Our Why

Why we exist

What drives us

We believe that girls and children with disabilities love to learn, want to learn and are capable of learning. We believe all parents want a better life for their children and all teachers prefer motivation and achievement to apathy and failure. Nevertheless, we recognize that the complexities behind generational poverty require us to be innovative and often disruptive to make real learning possible.

Our local strategy

Using a grassroots model, we collaborate with community leaders, parents, and teachers to transform local school systems into drivers of positive social change. Our holistic educational programming begins with early childhood, ensuring children start school ready to learn; continues on to primary school, emphasizing literacy and social-emotional learning; and extends through secondary school, equipping girls and young people with disabilities with the digital and life skills needed to chart a path out of poverty.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, millions of girls and children with disabilities are left behind and denied their fundamental right to education. This staggering number represents a generation left behind, denied access to healthcare, education, and opportunity. HOPE seeks to empower and educate vulnerable children and adolescent girls, allowing them to achieve their full potential and transform their families, communities, and countries.

Why We Focus on Girls

Across Africa, girls face a devastating reality, with limited choices leaving them silenced and vulnerable. Rape, HIV, unwanted pregnancies, and violence are horrifically common. Millions of girls are married before the age of 18, putting their health and wellbeing at risk. Through our community-led efforts, we work to ensure that girls and young women can create their own futures.

Why Children with Disabilities

There are 580 million children with disabilities and 80% live in developing nations. Most of these children are neglected, abused, and excluded from community life.

Each year, HOPE trains thousands of families, youth, and leaders as disability advocates. These advocates then help 5,000 children with disabilities access the education, medical care, and inclusion they deserve.