Because of Joseph.

Dear Friends of Hope,

It is with deep honor and gratitude that we share with you that Hope International’s founder and first and only principal, Joseph Cummings, is retiring this month after 15 years of service. Have no fear, Joseph will remain an integral part of the school as founder and school board president. 
 
With Joseph’s visionary and loving focus, he has, under often extremely difficult circumstances, founded and nurtured Hope International School to what it is today. It is no understatement to say that without Joseph’s determination, focus, integrity, and commitment, Hope International would not have even come to be. 

Mark Howe, who has been beside Joseph since the doors of Hope International School opened in 2008, is taking over the day-to-day leadership as principal. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Associate of Arts degree in Education.

Most recently he has served Hope International as Vice Principal of Student Affairs and as a high school government and history teacher. He has been with us through it all and is a deeply respected, valued, and trusted member of the school staff.

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As many of you know, our beloved Vice Principal of Administration, Naomi Nyankoon, passed away this past year. Frances Plee has been hired to assume Naomi’s role for the upcoming school year. Frances has also been with Hope International from the very beginning, serving in both an administrative capacity as registrar and records as well as classroom instructional support. Again, we’ re so very fortunate that she accepted this role.

Please join us in welcoming Mark and Frances into their new roles and celebrating and honoring Joseph for his vision and fortitude.

Class of 2022 Update

Dear Friends of Hope,

Things are currently a bit quiet on the campus of Hope International. Daily classes are out and on May 31, students began country-wide mandated testing. This required testing is given under the direction of the West African Examination Council.

It is required that graduating seniors pass the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to be eligible to receive their high school diploma. As with years past, we know the students of Hope International are ready. Results are scheduled to be released the second week of August and graduation for the Class of 2022 will take place in September.

Wishing all of our seniors the very best as they take this final step towards graduation. We are cheering you on!

Together, we are The Hope Project.

1 of 1,200

Over the summer, we are introducing you to a few of the 1,200 students at Hope International. Each one has a story, dreams, and hopes for the future.

Christian

We are happy to introduce you to Christian Johnson. Christian is 18 years old and just finished his freshman year. He lives alone with his grandmother who is not well and suffers from sickness often. Christian’s mother is a teacher at a school very far from his grandmother’s house. She took this job to help pay for their expenses. Christian says, “it is sometimes difficult for me to come home from school and meet the food needs of my family.”

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The educational system in Liberia was severely affected by the civil war years. The literacy rate for the country remains at 48.3%. Most public schools lack adequate learning facilities and private schools are often very expensive for the average Liberian.   

Through the hard work of our Liberian partners and your generosity, Hope International is able to offer tuition-free education for 1,200 pre-K through 12th grade students.

Christian is preparing for a future Liberia where those provided with educational opportunities will have the chance to move Liberia from the destruction of civil war to one that is hope-filled.

Together, we are The Hope Project.