About Us

Uniting Voices. Igniting Hope. Inspiring Change. 

At the core of every movement for change lies a powerful story. Markey Writing Academy and Beacon of Hope, founded by globally recognized author and humanitarian Kelly Markey, are dedicated to amplifying voices, breaking stigma, and inspiring transformation through the written word and community-driven action. 

Kelly is a passionate advocate for mental health, social justice, and suicide prevention, whose deeply personal journey—from surviving cancer and loosing her brother to suicide. Markey is a bestselling and award-winning author, global publishing house and the founder of Beacon of Hope Mission. She has touched lives across the globe. Featured on global TV networks, radio stations, podcasts, and the covers of international magazines and the coveted New York Times Billboard, she connects with audiences across cultures, speaking five languages and bridging communities through the healing power of story. 

Our Mission

At Markey Writing Academy and Beacon of Hope, we are committed to: 

  • Inspiring Social Change: Using literature and storytelling to challenge injustice, promote unity, and shift narratives that spark societal transformation. 
  • Promoting Suicide Prevention: Partnering with organizations like Lifeline Zululand, we provide resources, training, and platforms to help individuals find hope in their darkest moments. 
  • Advocating for Mental Health: We elevate conversations around mental wellness and offer voices of truth, resilience, and healing through our publications and programs. 
  • Championing Marginalized Voices: We spotlight underrepresented communities, giving them a stage to share their truths and advocate for justice, equality, and dignity. 

The 2025 Beacon of Hope Awards

This ceremony will take place in none other than South Africa’s legendary Game Reserve — the oldest game reserve in all of Africa! 

 

Imagine this: 
🦁 Roars echoing under the starlit African sky. 
🖤 Local rhythms drumming through your soul. 
💫 Stories of resilience turning into revolutions, courage igniting legacies, and voices rising from ashes to glory. 

 

This is not just a ceremony — it’s a soul-shifting, history-making, heart-awakening experience. 
From the heart of the wild to the core of humanity’s greatness, this will be jaw-dropping, spectacular, and unlike anything you have ever seen before. 

 

Mark your calendars. Pack your purpose. Prepare to be transformed. 
This is where hope comes alive 

Beacon of Hope is on the Move!🌍 

 

From the bright lights of New York (2024) to the resilient heart of South Africa, (2025) and soon to the breathtaking shores of New Zealand (2026) — the Beacon of Hope Mission is traversing continents, carrying a single, powerful message: Hope has no borders. 

 

If you have ever felt called to make an authentic, global impact — this is your moment. We are not just visiting nations; we are igniting hearts. We are not chasing applause; we are chasing transformation!  

 

Every village, every city, every hidden corner deserves a spark of hope. 
And it all begins with one courageous step — yours. 

Ready to be a beacon? 

Join us. Let’s light up the world — one life, one story, one act of love at a time. 

Where Stories of Resilience Becomes Revolutions

Winners in New York City 2024 Awards

Ambassador of HOPE

In August 2023, the Global Movement of Hope in Canada honoured Kelly Markey with the coveted title of Hope Ambassador—a distinction awarded on merit for her extraordinary global impact.  

 

Lighting up the Billboards in Time Square NYC

Her groundbreaking book on suicide awareness and prevention, winner of Book of the Year and showcased on New York Times Square Boulevard, has saved lives and ignited change worldwide. As a continued Beacon of Hope, Kelly shines a powerful light on social awareness, inspiring resilience, compassion, and transformation across the globe. 

Visit to The HOPE Diamond

Visiting the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. in September 2024, was a powerful experience that goes beyond admiring a remarkable gem. The Hope Diamond, renowned for its stunning deep blue hue and storied history, symbolizes both resilience and transformation.  

 

Its journey—from its origins in India to its current place as a centrepiece of the museum’s collection—mirrors the profound impact that resilience and hope can have on our world. 

This visit aligns deeply with the vision and mission of the Beacon of Hope initiative, which champions social change on a global scale.  

 

Just as the Hope Diamond has transcended borders and time, our mission seeks to inspire and enact meaningful change by fostering hope and resilience in communities around the world. The diamond’s ability to captivate and inspire reflects our commitment to driving progress and advocating for social justice. 

