Sponsor destitute university students in Liberia

On June 30, 2026, VAAFD proudly celebrated the graduation of two of our beneficiaries from Cuttington University, one of Liberia’s leading institutions of higher learning and widely regarded as the country’s second-largest university. This achievement was a very special moment for VAAFD, the graduates, their families, and everyone who supported them throughout their educational journey. Walking out of the university with their degrees, the two graduates carried with them not only their academic achievements, but also the hopes and dreams of their families and communities.

This year, five VAAFD beneficiaries successfully defended their theses, marking an important academic milestone in their university journey. However, due to financial challenges, only two of the five beneficiaries were able to complete the remaining requirements and graduate on June 30. While we celebrate the achievements of the two graduates, we remain committed to supporting the other three beneficiaries as they work toward completing their graduation requirements. Their situation reminds us of the financial barriers that can prevent talented young people from fully realizing the fruits of their hard work.

As the two beneficiaries walked out of the university with their degrees, they carried with them the hopes of their families, communities, and everyone who supported their journey. Their achievement represents VAAFD’s vision of empowering young people through education and creating opportunities that can transform lives and contribute to a better society.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our generous donors and GlobalGiving for standing with VAAFD throughout our programs. Your support helped these beneficiaries overcome challenges and reach this important milestone. The graduates expressed deep gratitude to everyone who played a role in making their educational journey possible, recognizing that they did not walk this path alone.

The graduation was an emotional and joyful moment for the beneficiaries and their parents. Their families were filled with pride and tears of happiness as they watched their children receive their degrees. The parents expressed sincere thanks to VAAFD, GlobalGiving, donors, and everyone whose support helped make their children's dreams a reality. The CEO of VAAFD, Mr. Hayes also attended the ceremony and was excited and proud to witness the organization's vision becoming a reality.

As these two graduates begin the next chapter of their lives, VAAFD believes they will use their education and skills to make a meaningful and positive impact on society. Their success is a testament to the power of education, opportunity, and collective support. Thank you, GlobalGiving and our donors, for believing in VAAFD and walking with us throughout our programs. Together, we are turning dreams into reality and building a brighter future for Liberia.

We are grateful. We are happy. And we want to say it as clearly as we can: thank you for your many years of support. You showed up when it mattered, and you kept showing up. That consistency is what changes lives.

Today, we are excited to share an update that belongs to you as much as it does to us. Some of our female beneficiaries recently stood before the academic panel at Cuttington University to defend their thesis. The defense is the moment when years of study, research, and perseverance are tested in one defining moment. It is the final academic hurdle where a student proves their mastery, defends their ideas, and earns the right to be called a graduate.

And they won. Our beneficiary not only presented with clarity and confidence, but also handled every question with the depth and poise of a true scholar. It was a victory earned through sleepless nights, revisions, and faith — faith in themselves and faith in the support system you helped build.

In their own words, they are deeply grateful for your role in this journey. “I would not be here without the people who believed in me when I had only a dream” Harriett said. Your support paid for tuition when funds ran dry, bought textbooks when resources were scarce.

We, the family of this program, are beyond proud to witness some of our female students stepping out of the world of university and into the world of purpose. Each graduate is proof that when opportunity meets determination, lives change. They carry not only degrees, but the values of hard work, resilience, gratitude and values you helped instill.

Our beneficiaries are also happy, and they asked us to pass along their thanks. They know every textbook, every tuition payment, and every word of encouragement has your fingerprints on it. “We didn’t walk this road alone,” Teta said. “We had a whole team behind us.” She continued.

Thank you for walking this road with us. Because of you, another dream has become a diploma. Because of you, another life has been changed forever. We look forward to celebrating many more victories together.

Because of you, another dream has become a diploma. Because of you, VAAFD female beneficiaries has one more reason to believe in what’s possible. We celebrate this victory with you, and we look forward to the next one.