Campaign Progress
Our goal for the 2018/2019 school year is to raise $35,700.
This will send 85 children to school for the year!
Additional donations will support ongoing mentoring and begin to build up our funds for next year.
Keyara's Gift Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Back to School
By Karen Ecklund
Today, Keyara started school. She was especially excited to see her friends and meet her new fifth-grade teacher! As we walked to school, one could sense the anticipation and excitement of the students as they arrived with their new school supplies, new outfits and hope for fun and learning in the year ahead.
While the students stood in their class lines, the parents greeted each other and then waved goodbye as they watched their children head off to class. I couldn’t help but think of the many parents in Liberia that only dream of this experience. Most parents themselves have never been to school and can’t read or write. Because of this, their main hope and dream for their children is that they will be given an education. They know that having the ability to read and write opens up many doors for their children and gives them hope for a better future.
During our trip to Liberia a month ago, we met with most of the 85 hopeful students – 71 had received scholarships for school last year and the other 14 stayed home and watched as their friends went to school, leaving them behind. That’s hard to imagine in our neighborhood, no one is left behind. EVERYONE is given an opportunity to learn. I tried to imagine what it would be like to only have enough money for one child to attend school, how would one choose? In Liberia it’s a simple choice, the boy will go to school while the girl stays home and helps work and care for their younger siblings.
We truly hope that this year we will be able to say “yes” and “congratulations” to all 85 hopeful students. Will you consider being part of the answer? Can you help a child go to school? It costs about $425/year for a student to go to school including their uniform and school supplies. Given that the average annual income in Liberia is $370, it’s almost impossible to send one child to school without help!
“I alone can not change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ~ Mother Theresa
We are choosing to cast a stone and hope that you’ll join us in changing lives, one child at a time in Liberia.
These are some of the students hoping to be sponsored in 2018/2019.
Below is a map of the 2017/2018 students' homes (shown as the blue hiker) and the schools they attend (shown as a red house).