Michael and Jerome Being Together Makes Our School Better

Board of Directors from Hope Project and Hope International


While in Liberia, there were so many examples of how we are better together. One of those moments was the collaboration of two amazing Hope board presidents, Michael Nash (stateside) and Jerome Wleh-Wehleh (in-country).

Michael shared about the importance of their times spent together meeting, planning, and collaborating.


One of the most meaningful gifts to me was my time spent with Jerome. He lives out a quiet, extraordinary kind of leadership — one rooted in generosity, humility, and deep care for others. Jerome’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of the school, its staff, the students, and the surrounding community is evident in everything he does. He gives of himself tirelessly, asking for nothing in return, guided simply by a kind and committed heart and a belief in what this school makes possible.

As fellow board presidents, we found an immediate and meaningful connection. Though we serve on different continents, we are united in purpose — each carrying a deep sense of responsibility for the same mission. It was a true privilege to witness Jerome’s leadership firsthand — his steadiness, his wisdom, and the genuine care he brings to every conversation and decision.

Our time together also included a joint meeting between our two boards, a beautiful and powerful gathering. Jerome led with grace and clarity, creating space for connection, shared vision, and mutual commitment. There was a palpable sense that this work, this impact, is sustained not by any one person, but by all of us, together, each playing our part.

Moments like these are a living expression of what it truly means to be better together.

Even Art is Better Together

As you have now seen, the theme of this year’s fundraiser & celebration is Better Together.

During our recent visit to Liberia, we witnessed a beautiful example of how we are better together. Before we departed, you donated 700 pounds of art supplies, board members ensured their safe arrival at the school, others joined to sort the supplies, Facilities Manager Jerome Kollie came alongside to build shelves to store what you generously shared with the students. Then stateside board member Christy Nash and Dean of Instruction Adama Sherman became quite a team making art opportunities flourish at Hope International.

Christy’s partnership with Adama, who now continues to bring art into the classrooms, continues across the miles. They are talking regularly and co-planning art lessons for each of the grades.

Adama had a meeting last week to gauge interest in an art club and over 50 students showed up! He shared with us new photos showing the joy art has brought the students.

You and the supplies, Christy and Adama, everyone who helped sort, pack, unpack, organize…every single one of you continues to show what Better Together means in action.


We hope you can join us on Saturday, May 2nd at our annual fundraiser & celebration as we celebrate 18 years of being better together.

Seventeen Serious Faces. Notebooks in Hand. Questions Ready.

A team of 7 journeyed to Liberia this month to visit Hope International and our Liberian friends and partners. Sandi Bammer, one of these travelers, recently joined the stateside Board of Directors and has spent the last few weeks immersing herself in all things Hope. She had the opportunity to spend time with Hope International's press club. One of the many school activities your generosity supports. 

Sandi shared about her time spent with these bright and determined students.

The Hope International School Press Club is an impressive group of junior and senior students led by advisor Jeremaine Mitchell and Press Club president Princess Flomo. Princess is one of thirteen young women in the Press Club, and she is a confident, capable, and strong leader.
 
While some members hope to pursue careers in news and journalism, many are there to strengthen their public speaking skills in preparation for futures in law and other public-facing professions. Every one of them is already helping to shape the future of Liberia.

Sitting across from these bright and articulate young people was such an honor. They arrived with thoughtful curiosity and a list of serious questions, ready to listen closely and report carefully.

We, the Hope International board members, answered panel-style while they took diligent notes, preparing to deliver the news to the student body on Monday morning. The Press Club shares school news twice each week on Monday and Thursday during morning assembly before classes begin—an important responsibility they carry with confidence and pride.
 
They asked what we thought of the school, the curriculum, the quality of the teaching staff, and our commitment to continue the work of sponsorship. They asked for words of inspiration, and we all agreed that it was they who inspired us.

So many wonderful things are happening here at Hope International School. Sitting with these students—witnessing their hard work, commitment, and curiosity—was truly a gift. Liberia is in good hands with these young leaders, and I know that my commitment to the school’s continued success and life-changing impact has only grown over the last week.
 
The future of Liberia is asking smart questions, speaking with confidence, and leading with hope—and we are proud to stand beside them.

Thank you, Sandi, for sharing about your time spent with these bright lights. And thank you, our Hope community, for walking alongside the students of Hope as they pursue their dreams.