On behalf of the Mona Board of Directors and staff, it is a pleasure to send you our 2024 Impact Report highlighting how your support helped Mona Foundation educate 1,423,570 students through 24 grassroots organizations in 15 countries. THANK YOU for believing and dreaming with us, and for creating hope and opportunities for so many of our deserving children. You make our work possible.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of Mona Foundation’s relentless efforts—through both good times and challenging times—working in partnership with our resilient grassroots organizations to contribute to the betterment of our world. From the outset, our aim has been to educate every child on the planet and foster gender equality as key drivers to eradicating poverty, and to promote service to others as a natural path to scaling positive societal change.
The uncertain and ever-changing times we are currently in, where the values we hold dear are being tested, ranks among our most challenging times. In the face of such disintegration and polarization, our purpose has never been clearer: Build a lasting organization which, together with an army of people of goodwill, is shaping a future where no child goes to bed hungry, no mother mourns the loss of a child to preventable disease, no life is lost to conflict, and where justice rules.
To this end, Mona Foundation is forging ahead without pause. Guided by a strong Board and with Laura Baerwolf, a dedicated, selfless, and experienced professional now serving as our Managing Director, we are pressing onward with unwavering determination to reach 10,000,000 students by 2030. We trust that with YOU as the wind in our sail, no storm — however tempestuous—will cast us adrift from our intended course.
Stay with us. Hold our hands. Shape the future with us as you have over the past 25 years. Together, and only together, can we achieve our goal.
Your co-worker in service,
Mahnaz Javid President
P.S. The needs have never been greater as several of our partner organizations have experienced the loss of promised support from other funders. A Giving Envelope is enclosed. Please help us meet the urgent needs of these challenging times.
The State of Our World
Poverty is the greatest obstacle to quality education, especially for girls. In these tumultuous and polarizing times, access to education has never been more urgent. Imagine a world where every child has access to education. This isn't a dream, it's a future we are shaping together.
90% of children in lowincome countries are unable to read proficiently at age 10.
244 million children worldwide did not go to school
Common indicators and results across all grassroots partners
Our Partner Organizations
In 2024 we partnered with 24 grassroots organizations in 15 countries to educate and empower 1,423,570 students.
Mona Foundation envisions a world where every child on the planet has access to education—because education changes everything. It enables. It empowers. It gives voice. It gives choice. It protects the environment. It promotes peace.
Since 1999, we have worked to make this vision a reality. With the conviction that lasting social change must begin and be led by local communities, we partner with grassroots organizations around the world that educate children, empower women and girls, and foster ethics and service to develop change agents who uplift themselves, their families, and their communities.
Each partner is a beacon of hope and progress; each student a world of potential. This work is enhancing progress on gender equality, breaking the cycle of poverty, and contributing to sustainable change in the overall well-being of communities in dozens of countries across four continents.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
Anthonella (age 10), attends the School of the Future on a Mona scholarship. Her father, Johan, has seen remarkable growth in her behavior, qualities, and attitudes.
“Every day, we see great progress in our daughter,” he explains. “She improves her behaviors, helps us in every way, and applies the lessons she learns at school to enrich our family life.” Seeing Anthonella grow as a person and thrive in her education has been deeply moving. The scholarship came during a challenging time for the family. “Our greatest achievement was being welcomed by this school during the most difficult moment of our lives,” Johan shared. “I have no words to thank you for everything you have done for me and my family.”
Brazil ADCAM
The Association for the Cohesive Development of the Amazon (ADCAM) in Manaus operates two initiatives: a preK-12 School of the Future (Escola do Futuro) and the Young Apprentice Program which promotes the successful entry of youth ages 14-24 into the labor market. Both aim to raise citizens who strive for excellence, demonstrate moral leadership, and see themselves as change agents dedicated to serving their community. Nationally recognized for promoting the overall wellbeing of its community, ADCAM also offers after-school programs for students at nearby schools, hosts a dynamic elders’ program, and regularly visits its families at home. In 2024, the school introduced new robotics classes, sparking greater student interest in STEM subjects.
With Your Help:
254 K-12 students educated
322 youth trained in the Young Apprentice Program
75 students received scholarships
34 teachers trained
41%
2024 TOTAL $110,000
The Badi Foundation’s Moral Empowerment Through Language program in Macau empowers middle school youth to build moral character, improve their capacity for self-expression, and enhance their ability to identify and fulfill community needs through acts of service. In 2024, Badi collaborated with two schools to offer the program during school hours as well as an extracurricular activity. It also provided the “Teachers as Researchers” program to educators, enabling them to explore action research on altruism, empowerment, and student engagement in social issues.
Teaching with Trust
During the "Teachers as Researchers" program, Ms. Esther explored this idea: “Trust students to have the capacity to engage diligently in worthwhile endeavors and to overcome difficult challenges.”
Noticing that one student was having difficulty focusing in class, Esther engaged her in conversations that eventually led to the topic of social media usage. Together, they looked at the student’s screen time statistics and found that she was on her phone 9 hours/day, mostly on TikTok and YouTube. Reflecting on this, the student decided to set a goal to reduce her screen time to 5 hours/day. Ms. Esther offered encouragement and support throughout the next week. The result? The student reduced her screen time to under 5 hours/ day and began reading books instead of constantly looking at her phone. She felt encouraged to continue her efforts and further decrease her screen time.
Ms. Esther reflected on the importance of trusting in students' capacity to make positive changes and conveying this trust in conversation with students.
