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[…]
One of our sustaining supporters, Donna from Minnesota, wrote her Giving Story for #GivingTuesday. By entering her story into this contest, she selected Uniting Distant Stars as the receiving charity. Please help us increase our chance of winning a prize by voting (click here) for her story. Also, you can vote daily. Thank you!
Congrats! Your kindhearted generosity helped unlock the $600 matching grant. Also, you raised $1,300 for our Give to the Max Day Campaign! Your contribution to the vocational training of Liberian Youth provides the resources they need to succeed with their vocational training. Furthermore, your participation in this year’s campaign gave UDS a record year for the amount raised. Thank[…]
One of our strategic goals is building partnerships with organizations in supporting Liberian Youth. This year we became a member of the Liberian Business Association (LIBA) to network and bring more awareness of our work. LIBA’s Executive Director & Consul General of Minnesota’s Liberian Consulate, Jackson George (in photo), visited our center in July 2018.[…]
As we move into September, your vocational training students continue to progress in their year-long program. Additionally, each course meets three times a week for two-hour sessions and spend over 85% of their on practicals. The students that started late receive extra help from their instructor and fellow students to catch up with their course work.[…]
On Saturday, August 17, Kelvin Fomba (UDS Co-Founder & Director) served as the guest speaker for the Bethlehem Commencement Ceremony. As a note, 7 out of 17 Uniting Distant Stars scholarship students attend Bethlehem with one graduating, Deborah Tweah. Kelvin spoke about 30 minutes talking about the role the teacher, parent and student all possess in achieving academic excellence.[…]