HOPSA USA-CANADA is an association of past students of Holy Child School and Holy Child College from Ghana, residing in the United States and Canada.
My name is Theresa Abena Bennin (née Amoah), a retired Biochemist and Chemistry Teacher. I attended Holy Child School, Cape Coast, from 1965 to 1972. Looking back, attending Holy Child is one of my life's best undertakings.
I taught Chemistry at Holy Child Secondary School in Calabar, Nigeria in the 80s and served as Treasurer of the HOPSA branch in Cross River State. When my family relocated to the U.S., I realized that there were many HOPSANS who lived here in the U.S. and in Canada — yet there was no national association. I thought that had to change.
I reached out to HOPSANS in New Jersey and they embraced the idea. A flame was lit!
- 2005–06Community rallied through loss and support · Registration of HOPSA USA-Canada as a Non-Profit Organization in NJ.
- 2007Inauguration 07/07/07
ACTIONS, NOT WORDS — Between 2005 and 2006, life events drew us closer. In summer 2006 we committed to forming our branch, and Dr. Victor Essien, our patron and Legal Advisor, handled the registration pro bono.
Our Vision was, and still is to:
- Create a HOPSA branch for all HOPSANS, from all year groups.
- Provide educational and material support for students at our alma mater.
- Provide Sisterly care and support in hardship and joy across the USA & Canada
Today's HOPSA USA-Canada owes its strength to our Co-Founders — Felicity Polley (’72), Georgina Nantwi (’74), Veronica Mante (’74), Ophelia Essien (’74), Sekyiwa Williams (’73), Edna Falconer-Thompson (’76), Evelyn Biney (’74), Anita Mitchual (’75), Dr. Nana Graves (’64), and Vida Kwansa of blessed memory (’64). They nurtured us until we stood on our own feet. They still continue to guide us with wisdom.
We have followed our vision, yet more remains — for our alma mater and for one another. We can achieve more with the Spirit of the Holy Child Jesus in us.