Badi School
Mona’s partnership with Badi School began in 2000 with scholarships for 2 students. Over the last 24 years, Badi School has grown from a K-3 program into one of the finest K-12 schools in Panama, integrating high quality academics, arts, and technology programs with an inclusive moral education program. Panama’s Ministry of Education was so impressed by the exceptional quality of Badi graduates and their contributions to the betterment of their communities that it implemented the moral education curriculum in all schools across the country. In 2024, Badi added three new courses to this curriculum for older students: From Friendship to Marriage: the basis of our relationships, The Vision of Peace in Education, and Rational Vanguard Leadership.
Badi Students Participate at The National Robotics Competition
In 2024, Badi School offered robotics classes in advanced programming, sensor technology, and mechanics. The top students participated in the National Robotics Competition in June, presenting three socially impactful projects: a forestry project that uses robots and QR codes to take tree inventories and detect diseased trees needing treatment; a flood prevention project that deploys sensors and a surveillance robot to detect river levels and issue high water alerts; and a soil improvement project that programs a robot to deliver fertilizer to infertile or barren lands.
With Your Help:
400 students educated
36 teachers trained
15 students awarded scholarships
212 students benefited from Music & Arts programs
950,000 students at 3,400 schools benefited from Badi’s Moral Education curriculum
Panama
Barli Institute
India
Barli Institute for the Development of Rural Women in Madhya Pradesh is a portal for social change, using a forward-thinking curriculum to help build a world where women and girls can thrive. Serving young women from over 950 villages, Barli offers a six-month residential training program in literacy, vocational skills, and community development to provide its students with the skills to start their own business and the confidence to lead the transformation of their villages. In 2024, Barli began using Mindspark adaptive AI learning software to improve literacy, Hindi language skills, and math proficiency for newly literate and senior trainees. The institute was also featured in Mona’s 25th Anniversary documentary “Light and Air: Breathing Life into Dreams.”
Barli Graduates Bring Knowledge and Hope to Their Village
Eager to serve their village, new Barli graduates Shivani, Muskan, and Raveena visited the local health center to offer their help. The director was so impressed by their knowledge and passion for service that he took them to meet the local school principal and suggested they be allowed to teach. The remote village lacked local teachers and had long relied on teachers from distant towns who travelled to the village when they could. The principal welcomed the idea and adjusted the school schedule, opening an hour early to accommodate the Barli graduates’ class. Now, for the first time, the village children are receiving consistent, quality education, sparking new hope and brighter opportunities.
Shivani's mother shares: “By attending the Barli Institute, Shivani has been given a second chance at life. I didn’t want her to live the life I lived, and now, seeing her help the children in our village, I feel proud and hopeful for her future.”
With Your Help:
174 young women trained and then educated 5,220 others
23 teachers trained
454 family members engaged
India Educational Initiatives
Educational Initiatives is pioneering the use of AI-driven adaptive learning software to revolutionize how teachers teach and how students learn. Mindspark, their premier tool, helps students across diverse backgrounds learn at their own pace. Based on cutting-edge research and decades of experience, Mindspark determines each student’s learning style and addresses gaps in understanding with tailored questions, activities, games, and challenges. Mona partners with Educational Initiatives in collaboration with PLT Health Solutions to bring Mindspark to students at low-income schools in the states of Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Impact of AI in Education
Sujal (age 14) did well in many subjects but struggled with math and English. Despite his single mother's hard work, there was no money for a tutor. In Grade 6, his school began offering Ei’s Mindspark software which identified Sujal’s learning gaps and provided personalized support. With regular practice, his confidence and performance soared, inspiring peers and earning praise from teachers. Sujal now dreams of joining the Indian Civil Service to uplift marginalized communities. His journey highlights the power of targeted learning and perseverance.
With Your Help:
32,344 students received quality education
800 teachers trained to use Mindspark in 450 schools
1,000 parents trained or engaged in support of their children’s education
Cameroon Emergence Foundation
For nearly two decades, the Emergence Foundation for Education and Development has worked to implement the Preparation for Social Action (PSA) program to improve access to secondary education and raise the capacity of youth and adults to become effective agents of change in their communities. Equivalent to the first two years of high school, the PSA curriculum covers academics (language, science and math) and processes of community life such as agriculture, health, education, and environmental conservation to address regional needs. Those who complete the first level earn the designation Promoter of Community WellBeing. The next two levels seek to increase the capacity of Promoters to support the sound development of their communities.
Evolving Approach Strengthens Community Ownership
Having trained over 2,000 PSA graduates in the last decade, Emergence took time this year to consult on how to foster greater local ownership and decisionmaking. In the end, it decided it was timely to decentralize coordination of the PSA program to associations of PSA graduates in the East and North, while collaborating with regional institutions and agencies to expand the program in the West. With this new arrangement, Emergence will provide training, materials, and support for locally-identified graduates to become PSA tutors and lead the development of their communities. With an emphasis on health, agriculture, the environment, and deeper collaboration with local and regional institutions, Emergence is sowing the seeds of sustainable, community-driven change.
With Your Help: 19
facilitators trained
Colombia FUNDAEC
The Foundation for the Application and Teaching of Science (FUNDAEC) works to empower individuals and communities, particularly in rural areas, through education and capacity-building. Its programs aim to enhance human potential, promote social well-being, and address challenges in education, agriculture, community organization, and local economies. In 2024, Mona supported three FUNDAEC programs:
• Supporting Community Leaders – helping youth to achieve excellence in a trade or profession, exercise leadership, and contribute to bettering their communities.
