“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy, and sustainable human development.” — Kofi Annan
HOPE PROJECT
(Helping Others Providing Education)
This project was birthed from my first visit to Ndola, Zambia in 2009. My in-laws do their best to support the needs of the community as pastors in the village of Twapia. They have such an incredible heart for the vulnerable and orphan children. While there, we met a young boy who simply asked us to help him go to school. Unlike most places in the developed world, education is not free to the public in Zambia.
Primary school can be very difficult for some parents or caregivers to afford, therefore, many children will not have the opportunity to attend secondary school and beyond. The best way to provide a lasting income for the families in the community is to provide them access to education.
MAKING AN IMPACT
Access to education isn’t lack of ability, but an absence of opportunity. All students are required to pay school fees, as well as purchase a school uniform, books, shoes, and other supplies. Students will be turned away if they do not have these items or a plan to pay their fee's.
The best way to provide a lasting income for these students is to provide them with an education. This helps them get a higher paying job to support themselves as well as their families. Most of these students return to their communities to give back, bringing tangible change. Each sponsorship and commitment to further the education of these students, inspires them to dream big!. We have students that have graduated our program, moving on to chase their dreams of becoming a doctor, nurse, lawyer, accountant, teacher or soldier. Through their hard work and diligence and your continued support we are seeing these dreams come to fruition.
COMMITMENT
We started this program in 2009 with one student eager to learn. Within that first year we raised support for 12 students. They were in tears when they found out the fees had been covered. The next year we sponsored 20 students. It was such a rush of emotions. a few years later with your help we were able to sponsor 74 students!!!. THAT my friends is COMMUNITY!
In 2020 Hope Project provided 83 students access to education, we learned how to navigate educating through the pandemic restrictions and we continued to expand to 100 students in 2021. An incredible journey supporting students from Primary school through University. In addition, we found a building in Twapia to host our Hope Buyantanshi school, this has provided education to local children who would otherwise be unable to attend school due to proximity.
The cost to sponsor one student for the year is $120 - $250.
Our family understands the direct benefit of a program like this. My husband is a product of someone believing in him and his abilities as a student. His parents could not always afford the basic necessities but his mom and dad valued education. When he was in High School a pillar in the community took him under his wing and helped him pay for his school, while providing him with a job and opportunities which eventually led him here to the United States. We have the opportunity to give back and support the dreams of the next generation and we are committed to do as much as we possibly can. Thank you for trusting us and believing in this dream as we continue to move forward.