Louisiana is a magnificent and eclectic state, abounding with opportunity and bursting with pride over all that we have to offer. We love our food, our music and our culture – everything that truly makes Louisiana the unique place we are proud to call home. Unfortunately, our pride falls short when it comes to education. Ranked 48th in the nation, this glaring blight has been a part of our great state’s history for too long. It’s unacceptable, and enough is enough!
In 2019, Love Our Schools was formed when two organizations, Love Acadiana, a faith-based nonprofit, and the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation, partnered together to put love into action, to restore hope and to inspire change in our schools. Starting in Lafayette Parish, this partnership removed barriers that often derail efforts for change.
Love Our Schools brought together the public sector, individuals, businesses, churches, and nonprofit organizations, all united for a common cause – taking a stand to revolutionize the educational system in support of a brighter future for our children and our state. It is through this type of extraordinary and unprecedented partnership that entire communities can be impacted and lives transformed.
Launching its first initiative in the summer of 2019, Love Our Schools put out a call for help that resulted in an overwhelming groundswell of support. The community donated $1.3 million, and nearly 3,000 people volunteered to revitalize eight schools, equip 5,000 students and inspire over 750 teachers and staff. It was an opportunity for all to be a part of a pivotal change, showing that our community cares.
Now, the seeds have been planted and there’s no turning back. Together, we must continue supporting educational achievement across Louisiana. No school should be failing, no teacher or staff member should feel alone in the fight, and no child should feel as if he or she doesn’t matter.
As Nelson Mandela so eloquently stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And that is exactly what Love Our Schools plans to do…one school at a time, one teacher at a time, one child at a time. When we make a difference for even just one, that’s when hope is restored and lives are impacted. When we make a difference for everyone, that’s when true change happens.