Introducing Oyate Hope Academy

In June, Eagles’ Wings began a partnership with Oyate Hope Academy, a nonprofit, private, Christian school in Oglala providing a comprehensive education for children in grades Kindergarten through 8.

We connected with their principal, Wendell Gehman, and he shared some highlights and a newsletter from June:

“Our school year wrapped up last month with the highlight being the graduation of our two 8th grade students. We had two 7th grade girls that were also a part of that class, however, sadly they transferred out to different schools around the semester break. One of our challenges is retaining older students when the lure of sports and peers often draws them away.

Before moving out here and working in the schools, I assumed that most people finished high school, and certainly it was a rarity if a student did not finish 8th grade. The reality of education on the reservation is frightful. Finishing 8th grade is often seen as the pinnacle of a student’s academic career with a future that either involves prison and/or pregnancy. With a high school dropout rate of greater than 70%, the future can seem very dim. This is the environment in which God has called Oyate Hope Academy.

As you can read the newsletter, please review our mission and vision in the context of the above information. Pray with us for the students God have given us, and for Him to send us the ones He desires to join us next fall. Your prayers are most welcome and your financial support is greatly appreciated.

In His Service,

Wendell I. Gehman

Oyate Hope Academy

Executive Director/Co-founder