After surviving Liberia's civil war and finding a new life in South Jersey, the Absegami High School and Stockton University graduate is helping children in his homeland receive the education he once feared he would never have.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — When Eli Gbayee arrived in the United States as a 14-year-old refugee from Liberia, he had spent much of his childhood struggling to survive in refugee camps rather than attending school.
Today, the Absegami High School and Stockton University graduate is working to give children in his homeland the educational opportunities that changed his own life.
Gbayee, founder and president of the Atlantic City-based nonprofit Hope for Liberia, is seeking sponsors to help 125 children attend school during the current academic year.
A donation of $250 can cover one child's tuition and school uniform for an entire year, according to Gbayee.
During a Tuesday, Sept. 22, appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND, Gbayee told guest host Dave Delaney that his organization has already received donations toward its goal but is seeking additional sponsors.
"Education is the key to life," Gbayee said. "I always tell people, once you give somebody education, they can go anywhere and be able to survive and make it."
For Gbayee, that belief comes from personal experience.
A Childhood Spent Surviving Liberia's Civil War
Gbayee was just 4 years old when he became separated from his family during Liberia's civil war.
He spent approximately eight and a half years living in refugee camps, struggling to find food and shelter.
"I got lost in my family when I was four years old during the Civil War. And I was living on my own in a refugee camp for eight and a half years," he recalled.
Gbayee said he had only one pair of pants and no shoes during much of that time.
He survived by collecting firewood and selling it to purchase food.
His family eventually believed he had died, but an aunt discovered him in a refugee camp and helped reunite him with his parents.
The family subsequently received an opportunity to resettle in the United States.
On Aug. 3, 1999, Gbayee arrived in America at age 14.
Although he had missed years of formal education, he was enrolled in high school because of his age.
He attended Absegami High School in Galloway Township, where he received additional academic assistance from teachers determined to help him succeed.
Gbayee recalled riding his bicycle from Egg Harbor City to Absegami to receive extra help with his schoolwork.
He eventually graduated from high school and continued his education at Stockton University.
"I was able to go to school, and now here I am giving back, going back, trying to help young people," he said.
Two Pairs of Flip-Flops Sparked a Mission
Gbayee returned to Liberia in 2013, where an encounter with two young girls changed the direction of his life.
The children had no shoes, and he purchased flip-flops for them.
The experience reminded him of his own childhood and the hardships he had endured.
He decided he wanted to do more.
With support from South Jersey churches and community members, Gbayee began collecting donations and supplies to help children and families in Liberia.
That effort eventually grew into Hope for Liberia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities, clean water, medical assistance and basic necessities to people in need.
The organization has since expanded its work to include student scholarships, school supplies and assistance for families affected by poverty and disability.
Hope for Liberia is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Atlantic City.
$250 Can Send a Child to School for an Entire Year
Gbayee's immediate priority is helping 125 children attend school during the current academic year.
He said many families in Liberia struggle to afford tuition, uniforms and other educational expenses.
Some children must walk several miles to school, carrying their shoes in plastic bags to prevent them from wearing out.
Others are unable to attend school at all because their families cannot afford the cost.
Gbayee said his organization works with schools affiliated with churches in Liberia and pays tuition directly to the schools.
"So when we raise the money, we go and pay the tuition to the school," he explained. "We don't give it to the parents because we don't want them to use it for something else. So we want these kids to go to school."
A $250 sponsorship covers tuition and a uniform for one student for the academic year, according to Gbayee.
The organization assists children from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Gbayee said sponsors receive a photograph of the student they are helping, along with information about the school the child attends.
At the end of the academic year, the organization provides a report card so sponsors can see the student's progress.
Those who wish to continue supporting the same student can renew their sponsorship in subsequent years.
The organization also accepts smaller contributions, which can be combined to cover the cost of a full scholarship.
A 9-Year-Old Girl Gets Her First Chance to Attend School
Among the children Hope for Liberia is helping this year is a 9-year-old girl who has never attended school.
Gbayee said the child was born in 2017 but lacked the financial resources needed to begin her education.
With assistance from Hope for Liberia, she is now preparing to enter kindergarten.
"So at 9 years old, she's never gone to school," Gbayee said.
He explained that children who miss years of education may begin at a grade level appropriate to their academic experience rather than their age.
The organization also helps children whose parents are disabled, visually impaired or unable to provide for their educational needs.
Gbayee said he is particularly concerned about children who are eager to learn but have no way to pay for school.
His own experience arriving in South Jersey after years without formal education continues to motivate his work.
He recalled the opportunities he received at Absegami, including transportation, school meals and teachers willing to provide additional assistance.
"Just being able to get on the bus and go to school, that was a blessing," he said.
A South Jersey Church's Gift Continues Helping a Family
During the interview, Delaney recalled another example of the organization's connection to South Jersey.
Years ago, Gbayee visited Delaney's church and described a blind man in Liberia who had lost his guitar.
A church member named Charlie Taylor went home, retrieved one of his own guitars and donated it to the man.
Gbayee said the recipient still has the instrument and uses it to perform gospel music on weekends.
The donations he receives from those performances help support his family.
Gbayee also said a local pastor recently contributed money to help the man's son attend school.
The story illustrates how donations from South Jersey residents can continue helping families in Liberia long after the initial gift.
How South Jersey Residents Can Help
Hope for Liberia is seeking individuals, businesses, churches and community organizations willing to sponsor students.
Gbayee said the organization has already received donations toward its 125-student goal, but additional support is needed.
Residents can make contributions through the organization's official website:
https://www.hope-for-liberia.org/
Donations can also be mailed to:
Hope for Liberia
P.O. Box 522
Atlantic City, NJ 08404
For additional information, residents can contact the organization at 609-328-4657.
Hope for Liberia is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Gbayee also welcomes opportunities to speak with local churches, community organizations and civic groups about the organization's work.
He said his goal is to help children obtain an education that can provide opportunities not only for themselves but also for their families and communities.
For a man who once struggled to survive in refugee camps and feared he might never attend school, helping another child enter a classroom carries special meaning.
"I knew this firsthand because, like, I didn't have a chance to go to school," Gbayee said.
"But when I came to America, you know, I'm so grateful to this country for all the opportunities that it gives to me."
Now, through Hope for Liberia, he is working to extend those opportunities to the next generation.
Eli Gbayee, founder and president of Hope for Liberia, discussed the organization's student sponsorship campaign during an appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick, guest-hosted by Dave Delaney, on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND. The program airs Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
About the Author
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