• Transforming the Environment – training and mobilizing youth, parents, and teachers in agroforestry to enable food security and preserve the environment.
• Preparation for Social Action expansion to the indigenous Wayuu community – equipping young people with skills to promote their community’s wellbeing.
In carrying out these programs, FUNDAEC collaborated with 11 local government agencies, 12 schools, 15 non-governmental organizations, and 21 community leaders.
Cultivating Leadership and Community
Danna (age 21) lives in the rural area of Yarumales and is pursuing a Business Administration degree. Her journey with the Preparation for Social Action (PSA) program began when she was recognized for her leadership potential and invited to serve as a tutor. Despite initial challenges, she built a committed group of 12 young participants. Through this experience, she has developed perseverance, patience, and organizational skills. “My dreams include strengthening the PSA group, promoting respect, joy, and responsibility, and serving as an example for my community. Additionally, I aspire to foster a deeper connection with the countryside. Thanks to what I’ve learned through FUNDAEC and the PSA program, I have come to understand how valuable it is to live in harmony with nature, grow our own food, and share that experience with others.”
With Your Help:
68 youth from 22 communities empowered as community leaders
1,271 participants from 155 communities trained in agroforestry, planting 8,000 trees
70 people, mostly from indigenous Wayuu community, completed Preparation for Social Action training
26% Supporting Community Leaders $72,163
43% Transforming the Environment $120,000
31% Promoters of Community Well-being (La Guajira) $90,000
2024 TOTAL $282,163
MONA PARTNER
From Rural Roots to Global Impact
Year ago, Arturo had an epiphany while attending Piru summer school that revealed how his talent for math and engineering could serve others. His father had left elementary school to work in the fields, a skill Arturo admired, but he aspired to expand his own potential. With his teachers’ support, he earned a scholarship to attend university, graduated with honors, and secured a fulfilling engineering job. Now in his late 20s, Arturo returned to Piru to inspire other summer school students, sharing that his work involved developing a satellite to identify emerging drought areas and food-security risks. While his father still contributed to the region’s breadbasket, Arturo’s efforts help feed communities on a global scale.
Learning
Full-Circle Learning (FCL) helps young people embrace their role as humanitarians and change agents. Mona supports two programs in California: a summer school in Piru serving children of migrant workers, and an after-school program in Tarzana where the diverse student body speaks 44 different languages. FCL’s Habits of the Heart curriculum integrates academics, arts, character education, and conflict resolution, guiding students to embrace a life of service. At the end of 2024, FCL concluded its longstanding partnership with Mona after after the Piru program closed due to shifting demographics and responsiblity for the Tarzana program transitioned to the local school.
“We thank Mona Foundation for partnering with us to encourage the consistency and longevity of programs that have shaped generations of families new to America.”
– Teresa Langness, Full-Circle Learning, Founding Board President
With Your Help:
45 students from 3 communities attended summer school
12 students attended the after-school program
35 parents engaged in activities
6 service projects benefited 2,400 individuals
2024 TOTAL $28,603
India Glory School
Glory School serves students from the remote villages near Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh with a special focus on educating girls. Most villagers are subsistence farmers and many are among the most disadvantaged in the state. The school strives for excellence in academics, arts, athletics, and digital technology. It also offers an after-school moral education program that empowers students to contribute to the betterment of their communities. In 2024, Glory School received their grade 10 credentials, officially becoming a registered high school, with 90% of their 10th grade students receiving distinctions on their government board exams.
With Your Help:
426 students received education
100 girls received scholarships
22 teachers trained
12 service projects impacting 620 community members
Breaking Caste Barriers
In the village where Glory School is located, caste divisions were once stark, with higher and lower caste families living in strict social segregation. Lower caste students faced discrimination, and even construction workers and teachers initially refused tea prepared by lower caste employees.
Glory School has played a pivotal role in changing these practices. Lower caste staff were promoted to respected positions, and ongoing education instilled the value of human dignity among staff and workers. As the school’s influence grew, extreme caste practices began to fade.
Today, students who have received years of education on equality see no meaning in caste distinctions. Staff, workers, and their families have recognize the inhumanity of caste-based discrimination. While challenges remain, the village has made significant progress in breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive community.
Hope Academy
Hope Academy is the only secondary school for girls in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. Offering a formal sixyear program, the school provides high quality, holistic education in a clean, spacious, and supportive environment to engage, educate, and empower girls who are at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints, suspected abuse, or exploitation. In 2024, Hope Academy educated 78 students from five communities and completed the construction of a new senior secondary school building. Having partnered with Mona only 2 years ago, students have already shown remarkable academic progress. Well-trained teachers, better equipped classrooms, and wellfed students have come together to markedly enhance learning outcomes.
Never Give Up
Theresa (age 17) has attended Hope Academy since 2021 and aspires to become a lawyer. Over the past several years, she has gained valuable knowledge and built lasting friendships. She and her classmates work hard, study together, and enjoy their time as a community.
“I always dreamed of coming to Hope Academy. I have learned many things which I’m proud of and grateful for. I have gained much knowledge from the many visitors from different countries with different qualifications and experiences that come to our school. They explain themselves, and how they achieved their dreams. From these I have learned to never give up on what you want in life no matter what challenges you face, keep on pushing until you reach your goal.’’
