Transforming Lives Through Education, Leadership & Faith
Since the end of the Civil War in 2003, peace and stability has been enjoyed in Liberia. That conflict lasted 14 years, in which time the social, economic and political fabric of the country was destroyed. Many children lost their parents, abandoned or forcibly recruited to warring militias. Zayzay Kpadeh lived in that environment and understands how crucial it is to the country to develop its leadership.Refuge Ministries International, Inc.—a non-profit, nonpolitical, and interdenominational organization headquartered in Drexel, Pennsylvania was established to help vulnerable children in Liberia dying from hunger and malnutrition due to the Liberian civil war.Rev. Dr. Zayzay Gwepougee Kpadeh, a member of the Monongahela Rotary Club along with Rev. Jerome F. Kennedy are two of the founding members/ministers of Refuge Ministries.
Their mission was to ensure that every orphan and abandoned child in Liberia had a chance to have an education, good healthcare, housing and spiritual growth. Children’s Hope Village was established as a result and provides daily health and safety to Liberia’s orphaned and abandoned children ages 4-14.Building on the Refuge Ministries previous initiative and success they have partnered with Drew University. Beginning this September 2024, Drew Liberian Cohort will be launched as a graduate studies program designed to train pastoral, religious and civic leaders of Liberia, offering two graduate degrees. Refuge Ministries mirrors Rotary’s goals and objectives for peace and conflict resolution. The selected Liberian scholars will study in areas of social justice and theological research through this program.
Kolu Jallah is one of the scholars who has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of kindness, empathy and selflessness. Her vision is one of hope and to contribute to the transformation of her society through ministry that facilitates positive and sustainable change in the lives of vulnerable populations. Although Kolu and the other scholars have received a scholarship from Drew University they will need access to the internet to take online classes in Liberia. Without the ability to take the classes, unless they can travel to the headquarters, it is imperative they purchase the expensive data cards. Some scholars need the enrollment deposit along with access to the internet. Monthly Internet Data cards cost $50 in Liberia
Rebuilding Liberia After War
Liberia’s 14-year civil war (1989–2003) was one of the most devastating conflicts in West Africa, leaving the country’s social, economic, and political structures in ruins. The war resulted in the deaths of over 250,000 people, forced millions to flee, and severely impacted the country’s children, who became the most vulnerable victims of the conflict.
Thousands of children lost their parents to violence, disease, or displacement. Many were left without guardians, forced to fend for themselves on the streets.
Schools were burned, teachers were killed or fled, and an entire generation missed out on formal education, leaving a major gap in literacy and skills development.
Children’s Hope Village
Drew Liberian Cohort
Rotary Partnership
Adopt a Scholar & Support Education
Internet Data
For Each Student
250
$250
Per Semester
Access to reliable internet is essential for scholars in Liberia to successfully complete their online graduate studies through the Drew Liberian Cohort. Due to high data costs and limited connectivity, many students struggle to access course materials, attend virtual lectures, and submit assignments.
Enrollment Deposit
For One Scholar
300
$300
Per Semester
Every student in the Drew Liberian Cohort must pay an initial enrollment deposit to secure their place in the graduate program. Many scholars come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and struggle to afford this cost.
Data Cards for Refuge Ministries
For Refuge Ministry
600
$600
Per Semester
To ensure scholars and staff at Refuge Ministries International can coordinate, mentor students, and manage programs, a dedicated internet connection is needed at the headquarters in Liberia.
Graduate Tuition Support
For Each Student
30%
30%
Per Semester
Although Drew University provides 70% scholarships to students in the Liberian Cohort, each scholar is responsible for covering the remaining 30% of tuition. Many students face financial hardships and need additional support to complete their degrees.