Stories of Hope

A Tribute to Teacher Riana
Teacher Riana has always been a source of help, support, and compassion in my life. When my children attended Pure Hope School, I struggled to afford the school fees. Teacher Riana offered me the opportunity to work by cleaning the school in exchange for the fees, allowing my children to continue their education. Later I became ill because of a serious leg injury that left me unable to walk. It was Teacher Riana who came to my rescue. They had to carry me in a wheelbarrow to her car so she could rush me to the hospital. The doctors told her they brought me just in time — I was close to losing my life. During my hospital stay, Teacher Yvette took my children into her care for three weeks. While I was still in recovery, I received the heartbreaking news that my husband had passed away. In this sad time, it was Teacher Riana who stood by me. She moved me from the place where I had been living to a safer space in Plastic View, ensuring I had a secure environment to return to. I truly believe that if it weren’t for Teacher Riana, I might not be alive today. Her love and care saved not only my leg but possibly my life. She visited me in the hospital every single day, spoke to the doctors and nurses on my behalf, and made sure I was treated with dignity and compassion. When I returned home, she gave me a full-time job at Pure Hope School. She saw something in me and believed in me when I had nothing left to give. Her kindness gave me a new beginning. I am forever grateful to her. I will always love her, miss her, and carry her in my heart. I am strong today because of her kindness. Her legacy will live on in my life and in the lives of my children.
JOYCE NTAPI
Cleaner- Pure Hope
Over the past 15 years at Pure Hope, I have witnessed countless miracles. From moments when God provided food the very day our pantry was empty, to receiving official documents on the same day authorities told us it would take months—each event has been a powerful reminder that He has been in control from the very beginning. I could honestly fill a book with the ways God has shown His faithfulness throughout the journey of Pure Hope. A major part of Pure Hope’s story is the incredible community that surrounds our school. Since the very first day of operations, we have been blessed with the support of so many amazing people. There are too many to name, but here are just a few examples: Those who donate consistently—whether financially or through physical items. Your generosity sustains us, and we cannot thank you enough. Volunteers who come weekly, or even daily, offering their time and hands to tackle tasks we often can’t get to. Many have shared how this work has blessed their own lives. Faithful prayer warriors who cover us in prayer—you are our spiritual backbone and keep us uplifted. The kind souls who bring cupcakes each month to celebrate children's birthdays. I wish you could see the joy on their faces during those celebrations. The wonderful teachers and staff of this school. Pure Hope is more than just a workplace—it’s a family. These individuals have a deep passion for our children, not only to teach them academics but to show them the love of God and help them understand how deeply He cares for them. And to those we haven’t mentioned by name—I know there are many of you. Please know that each and every one of you is so valuable to us. We could not do this work without your help. You are part of the team that helps us write these stories of hope. The story of Pure Hope is not just about a school—it’s about a community led by faith, sustained by love, and driven by a shared purpose. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every moment of support plays a role in the miracles we continue to experience. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey.
Suzanne
One of the stories of hope that will always stand out for me is Benjamin’s story. He was a boy that always struggled accademicaly. Reading and concentration always seemed to be a problem for him to such an extend that he failed a few times while he was in Pure Hope School. Behaviour in class and respect towards teachers also became a big challenge, especially as he grew older. When he was in Grade 6 we reached a point where we nearly gave up on him feeling that we tried everything that we could to assist him during his time in the school. But God intervened! After being away from the school for a short time, Benjamin came back a changed boy, hardworking and kind towards those around him. Today Benjamin is in high school and continues to work hard, even though academics is still a challenge. But the kindness and softness that came over him when God changed his life prevails. Benjamin’s life will forever look different because of what God did in his life. Benjamin’s testimony reminds me that God’s work is never done in us – not with one of our children nor with me. - Teacher Marina Williams
BENJAMIN
Grade 7- 2024
Pure Hope wasn’t just a school to me — it was a home filled with love, faith, and the presence of God. Even though it didn’t have all the resources that other schools might have, it offered something far greater: a community that believed in me, teachers who spoke life over me, and an environment where I was reminded daily that with God, all things are possible. It was at Pure Hope School that the foundation of my education, my character, and faith was laid. Today, I am thriving at a very good school, doing exceptionally well academically — and I know that it all started at Pure Hope School. I’m forever grateful for the prayers, the patience, and the hope that was poured into me. Pure Hope truly planted seeds in my life that are still bearing fruit today.
EMILY
Grade 7- 2022
From the moment I stepped into the gates of Pure Hope, I knew I was in a special place where love, kindness, and compassion flowed freely, and where I was welcomed with open arms. Today, I'm honoured to share my story and testify to the life-changing impact that Pure Hope had on me. My name is Surprise Nkoana, and I am a former learner from Pure Hope School. Pure Hope was more than just a school to me - it was a second home where I felt at home, and I will always appreciate what Pure Hope has done for me, from helping me gain confidence in myself, helping me with academics, and the love the teachers gave us. The morning praise and worship sessions were a highlight of my day, and I still recite the songs we used to sing that brought peace into my life. My time at Pure Hope was truly transformative, as the school's Christian values and teachings resonated deeply with me, and it was during one of these sessions that I felt the presence of God in a powerful way, and I gave my life to Jesus. From that moment on, my life changed in profound ways, and I found a sense of purpose and direction that I had never known before. The love and support of the teachers and staff at Pure Hope helped me grow not just academically, but also spiritually and emotionally, and their encouragement and guidance helped me overcome challenges of self-doubt and uncertainty. I'm also grateful for the various initiatives and events that Pure Hope organized, such as Phendula and Heart and Hands, which taught me the importance of taking care of the environment, recycling, and serving my community. Through Phendula, which we had every June, and Heart and Hands, where we would go around the school environment together with the teachers, singing songs of praise and helping to pick up the litter, I developed a greater appreciation for the environment and learned the value of serving and working together as a community. Pure Hope became more than just a school to me - it became a family, and the friendships I formed, the lessons I learned, and the memories I made will stay with me forever. I'm grateful for the foundation that Pure Hope provided, and I'm excited to see how God will continue to work in my life. Today, I look back on my time at Pure Hope with gratitude and nostalgia, knowing that the school played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today, and I'll always be thankful for that.