Sierra Leone
MONA PARTNER 2022
JET Education Services
JET Education Services, an educational nonprofit based in Johannesburg, has worked to improve the quality of education in South Africa for over three decades. In partnership with PLT Health Solutions, Mona’s relationship with JET began when Educational Initiatives selected it to pilot the Mindspark Learner Education Program in six primary schools in South Africa’s Western Cape. The goal was to enhance student performance in math and science. The pilot successfully concluded with high praise from key officials of the Western Cape Education Department. With continuing support from Mona and PLT Health Solutions, JET now plans to expand the Mindspark program to more than 4,000 students at low-income public schools in the coming year.
A Student's Perspective
Matthew (age 12) attends a no-fee school subsidized by the Western Cape Education Department. He has been part of the Mindspark program since 2022.
“I live in an area that faces many challenges, such as gangs, unemployment, and drugs. My family does their best to provide for me, but we don’t have much. I have found Mindspark incredibly helpful in improving my understanding of mathematics. My parents are especially pleased because they have noticed a consistent improvement in my math grades. One day, I hope to attend university and become a lawyer because I want to help people who are less fortunate and need support. I believe that fairness and equality are essential for building a better society.”
With Your Help:
6 primary schools implemented Mindspark
1,396 students received quality education
28 teachers trained
South Africa
MONA PARTNER
MAIA Impact School
Guatemala
MAIA Impact School in Sololá is the first and only female, Indigenous-led secondary school in Central America. A leader in holistic education, the school serves Mayan girls from over 40 rural highland villages. Students are called “Girl Pioneers” because they are blazing a new trajectory towards prosperity and equal opportunity.
In 2024, 73% of graduates enrolled in university and 61% became formally employed (compared to 2-7% for Indigenous women in Guatemala). MAIA is now sharing their expertise with other schools, organizations, and government agencies to scale best practices in education, gender equity, and socioemotional support.
With Your Help:
375
Amelia's Journey from Limitations to Limitless Dreams
Amelia, a young Maya Kaqchikel woman, is from a community where societal pressures often limit girls’ education. Amelia once faced the possibility of ending her studies after primary school. But everything changed when she joined the MAIA Impact School. Overcoming cultural barriers, she became the first in her family to graduate high school.
With the support of MAIA, Amelia developed critical-thinking skills and gained confidence. Now pursuing her dream of becoming an architect at San Carlos University, she aims to contribute to her community through social projects and inspire other young women.
“My dreams haven’t changed, but they have evolved and grown as I’ve become more confident,” she says. “I am thrilled that more young women are studying at MAIA. They motivate me to continue pursuing my dreams as I see myself reflected in them. I wish to inspire many more young women to know the power of their words and voices.”
MONA PARTNER
Mongolian Development Center
Collaborating closely with public kindergartens, the Mongolian Development Center (MDC) trains teachers and engages parents to implement its renowned “Hidden Gems” early childhood development program. Rooted in the belief that every child possesses inherent nobility and potential, the curriculum uses workbooks, songs, and stories to teach children ages 2-5 to develop a virtuous character. MDC tailors its approach to each kindergarten based on their level of experience to ensure a dynamic and effective implementation of the curriculum across diverse educational settings.
Building the Foundations of Success
The father of an MDC student shared his heartfelt appreciation for the kindergarten teachers who guided his young daughter from ages two to five. Reflecting on her strong educational foundation, he said: “Thanks to your teaching, my daughter has learned not only academics but also values like love, respect, and helping others. I now see how vital early education is—her firstgrade teacher praised her kindergarten foundation, and I regret not thanking you sooner. My deepest gratitude to teachers Tsetsegmaa and Badamaa. The students you have nurtured are a testament to your dedication. Thank you.”
With Your Help:
13 public schools in 4 communities conducted Hidden Gems curriculum
2,142 pre-k and kindergarten students received character education
670 parents participated in training on developing good moral character in their children
New Era Creative Space
United States
New Era Creative Space in Peekskill, New York empowers young people to explore their innate capabilities and engage in social action. Mona supports its Girls EmpowerED program which helps girls ages 12-15 deconstruct the negative messaging they face in society and develop resilience. Led by older youth mentors, the program involves weekly meetings, seasonal retreats, travel-learning, and community service. Meetings focus on healthy self-esteem and moral leadership, providing a safe space for girls to build capacity to advocate for themselves, voice their opinions, and build leadership qualities. In 2024, enrichment activities include learning about yoga, regenerative farming, and the dangers of stereotypes, and a trip to visit Starfish International in The Gambia.
Empowered to Serve
Ariana began attending New Era Creative Space in elementary school. With its supportive programs over the years, she has grown into a passionate leader, serving as a Girls EmpowerED mentor and hosting her podcast “My Activist Life”. She also served as her school’s Student Council President and as Vice President of the Peekskill NAACP Youth Council. Now studying African American Studies on a premed track at Harvard University, she aspires to become a perinatologist and policymaker, fighting maternal mortality disparities. Ariana’s commitment to service reflects the impact of NECS in shaping young leaders.
With Your Help:
18 junior high and high school girls empowered
6 service projects impacted 150 people
2024 TOTAL $11,000
Mona began in 1999 supporting the education of 4 students in two schools with a budget of $5,000.
With a global community of changemakers as the wind in our sails, Mona celebrates 25 years of relentless effort that has provided 5,686,532 students with access to quality education through 41 partner organizations in 23 countries — transforming lives, families, and communities.
Our growth continues to accelerate as our long-term support enables our grassroots partners to build capacity and collaborate with civil society and their governments to scale their proven life-changing programs.
