Sponsor a Student in Liberia: Meet the Team Walking With Them
Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared the hopes of our students, the schools in which they learn, and the courage it often takes simply to get to school.
Today, we’d like you to meet some of the people walking alongside them.
A New Season of Support
The Keyara’s Gift team in Liberia includes six Caseworkers, a Field Supervisor, and our Country Director, Rev. Francis Kollie.
Together, this team does far more than monitor school attendance. They know the students and their families, build relationships with teachers and administrators, and most importantly, they listen, encourage, advocate, and troubleshoot. They step in if a student struggles, and celebrate when a student succeeds.
Having a trusted adult in your corner makes a world of difference.
This year, our 109 students attend more than 50 different schools, most spread across a wide area surrounding Monrovia, with several students attending schools further upcountry.
Why so many schools?
Whenever possible, we want students to attend school near their home. For some, “close” still means a 30-minute walk, each way. While this makes education more accessible for students, it complicates the work of our Caseworkers, who are responsible for regularly visiting approximately 18 students at both home and school. Visits are usually done by motorbike taxi but as with all transportation in Liberia, it can be challenging, dangerous and lengthy.
We have $8,137 left in matching funds. Right now, your gift is doubled!
Meet three of our Caseworkers
Lorpu has seen the positive impact basic first-aid can make on a student’s ability to stay healthy and stay in school. Now, two nights a week, she takes nursing courses at Smythe University with the aim of becoming a registered nurse and supporting students, medically as well as academically.
“My joy comes when I see my students improving and doing well in their subjects.” ~ Lorpu
Goldy, also a former Keyara’s Gift beneficiary, has been part of the team for ten years. She knows firsthand how challenging education can be. As a student, she often attended school without lunch and didn’t have an adult consistently looking out for her. Her experience and hardships shape the care she gives her students, especially the girls entrusted to her.
“What makes me happy is to see my students healthy, neat in their uniforms, and doing well in their lessons.” ~Goldy
Prince understands perseverance. At 14, he began selling goods on the streets of Monrovia to pay his own school fees. That experience has shaped the way he encourages his students today, helping them understand the importance of education and urging them to take their lessons seriously.
When one of Prince’s students began struggling at school amid difficulties at home, Prince met with the student and his guardian. He listened, counseled, and kept showing up. Over time, the student’s behavior and schoolwork improved.
Prince’s relationship made a difference.
Give today and a gift of $750 is doubled to sponsor two students.
As this new school year begins, will you help us support all 109 students in Liberia? Your sponsorship makes this support possible.
We are incredibly grateful for the entire team in Liberia and the commitment they bring to this work. Without them, our students would not have the consistent, personal support they and their families need.
Having a trusted adult in your corner changes everything.
We are 84% of the way to our $120,000 goal. The next $8,137 we raise will be matched, dollar for dollar, putting 22 more students behind a desk.
$750 sponsors a student for the full year. $375 covers half. $63 a month covers one student across the year. And any amount helps us to our goal.
With gratitude,
The Keyara’s Gift Team
For other ways to donate, visit: www.keyarasgift.org/donate
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