SURPRISE
Grade 7- 2024
Pure Hope — A Home That Raised Me When I first heard that Pure Hope would no longer continue with the high school, I felt a deep and unexpected longing. Strangely enough, I found myself missing my Grade 1 teacher — the woman who taught me how to read, how to write, and even how to leave a finger space between each word. At the time, I couldn’t quite understand why I wanted to be near her again. But later, it made sense. She was the one who held my hand through my very first year of school — when I, like so many others, was scared and unsure. She made that new world feel safe. In that same way, I’ve come to realise that God is our guide, our teacher, and our comforter — always present in times of change. And He used Pure Hope to shape my life. Pure Hope has changed countless children’s lives, including mine. I was just 3 years old when I moved here. My family lived in Plastic View, and like many others, we were simply existing. We had no access to education — nothing we could afford. And then came Pure Hope. A place that welcomed us with open arms. A second mother to many. They gave us so much more than just schooling. They gave us love, dignity, and hope. It was in my Grade R class at Pure Hope that I first heard about Jesus. Through Pure Hope, I discovered ballet — something I had never imagined would be a part of my life. I still remember my Grade 6 register teacher gently explaining to me what was happening when I got my first period — something many girls go through alone. For a long time, school was the only place that celebrated my birthday. It made me feel seen, known, and valued. Pure Hope didn’t just teach us lessons in books — they rooted deep values and dreams within us. They believed in us when the world didn’t even know we existed. They gave me — and so many others — opportunities a child from Plastic View could only dream of. Today, I can proudly say: I carry the heart of Pure Hope in everything I do. Their impact is woven into the very fabric of who I am. And I will treasure that — forever. *Portia was one the first children in Pure Hope School. She is now a Pre-School Teacher at Pure Hope School while she is completing her studies at Aros.
PORTIA
Grade 9- 2021
I am writing this message with gratitude and joy. Pure Hope School has been more than just a school for me; it's been a family that took care of my mind, heart, and spirit. I want to say thank you for the incredible years I've spent here. The lessons I've learned, the friendships I've formed, and the experiences I've had have all contributed to shaping and changing me into the person who I am today. Most importantly, I want to acknowledge the role Pure Hope has played in my spiritual journey. It's here that I discovered the love of Jesus Christ and gave my life to Him. I will forever be grateful for the supportive environment, the teachers, and the friends who have walked with me on this path. To my teachers, thank you for your dedication, wisdom, and care. You've not only taught me academics but also life skills and values that will stay with me forever.
OFENTSE
Grade 7- 2022
A Place Filled with God's Love – My Pure Hope Story I love Pure Hope School because it is filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, with beautiful teachers and strong Christian values. Here, we are not only taught academic lessons, but we are also guided in how to live our lives, how to heal from the past, and how to walk in God’s truth. To me, Pure Hope is more than a school — it is a home. It is a place where the Kingdom of God is alive, where His love and care surround us, and where many hearts, including mine, have been healed and changed. Through this school, God showed me the path He chose for me — a path I am still walking today. I’ve learned that when we follow our own way instead of God’s way, we can face many struggles. But when we walk in His will, we find peace, purpose, and direction. That’s why I want to invite you to come and see Pure Hope for yourself. Come and experience the love of God in action. Come and see how lives are being changed, and how hope is restored every day.
MPILO
Grade 7- 2024
Pure Hope School is where I got big opportunities that led to where I am now. It helped me develop into someone I can be proud of. There are many things I am now better at in high school than my friends because of what I learned at Pure Hope. I attended the extra math classes by teacher Riana in the afternoons, and it helped me to be good at mental maths. I also learned to love God more during a leadership camp we had at school. This will always stand out as two of the best days of my life, because I came to know God and this changed my life forever. May the Lord give you peace.
LINCOLN
Grade 7- 2022
Pure Hope School was a great place for me. I got to learn a lot and it shaped me into the person I am today. I'm forever grateful to the school and all the teachers. The teachers taught me more about God and helped me in times I felt alone. I've always been a soft-hearted person and would cry over little things, but the teachers from Pure Hope taught me to be strong and brave. I am now able to see the good in every difficult situation that might come my way.
EVELYN
Grade 7- 2023
I want to thank Pure Hope and all the teachers for being with me during my educational journey. Pure Hope has taught me a lot of things since I was a child and I want to thank every teacher for this. I can’t even name all the memories of lessons, sports and activities I have. I appreciate the dedication and support of all the teachers. Since I moved to Zimbabwe, everything you taught me have been guiding me in everything I do and I am thankful for that. I hope each and every student learning at Pure Hope School now get all the help and support that they need.
LEON
Grade 7- 2022
Pure Hope changed my life in ways I never thought possible. I used to struggle with behavioural issues and felt lost, but the supportive environment and caring teachers helped me find my footing. One of the most impactful moments was when I gave my life to Jesus during a camp. It was a turning point for me, and I began to see positive changes in my behaviour and relationships. The teachers at Pure Hope didn't just teach academics; they invested in our lives, showing us love, kindness, and patience. I'll always be grateful for the lessons I learned and the friendships I formed. Pure Hope helped me discover my purpose and potential, and I will forever be thankful for this.
Tadiwa
Grade 7- 2021
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