Parent University
Parent University in Savannah, Georgia works to break the cycle of persistent generational poverty by training parents and caregivers to enhance their parenting, life, and leadership skills and become effective advocates of their children in schools. Courses are designed with input from the community and include early childhood education, preparing children for school, navigating public systems, technical training, financial training, and health and wellness. Weekend sessions are generally held at a local high school. By creating a strong bridge between schools and community, Parent University helps maximize student learning and provides a culture of support and guidance in which families can thrive. The program is now also offered in Chicago and Pensacola.
Expanding Impact
In 2024, Parent University Savannah expanded its impact by increasing accessibility and inclusivity. Recognizing the growing participation of Hispanic parents, the program introduced translators to ensure all families could fully engage. Additionally, virtual sessions were launched, allowing parents who couldn’t attend in person to benefit from workshops on academic support, parenting strategies, and financial literacy. The program continued fostering strong community connections through barbershop workshops and collaborations with local schools. By adapting to the evolving needs of families, Parent University strengthened its role in empowering parents to support their children’s education and success.
With Your Help:
658 parents trained in parenting and life skills in support of their children’s education and wellbeing
174 parents graduated from the program
United States
Programme for Children
Programme for Children (PFC) collaborates with community members, local and religious leaders, and government agencies to improve access to education in Sierra Leone’s rural villages. The organization is a great example of participatory community-based development at its best. The community provides the land and manual labor. PFC secures funding, oversees construction, supports teacher training, and provides materials and supplies, including health services for girls. The Ministry of Education trains, certifies and pays the teachers to ensure students receive a high-quality education. In 2024, two new Mona-funded schools opened their doors for the first time: a junior secondary school in Kpatobu and a senior secondary school in Tihun.
Breaking Barriers: Wuyatta’s Journey of Education and Community Impact
Financial struggles and lack of menstrual supplies nearly forced Wuyatta (age 16) to drop out of school. But through Programme for Children, she received school supplies, mentorship, menstrual hygiene kits, and sexual and reproductive health lessons, allowing her to attend school regularly and improve academically. Once struggling to pass, Wuyatta now ranks among the top five in her class. Beyond academics, she leads community discussions on hygiene and reproductive health, breaking stigmas and fostering awareness in her village. She aspires to attend Bo School of Nursing at Njala University and return to her village as a nurse, improving healthcare for her community. Her mother proudly shares, “Wuyatta is not only helping herself but uplifting our family and others.”
With Your Help:
588 students educated at the new Kpatobu junior secondary school and Tihun senior secondary school
1,711 students educated at 7 Mona funded schools, 1 vocational training center, and 1 library
6 teachers trained
Sierra Leone
MONA PARTNER
Ruhi Arbab and Simmons Bahá’í Schools
Colombia
The Ruhi Arbab and Simmons Baháʼí Schools provide high quality K-12 education to children and youth in the neighboring towns of Puerta Tejada and Jamundi. Their curriculum aims to empower students through academic, spiritual, and moral education to improve their own lives and contribute to the development of their communities. Both schools operate under the auspices of Ruhi Arbab Baha’i Foundation. In 2024, Simmons added a new 4th grade classroom while Ruhi Arbab improved infrastructure. Both schools also trained teachers and engaged parents in workshops and home visits to enhance education and well-being.
Building a Renowned and Caring Community
Foundation Director Roxana Diaz Palacios
shared that both Simmons and Ruhi Arbab Bahá’í Schools have earned strong community recognition, making enrollment highly sought after. Parents are drawn to the schools after witnessing the kindness and respect demonstrated by their students. The nurturing environment and values instilled in the classroom are reflected in students’ actions beyond school, inspiring families to seek the same transformative education for their children.
With Your Help:
Anna’s Journey: Stitching a Brighter Future
Anna, a third-year tailoring student at the Skills Center, has transformed adversity into opportunity. Raised by a resilient single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children, Anna was unable to pursue formal education and turned to skills training to build a future for herself and her family. At Starfish, she grew from a novice to a confident tailor and has now launched a small business that helps support her household.
“The Starfish Skills Center has given me more than just a trade,” she shares. “It has given me confidence, the tools to support my family, and the hope to dream bigger than I ever thought possible.” As she nears graduation, Anna plans to establish a tailoring workshop to create opportunities for other young women. She credits her success to the unwavering support of her mother, teachers, and Mona Foundation, who all believed in her potential and contributed to her training.
Starfish International
The Gambia
Starfish International’s Skills Center offers training and certification in Tailoring, Hairdressing and Cosmetics, Catering and Hotel Management, and Arts and Crafts, enabling students to earn an income and uplift their families and communities. Mona first partnered with Starfish International in 2018, when the Skills Center was one room with two sewing machines and five students. With Mona’s support, the center has grown to nine classrooms serving 200 students, with an income generating salon, restaurant, and event hall -- and a bed and breakfast under construction. The school pledge, which students recite daily, includes: “I am not the product of my circumstances. I am the composite of all the things that I believe and all the places I believe I can go. My past does not define me. I can step out of my history and create a new day for myself.”
With Your Help:
200 girls and women trained in tailoring, hairdressing, arts and crafts, and hotel management
22 teachers trained
50 students completed internships
59% Infrastructure & Construction $37,200 41% Scholarships $26,000
Study Hall Educational Foundation
SHEF employs an inclusive, holistic, and unique social justice-based curriculum to redefine education, build students’ agency and personhood, focus on community engagement and norm change, and influence government systems to be more equitable. Among its network of schools and outreach programs in rural and urban India, Mona supports the Aarohini Girls Empowerment Program, training SHEF and government teachers to help students critically understand and stand against gender injustice; GyanSetu Centers, offering a range of programs from early childhood and primary education to adult literacy and vocational training in urban slums and rural villages, and Digital Study Hall, which creates quality instructional videos for use in underserved schools.
