As I assume the position of President of this esteemed Association, registered on November 16th, 2016, I am delighted and honored to present this welcome message and share our goals for 2017-2024.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the executive team and members of the Association for their unwavering commitment and dedication to our shared mission. I am proud to witness the diligent efforts of our members as they organize fundraising campaigns, engaging compatriots and friends who will undoubtedly contribute to our cause. We aim to raise $500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Dollars) by May 2024. These generous donations will be utilized to positively impact the lives of current students at the prestigious Methodist Girls’ High School (MGHS), located in Wilberforce, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
One of our primary objectives is to ensure that students in need receive the assistance required to study in an improved environment. This includes uniforms, books, transportation, sex education, abstinence guidance, and access to clean drinking water. The construction of an additional building will help alleviate student congestion, enabling all students to attend school during a single morning shift. To achieve this noble goal, we remain steadfastly committed as dedicated members of this Branch. I encourage you to visit the events section on our Association’s website to stay updated on our activities and mark your calendars to join us in our vision to enhance and sustain the living conditions of our students.
Furthermore, I would like to express my deep appreciation to all future sponsors, organizations, members, and private individuals who share our concern for the welfare of the students and our collective passion.
We are acutely aware that Sierra Leone endured a brutal ten-year war, which exacerbated the challenges faced by students. The economic hardship resulting from this conflict placed additional burdens on families and students, with many lives lost, including those of numerous doctors.
While the world faces economic challenges today and the need for change is evident, those fortunate enough to reside in countries unaffected by war should consider themselves blessed. I understand that donating to touch these students’ lives may take work. Still, I eagerly anticipate your support, recognizing that these students have the fundamental right to live, receive an education, and pursue higher studies.
Our Association remains committed to fundraising for the school, as we, the Methodist Girls’ High School alumnae who comprise the Methodist Girls’ High School Global Alumni, Maryland Branch, have embraced the responsibility of effecting change in the lives of students who follow in our footsteps. During my visit to the school in June 2016, I harbored concerns and made a personal promise to myself that I would become involved and strive to raise funds for the betterment of the students. Upon my return to the United States, I fulfilled that promise by reaching out to past students worldwide, inviting them to join me in this endeavor, and working collaboratively to restore the school’s educational standards, improve the learning environment, and provide much-needed support to the students.
The majority of us attended MGHS during a time when the school boasted buses, well-equipped classrooms, clean bathrooms, laboratories, a domestic science building, a kitchen and canteen, a volleyball court, and a decent lunch pack or meal each day. Our mission today, and for the years ahead, is to give back, reinstate, and sustain the spirit and motivation of current and future MGHS students in their pursuit of an exceptional education within an optimal learning environment. In doing so, we align ourselves with UNICEF’s millennium goal of ensuring global education and transparency for all. We have complete faith in your support.
Together, we will make a significant difference and create a lasting impact on the lives of these students. Your invaluable support and partnership empower us to achieve our mission of providing an elite education and conducive learning environment for the current and future students of MGHS. Let us continue to join our fundraising efforts, forging a mutually rewarding relationship that propels us toward success. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and generosity as we work together to shape a brighter future for these deserving students.
President
