Compassion, Service, and Global Citizenship
At Global Village Academy Douglas County, we believe in the power of compassion, service, and global citizenship. One of the ways we live out these values is through our partnership with our sister school in Liberia, supported by A New Dimension of Hope (NDH). Today, we are excited to share the inspiring story of its founder, Ebenezer Norman, and why your support matters so much.
From Hunger to Hope
Ebenezer Norman was born in Liberia, where daily life was filled with uncertainty. As a child, he often wondered what it would feel like to have enough food every day. Many days, even one meal felt like a miracle. Along with hunger, he witnessed poor healthcare, unsafe conditions, and limited opportunities for children.
Eventually, Ebenezer was given the chance to move to the United States, a life-changing opportunity. Starting over wasn’t easy. He had to learn a new culture, a new system, and a new way of life. But through hard work and determination, he found his place and began to reflect on how fortunate he was.
Instead of forgetting where he came from, Ebenezer made a powerful decision: he would use his opportunities to help others.
Turning Gratitude Into Hope
Inspired by leaders who worked for justice and equality, Ebenezer committed himself to giving back. He believed that if others had helped him succeed, he had a responsibility to do the same.
This belief led him to start A New Dimension of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and illiteracy in rural Liberia.
Building Schools, Even When It’s Hard
A few years ago, NDH built its first school for more than 100 children in a rural village. Sadly, it was demolished because of a land dispute. For many people, that would have been the end.
But Ebenezer refused to give up.
In 2018, he and his team built a second school—this time serving over 1,000 children in a village of about 4,000 people. To make this happen, Ebenezer worked long hours driving for Uber, raising every dollar he could.
Today, keeping the school running costs about $4,100 each month, and much of that support comes from generous donors who believe in this mission.
Creating Lasting Change
NDH’s work goes beyond education. Their next goal is to open a woman-run bakery that will provide jobs for 700 women in the village. By creating stable employment, families can support themselves and help sustain the school for future generations.
Their vision is simple but powerful:
- Educate children
- Empower families
- Break the cycle of poverty
- Replicate success in other villages
The Power of Taking Risks
When asked about risk-taking, Ebenezer says that everything meaningful in life involves courage. Rebuilding after the first school was destroyed was frightening, but it was also necessary.
That risk paid off.
Today, more than 1,000 children are learning, dreaming, and building brighter futures because he chose hope over fear.
How You Can Make a Difference
Our partnership with NDH allows our students and families to be part of this incredible story. Every donation, fundraiser, and act of generosity helps:
- Provide education for children
- Keep classrooms open
- Support teachers
- Create jobs for families
- Build stronger communities
When you give, you are not just donating money. You are investing in lives.
Together, We Are Changing the World
Ebenezer’s journey reminds us that one person’s determination, combined with a caring community, can truly transform thousands of lives.
Thank you for supporting our sister school in Liberia. Your kindness, generosity, and global spirit are helping children across the world learn, grow, and thrive.
Together, we are building a new dimension of hope!
This year, our school set a goal to raise $3,000 for NDH through our Jeans for Dreams fundraiser, and we are already making incredible progress!
Let’s keep the momentum going and work together to reach and exceed our $3,000 goal. Remember, students can donate a dollar (or more) every Friday in February to support NDH. Every dollar brings hope, opportunity, and brighter futures to our sister school in Liberia.
To learn more about Ebenezer Norman and NDH check out the short documentary, New Dimension of Hope.
For more information on NDH go to the ndhope website.