At Makarios, commitment to each student's journey goes beyond the classroom. Once a student graduates from the Makarios School, they can apply to the University and Career Readiness Program (UCRP), an initiative that is making a lasting impact on our graduates' futures.
Launched in 2020, the UCRP stands out with its unique approach, designed to bridge the gap between high school graduation and entering the workforce or continuing education. As this innovative program grows and develops, it equips Makarios students with the tools, skills, and mentorship necessary to excel in academic and technical fields.
Students undergo a rigorous preparation phase during their first semester before enrolling in a university or technical school. This preparation includes:
Once students complete these requirements, they become eligible for a scholarship to start their classes. This program is not just about academics—it's about shaping future leaders who are academically, morally, and spiritually equipped to overcome life's challenges.
Through UCRP, Makarios aims to cultivate professionals and technicians who contribute positively to society, helping them break free from a cycle of poverty and develop a mindset of growth, responsibility, and community service. We are excited to see how this program continues to grow, and we are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the community, donors, and partners that help Makarios provide these life-changing opportunities for UCRP students.
Each month, we are sharing interviews from long-term staff members, as we reflect on Makarios’ growth over the last twenty years. This month we are highlighting Coordinator of UCRP and Bible teacher, Libny!
The first time I entered Makarios, to interview for the job, seeing children of different nationalities and cultures, playing together and laughing together without caring about skin color or language made me feel that it was a place where I wanted to be.
When I started working at Makarios it was just 1 building for the school, with a few classrooms and only small children. It has been incredible to see how God has made Makarios grow, not only in quantity but in vision and mission. Now we have 3 buildings, a school with all school grades, which means that now we have teenagers who have grown over the years. And now it is not only a school but we also have a program that supports children to go to university and We expanded to another country and supported other schools and churches! Wow. God has been good.
Because Makarios is a place that allows me to grow, and that gives me the opportunity to serve the Lord and be challenged in my faith while impacting others through the love of Jesus.
I have seen families being restored by the Lord through the different ministries that Mak has, children and young people make their decision for Christ and bear fruits of their faith, I have seen children changing their mentality and having hope to have a future different from the one they have seen in their families and their communities.
Here are some of our other stories of change.