Raveena Stands Against Child Marriage
Raveena, an 8th-grade student in the Aarohini Girls Empowerment program, showed remarkable bravery when she learned that a minor girl in her neighborhood was about to be married. Drawing from lessons at school, she tried to persuade the girl’s family against it, explaining the harm and illegality of child marriage. When they ignored her, she alerted the police. Authorities stopped the wedding and warned the family of legal consequences. Thanks to Raveena’s courage, the girl was given the chance to continue her childhood and education. Her actions sent a powerful message to the community about protecting children's rights, showing how one empowered girl can challenge harmful practices and change lives.
With Your Help:
421,786 students educated
76,945 girls empowered
2,441 boys trained as champions of gender justice
150 girls received K-12 scholarships, 50 girls receive college scholarships
35,842 teachers trained
Sunflower Mission
Sunflower Mission provides access to K-12 education to marginalized children living in the remote villages of Vietnam who would otherwise be at risk of falling into lives of crime, abuse, and human trafficking. To date, Sunflower Mission has built 65 schools in rural areas and provided scholarship to support the education of more than 20,000 students. Access to a basic education opens the door for these children to have a dignified and productive future and to contribute to the transformation of their villages. In 2024, Sunflower Mission and Mona built the new Long Thanh 2 school in Rach Gia, and celebrated its completion with a special ceremony.
Converging Anniversaries
This year marked the 20th Anniversary of Sunflower Mission’s annual workcamp which brings dozens of volunteers to Vietnam, including many VietnameseAmerican youth, to put the finishing touches on newly built schools, engage with students, and take part in cultural exchanges. In a very special convergence of events, this year’s workcamp came to the new Long Thanh 2 school in Rach Gia. During the completion ceremony, Sunflower Mission founder and Mona board member Duy-Loan Le, pointed to the banner above the school entry, and said, “You can see two logos on the completion banner. One is for Mona Foundation and the other is for Sunflower Mission. Mona Foundation... has been supporting Sunflower Mission for 17 years and provided 100% of the financial resources to build this school. 2024 celebrates Mona’s 25th birthday and marks the 20th anniversary since Sunflower held the first workcamp.”
With Your Help:
1,320 students educated at 9 Mona-funded schools
Long Thanh 2 School constructed, serving 310 children through 10 classrooms, a library, computer lab, playground, and restrooms
Vietnam
Colombia Arriba las Manos Foundation
Arriba las Manos advocates for comprehensive education to alleviate poverty, serving the isolated Afro-descendant community of Ararca on Barú Island. Working with the local school principal, Arriba established and operates a school library and playroom with educational toys and activities for students. The government does not provide library services for the school or the town of 1,300 people. In 2024, the library provided books and educational activities for children who would not otherwise have access to such materials. The librarian’s daily classroom visits also helped improve student learning outcomes and interest in reading.
Your Help:
2,100 students educated
8 teachers hired
2 libraries constructed and stocked
Installed water pump at Tilling school
Louis Gregory Memorial Schools
Uganda
The Louis Gregory Memorial Schools address the urgent need for education, particularly for girls, in the rural towns of Tilling and Odusai. These schools thrived for many years, producing notable community, until they were confiscated by the Idi Amin government in the 1970’s, followed by years of war and devastation. Today, through strategic funding and community collaboration, the Louis Gregory Memorial schools are regaining their former standing as essential educational institutions in the region. In 2024, the schools were awarded “Best School” in the region for academic excellence and having the lowest pregnancy rate.
Monte Carmelo
Association Monte Carmelo Association in Porto Feliz, São Paulo provides after-school education and empowerment programs to children and youth ages 6-14 living in situations of social vulnerability. Mona provided emergency funding to Monte Carmelo in 2021 when its government funding abruptly halted during the pandemic. In 2024, Monte Carmelo implemented a multi-year plan to more deeply engage parents and communities in the education of their children.
With Your Help:
95 students provided with after-school programming
73 parents engaged in the cultural development of their children 14 teachers trained
Extended violence and unrest in and around Port-au-Prince led to a brutal gang attack on New Horizon School in late February 2023, with the gang occupying the property for nearly 2 years.
New Horizon’s devoted director, Mr. Bernard Martinod, his family, and the teachers and staff fled to safety, with a few making their way to the United States. Living under dire circumstances, Mr. Bernard remains in Haiti, persistently seeking help from Haitian authorities and the French Embassy to recover the school.
While the gang has now left New Horizon, they inflicted significant damage, plundering every
removable object and leaving the structures in disrepair. Further, the gang members still have access to the school and come and go at will. Legal action to reclaim the property remains impossible until the rule of law is restored—a prospect that appears unlikely in the near future. Mona is in regular contact with New Horizon administrators and will do whatever we can to support these devoted friends through their current ordeals. Please keep these dear friends and all the people of Haiti in your thoughts as they continue to navigate through this crisis.
With Your Help:
Your ongoing support raised $22,633 which Mona is holding for New Horizon’s use when circumstances permit.
25-Year Partnership Map
ACTIVE PARTNERS
Since 1999, with YOUR support, Mona Foundation has provided 5,686,532 students with access to quality education through 41 partner organizations in 23 countries.
