MELVINA: S252-SEC
November
2023
Melvina has advanced to the fifth grade, earning recognition from her teacher for her keen intellect and attention to detail in the classroom. Melvina demonstrates a remarkable level of wisdom beyond her years.
Outside of academics, Melvina’s passion for cooking remains undiminished, with Liberian Cassava Leaf soup holding a special place as one of her favorite things to cook. Cassava Leaf soup is a traditional West African dish made from the leaves of the cassava plant, which are finely chopped and cooked with a flavorful blend of spices, meats, and vegetables. To prepare this dish, one would typically start by boiling the cassava leaves until tender, then sautéing them with ingredients such as onions, peppers, and palm oil, before adding meats such as chicken, fish, or beef, and allowing the flavors to meld together to create a rich and savory stew.
Residing with her mother, Melvina nurtures her aspiration of becoming a cook, aspiring to share her culinary talents with others and make a meaningful impact through her culinary creations. Her dedication to her dreams serves as an inspiration to those around her, showcasing the power of passion and perseverance in the pursuit of one’s goals.
October
2022
Melvina was promoted into the 4th grade and has been re-enrolled into school for the 2022/2023 school year. During our interview, she was very grateful for this opportunity. She said “tell my sponsors I said thank you. They’ve changed my life”. She also mentioned that school is the best part of her day. She still wants to be a cook when she grows up and she continues to live with her mother. Sponsored by: Kathryn O’Rourke
September
2021
Melvina was promoted to the 3rd grade this year! Thanks to the generous donation from Kathryn O’Rourke, Melvina has been re-enrolled into school for the 2021/2022 school year. Her teacher reports her attendance was great this year. She is a very hard worker and continues to help take care of her siblings but has found a balance of school and household duties. Melvina still wants to be a cook when she grows up. She continues to live with her mother.
September
2020
Thanks to the generous donation from Rebecca Knutson, Melvina has been re-enrolled into school for the 2020/2021 school year. She did not pass last year and is in the 2nd grade again this year. According to people from her village, Melvina’s mother works her pretty much around the clock. Therefore, she does not attend school consistently or have time to study. The Girl Power Africa team had a discussion with her mother and gave her a warning to make sure that Melvina attends class daily and gets free time to study, when needed. She assured us that they will find a way around this obstacle. You could see the relief on Melvina’s face after our team completed their meeting. She still wants to be a cook when she grows up. She continues to live with her mother.
October 2019
2019
Thanks to the generous donation from Rebecca Knutson, Melvina has been re-enrolled into school for the 2019/2020 school year.
June 2019
We are pleased to announce that Melvina was promoted to the 2nd grade for the 2018/2019 school year. Katy Anderson, thank you for your sponsorship and giving your student a gift of education through Girl Power Africa.
September
2018
Meet Melvina, who has been generously sponsored by Katy Anderson. She is 12 years old and in the 1st grade this year. Melvina lives in Seclepea, Liberia with her widow mother. Since the death of her father 3 years ago, Melvina’s mother has been unable to afford to support she and her 3 children. Her interests are helping her mom to take care of her siblings, cook, and clean and she hopes to be a cook when she grows up.
Photos of Melvina Throughout The School Years:
