Hilltop Schools Inc. Official Launch - Press Release
PRESS RELEASE FROM HILLTOP SCHOOLS INC.
CONTACT INFO: Gerald D. Hodges, gerald@hilltopschools.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Announcing Hilltop Schools Inc.
A new, Liberian organization established for the education, health, and protection of Liberian children.
Monrovia (February 5, 2020) - On Wednesday, February 5th, 2020, Hilltop Schools Inc., a newly established Liberian non-government organization (NGO), will be holding its official Launch Event in Monrovia to announce its mission to educate Liberia’s next generation of leaders, while safeguarding their rights as children through education, health, and protection.
“Hilltop Schools accepts the responsibilities to serve over 3,300 children in 19 schools left behind after the closing of the More Than Me Foundation, a US NGO, that closed in June 2019” said Dr. Gracie-Ann Dinkins, Board Chair of Hilltop Schools. Though the Board of Hilltop Schools has decided to take over programs previously run by More than Me Foundation, The Board and Executive Director has no affiliation with the former MTM leadership.
Embracing a holistic approach to education, the Hilltop Schools model considers students’ intellectual, emotional, and social development. The 280 girls enrolled at the More Than Me Academy in Monrovia receive two meals a day, access to health care, a full social work department and after-school enrichment program. A Safe Space was also created as a support system to encourage confidence and empower self-esteem.
Hilltop Schools also assumes the operation of 18 government schools, via the Liberian Education Advancement Program (LEAP), with approval from the Ministry of Education. Their model includes a focus on teacher and school leadership training, curriculum delivery and support, safeguarding training, and health programs and clinics onsite at their schools. Recent data results showed, that our LEAP-supported public schools increased student learning by over 2.5 times, increased access to public education, and reduced corporal punishment.
Dr. Dinkins emphasized that the priority of Hilltop Schools is the provision of a safe learning environment for its students, ensuring that students who were previously enrolled at the Academy will remain in school. “Overall, we want our students to be safe and their parents confident that our topmost concerns are the well-being and learning of the students. Transparency about all our operations is on the front burner of our institution. We envision an organization of high impact and integrity, that will produce the future leaders of Liberia.”
“Hilltop Schools Inc. is duly registered with Articles of Incorporation in Liberia, and NGO accreditation, which includes an all Liberian board,” said Dr. Dinkins. Current board members include former Director of PPCC and iCampus Integrity Idol winner, James Dorbor Jallah, Senior Business Analyst Tanya Debblay, J. Kerkula Foeday, Eugene Gray, Gbanja Scott, Fiona Weeks, and two representatives from the Academy PTA, Morris Siassay and Solomon Denue.
“Our team is excited to foster an environment of academic excellence within our Liberian-led school network,” said Margretta Smith-General, Executive Director of Hilltop Schools.
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Hilltop Schools Inc. works to promote children's right to education, health, and protection. HSI is a Liberian organization established in 2019. ###
