Uniting Distant Stars Virtual Tea Time: Bridging Continents Through Education
On August 16, 2025, Uniting Distant Stars hosted its quarterly Virtual Tea Time, bringing together students and staff from Liberia with board members and supporters from the United States. This heartwarming event showcased the power of education, vocational training, and cross-cultural dialogue in transforming lives and building global connections.
📸 Below is a photo introducing the inspiring Liberian attendees who participated in the event.
Front row, left to right: Morrison Swaray, Samane Sheriff, and Momo Kromah, not photographed. Back row, left to right: Ayo Dee D Richardson, Roland Bestman, Kaddafi Mulbah, Kelvin Fomba, Bendu Karmara, Marthaline Yarpah, and Manfred Gibson, Jr.
🎥 Watch the full replay of the Virtual Tea Time on YouTube:
Meet the Liberian Attendees
Students and staff from Liberia shared their names, departments, and heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities provided by UDS. They are pursuing vocational training in tailoring, catering, computer studies, and journalism, and many expressed how UDS has empowered them to dream bigger and work toward a brighter future.
Marthaline Yarpah (Grade 10, Tailoring)
Roland G. Bestman (Grade 9, Computer student)
Kaddafi Mulbah (Tailoring, motorcycle expert)
Bendu Kamara (Catering)
Manfred Toe Gibson, Jr. (Computer teacher and student)
Ayo D. D. Richardson (Teacher--Biology, Geography, and Literature; Journalism advocate)
Morrison Swaray (Brewerville volunteers)
Momo Kromah (Brewerville volunteers)
Samane Sheriff (Brewerville volunteers)
Key Highlights from the Event
- Kelvin Fomba gave a live tour of the new fence and building improvements at the UDS center.
- Brewerville volunteers were recognized for their contributions to the construction efforts.
- Students shared their personal journeys and how UDS has impacted their lives.
Questions from UDS USA to UDS Liberia
- Where do you live, how far is it from the school, and how do you get to school?
- Did students help with the construction work?
- Is Brewerville part of Greater Monrovia or a separate area?
- Tell me more about journalism in Liberia?
- When did you first hear about UDS and decide to come to school and learn a trade?
- How do you feel empowered to make positive changes in your country through UDS?
Questions from UDS Liberia to UDS USA
- How do you feel about your government?
- What are your future plans for UDS in Liberia?
- Will Brewerville get the same opportunities as District 10?
- What jobs do you do outside of UDS?
Conclusion
The Virtual Tea Time was a beautiful reminder of the impact that education and community support can have across borders. We are grateful to everyone who participated and look forward to continuing our mission of empowering youth through vocational training and education.