Chaira is an outstanding scholar of Hope for the Island. Out of a grateful heart, she lovingly serves as an assistant in our weekly Kids Ministry programs. It is beautiful to see how she comes alive while teaching the children.
Chaira balances a full schedule and models well to other students that hard work and faithfulness pay off. During her free time, she can be found at Hope praying, singing worship songs and leading by example.
Continue to pray for her as she perseveres in a community where education is not given the priority deserved. Pray that God will continue to sustain her needs and keep her dreams alive!
Michelle is another scholar that exemplifies great character and leadership. Even at the young age of fourteen, Michelle shows a resolve and maturity found in adults. She wakes up early each day to prepare food for her family before going to school.
Michelle is very responsible and kind-hearted. Her favorite subject is English. Even though Michelle faces many daily hurdles, she perseveres with her dreams to study Hotel and Restaurant Management in college after high school. 
As with most students, the focused reason to attend college is to help their poverty stricken family. Pray that Michelle will come into a greater understanding of her identity in Christ. She battles with low self esteem at times. She faces frequent bullying in school. Michelle longs for good friends who can understand her and support her to achieve her dreams. Although she is deaf and mute, she knows God loves her and created her for a purpose. She regularly thanks Hope for the Island staff for accepting her like family and walking her through the process of forgiving those who have wounded her. She has said that even though others may not understand her, Jesus does and that is why she has strong faith and is confident facing each hardship. When visiting Michelle’s home, her mother expressed joy and appreciation because of the many ways she has witnessed transformation in her daughter’s life.
