UDS sees educating children and youth as an investment for the future. We started our work withย academic scholarships and school supply drives in 2011. We later added a library and provided after-school study programs. So, starting a primary school serving 350 children in September 2018 fit into our programming.
The UDS Academy is not like other schools in the area because it was a community effort. Our team worked around the clock with the parents in preparing and implementing the plan. What sets this school apart from others?
It is a tuition-free school for pre-K to 6th-grade students.
The parents buy the uniforms directly from UDS (made by our staff and students) and the funds cover the operations costs and teachers pay.
The UDS library contains all the materials that meet the nation’s curriculum.
The teachers are selected for their passion to impart knowledge in students and trained to adhere to our high-level learning standards.
The students are evaluated to determine if they could meet the grade level requirements and some are moved back a grade to ensure their success.
Students & staff making the uniforms (left). New students on the first day of school.
Since most of the vocational training courses either have their own learning labs or meet in the afternoons or evenings, our center easily accommodates the academy. Plus, some of our vocational training students benefited from our academy because they could enroll their children.ย
Furthermore, the parents showed their gratitude by donating three bundles of zinc roofing to help with our building extension and some offered their skills like carpentry to complete the work.
Now as we move forward to June 29, the UDS Academy held their closing ceremony for the academic year. Also, students graduated from Kindergarten and 6th grades. Again, the parents were involved in the closing program and asked if the graduates could receive culture clothes made from a lappa (i.e. fabric) instead of a rented cap and gown. This made perfect sense because they paid a $20 graduation fee and a new outfit for their child is priceless.
Kindergarten 2 in their graduation clothes (left) and 6th grade in theirs (right).
Your continued support empowered our Liberian Team and the community we serve a program for over 300 young children. Thank you for helping them make this happen!
UDS Academy Students saying their prayers & teachers at the closing program.ย
There are many things we are grateful for as we reflect on what we accomplished in 2015. There is no doubt our success is your success, because we are UNITED together to support young STARS in Liberia. We are extremely thankful for the additional $110 donated on Giving Tuesday
to upgrade our learning center. We currently have raised $250 or 10% towards our goal of providing quality after school programming to future educators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders in Liberia. Your
investment in the UDS Learning Center yields a lasting return for the children and youth we serve.
UDS Learning Center Library in Liberia.
Today I read this New York Times article “Our (Bare) Shelves, Our Selves” from December 5 that supports our initiative. It highlights how a
physical book is essential to advancing a child’s learning development as cited below.
After G.N.P., the quantity of books in oneโs home was the most important predictor of reading performance. The greatest effect was seen in libraries of about 100 books, which resulted in approximately 1.5 extra years of grade-level reading performance. (Diminishing returns kick in at about 500 books, which is the equivalent of about 2.2 extra years of education.)
Libraries matter even more than money; in the United States, with the size of libraries being equal, students coming from the top 10 percent of wealthiest families performed at just one
extra grade level over students from the poorest 10 percent.
Books donated and shipped from Minnesota in 2014 that are now on library shelves in Liberia.
Most children in Liberia grow up without books in their homes or libraries in their communities. Uniting Distant Stars Learning Center is filling this critical void in the community we serve. We currently have about 100 books on our shelves varying in topics from math to science, and cultural literature to young readers series. Our youth compiled a list of books required in their classes, but not available in their schools or affordable to their parents. Also, they asked for other materials such as chairs, tables, computers, etc. to improve their overall
learning experience.
Liberian student working on his homework on the porch of UDS Learning Center
A $10 minimal investment towards a child’s education can make all the difference in their academic achievements and career aspirations. Please help us meet our goal of $2,500 to fulfill our youth’s wishes during this season of giving by clicking DONATE for debit/credit cards or contributing by check to Uniting Distant Stars and mail at:
Uniting Distant Stars
4010 Lawndale LN N
Plymouth, MN 55446
Sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your continued generosity, kindness, and prayers for our youth in Liberia!
