At Canopy Life Academy in Kenya, one of our greatest joys is watching students grow over the years, sometimes in ways that surprise even the teachers who know them best.
That’s exactly what happened recently with Hope W.
Hope’s teachers have been noticing a wonderful change in her. Once timid and shy, she’s becoming increasingly confident in the classroom. She’s participating in discussions, asking thoughtful questions, and engaging with what she’s learning.
One teacher shared how much she appreciates Hope’s willingness to ask questions rather than simply agree with what’s being taught. She’s thinking for herself, expressing her curiosity, and becoming more comfortable sharing her ideas.
During a recent Shark Tank-style competition, that growing confidence was on full display.
Finding Her Voice At Shark Tank (Canopy Life)
This summer students had the chance to put their ideas to the test in a Shark Tank-style competition. Inspired by the popular television show, students dreamed up business ideas and practiced pitching them to an audience, explaining their concepts and making the case for why they could succeed.
Hope and her teammates dreamed up a business they called Harvest Heroes. When it came time to pitch their idea, Hope stepped up to present her part. By the end of the competition, she had earned a special recognition from the judges: best presenter!
For a student her teacher remembered as timid and shy, it was an especially exciting moment.
Her teacher shared how encouraging it was to see:
“The girl who was once timid and shy coming out so boldly.”
Behind moments like this are the teachers who walk alongside Hope each day. They know her, encourage her, challenge her, and celebrate the small steps of growth that eventually lead to moments like this one.
And now, we get to celebrate with them!
Learning to Lead
At Canopy Life, students have opportunities to put what they’re learning into practice. They work together to solve problems, develop creative ideas, and learn to communicate those ideas with others. For Hope, that means growing comfortable asking questions in class and confidently sharing her group’s work in front of an audience.
These are skills Hope can carry with her long after her time at Canopy Life. They’ll serve her as she pursues further education and finds ways to make a difference in her community.
The Joy of Watching Students Grow
Our teachers and staff get to walk alongside students over many years. They get to know their personalities, recognize their strengths, pray for them, and encourage them through challenges. God continues to work in our students’ lives through our dedicated Kenyan teachers and staff who faithfully nurture their growth.
To those of you who support Canopy Life, thank you. Your generosity helps make these opportunities and this kind of lasting impact possible.
We don’t know all the ways Hope will use her voice in the years ahead, but we’re excited to see her continue growing into the leader she’s becoming.
What a privilege it is to watch her story unfold.
Help More Students Grow in Confidence
Your generosity helps create a place where students like Hope can learn, belong, and discover what they’re capable of – and grow into leaders who use their voices for others.