Education Equals Hope

Save the date to impact lives: one Day of Giving, a lifetime of HOPE. These are the stories you have the chance to be part of.

3 WEEKS AWAY

Education Equals Hope’s sixth-annual
Day of Giving Hope

Please join us on October 9th, and make a donation of $50 or more to help educate the 2,800+ students who are part of the e=h community.

Here are the ways you can be a part of e=h's Day of Giving HOPE:
Make a donation online - dayofgivinghope.org
Mail a check to e=h, P.O. Box 367, Fort Mill, SC 29716
Call us – 803-431-8367
Or Click Below to Give Hope

Thank you for being a part of our Community of HOPE!

Education Equals Hope remembers those who lost their lives 23 years ago today and the countless sacrifices made in the days, months and years after the attacks.

🚨 Save the Date: Wednesday, October 9th! 🚨

Get ready for our Annual Day of Giving Hope! This is your moment to make a difference, your generosity can provide clean water, education, and a renewed sense of hope for those in need.
One day of giving, a lifetime of HOPE!

Mark your calendars and be a part of something truly life-changing!

In Madagascar, the challenges of accessing education are profound, with many children facing significant obstacles that often force them to leave school prematurely.

Statistics show that nearly 1 in 3 children in Madagascar are not enrolled in school, and less than 70% of those who start primary school will complete it.

For many families, the cost of school fees and supplies is simply unaffordable, making education an unattainable dream. Children are also needed at home to contribute to daily tasks such as carrying water, tending to livestock, or helping grow food, which further disrupts their ability to attend school consistently.

As a result, classrooms in Madagascar are filled with students of varying ages, all trying to continue their education whenever they get the chance. It’s not uncommon to see children and youth between the ages of 15 and 22 in the same class, particularly in secondary schools, as they work to complete their junior or secondary levels.

These mixed-age classes reflect the harsh realities many Malagasy children face but also highlight their determination to overcome these challenges and pursue an education.

My name is Bien and I live in Madagascar. I was born on September 15th, 2005, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming a priest.

Growing up as an orphan, the path to my dream seemed impossible but thanks to e=h and their support, I have been able to continue my education.

Today, I’m in the 12th grade, something I never thought I’d achieve. The support I’ve received has not only kept me in school but has also brought me closer to fulfilling my dream.

Every day, I’m reminded that someone believes in me,
and that makes all the difference.

During a recent visit to Ambohivamahavelona(Madagascar), we saw firsthand the impact the new secondary school is having on the community. Before the Diocese started this school, students had no choice but to leave their families and travel to Toliara for their education. Now, they can stay close to home, where they belong, and have the opportunity to learn.

After the success of the first 6th grade class, the school, in partnership with e=h, will expand to include 7th grade this September. The 6th graders we met were remarkable; they sang to us in English and gave us thoughtful gifts.

John Griffin, our Partnership Coordinator, who was a part of this team shared how this school has become a vital part of the community -“It’s more than just a place to learn; it’s a chance for these children to stay with their families and still have a future.”

We’re committed to continuing our support as this school grows.

The final 2024 drawing is just around the corner. Please submit your grants today.

At the end of September will conduct a final 2024 drawing. They will give away $1.1M in matching grants, including $115,000 to organizations that support nonpartisan efforts to strengthen democracy.

Please submit grants no later than September 27th to make e=h eligible for a match.

Link to submit https://www.halfmydaf.com

Ambrose Waninda, one of the leaders of our programs in Kitale, Kenya often says, “Lives are being changed because of your generosity” and we agree 100%!

Thanks to you, our students are not only safe but are also well-nourished. Through your support, we’ve been able to provide them with 3 meals each day: breakfast, lunch, and supper.

We’re also on the brink of something exciting, a new government program for students advancing to Senior Grade 9. We can’t wait to share more!

These are some of the 45 orphans who once lived in the Ephrahim Orphan Home in Kenya. Established in 2010, this orphan home provided a safe haven for children who had lost both parents, often due to HIV/AIDS, tribal violence, or malaria, with no one else to care for them.

In 2011, we expanded our support by starting an academy to address the educational needs of the children in the orphanage. The academy offered education from Kindergarten through Primary School, then on to Secondary School, and finally, college or university.

Over the years, more than 100 children passed through Ephrahim Orphan Home, with many now working, running businesses, or serving as pastors in our village churches.

As the children from Ephrahim Orphan Home reach Grade 8, they attend
Gilgal High School for their four years of secondary education before progressing to college. We currently have 5 students from Ephrahim who are studying at universities and colleges, having completed their schooling at Gilgal.

This year, 5 students from Ephrahim who are attending Gilgal High School will graduate from high school and are preparing to join colleges and universities in 2025. We are also anticipating the last group of Ephrahim kids to join Gilgal after graduating from Grade 8 at the end of 2024.

Your partnership has been instrumental in supporting these children through their educational journey, helping them build brighter futures and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Between April and June, we continued our work with our Ministry Sites in the communities where we serve.

