About HOPE Project
The mission of the HOPE Project is to help give those without a voice a chance at an education. HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Education) Project operates on the premise that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. It was founded in an effort to provide underprivileged and disabled children in developing countries the opportunity to obtain the lifelong gift of education.
Each year the HOPE Project focuses its resources and efforts on a project that gives underprivileged and disabled children a chance to brighten their future.
How it all began
As an elementary school teacher in Woodland, California, Mary Kay Fallbeck has provided a rich learning environment for her students for many years. But she wanted to do more.
In 1994 she sold her belongings and spent a year traveling around the world, immersing herself in the customs, cultures and hardships of the regions and villages she discovered. These travels opened Mary Kay’s eyes to the devastating realities of poverty, neglect and lack of educational opportunities that exist for millions of children in rural and developing countries. And for the children in these countries who live with a disability, the outlook for a happy, healthy future is even worse.
“I strongly believe I have not been given the life of comfort and abundance that comes from living in a Western society—and exposed to the hardships that exist throughout the world—just to be a silent observer of it all,” Mary Kay explains.
So as each year came and went, Mary Kay felt compelled to continue her travels throughout the world where she could help children in need. Her sojourns enabled her to work with orphans in Romania and Latvia, teach English to underprivileged children in Thailand, teach second grade in China and experience countless adventures in more than two dozen countries. Always, she discovered places where disadvantaged children came into her life, touched her heart—and moved her to take even greater action. From these experiences, the HOPE Project began to take root.
Education is the key
- Education is a human right
- The Universal Declaration on Human Rights recognizes education (along with food, water and shelter) as a fundamental human right.
- Education is a means for human development
- Education provides the knowledge and skills needed to become a productive citizen of the world. It generates self-reliance and fosters confidence.
- Education enhances quality of life
- Education improves one's ability to manage health issues, improve nutrition and plan for the future. For example, educated women marry later, have fewer children and receive better prenatal care. Education aids in the prevention of child labor, trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, including using them as soldiers.
- In addition, it is a powerful tool against HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
- Education is crucial for economic development
- Education gives people the opportunity to earn a better living. A month's wages can double by having a basic education. Through education, farming practices can be improved, thus increasing output and economic returns.