PBS Features McDowell County, West Virginia Schools

Each weekday morning, Hope Force staff couple Jack and Svea Schreiner, hug goodbye and head off on very different adventures in the mountains of Appalachia.

Jack spends his days building relationships in the community of War, West Virginia? swinging a hammer to repair a neighbor?s leaking roof, sipping coffee with a local young man eager to get his life on track and meeting with county officials over future community development projects.

Svea navigates the narrow roads marked by hairpin turns and coal trucks on her way to teach at the high school in the town of Welch. With a large portion of classrooms directed by substitutes, Svea is one of the few certified and experienced teachers who are instructing students.

Svea?s days are filled with short bursts of progress, slowly building trust with her students, discouraged co-workers and an air of hopelessness in the hallways. In the midst, her commitment just to show up everyday with a desire to encourage and inspire her classes, says ?I care about you.?

Just this past month, PBS aired an excellent two-part series on education in rural West Virginia. Little did we know that Svea?s very school would be featured!

Please take some time to view both videos. Your hearts will be moved and you will get a glimpse into Jack and Svea?s world where Hope Force International has a long-term presence.

Part One: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/schools-rural-west-virginia-aim-improve-students-prospects/

Part Two: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/rural-west-virginia-schools-help-grandparents-parenting-second-time/