In August, you celebrated the third group of vocational training graduates Then, we restarted recruiting for the fourth cohort. Now, we hope to start classes this month. Last month, Kelvin Fomba (Co-Founder & Director) went on the air. He also brought two alumni who work with UDS. First, Boakai Dillion, 2017/2018 graduate, works as the
-> Continue reading Uniting Distant Stars Vocational Training Update
Liberia started re-opening schools for students in June. The seniors first came back in June and completed in August. Then the government implemented a staggered system for the rest of the students. For instance, different grade levels attend different time frames to promote social distancing. To summarize, the Infographic below provides the timeline for the
-> Continue reading Uniting Distant Stars Academy Update
You know your giving matters when a recipient pays it forward. During the early part of August, we started making masks for students. One of your graduates, Annita Johnney along with her instructor, Jerry Paypay, made over 500 masks. In fact, they used Kelvin Fomba’s (Liberian Co-Founder & Director) design he developed back in May.
-> Continue reading Your Tailoring Student Giving Back
As we prepare for the start of the fourth vocational training cohort, you can help motivate them by donating to our annual campaign in providing the learning equipment, materials, and supplies they need to learn a valuable trade. We invite you to give either a one-time gift or become a monthly donor. Click either button
-> Continue reading Support the 2020/2021 Students
On Saturday, August 1, 2020, 60 vocational training graduates arrived to receive their diplomas. Two others showed up that day to check-in and received their diplomas later in the week. Since the schools closed in March, some students left the city to spend time with their families in the interior. So, we could see additional graduates in
-> Continue reading Meet Your 2019/2020 Graduates
How are you today? We hope you found ways to adapt to the new normal as we move forward with 2020. It seems like things change daily and we learn to adjust as needed. Again, your dedication to Liberian Youth allows UDS to be agile during these trying times. Thank you again for including UDS in your
-> Continue reading Update on Liberian Schools
On Saturday, June 6, 2020, the UDS Board and Co-Founders met to discuss this navigation into the new normal. We weighed out the options for your vocational training students, who would have graduated on April 13, 2020. We quickly determined the best course of action was to give them their diplomas without a ceremony. By now, most of us
-> Continue reading 2019/2020 Class “No Ceremony” Graduation
Dear Star Supporter, We hope you are healthy and well! Today, we wanted to write to you about UDS’ official stand regarding Mr. George Floyd, a Black Man who died on May 25, after he was pinned down by a white Minnesota police officer. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and community. We
-> Continue reading UDS Statement of Support for George Floyd
While it is not clear when schools will reopen in Liberia, we have started our planning for Post-COVID-19. We continue to re-evaluate our safety standards from the Ebola crisis that included a handwashing station and taking temperatures before entering the building. Furthermore, our primary students learn about hygiene in their health & science class at the beginning
-> Continue reading Planning for Post-COVID-19
On Saturday, May 23, 2020, about 60 Vocational Training Students came to the center to receive their handwashing packages, because they were unable to come the week before. Kelvin Fomba, UDS Co-Founder & Director in Liberia held a meeting with the students. They all wore masks and observed social distancing. The students started sharing their concerns and thoughts with one
-> Continue reading UDS Vocational Students Share With Each Other