The Need
The village of Beyin and its surrounding villages in rural of Ghana never considered education an
important part of their lives. The residents in these villages have traditionally been farmers and
fishermen and the vision for their children was to simply learn their trade. The schools that do exist in
this area are poor quality and do not provide the education needed to advance beyond their present
situation or the skills needed to pass the entrance exams for high school. This is in contrast to the
schools in large cities where the Ghana educational system maintains good programs for their students. Providing a school like Holy Name of Mary Academy could help fill the void in education and difficulties
that these rural areas face.
Vision of Hope
Holy Name of Mary Academy believes that education and studying is a means of obtaining a deeper
understanding and knowledge of a variety of subjects which can be applied to daily life. Education
expands our vision and perspective of life and helps us to explore new ideas. It is the most important
element in the evolution of a nation. Without these skills a nations’ possibilities are limited.
Children are our future and during this phase of their development they gain social skills and mental
capabilities. When exposed to their potential and an opportunity for self-discovery, they are
able to develop a vision of hope and expand their dreams beyond their current life experience.
Beginnings
I received the initial financial start with the help from a very good friend and his 3 other companions
who traveled to Ghana to visit me and the village of Beyin. After assessing the poverty of the area and
its need, this small band of friends approved and decided to support my efforts to proceed with this
mission. Through their dedication to Holy Name of Mary Academy, our school became a reality and is
now boosted and helped by the parishioners of St. John Evangelist Church, Bellefonte, Pa., St. Kateri
Catholic Church in Spring Mills, Pa. and Our Lady of Victory Church, State College, Pa.
Taking Shape
Our school was established in 2010, with a student population of 80. The initial classes were from K
through 4th grade. Through the years we gradually added a grade each year and currently accept
students from kindergarten to 9th grade and have a student population of 200. We employ 16 faculty, 2
cooks, and one security person.
Six students from the inaugural class are currently in the second year of college. In 2016 we had 13
students who graduated from our school and successfully passed the entrance exam for high school.
Followed by 12 students in 2017, 15 students in 2018, 25 students in 2019, 20 students in 2020 and 20
students in 2021 all who also successfully passed the high school entrance exams and either entered
high school or vocational/trade schools.
A scholarship fund has been established to aid those students who are unable pursue education beyond
the doors of Holy Name of Mary Academy.
Message from Fr. Ralph
I personally feel the need to give something back through education to my hometown (Beyin) and its
surrounding villages. To make a better place for the next generation. It is my wish to provide these
children proper quality of education to think beyond their own personal interests and encourage them
to give something back to society. Hence, we can conclude that for the evolution of a country, there is a
need for education. This is my dream to make it happen in the lives of these children of Holy Name of
Mary Academy, Beyin.
I realize my financial limitations and profess there is no way I can accomplish this all alone. I truly need
your financial help. Please kindly help us to make the future of our children through education a reality.
With your financial support we can make this dream for our children come true.
Thank you and God Bless.
Fr. Ralph
Advisory Board
We have in place an advisory board of 11 members from three parishes, St. John Evangelist, Bellefonte,
Pa., St. Kateri, Spring Mills, Pa. and Our Lady of Victory, State College, Pa.. The Board helps us raise
funds for the school and approves and oversees our budget as well as all future projects and the annual
operations of Holy Name of Mary Academy.
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