Year-end Message from Jeffrey Behr (2023)

Dear HOPE Japan Friends,

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs we have shared throughout 2023, despite the global chaos, one thing rings true: your unwavering support has been a beacon of hope to the thousands we lifted out of ultra-poverty. You brilliantly lit the torch fueling our shared mission that unites us: "Helping the Neglected Poor Become Self-Reliant."

We recognize the blessings that surround us and understand that not everyone enjoys the critical lifelines of access to clean water, an education, or resources to be self-reliant. At this year-end, let us remember that our shared sense of caring and compassion is what makes us human.

Our friends in Cambodia, Ethiopia, and the Philippines daily face dire circumstances, primarily due to the lack of safe drinking water. So, HOPE starts with water, moves to education, and expands to programs that build skills, confidence, and self-reliance. HOPE projects construct wells and water systems, provide sanitation and hygiene training, and empower women through health programs and income generation projects. Your generous support has enabled thousands in Ethiopia, Cambodia, and the Philippines to obtain healthy and prosperous lives.

As we enter the holiday season, a time of celebration and sharing, I am reminded of the profound impact education has on shaping our lives. Imagine, for a moment, a childhood devoid of school—an existence where lifelong friendships never form, and the ability to read these words eludes us. Education, as emphasized by the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, is fundamental to creating a peaceful and prosperous world. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for health, employment, and tolerance.

Our urgent mission calls us to build the Angkrong Elementary School in Angkrong Village, for 417 (185 boys, 232 girls) eager students. The groundwork is laid, and construction awaits–a project expected to take three to six months, weather permitting. Upon completion, the school becomes a gift to the village, with trained teachers provided by the Cambodian Ministry of Education and sustainable funding. Your support can pave the way for disadvantaged children in Cambodia to embark on a brighter future.

In the spirit of the season, we invite you to contribute to our cause. Your generosity during this holiday season will make a significant difference in the lives of those in greatest need. Together, let us continue our journey ‘from water to self-reliance,’ confident that our collective efforts will alleviate ultra-poverty and empower the neglected poor to become self-reliant.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with hope, compassion, and positive transformation.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jeffrey S. Behr

Executive Director, HOPE Japan