New School Year for our Academic Scholarship Students

New School Year for our Academic Scholarship Students

Our scholarship students returned to school after a two-month break. 2018 marks our eighth year of matching generous sponsors to eager students attending primary and secondary schools. Our four sponsors are supporting 17 students in grades Kindergarten 2 (Liberia has two kindergarten levels) to 12th. Total tuition for the 2018/2019 school year is $4,570

Our 12th grader Deborah Tweah is seen in this photo holding a bag she made from used clothes. She was one of the 20 students that participated in our Backpacks for Peace Service Learning Project in 2015. She lacked any support from family but wanted to finish high school. She demonstrated her desire to learn in the backpacks project and received a scholarship to complete school. The sewing skills she learned during the project have helped her take care of her basic needs while attending school.

This academic scholarship program is important because Liberia’s current economic situation is taking a toll on parents who are not able to enroll their students this year. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors who have committed to supporting these children and youth to high school graduation. 

Meet Our New Board Member: Beyan Gonowolo

Meet Our New Board Member: Beyan Gonowolo

Please join us in congratulating Beyan Gonowolo, as he is our new board member. Beyan has been one of our raving fans since 2014. We first met at the Minnesota State University, Mankato Liberian Students Association fundraiser for Uniting Distant Stars in May 2014. He shared how he read our entire website. We reconnected at the “Take Back Africa Summit” at the University of Minnesota on June 17, 2018, and he started helping as a volunteer.  We are excited to have him join our team! Please read Beyan’s bio to learn more about him:

 

beyan_profile

Beyan Gonowolo

Beyan Gonowolo is a co-founder of the Liberian Student Association at Minnesota State University, Mankato and a longtime member and co-founder of the African Student Organization for Development and Progress at Minnesota State, Mankato. Beyan was born in Liberia but migrated to Minnesota to join his family and to obtain a quality education.

 

Growing up in Liberia during much of the country’s civil war exposed Beyan to the harsh reality facing war-torn countries. Beyan draws strength from his experience by partnering and working with solution-based organizations that are making a positive impact in Liberia and around the world.

Beyan has been inspired by the work that “Uniting Distant Stars” is doing in Liberia and is exceptionally honored to join the team to help develop and increase the organization’s capacity. His goal is to ensure UDS can grow financially to provide more opportunities for young people in Liberia.

Beyan currently works for a civil engineering company in Minnesota and has experience in design engineering, surveying, and construction inspection.