Education After Exile: The Mission of Carolyn A. Miller School

Education After Exile: The Mission of Carolyn A. Miller School

After enduring years of devastating civil wars, Liberia continues the long journey toward healing and restoration. The conflict displaced hundreds of thousands of families, forcing many Liberians to spend years in refugee camps across neighboring countries. One such refuge was the Buduburam camp in Ghana, where amid hardship and uncertainty, hope took root in the form of a school founded by refugee Karrus Hayes with the support of American sponsor Cori Stern. What began as a lifeline for displaced children became a powerful symbol of resilience—proof that even in exile, the pursuit of education could not be extinguished, and that hope, when nurtured by compassion and determination, can flourish even in the most uncertain and fragile circumstances.

Now, as peace has returned and repatriation efforts are underway, thousands of families are making their way back home. Yet returning home presents new challenges. Many children have experienced interrupted schooling, trauma, and economic instability. In this critical season of rebuilding, access to a free, safe, and nurturing learning environment is not simply beneficial—it is essential. It is our unwavering commitment to stand in that gap and provide educational opportunities for these returning students and other vulnerable children within their communities.

The Carolyn A. Miller School (CAMES), located in Paynesville, Liberia, serves as a beacon of hope for repatriated refugees and underserved families. By operating a comprehensive K–12 program, CAMES offers students of all ages the chance to reclaim lost educational years and build a stronger future. Beyond primary and secondary education, the vision extends further: the development of a community college, adult literacy initiatives for parents and guardians, and scholarship programs designed to open doors to higher learning and vocational advancement. Education is not viewed merely as instruction, but as empowerment—equipping individuals, strengthening families, and transforming communities.

Looking ahead, the mission expands to Suakoko, Liberia, where plans are underway to build a co-educational boarding school and create a self-sustaining educational environment capable of serving 850 minors. This vision goes beyond classrooms; it includes safe housing, agricultural initiatives, and vocational training programs that foster independence and long-term sustainability. By integrating education with practical skill-building and community development, the project seeks to break cycles of poverty and establish a foundation for generational change. From the ashes of war rises a renewed commitment: to ensure that no child’s future is defined by conflict, displacement, or hardship. Through education, stability, and compassionate support, Liberia’s next generation can step forward with confidence—prepared not only to rebuild their nation, but to lead it into a brighter and more prosperous future.

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