We also kicked off our summer program: training our interns, welcoming teams, engaging in reciprocal relational service.

This summer, we had 5 Ecuadorian Interns, 2 North American Interns, and 2 Ecuadorian Maestros (or Intern Leadership) leading a total of 8 teams across our ministry sites.
We welcomed 86 people from the United States as part of our Hope on the Ground Short-Term Summer Teams Program.

Our teams and interns served with the following Ministry Sites: Cristo Liberador, Buen Pastor, Carmen Bajo, Dios es Amor, and Iglesia Filadelfia in Ambato.

This period has been bustling with activity and growth, setting a strong foundation for the months ahead.

Want to come join us next summer?
Dates will be announced soon so please reach out to learn more!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our mission!

Over the past few months, we have seen positive developments across our Ministry Sites in Kitale, Kenya and are thankful to God for this progress. Education Equals Hope is our steadfast ally, providing significant support throughout the year, for which we are deeply appreciative.

One of our highlights comes from Central Academy where the children have shown significant improvement in their general living conditions and health. While malaria remains a common issue in our region, we have not faced any major health crises.

Academically, all the children have shown great improvement. Their report cards indicate they are excelling.

We are  grateful for your support and thankful to God for the progress we’ve made in 2024. Despite occasional challenges, we are managing well on the ground, with God’s help keeping us safe.

This month, we celebrate Primary Six students Agnes and Aimable, who have bravely taken their national exams. Their determination and resilience through numerous challenges inspire us all.

As they await their results, we invite you to join us in prayer for their success and confidence during this time. We believe your support will help them thrive in high school and beyond.

At The Blessing School for the Visually Impaired (BSVI), we are dedicated to providing education that will provide essential life skills to our students. The achievements of Agnes and Aimable highlight the dedication of our teachers and the power of e=h support.

Join us in celebrating their milestone!

In this past quarter, we received a generous donation of NABU (National Association of Black Utility Professionals) children’s books from Partners in Literacy Haiti, a non-profit organization based in Greenville, SC.

We received nearly 200 children’s books written in Kreyol and English.
These books were shipped to Haiti and joyfully placed in the hands of our students at Ecole St. Esprit, our sponsored school in Cavaillon, as well as Ecole St. Sauveur in Les Cayes, where there are over 40 younger sponsored students in the e=h program.

Through this collaboration, the students who received these books will increase their reading proficiency and encourage their love for learning.

In late May and early June, we led our second pilgrimage to San Ramon in partnership with The Church of the Advent from Spartanburg, SC.

Together, we served alongside our local partners in San Ramon.
Our visit to Hogarcito, an orphanage housing 18 children without families, was a highlight. We celebrated our bond with the children through a carnival filled with games, crafts, snacks, and futbol. It was heartwarming to witness the growth of the children since our last visit.

From Friday to Sunday, we worked with Faithful Servant Missions, a local non-profit providing a safe space for children and teens from Bajo Tejares. Being part of this incredible community felt like being with family.

The time spent with students from our e=h program and the Costa Rica Community Alliance was truly inspiring. Watching our students and pilgrims forge friendships during a challenging hike, enjoying pool games, and sharing meals offered a glimpse into the HOPE we strive to nurture.

“Pura Vida,” a phrase reflecting the simple, cheerful spirit of Costa Rica, was evident in the smiles we saw as our teams collaborated with our in-country partners.

Family Spirit Children Centre’s garden is vital for sustaining the 263 students on campus. The school gardening project not only provides food but also teaches sustainable skills, boosts confidence, and shows children their potential. Thanks to the support of our Community of HOPE and e=h, the thriving beans and maize are a testament to what we can achieve together.

Yesly, aged twelve, is currently in eighth grade. She comes from a large family, being the eighth of ten siblings. Her mother is pursuing primary education to fulfill her own life goals, while her father supports the family by working on a farm, handling maintenance and upkeep.

Yesly supports her family by caring for her brother who has Down Syndrome.

Since 2019, Yesly has been a beneficiary of the scholarship program, which has provided essential school supplies, uniforms, and financial assistance for transportation, as she lives an hour away from school.

Through the guidance of tutors, Yesly is encouraged to persevere in her studies and envision a future beyond her immediate surroundings. Despite her shyness, Yesly actively participates in e=h organized meetings, demonstrating her determination to participate in educational opportunities.

She deeply appreciates the efforts of donors who have made her education possible, offering hope even in the remote corners of Ecuador.

During this school year, our program at Emaus has supported 20 families, including 34 students that range in age from preschool to the third year of high school.

We are focusing on psychological therapy for our students, which includes four sessions, each lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, held every 15 days.

The first session is focused on identity, exploring self-concept and the concept of beauty. Another session, titled “My Life Map,” has students discuss positive and negative life experiences and the importance of letting go and forgiveness.
We also conduct a session on self-love, teaching self-care strategies. The final session is about projecting the future, where students share their dreams and aspirations and create a personal SWOT (Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses, Threats) analysis.

