These students are holding envelopes with their scholarship funds, money that allows them to buy school supplies and pay bus fares to reach their new schools.
Before Joy2theWorld, many children didn’t attend school at all. Those who enrolled in government schools might make it from Primary 1 through Junior High (JHS 3), but very few went further. Families often couldn’t afford to prioritize education when children could bring home a few coins instead.
Even students who completed JHS rarely continued on to Senior High School (SHS). Schools were often far away, and the costs of tuition, transportation, and supplies made attending nearly impossible.
That’s why Joy2theWorld provides scholarships—so students can pursue their education and their dreams. For example, Emmanuel Gray and Lawrence Tettey Djangmah are now attending a Catholic Technical High School, which comes with some additional fees. But this investment is worth it: the school equips students with skills in plumbing or electrical engineering, along with internship opportunities during school breaks to prepare them for real-world success.
Because of your support, these bright students are not only staying in school, they are preparing for meaningful careers and futures filled with possibility.

​We’re thrilled to share that Kathleen Gibbs, founder of Joy2theWorld International Christian Academy, has published a new book—now available on Kindle!
Awakened in Retirement: A New Season of Passion, Purpose, Service and Faith tells the inspiring story of how one decision in retirement led Kathleen from the business world to founding a school in West Africa.
With honesty, wisdom, and heart, she reflects on the journey of building Joy2theWorld from just 3 students to nearly 400—supported by 45 dedicated staff members and a growing waitlist each term.
This book is for anyone who’s ever asked, “What’s next for me?” and wondered what’s possible with prayer, courage, and faith. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to our mission, Kathleen’s story will move and inspire you.

Search “Awakened in Retirement: A New Season of Passion, Purpose, Service and Faith” on Amazon to get your copy or follow the link here. 

Our Kindergarten 1 students have been busy with a hands-on Project-Based Learning activity focused on planting and nurturing seedlings.
They planted vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, learning about each stage of plant growth along the way. This exciting project helped them explore the benefits of growing and eating healthy, chemical-free food while developing a deeper appreciation for nature.
It’s been a fun and educational journey for our young learners!

Our senior students have officially completed their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) — a significant milestone in their academic journey. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
With the support of the entire school community, they faced this important challenge with confidence. We’re excited to see what the future holds for each of them and wish them continued success as they take the next step in their education.

Our students were overjoyed to receive thoughtful gifts from their generous sponsors, delivered by Madam Kathleen upon her return to the U.S. The kind gesture was met with excitement and heartfelt gratitude from the children.

Our Primary 6 students recently visited the Tema Port in Accra as part of an educational trip to learn about Ghana’s import and export processes. Through this hands-on experience, they discovered how goods move in and out of the country and explored the types of products Ghana trades globally.

Our Primary 2 and Primary 6 students recently received mosquito nets from the Ghana Education Service (GES). This important initiative supports the fight against malaria and promotes the health and well-being of our students.

​We took our primary 3 students to the Accra Zoo to learn about the ecosystem
and wildlife. The students had a great time and learned a lot!

 It was a very long trip to the U.S.—longer than I remember! But I was warmly welcomed by my gracious host (and sponsor), Linda Pilcher, who provided a resting place and transportation to every event on my calendar. 🙏A big thank you to La Porte Rotary for the opportunity to present Joy2theWorld via Zoom. I’m especially grateful to Rick Helton and Derrick Meadows for making it possible. Zoom has its pros and cons… maybe someday the great tech gods will work out the kinks! 
It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar sponsors like Susan Passmore, Mason Peres, Brenda Thompson, Crystal Redden, and Terri Cook. I even had the chance to catch up with friends during my time in La Porte.
A special moment was presenting to North Shore Rotary during their lunch at San Jacinto Jr. College. Several amazing members signed up to sponsor students—thank you for your generosity! I also had the joy of visiting old friends, especially PDG Bill Palko. That meeting sparked a hopeful conversation about the potential for university education in the U.S. for our seniors, opening new doors to lifelong learning.
My final stop was at the La Porte Chamber of Commerce—short but sweet! Thank you to Jess Martin (President) and Meagan Weaver (V.P.) for allowing me to share our mission to end poverty through education. I even reconnected with Dr. Walter Jackson, Superintendent of La Porte ISD, and an old friend who once taught our staff and seniors via Zoom. I guess Zoom can be a good thing after all!
And of course, last but certainly not least, thank you to First United Methodist Church (FUMC). I was honored to revisit and share stories from their unforgettable trip to Ghana years ago. It’s largely because of these members—their sponsorships and relationships—that Joy2theWorld exists today. Alongside many other generous sponsors, their support has helped take children off the streets and into classrooms where they can reach their dreams. We are forever grateful.
Special thanks to Dr. “RevKev” Gilmore, who led a team of 13 to Ghana in 2017. As he introduced me to speak, he wore his “Ghana shirt” proudly! Back then, we had just 125 students. Today, we serve 395. RevKev is planning to return with a team of 10 in September and has committed to join our Board of Directors. We are honored. 

All of our classes are diving into Project-Based Learning as they prepare for their big PTA presentation on July 25! Our Junior High School students have taken the lead on an inspiring environmental initiative: cleaning up a local park and marketplace.
One of the challenges they’re tackling? The women who sell corn in the market often leave husks behind, and with only one oversized bin available, the overflow becomes a serious issue. It’s not just about cleanup, it’s about systems, equity, and long-term solutions.
Through this project, our students are learning first-hand about leadership, local politics, and environmental responsibility. Their first meeting with Assemblyman Mr. Joseph Nii Sonketa Ankrah opened their eyes to the scope of the problem—and the need for a sustainable strategy. Next up: discussions with the local EPA and the Ga West Municipal Assembly.
While Joy2theWorld will support the effort, this is intentionally designed to be a Community-Led Project. We’ve learned someone may be collecting a fee from the corn vendors... so the team is ready to “follow the money”!
Stay tuned as our young change makers take bold steps toward a cleaner, more accountable community!