On September 11, 2021, the fourth cohort graduated 75 students from nine trades. Tashie George of IFRI LLC was the guest speaker. Learn more.
On October 18, 2021, we welcomed our fifth cohort of vocational training students. This is the first group where they split the one-year term into two semesters. Learn more.
Are you ready to celebrate? We have two caterers–Oga Madam Kitchen, who provides Liberian food, and Delly J’s Jamaican Catering. I have tried both, and they were delicious.
Buy your $25 Tickets today, and join us on September 23 for fun, food, a silent auction, a raffle, and more ways to support Liberian Youth in learning trade skills. Also, if you join our Star Champion Monthly Donor Program, you can get a “Buy One, Get One” ticket for our event.
Tashie George of IFRI LLC for being our Event Partner. She helped secure the venue and caterers and guided us on how to have a successful event. Tashie and IFRI LLC have been a UDS partner for seven years, hosting events and collaborations in Liberia. You can visit the IFRI website to learn more about the services and products.
Branko Tambah for being our Gold Sponsor. He has supported UDS since 2014 and made us one of the Tambah Foundation’s partners in December 2022. Branko’s Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for those in need.
Jessi Lynn of Pivot HIGHer. She is one of our new Board members and an active participant in planning this event. Pivot HIGHer (Hire HER) recognizes change starts with each industry’s culture. We are an organization driven to help women utilize resources, maximize their interview power and preparedness to increase higher achievement.
Anonymous. Yes, this person decided to remain unknown. They have supported UDS since 2020 and submitted an employee match to double their sponsorship. Silver is $300, and their employer will match it.
Massa Jackson shares how her long-time dream was to become a caterer. She made the red cake in the middle back of the table. Learn more.
Here is the video of Massa Jackson being interviewed by Kelvin Fomba, UDS Co-Founder/Director in Liberia. Massa shares how catering is her dream. Learn more.
We are grateful when supportive friends surprise us with a gift. Tashie George of IFRI LLC provided food–rice, oil, sardines, and vita chicken cubes–and PPE such as face masks and alcohol. Learn more.
On September 11, 2023, we will welcome our returning academic students. Also, say goodbye to our sixth cohort of vocational training students. They plan to graduate by the end of the month.
In the meantime, Kelvin Fomba (UDS Co-Founder/Director), his team, and some community members worked around the clock to renovate the center for the new year. They fixed the roof where it was leaking and built new student desks.
These new desks are sturdier than the old benches and can withstand the active energy of children. We want to Thank the community members who donated cash, materials, and labor to make this possible!
While completing the renovations, one of our 10th-grade students, Godgift Barrolle, built a new display board. He hand-crafted the wood frame and added the glass and lock. He filled it with photos of various student activities in recent years.
When Kelvin was not busy with the repairs, he was busy preparing for two new grades, tenth and eleventh. N ninth was the highest grade in the 2022/2023 academic year. However, the outgoing ninth-grade students, for two consecutive years, were sad to leave. They wanted to complete their schooling at UDS Academy.
When we launched our academic school in 2018, we wanted to provide quality education due to complaints about Liberia’s education. Our students, like Godgfit, know the UDS Academy wants them to learn and gain knowledge. This is why we will add the 12th grade next year when the UDS students start to reach that level.
September will highlight 2021 Star Reflections. For starters, Kadiatu Swarray called Heather Cannon, UDS US Co-Founder, to share her experience learning cosmetology at our training center. Learn more.
Ernest Collins shared a story with his electrician classmates about how he received a contact from a friend and earned $150 for wiring a three-bedroom apartment. Learn more.
2021 Star Reflection In this video, Ernest tells his story. Learn more.