 

By drawing on the symbolism of the Hope Diamond, the Beacon of Hope mission reinforces its dedication to creating a world where hope and action pave the way for a brighter future. Just as the diamond’s journey embodies a legacy of transformation and renewal, our work strives to ignite a global movement towards positive social change. 

 

And no coincidence that my forefathers originated from India.  

About Kelly Markey

Bestselling Author, Global Hope Ambassador, and award-winning change maker—celebrated on New York Times Square for transforming lives worldwide. Founder of Beacon of Hope Mission and Markey Writing Academy.  

  • CEO of Markey Writing Academy (Global Publishing House)  
  • Founder of Beacon of Hope and Social Change Mission  
  • Kelly Markey is a 5 x international bestselling and award-winning author.  
  • Finalist for Woman Changing the World Award in London.  
  • Winner of Top Executive – IAOTP in New York.  
  • A brand ambassador for Global Movement of Hope in Canada.  
  • Winner of Top Book of the year in New York for “The Life of Jayandra”  
  • Nominated for KWE kingdom culture award in Australia.  
  • “Echoes of humanity” book was the FINALIST for book of the year in Australia.  
  • Beacon of Hope Mission board in New York awarded Kelly Markey with the diamond award of excellence for being a global catalyst for hope and change.  
  • Nominated by Lifeline for the Queen book award in South Africa.  
  • Global philanthropist, one of her long-term partnerships is with Lifeline: Zululand.  
  • Featured on New York Times Square Billboard.  
  • Kelly Markey has garnered and international network of avid readers and supporters 
  • Markey Writing Academy nominated for Global Publisher of the Year Award by Australian CB Awards.  
  • At Markey Writing Academy and Beacon of Hope we are dedicated to uplifting narratives and empowering voices to inspire positive social change. We believe in the transformative power of stories to foster empathy, understanding, and action. To call Kelly Markey an author is to call the ocean a puddle—it simply doesn’t capture her depth! 

     

    Kelly does not merely write; she weaves universes. Her words are not ink on paper but soul stitches, threading hope through the hearts of the broken, the brave, and the becoming. What she creates does not just cross genres—it leaps across them like a symphony that refuses to be confined to one note. Her stories are not bound by borders; they soar beyond them, like dandelion seeds riding the breath of the globe, planting truth and transformation in every corner they land. 

     

    From the quiet strength of Durban’s shores to the bustling heartbeat of Dubai, from the ancient sands of Egypt to the sacred soil of Bali, Kelly’s voice echoes across continents like a sacred drumbeat—steady, healing, unforgettable. Each book is not just a title on a shelf; it’s a lifeboat for someone drowning in silence. Her words are embers—soft enough to warm a soul, fierce enough to ignite a revolution. This is not just literature. This is legacy. You can be part of this legacy if you want to be a BEACON OF HOPE? 

Anthology

Markey Writing Academy

Markey Writing Academy is not just a global publishing house—it’s a movement. Our purpose is simple yet profound: enhancing humanity on cruise control. We amplify voices from every corner of the globe, turning untold stories into catalysts for change. Here, your words don’t just land on pages—they echo across nations, inspire action, and help reshape the world.

Global Annual Anthology

At Markey Writing Academy, our annual global anthology is more than a book—it’s a heartbeat. We gather voices from every corner of the world, weaving them into one united chorus that speaks to the deepest parts of the heart and soul. Each story is a spark of hope, a testament to resilience, and a call for change. This powerful collection takes its first breath on the world stage at the Beacon of Hope Awards—an unforgettable international launch that transforms words into movements and sets every anthology apart as a legacy of light.

Echoes of Humanity: 2024 Anthology

In 2024, Markey Writing Academy released its debut global anthology, Echoes of Humanity, launching it in the heart of New York. Featuring the voices of 18 co-authors from across the world, this powerful collection shares lived experiences that transcend borders and cultures. Praised internationally, Echoes of Humanity has touched hearts, inspired change, and transformed lives in profound and lasting ways. 

Beacon of Hope: 2025 Anthology

In 2025, Markey Writing Academy presents Beacon of Hope: A Catalyst for Change, to be unveiled at the prestigious Beacon of Hope Award Ceremony in South Africa. This extraordinary collection gathers stories from individuals who have endured life’s deepest trials yet refuse to be defined by their pain. Instead, they rise—shining as beacons of hope and catalysts for change—illuminating a path for others to follow, no matter how dark the night. 

