Many of you may remember in April 2025 we shared the story of 9 amazing Hope International teachers. They were in their final semester working towards their advanced teaching certifications when they received terrible news. Funding for their coursework had been halted when the United States discontinued USAID funding in Liberia. One of the challenges Liberia faces is the lack of support in the continued education and training for the country’s teachers.
The teachers were saddened by the news. After hearing about what happened, one of our stateside families (a teacher herself, alongside her supportive partner) stepped in and funded the last semester for all 9 of Hope’s teachers. And the generosity didn’t stop there. Another partner (also a former teacher) in this community shared a monthly gift to help cover the transportation costs for one of the teachers to attend classes.
Fast forward to Saturday, April 25th, all 9 of these teachers graduated! Just look at them shine. Their hard work and sacrifice combined with the generosity of this community made such good things happen.
Hope Teachers: Prince Chedeh, Portia Tuan, Hellen Siryee, Teetee Nyanford, Bessie Cheechea, Cleopatra Cooper, Josephine Appleton, Thomalina Banmore, Moses Forkay
Last week we shared with you our post-event financial picture and the reality of where we stood short of our goal. This community stepped in and continued their generosity streak. With pre-event gifts, the donations and pledges night-of, and the post event expressions of Hope, we find ourselves having met our goal. Words cannot express the gratitude we hold.
We are flush with examples of being Better Together, but this one is extra sweet.