2023-24 Annual Report
Two years ago, Hilltop Schools Inc. was born, taking on a bold and brave responsibility to educate, protect and develop the next generation of Liberian leaders. Two years fast forward, we have held on to this promise and have kept nearly 400 students in school. You may find a copy of our 2023/2024 Annual Report here.
Last year (2020), due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy temporarily closed down for 9 months in response to the mandate from the Ministry of Education. While the students were away, Hilltop initiated several interventions in keeping with the three principal pillars of the organization’s model: education, safety, and health. Our dynamic education team developed and distributed learning packets to students at their homes, with support from the Parent-Teacher Association so that lessons were continued in the absence of in-class sessions. Our Safety team maintained vital services to students and their families. While our health team carried out regular health checkups and referrals playing a major role in keeping our students healthy. On top of that, we made two separate distributions of food and hygiene supplies to our students and their families to keep them safe and nourished.
Though the pandemic has forced us to step back, we have refocused on our topmost priority, the girls at More Than Me Academy and our alumni on scholarships at other schools. Our enrollment at the Academy rose from 260 to 273 in 2020-21.
In April this year, we also launched a Leadership and Entrepreneurship Program, with the aim of empowering our students to become entrepreneurial leaders. Our Board Chairperson is championing the construction of a Digital Learning Center, which will be primarily used for the development of students, teachers, and parents. We have also been awarded a grant to solar-power the Digital Learning Center and the Academy by the end of 2021 - making it the first solar-powered campus in Monrovia.
In spite of several consequential setbacks such as COVID-19 and a decrease in donor funding, we have been able to handle these adverse situations by keeping a single goal in mind: to provide quality education, health, and safety for Liberia and the world future leaders.
Surviving year two, and entering into our third year is a significant milestone worth celebrating as several reports indicate that most organizations do not survive beyond their first year. With God and your help, we continue to thrive and are on the rise to reach the top. We are profoundly grateful to you committed supporters for your unflinching dedication to the students and alumnae of More Than Me Academy in the continuation of their pursuit of quality education.
A sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors, Hilltop Staff, Students, Parents, and Supporters for making this second year a successful one.
Margretta Smith-General
Executive Director, Hilltop Schools Inc.