Janet Cooper’s Journey: Overcoming Adversity Through Education

by Jacob K Doe | Jul 23, 2024 | Global Health

Before she had reached her 10th birthday, Janet Cooper knew her life would be more challenging than most. She knew she had a chance, a better future and hope when World Hope International invited her to be part of its Enable the Children (ETC) program.

How Janet Cooper’s Beating the Odds

Janet couldn’t go to school with children her age because a childhood sickness had required the amputation of her limbs.

What’s more, she was the youngest of seven children, and her family had little money by Liberia standards. When her father — the family’s breadwinner — died suddenly, the Cooper family found itself in financial crisis. Continuing her education seemed impossible until Elizabeth Legacy of Hope (ELOH) stepped in to cover her school fees.

Janet blossomed academically. For five years, she seized every learning opportunity. Her academic success inspired her siblings and community.

Continued Support Through Enable the Children (ETC)

Support from ELOH waned with the program’s closure, and the future of Janet’s education seemed to follow a similar path.

Enable the Children (ETC), however, committed to fund Janet’s schooling.

Today, Janet is the only educated child among her siblings. Her journey from a struggling second grader to a thriving sixth grader shows the impact of sustained assistance for children with disabilities. Collective effort and compassion can transform lives.