Each of these sessions are meticulously planned, organized, and evaluated and have been very beneficial to the growth of our scholarship students. We believe in holistic education and these psychological therapy sessions have been a significant part of it.

Thank you for being a part of the scholarship program at Emaus! It is a great gift for these families by helping to provide school supplies, uniforms, tuition payments, transportation costs, tutoring, and now, psychological care.

In a year full of turmoil, the administrators and teachers of St. Jean Baptiste School (SJBS) in rural southwest Haiti have managed to keep their doors open for most of the school year.

This accomplishment is especially notable given that over 80% of schools in Haiti, particularly in the gang-ridden regions of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, have remained closed due to escalating violence. Despite their remote location, the SJBS community still grapples with the threat of violence.

Unfortunately, severe funding shortages have hindered student performance. Many students are unable to receive appropriate nutrition which impacts their ability to learn effectively.

As the cost of food continues to rise, the school aims to provide meals at least three times a week while also striving to cover staff salaries and essential classroom materials. The commitment of SJBS’s staff and supporters has enabled the school to persevere against significant odds.

Merci beaucoup for your continued support!

In Haiti, where economic instability and insecurity keep around 375,000 children out of school, 9-year-old Wadelson DACEUS, future seemed uncertain.

Wadelson, who is orphaned and lives with his grandmother, had never attended school due to financial hardships. His grandmother, lacking the means to support his education, was unable to send him to school.

However, Emmanuel Kant School changed Wadelson’s life by enrolling him in his first year of school. His intellectual potential quickly made him one of the top students in his class.

Known for his kindness, wisdom, and punctuality, he is a favorite among both classmates and teachers. His friends share that they can’t go a quarter of an hour without him, as he brings such an energy to the classroom.

Wadelson’s story highlights the struggles faced by many Haitian children but also illustrates the transformative power of education and the HOPE it can bring.

We are thrilled to report that our educational programs in the South of Haiti continue to flourish, serving a total of 382 students.

In Les Cayes, we support 124 students with 30% enrolled in secondary school, higher education, or vocational training.

In Cavaillon, we serve 258 students with 31% in similar advanced educational programs. Both schools have remained open since our last update in March, and the school year concluded on June 28th.

Please join us in continuing to pray for peace and security throughout Haiti.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Theresa Donahue.
Theresa is Mom to Michele Dudley, Partnership Coordinator
for our work at BSVI.

In 2009, Theresa met Bosco on an adventurous trip to Rwanda.
After Bosco’s daughter, Blessing, was born blind, Bosco founded the Blessing School for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) to help his daughter and other visually-impaired children. Theresa and Michele’s family have supported the school since its inception in January 2015. 

Theresa was a major supporter of BSVI’s new campus. Her generosity to the Campus of Light will provide countless opportunities for our students.

Theresa’s legacy of love, kindness, and belief in education will be felt for generations. Rest in peace, Theresa. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Voltaire ISHIMWE, an IT Engineer who is passionate about education, has served as the ICT Educator at BSVI for the past four years.
 
Voltaire has witnessed the transformation of students as they embrace technology. He has helped equip them with skills like using Microsoft Office and navigating online libraries. This accomplishment highlights that students with visual impairments can master technology, a vital tool in today’s world.

Great news from The Blessing School for the Visually Impaired (BSVI)!
Thanks to our Community of HOPE, we now have an
EVEREST-D Braille Printer!

This amazing gift has made it much easier to print class notes, tests, and exams on paper we can easily find locally. Our students and teachers are thrilled, as this printer makes essential learning materials always available.

Our students are now preparing for their end of semester exams with great focus and determination. The atmosphere at BSVI is filled with hope and excitement. This printer will make a real difference in our students’ lives as it will greatly improve the quality of their education.  We are deeply grateful for your support and encouragement.

Did you know that in Madagascar when students arrive to school, the first thing they do is copy their lessons for the day into their copy book.

THERE ARE NO BOOKS IN MOST SCHOOLS IN MADAGASCAR – FOR ANY SCHOOL LEVEL, all teaching is by lecture and memorization.

Recently, the site coordinators visited our partners in Madagascar with three key goals:

📚 Provide essential school supplies for every grade level.
💧 Distribute water filters and train families on their use.
🦷🏥 Offer dental and basic first aid training for students.

Did you know that the Anglican School in Morondava, Madagascar, where we have students, serves 60 children in the community?

Carlos’ story is one of many that you are a part of. Your support helps create stories of HOPE.

Thanks to our Community of HOPE, we’ve been able to provide our children at Doors of HOPE in Kenya with education, bringing smiles to their faces.

The impact of your support is evident in the significant positive changes we’ve witnessed in our children. Their health has greatly improved due to the nutritious food we can provide, leading to physical growth and intellectual development.

We have seen profound transformations in their behavior and character.

We are deeply thankful for supporters like you. Your continued involvement ensures that our mission thrives, bringing hope and change to these young lives.