Manifesto of Hope: 2026 Anthology

Coming 2026 — A Call to the World

Manifesto of Hope will be launched from the shores of New Zealand, carrying the voices of dreamers, fighters, healers, and visionaries from every nation. This is more than a book—it’s a declaration that even in the shadows, the human spirit can blaze with light. Each page will be a heartbeat, each story a spark, together forming a living pledge to inspire change and ignite hope across the globe. 

If you have a story that can lift a soul, stir a heart, or light the way for another—this is your moment. Stand with us. Write with us. Let your voice join the chorus that dares to believe we can make the world a better place. 

Submissions to Co-author in the Next Anthology

Your Story Could Be Someone’s Lifeline 
Manifesto of Hope is calling brave voices from around the world to join a global anthology launching in New Zealand, 2026. If you’ve ever found light in the darkest moments, your words can ignite hope for thousands. This is more than a book—it’s a mission. Limited spaces. Urgent call. Reach out to Markey Writing Academy now for submission details and costs. 

Write your truth. Change a life. Be the hope the world needs.

Sponsorship (Tab 4)

Beacon of Hope Global Awards Ceremony, December 2025

This prestigious international event will honour authors, mental health advocates, and social changemakers whose work is making a lasting difference. In partnership with Lifeline Zululand, a vital grassroots organization addressing trauma, abuse, and suicide prevention in South Africa, we aim to expand impact where it is needed most. Together, we are not just handing out awards—we are building bridges of hope across continents. 

We Invite You to Partner with Us

By becoming a sponsor or ally of the Beacon of Hope Awards, you will: 

  • Align your brand with global impact and social transformation 
  • Support vital mental health and suicide prevention initiatives 
  • Empower storytellers and leaders who are saving lives through words and action 

Partnership Packages

Scan this QR Code to Donate:

Current Sponsors

Nominations

Beacon of Hope Awards – Selection Criteria

INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES 
Nominations are by invitation or based on merit. 

  • Recognized for making a significant global impact in literature, mental health advocacy, suicide prevention, or social change. 
  • Demonstrates exceptional resilience, leadership, or transformation through personal or professional contributions. 
  • By merit or invitation only, based on public recognition, influence, or body of work. 

 

LOCAL CATEGORIES (Nomination-Based) Criteria (Create Form for people to complete) 
Open to individuals or organizations based on the following criteria: 

  1. Impact 
  • Demonstrated commitment to creating positive change within their community. 
  • Evidence of tangible outcomes in mental health, education, suicide prevention, literature or social advocacy. 
  1. Inspiration 
  • Personal story or journey serves as a source of hope and courage to others. 
  • Demonstrates values of resilience, compassion, and authenticity. 
  1. Leadership & Service 
  • Has taken initiative to lead or support community programs, outreach, or awareness campaigns. 
  • Engaged in collaborative, sustainable efforts that uplift others. 
  1. Innovation in Advocacy 
  • Introduced or supported creative solutions to address mental health, equality, or social justice issues. 
  • Uses storytelling, education, or advocacy to shift mindsets and policies. 

Key Dates

Awards Ceremony: December 2025 

Nominations Open: 1st September 2025  

Nominations Close: 30th September 
Email Submissions to: info@kellymarkey.com 

Cost: R500 AU$100  

Key Dates

Judging Concludes: 15 October 2025 

Winners Notified: 16 October 2025 

List of Awards

Beacon of HOPE Award of Excellence 2025 (this is the main award and will have a separate Tab to showcase) But list all the awards here in one spot 

  1. Book of the year (Also needs the spot light so need a tab) 
  1. Poet of Purpose 
  1. Resilient Leader  
  1. Community Impact 
  1. Literary Hope  
  1. Voice of Change 
  1. Inspirational Author  
  1. Humanitarian  
  1. Storytelling Excellence  
  1. Fuels the Soul  
  1. Social Justice 
  1. Voice for the Voiceless 
  1. Publishing for Purpose  
  1. Championing Change  
  1. Words That Heal  

 

Note: Winners must attend in person or make own arrangements to have the award shipped internationally.  

