One of the best things about a new school year is connecting with new students. One of those new students, J Taryoungson Brandy, posted about his computer class on Facebook and talked about learning how to set up a desktop. Through a Messenger discussion, he shared that he is both a computer and hotel management student. He enrolled in our computer course because we offer the entire Microsoft Suite. He further explained that he attended another school and received a certificate in Microsoft Word, but they charged by the application and he could not afford to continue.
J Taryoungson Brandy (maroon shirt) setting up a desktop computer; another classmate taking a selfie with his classmates behind him.
He also appreciates the quality of teaching from our instructors. He ended our conversation by saying, “I will also be in the forefront to spread the good news and opportunities that you people are rendering to the Liberian people.” Your generous support makes it possible for Mr. Brandy to gain valuable marketable skills in two trades during the next year!
Our heartfelt Thanks to our long-standing supporter, Julie B. from Oklahoma! She gave a generous donation of $500 during our Give to the Max Day and selected to purchase two computers from our Become a Classroom Hero donation page.
Earlier this month (January 2019), we purchased two new used desktops for our computer training lab. As a result of Julie’s generosity, our computer lab continues to benefit the Liberian Youth taking our most popular course.
Thank you so much, Julie, for these two beautiful computers!
Graduated 75 vocational training students on March 24, 2018.
Supported 150 vocational training students enrolled in one of eight one-year courses.
Sponsored 17 academic scholarship students attending primary and secondary schools.
Sponsored 5 vocational training students enrolled in our program.
Supported 35 youth to attend the 2019 Permaculture Design Certification Training.
Furthermore, your passionate commitment to giving Liberian Youth knowledge and skills is a worthwhile investment. Here is a video showing your tremendous accomplishments in 2018.
By the way, this video features the music “Education is Better than Silver & Gold” written and sung by one of our former computer students, Enoch Daniel Tarr. Additionally, Ernest Norris Jr.created and published the video. Thank you to these aspiring young Liberian Artists!
To conclude this extraordinary year, Liberian Youth give you their heartfelt thanks!
From all of the board members and volunteers of Uniting Distant Stars, we would like to express our immense gratitude for all of our donors. This past year we were able to accomplish many things. From the opening of our Vocational Training Center to the many students who graduated from the program, your belief and support in our vision have helped young people use their new skills to change the world around them. We would now like to share with you more information on how Uniting Distant Stars has been impacting the of youth in Liberia.
Auto Mechanics Course
With this course, students are taught a craft that they can use to not just help themselves but also help others. In the beginning, students study how to identify different parts of machines that they will use later on. During the course, students also master different maintenance services such as oil changes, repairing brakes, and overhauling engines. Both young men and women take part in this course and gain knowledge that allows them to create opportunities for themselves.
Catering Course
Students that have enrolled in this course have been able to learn many valuable lessons. At the start, they learn the basics of food preparation and how it is important to ensure all the necessary equipment and ingredients are together before they move forward with a recipe. They also go over safety procedures to ensure that everyone is safe while learning. During this course, students are able to practice making different baked goods along with full course meals. An important aspect of this program is teaching them skills that they can use to be independent. In the end, students can apply what they have learned by having their own catering businesses or any other opportunities they find.
Computer Course
Because we live in a technological age, computer skills are important to have. This course focuses on teaching students how to use a computer for various functions. During the course of the year, the students have studied about the many components of a computer along with using Microsoft software. They are also taught basic typing skills and use what they have mastered to not only browse the internet but also complete online job applications.
Cosmetology Course
While enrolled in this particular course students obtain many valuable skills to be successful in this area of expertise. The students gain knowledge on how to properly cut hair and master the art of plaiting (braiding) hair. In addition, they are taught how to perform both manicures and pedicures as part of the curriculum. The students apply their skills by giving free haircuts and other treatments to kids within the community. Seasoned students recruit clients and earn money as they provide services to cover the cost of hair and other materials.
Electrician Course
As students enroll in the courses at Uniting Distant Stars, they practice different crafts that empower them to acquire new skills to help lead them into their bright futures. Students studying to become electricians begin by covering the basics about what electricity is. Then, throughout the course, students go over many parts and tools. To showcase all they have studied, they work on projects such as installing lights, outlets, and switches.
Hotel Management Course
This course gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge about an industry that is very prominent throughout the world. In the beginning, students absorb information about the hotel industry and the many operations that are a part of working in hotel management. They are also trained in customer service and how to treat guests properly. To help them gain real-world experience, students are given the opportunity to intern at two local hotels where they can further sharpen their skills.
Plumbing Course
The courses available at UDS are diverse and offer youth many opportunities to enhance their previous skills and learn new ones. The plumbing course allows students to learn about plumbing systems and how they function. Students understand the importance of the sanitation and how plumbing systems function. Students also learn about the different tools involved and apply their knowledge by installing pipes and other commonly used fixtures such as sinks, tubs, and commodes within the community.
Tailoring Course
Like many of the other courses, students use what they have learned to not only better themselves but also their communities. As students study the trade of tailoring, they learn how to make clothes and other items. Whether they’re learning how to properly use machinery or they are working with fabric and stitching, students are gaining knowledge in a skill that can be used to benefit everyone.
As you can see, within the span of our one-year courses students are encouraged to study many skills and put them into action. No matter what circumstances they come from, each student strives to make the most of their opportunity. Once again, we want to show our appreciation to our donors and those who support our work. You are not just investing for the future of these youth but towards the future of Liberia.
Kevin Nah is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota Duluth with degrees in Cultural Entrepreneurship & Hispanics Studies. He is currently a Communications Intern at Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC). Kevin service with Uniting Distant Stars started in 2017 and he previously wrote an inspiring article, “This Could Have Been Me“.
Two years ago, you answered the call of our youth to open a computer lab at our old learning center. We started with six computers and provided free training to cover the basics of computing.
Now, two years later and due to your continued generous support, we have 20 computers in our lab at the UDS Vocational Training Center. Our current one-year course has 44 students who are enrolled in one of three sections. Each section meets for two hours, three times a week. During this year-long course, our students learn how to assemble a desktop computer, how to work a keyboard and mouse, how to standard type, how to use Microsoft Suite Software, and how to browse the Internet.
Your computer students learning how to type with Mavis Beacon Software
Our students love the quality of training they receive in our computer lab. Because many of them have attended other institutions in Monrovia, we know that UDS stands out as follows:
There is one student per computer during the two-hour class.
The course topics are combined as one package that is affordable to the student instead of being divided into individual classes requiring students to enroll and pay tuition for each one.
Our curriculum allows the students to apply their knowledge in beneficial ways such as writing their Curriculum Vitae (similar to a resume) in Microsoft Word or creating a PowerPoint Presentation on a topic of their choice.
You may remember that two months ago we shared a testimony from Abu B Kiawu. He graduated from our computer course on March 24, 2018, and his testament illustrates our commitment to educate and train Liberia’s rising stars.
Without a doubt, your investment in providing marketable skill training for Liberian Youth is paying off. Thank you for being their Classroom Hero and Star Supporter!
Your students love learning in our computer lab!
Your continued support ensures that young Liberians receive high-quality computer training at our vocational training center and that they are prepared to meet the demands of the ever-changing world!
Your continued generosity flows like a river of opportunity for aspiring young Liberian men and women. One of our graduates Abu B Kiawu, who rode your current of hope, posted his inspiring testimony on Facebook of his journey with Uniting Distant Stars. He gave us permission to share his eloquently written message of gratitude:
You made Abu’s journey possible, and his expression of gratitude illustrates how your continued support is making a difference for him and his fellow graduates. Thank you!
Auto Mechanics Course 
Catering Course 
Computer Course 
Cosmetology Course 
Electrician Course 
Hotel Management Course 
Plumbing Course 
Tailoring Course 
Kevin Nah
