Our Story

The Hope Project began in 2003 as a response to the human tragedy and aftermath of Liberia's civil wars.  The Frazier, Nash and Walker families (all of whom had adopted Liberian children) asked support from friends, families and co-workers in order to help address the devastation they had witnessed while there.

 

Early projects consisted of money being sent and used for various purposes, from providing food to local families to rebuilding parts of an orphanage after it was damaged by further violent uprisings.

 

In 2007, a culminating project--the Hope International School--was begun.  A partnership was forged with Joseph Cummings, a local Liberian leader, to serve as the administrator and "man on the ground."  Property has been found and leased, and the shells of old buildings have been completed and turned into classrooms.  A faculty of certified educators and administrators have been hired, including a full time nurse.  A water reservoir has been constructed and provides safe, clean drinking water to the students. 

 

The school was opened as a tuition-free institution (which is quite rare in Liberia), and within its first year enrollment has doubled from 400 to 800 students.  Our current mission is to maintain the operation of this school, its programs, and the employment of its staff through the generosity of donors and sponsors.  By doing so, we are not only providing Liberian children the opportunity to receive an education, but also to pursue a path out of the current cycle of poverty and unemployment, moving forward and participating in the rebuilding of their country.

 

The Hope Project's journey is just beginning, and already the generous donations of supporters has brought tangible, life-changing hope to the lives of children and families in Liberia.  Our overriding princile is to treat those in need with dignity and respect, awakening hope in them, just as they awaken it in us.  As in the words of Lilla Watson: