The U.S. Co-Founder & Executive Director, Heather Cannon, joins the Liberian Business Association of Minnesota Delegation to Liberia in March. Heather’s last visit to Liberia was September 2013 to launch UDS. Now over six years later, she is excited to see how UDS transformed from an idea into a thriving educational and vocational training program.[…]

This first month of 2020 flew by too quickly. After a busy month, we wanted to give a quick update. Our executive and fundraising teams in the U.S. held meetings in January to solidify our plans for 2020. Additionally, our team and students in Liberia held a general meeting on January 31 to schedule graduation.[…]

As we close the books for 2019, we wanted to show your life-changing impact. You raised $21,537 to support Liberian Children and Youth as follows: 72% from businesses and individuals 21% from employee matches and contributions from United Way campaigns. 7% from in-kind services. UDS spent $23,471 on the following programs: Two sets of electrician students installed Solar[…]

Your continual support over the past decade helped build and grow Uniting Distant Stars into a thriving organization. In fact, you took us from supporting other schools to starting our own. Without a doubt, you deserve a huge CONGRATS for a successful decade! So, let’s review your achievements during the 2010s. 2011 – The Journey Begins[…]

Uniting Distant Stars just earned a 2019 Silver Seal by adding information to our Nonprofit Profile on GuideStar. Now our community members, as well as 10+ million GuideStar users, can find in-depth financial information about our organization. Plus, we’ve provided fresh information to 200+ charitable websites and applications that use GuideStar data, such as AmazonSmile, Facebook, and[…]

Liberia’s deteriorating economy made 2019 a difficult and trying year. As inflation increased, may businesses and nonprofits folded due to rising costs. People went to work and have not been paid for months. Banks ran out of money causing international organizations like the Peace Corp to withdraw their people from the country.  Throughout the year, Kelvin Fomba, Co-Founder[…]

On December 14, 2019, we held our annual board meeting and elected the new officers. We are excited to announce Philip Kaleewoun will continue as the board chair for their year; Yakasah Wehyee will assume the secretary position; and Diane Anastos will continue her role as treasurer for the fourth year. Furthermore, Beyan Gonowolo became the new fundraising team chair. Also, please click on their[…]

My worldview changed when I visited Liberia for the first time in 1998. This small West African Country was praying for peace after ensuring a devastating civil war for nine years. Much of the infrastructure was damaged and destroyed but the spirits of the people remained hopeful. While we visited different areas in Monrovia (Liberia’s[…]

How are you today? Tuesday, December 3, is Giving Tuesday! Please don’t’ forget to support Classroom Hero Giving Day, our 24-hour fundraiser will empower and equip Liberian Youth with the necessary learning materials for their vocational training courses. Our $2,000 goal can’t happen without your generosity and support of Liberia’s Rising Stars! Three are three options to donate to[…]

In honor of this Thanksgiving Holiday in the U.S., we wanted to give the many reasons why we are grateful for YOU.  You made it possible for over 40 students to complete the Permaculture Design Certification Training in January.  Your generosity gave light to all students. Also, it allowed two UDS Electrician Classes to install Solar Power at the UDS Center in[…]