INDIA
CZECH REPUBLIC
MACAU (CHINA)
CHINA
MONGOLIA
VIETNAM
CAMBODIA
Educating children and empowering girls since 1999
This table tracks all of our partners since 1999. Current partners are highlighted in blue.
1 KING COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, USA
2 ANIS ZUNÚZÍ BAHA’I SCHOOL, HAITI
3 BADI SCHOOL FOUNDATION, PANAMA
4 SETSEMBISO HIGH SCHOOL, ESWATINI
5 TIERRA SANTA SCHOOL & ORPHANAGE, HONDURAS
6 CROW RESERVATION SCHOOL, USA
7 MAPUCHE SCHOOL, CHILE
8 NGABE BUKLE UNIVERSIDAD, PANAMA
9 RUAHA SECONDARY SCHOOL, TANZANIA
10 ADCAM, BRAZIL
11 BARLI INSTITUTE, INDIA
12 BOOKS FOR AFRICA
13 CORDE, CAMBODIA
14 FULL CIRCLE LEARNING, USA
15 SUNFLOWER MISSION, VIETNAM
16 MONGOLIAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER, MONGOLIA
17 CAFT TEACHER TRAINING, HAITI
18 BADI FOUNDATION, CHINA (MACAU)
19 NEW HORIZON FOUNDATION, HAITI
20 STUDY HALL EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, INDIA
21 DAY STAR ACADEMY, CHINA
22 LIDE, HAITI
23 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF BAHA’IS OF UGANDA
24 TOWNSHEND, CZECH REPUBLIC
25 BARD COLLEGE US-CHINA MUSIC INSTITUTE, USA
26 SIDWELL FRIENDS SCHOOL, USA
27 UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, USA
28 STARFISH INTERNATIONAL,THE GAMBIA
29 GLORY SCHOOL, INDIA
30 PARENT UNIVERSITY, USA
31 PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN, SIERRA LEONE
32 FUNDAEC, COLOMBIA
33 RUHI ARBAB & SIMMONS BAHÁʼÍ SCHOOLS, COLOMBIA
34 ARRIBA LAS MANOS LIBRARY, COLOMBIA
35 EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES, INDIA
36 EMERGENCE FOUNDATION, CAMEROON
37 MONTE CARMELO ASSOCIATION, BRAZIL
38 NEW ERA CREATIVE SPACE, USA
39 JET EDUCATION SERVICES, SOUTH AFRICA
40 HOPE ACADEMY, SIERRA LEONE
41 MAIA IMPACT SCHOOL, GUATEMALA
Supporters
We gratefully recognize the tremendous contributions of each and every one of our supporters. In 2024, you supported the education and empowerment of 1,423,570 students through 24 grassroots organizations in 15 countries, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, China, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Mongolia, Panama, Sierra Leone, South Africa, The Gambia, Uganda, Vietnam, and the United States.
Champions
More than $10,000
Anonymous
Beck, Karen
Cai Jin Yong & Dawn Vermilya Clark, Ben Crowley, Sarah Fanian, Nika & Ramin Samimi* Flowerman, Paul & Margot Jackler
Geary, Michael Gillespie, Theresa Hakim, Jean & Irene
Hanna, Dora Jean
Horwitz, Brad & Jana Carlson
Javid, Mahnaz & Shannon*
Khorram, David & Mara*
Le, Duy-Loan & Company Lustwerk-Dudas, Frank Moeini, Neda*
Grassroots organizations. We select and partner with proven grassroots educational organizations that empower women and girls and address the root causes of poverty and inequality.
Long-term support. We provide long-term support to our grassroots partners as they build their capacities through experience, grow organically, and scale their programs to create and sustain change.
Whole-child education. We invest in developing the full range of students' academic, artistic, social, and moral capabilities to raise change agents who uplift themselves, their families and their communities.
Trust and collaboration. We sustain relationships of trust and respect, collaborating with all of our partners as equal members of one human family.
Ethical leadership. We lead with and champion integrity, trustworthiness and genuine concern for others as critical imperatives for sustainable development.
Service. We emphasize indiscriminate service to others as a way of life and as an expression of our twofold purpose: to develop our individual capacities, and to contribute to the betterment of our communities.
