By Helen Gianakopoulos | Project Intern
Dear MTM Family,
After months of what seemed like never ending suffering and sadness brought upon Liberia by the Ebola epidemic, we are finally able to celebrate an Ebola-Free Liberia and the reopening of the More Than Me Academy! While we are continuing to support many Ebola survivors as they rebuild their lives and return to normalcy, we have been able to shift our focus back to our main mission: ensuring that when our girls graduate, they get to determine what comes next for their lives. We’ve added 35 new students who’ve been orphaned or abandoned by Ebola, and we are actively working to add more Ebola orphans to the MTM Academy as soon as possible. School is open, bustling with activities, and operations are almost back in full swing!
One exciting development at the MTM Academy? Family planning training for our students. An excerpt from our Program Manager’s recent report describes the training:
“After receiving consent from the parents of 24 students from all classes, we are able to provide family planning services to their children. The team is planning to conduct a two-day training workshop on the basic concept of family planning, understanding their changing bodies, and information on STIs and HIV/AIDS."
Parenting training is being implemented among the parents of our girls to cover topics such as discipline, routines, structure, and positive communication for those parents that have expressed interest in alternative parenting techniques. MTM has also recruited two new FEMALE (first time ever!!) security guards to monitor the daily lives of the students - empowering not only our girls, but also the women that surround them! Check out some pictures of the girls back at school below.
Many students have been recognized for their achievements. Three students will compete in Liberia’s National Spelling Bee held by the Ministry of Education, three students were recognized for winning a poetry contest organized by the British Embassy, and, after examinations, five students were promoted to higher grade levels. These five students received a score of 90% or higher on their subject exams. We love seeing our girls do awesome things!
Our MTM family not only includes our students, but also their families, our staff, and YOU! So THANK YOU for your continued love and support.
For a brighter future,
Helen, Project Intern, and the More Than Me Team
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