Abraham was born in 1996 during a series of brutal civil wars in Liberia. His father was killed and his young mother, unable to care for him during the chaos, sent him to live with his aunt, Theresa Lamadine. At age three Abraham and his aunt, along with other family members, made the journey from Liberia to the Ivory Coast, where they lived in a refugee camp for four years. They arrived in East Oakland in 2003, thanks to the International Rescue Committee.

Six years of displacement, fear, violence, and hunger did not stop young Abraham from putting down roots. At Burckhalter Elementary, he seized every opportunity to learn and grow. By his side were his angelic aunt Theresa, Refugee Transitions tutor Rick Marliave, and Children Rising mentors Bill and Nancy Branagh.

In the spring of 2011 Abraham applied to several Oakland public high schools. In addition, Bill and Nancy took Abraham for a site visit at Head-Royce, a college prep private school. It was a longshot, not to mention the financial aid he would need for a $30,000 per year tuition, but wonders never cease. Abraham was indeed accepted and also awarded a 95% scholarship. At Head-Royce, Abraham spread his wings, joining the track team, becoming a thespian and a campus newspaper reporter, all the while excelling academically.

left to right: Bill, Abraham, Theresa, Nancy at graduation

Fastforward four years to August 2015: Abraham has graduated from Head-Royce and is now off to Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. (Bill and Nancy flew out to Boston to help get him replanted.) For the first time in his life, Abraham’s move is not a desperate gamble for survival but a choice to continue thriving and to help others thrive.

Blessings,
Randy

P.S. Your financial support is especially needed as we launch into the new school year.