You+They=Us

Dear Friends of Hope,

Summer is wrapping up and so are our 15 years of Hope summer reflections. We will now head into year 16, ready to pursue and embrace every opportunity for the students of Hope International. 
 
We hope that you saw yourselves reflected in each and every one of these highlights. Without you, our partners in Hope, all of this would have remained a dream for these students and staff. Every good thing that has emerged from this one school, this one hub and heart of the community, has happened through your generosity and partnership. 
 
You have our deepest gratitude. 

Transformation through Vocation

Liberian staff at Hope International longed for many years to create on-site vocational programs for former and current high school students, as well as local community members.

During 2019-2021, The Hope Project applied for and was awarded three consecutive grants by Project Redwood of Tides Foundation to meet this dream. 

These grants have funded our on-site vocational programs: Sew Much Hope, Cooking Up Hope and Power of Hope. The three programs, chosen by the Liberian staff, are preparing students for employment and small business opportunities in the fields of Sewing/Tailoring, Culinary Arts and Electrical Support. 

In 2023, a fourth and final grant was again awarded by Project Redwood of Tides Foundation for the continuation of these vocational opportunities and the expanded funding for small business grants. 

15 years ago, this dream felt impossible. As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  
 
Thank you, Project Redwood, for making the seemingly impossible possible. 

430 to 1,300

Dear Friends of Hope,

At the center of The Hope Project are the 1,300+ students who attend pre-K through 12th grade classes each day at Hope International. 

In 2008, 430 students were the first to walk through the school doors to attend pre-K through 8th grade. 

As the school grew and provided more educational opportunities, so did the student body. An additional high school grade was added each year.
 
In 2012, 975 students were attending pre-K through 12th grade classes at Hope International. The first-ever graduating class of 45 students received their diplomas in 2013. 

To date, nearly 1,000 students have received a high school diploma from Hope International, many of them are the first in their families to have this opportunity. 

Currently, 18 graduates have received scholarships to attend university. Smith Samah is one of those graduates and the first ever to earn a master’s degree. He graduated in July 2023 with his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

Educating the 1,300+ students are the 75 devoted educators and support staff of Hope International. This number has grown over the years to meet the needs of the growing student body and has provided stable employment for our valued Liberian partners. 

Without their dedication and hard work, the students would not be able to stretch and dream for the futures they are creating.