#WeAreHope

Friends of Hope,

In this season of love and light, we wanted to add some of our particular HOPE into the mix. Over this past year, something quite beautiful and student-generated has been emerging from Hope International.

The students and alumni started sharing images on social media of life on campus, photos from sporting events, achievements, losses, celebrations, graduations, student elections, you know, all the stuff that makes a school community. The students began tagging their photos with #WeAreHope.

Each time it is posted the statement is so profound. Yes, they are students at Hope International School, a school that began and continues with a deep dose of Hope. But the additional meaning, that these students, in all that they are doing, are the literal Hope of Liberia.

That alone is a beautiful holiday message. But wait, there is more.

You who are reading this. If we could share a photo of each of you and tag it with “WeAreHope”, we would. While life in the U.S. does not mimic the struggle of our Liberian friends, that does not mean there is no hardship.

These last few years have been, and continue to be, a time of struggle individually and as a nation. We have faced deep health and economic challenges, educational and employment interruptions, disconnection and decreasing mental health. Through all of that, our country continued to share what they had, even while certainty decreased.

On a national level in 2021, people gave 5.1% more money than the year before. You, friends of The Hope Project gave 29% more.

Some of this was for scholarships, or large gifts to build the new building, or COVID relief, or to keep the teachers paid…all of it, each and every penny in support of Liberia’s students who know that they are Hope personified…and so are you.

As economic uncertainty continues to permeate our news cycle and, for some, our reality, the needs of those we have partnered with continue even more profoundly. The only change may be that we feel as though we are not giving out of our extra or surplus but choose to give anyway. Some would suggest that this is the very best kind of generosity. We give up something in order for another to suffer less. How beautiful is that?

Each year, we depend on holiday generosity to provide $20,000 towards our school operations.

 

Can you join us in meeting this hope-filled need with a holiday gift?

Ways to Give:

• Online 

• Venmo under Charities: @hopeproject_liberia

• Check: The Hope Project | P.O. Box 1095 Leavenworth, WA 98826

• Questions? Contact us at (509) 699-6307

Wishing you a season that is filled with hope, comfort, and shared purpose.

Together, #WeAreHope.
Jackie Frazier

GivingTuesday Thank You!

Together, we did it!

This GivingTuesday we asked, and you answered. You helped us reach our goal to raise over $4,000 for our hardworking teachers and staff. Your generosity will be forwarded to them this week, expressing tangibly your partnership with them.

You who are standing alongside the students and educators of Hope International have added joy and hope for the teachers and staff this holiday season.

Thank You for Giving Today and Every Day.

Thank Each Who Teach

Is there a day that teachers do not GIVE?

With all the blooming occurring at Hope International this year, we know that it is the teachers who carry the most. We are fully aware that without this devoted staff, the students would not be able to stretch and dream towards the bright futures they are striving for. 

As all schools do, we wish we could pay our teachers what they deserve. On Giving Tuesday, we pool together through shared generosity, a holiday gift that eases their worries and brightens the season for them and their families. 

The teachers tell us over and over how this ongoing expression of love and support makes the holidays beautiful for their families and communities. Tomorrow, November 29, is GivingTuesday and we are setting a goal of raising $4,000 to benefit our 70+ Liberian teachers and staff. 
 
The staff in Liberia work in a challenging educational system with far too few resources. We know that. We see them. There is no federal retirement system for teachers. No national health care insurance. What they receive (aside from the heart benefits) is what we collectively send. GivingTuesday provides us with the chance to honor their work and their commitment to the future of Liberia. 
 
There is the opportunity to give a gift in honor of a stateside educator in your life. On the donation form, fill out their information and we will let them know of your generosity. How beautiful is that…honoring the hard work of teachers near and far.

Please, if you are able, join us in honoring them this GivingTuesday for all they have given and given. 
 
Together, we are The Hope Project.