What Winners Receive

Winning a Beacon of Hope Award is more than an accolade—it’s a global platform for impact.

1️. Prestigious Global Recognition 

 Join an elite circle of internationally honoured changemakers. 
2️. Powerful Brand Association 

 Align your name with the credibility and influence of Beacon of Hope. 
3️. International Press Release 

Professionally crafted announcement distributed to global media. 
4️. Ambassador of Hope Title 

The honour of representing the movement’s mission worldwide. 
5️. Anthology Feature 

Opportunity to be showcased in the next Beacon of Hope anthology. 
6️. Global Marketing Exposure 

Feature in high-impact international campaigns. 
7️. Magazine Spotlight 

Appear in the Beacon of Hope Award Magazine (print & digital). 
8️. Expanded Global Reach 

Your story shared with thousands across continents. 
9️. Local Media Coverage 

 Targeted publicity in South African media outlets. 

  1. Powerful Networking

Connect with authors, leaders, and visionaries making real change. 

  1. Podcast Feature

Opportunity to be featured on “Amplified with Kelly Markey” an international podcast. 
12. Legacy Promotion 

Continued visibility through Beacon of Hope platforms. 

Your story does not just win—it inspires, transforms, and lives on as a beacon for others. Let’s honour the unsung heroes. The voices of HOPE. The change-makers. Because every act of courage deserves to be seen.

Judging Panel

Award of Excellence 2025 (Tab 6)

Beacon of Hope Mission Committee Honours Michelle Jewlal with the 2025 Beacon of Hope Award of Excellence

The Beacon of Hope Mission Committee is proud to announce Michelle Jewlal, CEO of Lifeline Zululand, as the 2025 recipient of the Beacon of Hope Award of Excellence — our most prestigious honour, reserved for individuals whose impact radiates far beyond their own communities. 

 

This award is not given lightly. It is based purely on merit — on resilience, courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting humanity. Michelle Jewlal embodies all of these qualities and more. 

 

Under her leadership, Lifeline Zululand has been a lifeline in the truest sense — serving survivors of sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, and countless others in crisis. The organization’s work is deeply rooted in the grassroots, meeting people where they are and restoring dignity and hope in the darkest of times. However, Michelle’s journey has not been without profound challenges. The core component of Lifeline Zululand was once funded by the United States, but when President Trump withdrew all financial aid from South Africa, Lifeline was one of the many organizations hit hard. The blow was severe — the loss of a significant portion of team members, resources, and funding threatened to bring crucial projects to a standstill. 

 

Where many would have faltered, Michelle stood firm. She tightened the sails of her ship, making difficult calls, including team reductions and personal sacrifices such as cutting her own salary. She worked tirelessly — long hours, relentless fundraising efforts, and innovative problem-solving — to keep the doors open and the services running. Her determination was not driven by recognition but by a calling to serve. Michelle rallied community support, inspired her team to press on, and found creative ways to continue delivering life-saving programs in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. 

 

It is for this extraordinary perseverance, her servant leadership, and her ability to turn adversity into action that the Beacon of Hope Mission Committee has unanimously chosen Michelle Jewlal as the 2025 Beacon of Hope Award of Excellence winner. 

 

Michelle, you are a living example of what it means to lead with heart, courage, and conviction. You have shown us that true leadership is not about titles or accolades, but about standing steadfast in the storm and ensuring that the vulnerable are never left behind. 

From all of us at the Beacon of Hope, congratulations. The world is brighter because of you. 

 

Beacon of Hope Committee  

Book of the Year 2025 (Tab 7)

Winner of Book of the Year at the Beacon of Hope 2025 Awards

An Educators Handbook in Early Childhood Education by Janice Morris is more than a handbook—it’s a movement. Designed as a powerful survival kit for those shaping the hearts and minds of our youngest generation, this groundbreaking resource blends practical strategies, real-world insights, and interactive QR-linked content to inspire immediate action. Versatile, visually engaging, and profoundly impactful, it equips educators to not only teach—but to transform futures. 

 

Beacon of Hope Committee  

Contact Us

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Contact Us

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Join the Movement

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Contact Form

© Beacon of Hope Mission 2025. Website Designed by Zonexis.