Dear Friends of Hope,
Sad news is not something we wish to be sharing during this holiday season but wanted you to know that our beloved Assistant Principal, Naomi Nyankoon, passed away on December 22nd. Our hearts are heavy.
You may know that Naomi was experiencing kidney disease and together we got her to Sierra Leone to receive dialysis. You can read about Naomi’s journey here.
Naomi’s brother, Thomas Peters, was able to visit her in the weeks before her death. He shared that she had been suffering with a bout of malaria and was receiving treatment. He left for the airport with the belief that she was stable. Sadly, he got a call while awaiting his flight, that she had taken a turn for the worse and was being transported to the hospital, where she passed that day.
Many of you stepped in to support Naomi over these past 6 months. One of you paid for her dialysis over these months. Naomi shared many times with us how grateful she was and how this care extended to her and her family gave her strength to press on. She spent these last 6 months away from family but buoyed by their love and your friendship.
Joseph, Hope International’s founding Principal, shared some thoughts of Naomi. Below are some excerpts.
“I considered Naomi not only a friend, but a sister. We have been friends since 2000. Her brother, Thomas is my dear friend. When he left for the States, I looked after his family during the civil war. This deepened my friendship with the family and Naomi. When the dreams of the school began, it was Naomi who was by my side helping with all of the starting plans. She served on The School Board from 2011-2018. In 2018, she was hired to become the Vice President of Administration of Hope International and was my trusted colleague.
She was tireless in her work to support the school. She was one of my best advisors. She was a mother to many of the students, always sharing her funds to ensure that students had enough funds to eat. She talked straight, even if you didn’t want to hear. She represented me in my absence. My trust for her was complete. My tears have not stopped flowing. She will be missed by everyone.”
We are grateful to have known Naomi. She was truly someone who made this world better for so many. May we continue to follow her example of living purposely and generously in this world.
Together,
The Hope Project