5/22/2025 India (International Christian Concern) — As a fourth grader, Samira struggled to grasp the basics of English, math, and other subjects. She quickly lost interest in school, and her grades started to suffer. Although she was the first in her family to attend school, her parents eventually stopped supporting her education.

Everything changed when Samira’s parents, who struggle to support their family, learned about International Christian Concern’s (ICC) Hope House ministry. After Samira enrolled in the Hope House near her, teachers rekindled her desire to learn, and her grades improved significantly.

“Her progress has been so remarkable that even her parents have noticed and expressed their appreciation to the staff at Hope House,” an ICC staffer said. “It is truly inspiring to see Samira beginning to shine academically, with noticeable growth in her studies thanks to the support and guidance she is now receiving.” 

Samira is one of more than 250 students enrolled in ICC’s eight Hope Houses in India. The staffer added that most students who enroll in the Hope House live in poverty and cannot read or write. However, as they continue their education, they start to grasp many new concepts.

“The Hope House has become an invaluable resource for children to learn and build a better future for themselves,” the staffer said.

Samira’s future is much brighter now that she can read, write, and understand math concepts. Like other Hope House graduates, she has a better chance at breaking her family’s generational cycle of poverty. 

“We at the Hope House are proud to witness Samira’s confidence grow each day,” the staffer said. “She is grateful to be part of the Hope House, as her educational journey has taken a positive turn. Her parents and grandparents are thrilled with her progress and have seen tangible improvements, expressing their gratitude for the support they’ve received.”

Visit ICC’s Hope House page to learn how you can support students like Samira.

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email press@persecution.org.