Melvin
Back in 2018, we were looking for a way to creatively raise funds for vocational training for some of Hope International’s graduates desiring ongoing education. The cost per student was $200.
The concept of “Twenty is Plenty” parties was created to raise the needed funds. The idea was a Hope Project supporter would host a gathering and invite 10 friends who would each give $20. Collectively they would make it possible for a graduate to pursue a vocational education. That’s exactly what happened on an evening in August 2018.
Our very first Twenty is Plenty party was hosted by the Harvey family, long-term partners and friends of The Hope Project.
Melvin Jackson was the first graduate selected to receive the gifts of the evening.
Melvin was a recent graduate of Hope International. He is from a family of 9 children, and, like fellow Hope International graduate Abu, Melvin lost his mother during the Ebola Crisis of 2014. He sold water on the streets during high school to help support his family.
Through the generosity of the Harveys and the friends who gathered, Melvin was able to get a vocational certification in journalism through the School of Media Aid Foundation Peter Quaqua School of Journalism.
Today, and for the last two years, he is working for the Liberian radio station, Bana FM, as a reporter in the field.
Melvin asked that his deepest gratitude be expressed for the opportunity to pursue what he loves. He also communicated a deep desire to continue his education in the journalism/communications field at university. If the idea of partnering with Melvin in his educational journey is something that piques your interest, please reach out to Jackie Frazier at jackiefrazier@hopeproject.org to dream together.
This is the kind of collective generosity that has become the foundation of The Hope Project. The coming together, the sharing, the direct impact, the celebration.
Thank you Harveys and friends. Thank you for all who supported Melvin through high school graduation. Thank you, Melvin, for your perseverance, strength, passion, and your love for Liberia.