Our Current Students

At Academy of Hope, students are at the center of what we do.  Each person is unique and adds to the richness of the Academy of Hope community.  Our learners are inspiring and they teach us what it means to be determined, to have drive, and to persevere in the face of extraordinary odds. They all share a common goal - to complete their education and to begin new chapters in their lives. Students are what make our jobs worthwhile.

Lancine Toure

39 year-old Lancine Toure is fluent in French, English, and Soussou (also spelled Susu, one of the Mande languages). He is also studying Spanish. He aspires to a career in politics and is hoping to study economics and political science at the University of the District of Columbia.  

Nine years ago, Lancine felt drawn to the US from his home in Guinea, West Africa. He describes it as a spiritual calling. He left his parents behind and joined an uncle and a cousin in Washington, DC. Having left formal education after the tenth grade he found his employment options limited. 

Lancine now fits in classes at Academy of Hope around his work as a waiter for a bistro on Dupont Circle. He has been studying with us since 2002, and has been steadily improving his academic skills to the point of being eligible to begin the External Diploma Program this past winter. He enjoyed all of his classes, and particularly looked forward to the break between classes when he had an opportunity to socialize with his classmates and to ponder the inspirational quote from the board.

James Gilbert 

James Gilbert has just completed his first year at Academy of Hope. He chose to return to school in order to boost his reading and writing, and to learn computer skills: “I’m here for more than my GED, I want more beyond just that!” Specifically, he wants the skills needed to start a small-business.

Originally from Jamaica, James had past jobs farming vegetables and roses before moving to DC to rejoin his wife.  “I like being in nature and working in nature,” he says, “it’s God’s business!” Now he keeps a small garden at home and is looking to expand. 

James, who had not used a computer before coming to AoH, can now be seen daily working with PLATO (an online learning program), which he says has helped him to gain some of the skills he will need as an entrepreneur.  He is also looking forward to using the internet to find information that will aid his gardening, (such as maps and weather forecasts).

When asked about the road ahead, James replies, “I am doing this step by step, not all at once.” 

Mildred Hansom

Mildred and her 80th birthday party were spotlighted in the summer edition of The Literacy Connection

Staff members interrupted the recent summer term orientation with a cake and candles as they sang "Happy Birthday" to AoH's first-ever octogenarian.  When 80-year old Mildred heard her name in the middle of the song, she became overjoyed and her eyes filled with tears.  

Originally from North Carolina, Mildred moved to  D.C. with her mother in 1930.   After finishing third grade, Mildred left her school and her family and began supporting herself.  At 16 she decided to return to school but was interrupted by a more important matter, the birth of her first daughter. 

In 1965, Mildred married. She and her husband were together until he passed away in 1986. She worked for SIC, a food company that caters to government buildings, and raised her two daughters. Now retired, she loves to read, learn, and cook. She believes that nobody is ever too old to learn.

When asked about her favorite part of Academy of Hope, she replied: "I truly enjoy everything!  The staff is nice and the classes are great, and I have learned a lot."  She commented to all those in attendance at her surprise birthday party: "Thank you so much for my cake and singing, you will never know what that meant to me!"