Revoir, Kellie
Ricklefs, Randall*
Robichaux, Marsha*
Rood, Mary-Anne
Rossman, Maxine & Mark
Rousculp, Edwin
Rowshan, Sally
Ruintan, Kamran
Sabag, Deborah*
Sadeghzadeh, Monir
Saedi, Ted & Denise
Saeed, Jan
Samandi, Diane*
Sarvian, Omid
Schleich, Ley & Karl*
Sebastiani, Marko & Penny
Sedighan, Afsaneh & Bahman
Shadbakht, Farsheed*
Sham, Andy & Pauline*
Shannon, Patrick, Sharon, & Benjamin
Sharon, Dan* Shoghi, Tajalli Shoghi, Tarannom*
Shukla, Devna
Shukla, Roma Singh, Navdeep Singh, Vivek* Sisson, Lena Sperry, Mollie Steiner, Ken* Stewart, Martin* Taeed, Ramin* Talebi, Vida
Thaggard, Robert & Alice* Tinkjian, Vicky Vahidi, Ehsan & Mahnaz
Van Dyke, Stephanie* Vanguard Charitable Vazin, Nima Venus, Simin* Wagner, Brenda Warme, Paula*
Weisenburger, Udo Wendling, John & Ruth Wentzel, Julie & Mike* Zarei, Ahmad Zayer, Bijan & Sholeh
Baerwolf, Adam Baerwolf, Ryan Baeza, Kathleen* Baggett, Logan Baghaie, Nika Ballenger, Robert Balsara, Navroze & Andrea* Baltgalvis, Marcia B Bambrick, Wendelyn Barrington, Patricia Bashiri, Mahshid Basinger, Edward & Donita* Batchelor, Thelma Beena, Farzaneh Behbahani, Ella Benger, Lori Benton, Melody Berg, Ilene Bethany, Debra Bickner, Su-Yin Bigelow, Kit Bineshian, Parvin Birjandian, Ella Black, Raney Blackshere, Angela Blahous, Robin Blake, Beth Blanchfield, Deanna Blum, Pamela Boehlke, Robert Bolin, Rebecca Booker, Susan Bouwman, Leslie* Bouwman, Sally* Bowman, Colleen Boyle, Brendan & Sheila Harrington Boysen, Alex Braganza, Giselle Brinn, Margot Brizuela, Sandy Brown, Martin Brown, Nasrin Brungart, Douglas Bryant, Hannah Brynes & Van Brunt, Paul & Gretchen Burns, Karen & Andy Butler, Karin Byrne, Annie Cader, Teresa Calcaterra, Tamara Campbell, Nika & Kurt Cardenas, Jill Carll, Tricia Carter, Misha Cash Donation, Anonymous Cassar, Hedye & Robert Cassar, Raymond Caswell, Sara* Cheatham, Aileen Chow-Upadhyay, Aarav Christensen, Karen Clark, Charlotte Collins, William Corker, Laura* Corwin, Curtis* Costa, Cynthia Cote, Marcia Cotten, Glen Coulter, David Cowan-Grewe, Cynthia* Crabbe, Deborah Crader, Michael & Barbara
Cronyn, Maurene
Cupples, Hope Curtis, Kimberly Custodio, Geralyn A Dadger, Kamelia
Daley, Trish Daniels, Debbie
Darvish, Sanna* David, Vanessa Davies, Elisabeth Davies, Mona Davis Riddell, Alison Davis, Kevin de Vargas, Gerardo & Ruth De, Hedy Decker, Arthur Delchad, Lena deMaintenon, Shelley Dixon, Tina
Dobbins, Denkenesh Dockweiler, Caitlin Dodson, Ellen* Dong, Lingeng Doo, Ella Dorn, Cindy Driver, Helena Driver, Toney & Carol Duffy, Andrea Dunkle, Goli* Duran, Elsa Dvorak, Sandy
Farzaneh & Ezzatollah Rabbani Memorial Endowment Fund
Naiyareh Kariminmanesh Memorial Endowment Fund
Change Makers – $100,000
Juli Jihan Hanna Endowment Fund
Marge Gould and Kim Clark Scholarship Endowment Fund
Reed & Rudolph Memorial Endowment Fund
Advocates – $50,000
Annette M. Crowley Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund for the Girls of the World
Horwitz Family Memorial Endowment Fund
Neumann & Gu Family Endowment Fund
Russell Garcia Memorial Endowment Fund
Champions – $25,000
Mahmoud & Victoria Afsharian Memorial Endowment Fund
Shams Rouhani Memorial Endowment Fund
Benefactors – $15,000
Ali and Rouha Tavangar Memorial Endowment Fund
Mazkouri-Khoshkhesal Memorial Endowment Fund
2024 Sources of Income
2024 Expense Distribution
Our Team
Mona Foundation's Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and staff have diverse backgrounds and extensive field experience. We acknowledge the unique contributions of each member and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment and loyal support.
Board of Directors
Mahnaz Javid
President
Duy-Loan Le Chair
Sima Mobini
Secretary
David Wood
Treasurer
Nooshin Darvish
Neda Moeini
Peter Neumann
Diane Samandi
Mark Sisson
Tammy Wood
Tanya Zabeti Staff
Laura Baerwolf
Hope Kalegi
Sophia Moser
Melina Rajaei
Emma Vishevsky
Advisory Board
Desiree Akhavan
Marjan Davoudi
Shiva Dustdar
Urvashi Sahni
Parisa Fitz-Henley
Ridvan Foxhall
Nava Ghalili
David Khorram
Nikki Meshkin
Nikoo Mahboubian
Leila Milani
Shiva Riddell
Elham Rouhani
Roy Steiner
Dawn Vermilya
Rainn Wilson
Janet Zabeti
Youth Advisory
Don Dao
Maleka Darvish
Chloe Rastegar
Nessa Samimi
Recognitions & Awards
2024 GuideStar Platinum
2024 Charity Navigator-Four Star
2024 BBB Accredited Charity
2024 Top-Rated Great Nonprofits
Catalyst 2030 Accelerator of Systems Change Award Finalist 2021
Microsoft Alumni Foundation Integral Fellow
UN DGC Associate NGO
Peter F. Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation
Jefferson Award for Public Service
Brookings Institution Center for Universal Education
"The most impressive thing in looking at Mona was the methodology of how they approach things. They're not trying to recreate the wheel. They're finding the people and local organizations that only need funding support to take their efforts to the next level. This specific approach is what distinguishes Mona from many of the other [nonprofits] that are out there. Also, there are a number of of entities [that rank nonprofits]. Charity Navigator is probably the premier one, and if you punch in Mona it's like a wine maker getting a 100-point rating on a bottle. Whether it's efficiency or governance, across the board, Mona had 100% ranking on every potential metric that any charitable organization could ever hope to achieve."
– Brad Horwitz, CEO & President, Trilogy International
