the design and implementation of the sojourn activities and cultural exchange, and is responsible for implementing the Global Education Initiative. He has been doing this work for more than ten years, and has led numerous trips to South Africa. Mr. Reagans has developed the relationships and technical capacity needed to ensure the successful completion of this aspect of the work. As a licensed attorney, he has practiced law for a federal agency for over 21 years, and had the opportunity to lead the Civil Rights Investigation practice area in an agency Office of General Counsel and draft civil rights legislation for the agency.
Dr. Alvan Quamina
Dr. Quamina is a local public health official with extensive experience in grant making and grants management who assists Mr. Reagans in program design and implementation. He is also an experienced provider of health and social service project capacity building assistance. Dr. Quamina holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Yale University, a law degree (J.D.) from UC Berkeley, a Ph.D. in Nonprofit Management from Capella University, and a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from San José State University. Prior to joining a local health department, he managed nonprofit organizations and programs for over twenty years. He has also taught courses in health administration at the undergraduate level, and graduate-level courses in nonprofit management at a local seminary.
Orlando H. Harris
Mr. Harris has over 25 years of business experience in executive business development consultative sales. Over the past eight years he has used those experiences to propel himself into a successful career in higher education. He currently serves as the Executive Director for Career Services & Development at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Orlando is a graduate of Alabama A&M University, where he majored in Business and Computer Science with a minor concentration in Military Science. Additionally, he spent 14 years as a reserve officer with the United States Army.
Our Board Members
Donna Wade-Anderson, Esq.
Rev. Warren R. Long
Alvan G.V. Quamina, J.D., M.A., Ph.D.
Theophous H Reagans, Esq., M.A.
Peter K. Thompson, Esq.
Testimonials
Watch Video Testimonials (created by one of our participants)
Donate
Our charitable work and leadership development are only possible through fundraising and the generous support of donors. Your support will make a difference and literally change the lives of dozens of children and youth in South Africa and Ghana, and help local youth learn to live their commitment to service in a global context.
Gallery
Contact
For further information about our programs leave a message here and we'll get back to you.
