The Intermingling of Joy, Celebration and Sorrow

On Saturday, September 30th, 145 Hope International seniors joyously gathered together with their families, friends and staff for the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2023. 


One of the graduating seniors to receive her diploma, 58-year old Mary Tenteh and the oldest graduate of Hope International to-date.

Mary, mother of 7 and grandmother of 8, enrolled in Hope International’s night school program in 2015. Though she faced many challenges along the way, Saturday she finished her goal.  Mary said she has “too much pride” to have quit along the way. Mary’s grit and determination shows all that is possible with hope!


You may have read about Jeanetta last week when we introduced her to you.  Jeanetta is one of Hope International’s legacy students, a student who has been at Hope International since kindergarten.  We received word on Saturday morning that on the eve of graduation, Jeanetta and her younger sister were struck by a car.  They remain in the hospital but are stable. Principal Mark Howe visited her on Saturday and Sunday to deliver her diploma and comfort the family.
 
Medical care in Liberia is not affordable for most.  A hospital bill is an impossible cost.  Jeanetta’s family received their first bill for $350 that night.  We will be helping with this unexpected cost.  If you would like to join us in support, we would be grateful. 

Together in Both Celebration and Sorrow!

The Legacy of Hope

The Hope International graduation ceremony for the 145 seniors of the Class of 2023 will take place on Saturday, September 30th. Families, faculty and friends will gather in celebration of these dedicated students. There will be balloons, inspirational speeches and special music. There will be joy. There will be Hope.


Please meet three of these graduating seniors who are legacy students, those that have attended Hope International from kindergarten through graduation.

Grace Okyne has attended Hope International from the first day of kindergarten. She is excited to be graduating from her "dream school" and hopes to study medicine one day. She shared that the teachers of Hope International made sure student learning was prioritized, and she is grateful.

Jeanetta Zeiguah shared that being at Hope International since kindergarten she has seen the transformation of the school firsthand. She remembers when she had to bring a chair from home because there weren't enough chairs. Jeanetta gets excited seeing how the school has evolved to include enough space, science labs, computer lab and bathrooms. It's not just the physical space she appreciates but also the care from the staff that "showed us love until we got addicted to learning and knew the importance of education."

Joseph Davis shared that the education he received throughout his years of "being part of the family of Hope has readied him to face the outside world." He credits Hope International for creating motivation in him to pursue his dream of becoming an IT specialist. 

Celebrating Together with The Class of 2023!

So Much Good Flowing

Hope International took time out of their second week of school to host a blood drive. Ninety four students donated blood to supply a community hospital. The teachers, staff, and all of us stateside are proud of them for choosing to give in this way.

Also, on October 10th, the campus will once again serve as a voting station for Liberia's upcoming presidential election.

Thank you for partnering in creating a space that not only serves the students each and every day, but benefits the entire community.