You brought so much joy and gratitude to your graduates who received their diplomas in eight trades on Saturday, April 13, 2019.
You gave these young people a reason to smile and rejoice in their successes!
The celebration started on Friday, April 12, at their class party held at our center. The student council initiated a project to make white polo shirts with the UDS logo and their names underneath it. They funded this initiative on their own. They received their class medals that same night. One side of the medal shows the UDS logo and name. The other side featured the Map of Liberia and the theme, “Vocational Skills Build A Nation” created by Kelvin Fomba, Co-Founder and Director.
Your students proudly wearing their new shirts and medals.
The ceremony featured two guest speakers. First, is our dear friend, Reverend Samuel Enders, Founder of African Dream Academy (ADA) and Representative of District 6 in Paynesville, Liberia. He shared how Kelvin provided much needed mechanical work for ADA in 2016. When he paid Kelvin for his work, he asked him what he would do with it. Kelvin said I will put it to opening our school in 2016. Rev. Enders commented on how Kelvin continues to invest his own money back into UDS. He also commended Kelvin for his efforts because people who have far more money are not taking such initiative to help young people.
Our second guest speaker what a representative, Bro. AleiuL Kemokai, to theย Honorable Peter S. Bemah,ย Deputy Minister of TVETย from the Ministry of Youth & Sports. Mr. Bemah gave an inspirational talk about vocational training and reminded our youth of the benefits of having trade skills. His presence was welcomed by our team because we have held a TVET (Technical and Vocational Educational Training) Permit since 2016. We hope this connection will get us closer to cracking the code for being short-listed for funding opportunities. For now, Mr. Bemah said he would help with recruiting youth to our trade school.ย
Rev. Samuel Enders on the left addressing the graduates and Bro. Aleiu L Kemokai on the right presenting a diploma to a graduate. Both men presented diplomas to yourย students throughout the ceremony.ย
More photos and stories from our graduates will be shared in the next few issues. For now, please enjoy this moment because this is your success story! Thank you for your generous support!!!
Uniting Distant Stars Graduates Singing and Walking Together as they make their way to the UDS Vocational Training Center to Receive Their Diplomas!
Unbelievable! The final month of the 2018/2019 term closes on February 28. Indeed, your continued support of young men and women gave them the means to complete their final projects. This article focuses on your cosmetology and plumbing students.
First, your cosmetology students worked diligently in performing facials, manicures, pedicures, and hair styling. As a result of several hours of practicals over the past year, they demonstrated their readiness to provide this service to their instructor and others.
Your cosmetology students demonstrating their skills for the final project.
Next, your plumbing students applied their learning in installing pipes and fixtures in their lab. As a witness to their development, you know that they possess the grit and dedication to be successful plumbers.
Your plumbing students apply their knowledge & skills in their final project.
Clearly, your generous support as a Classroom Hero inspires and motivates Liberian Youth to fully take on the opportunity of becoming skilled cosmetologists and plumbers. Thank you for making this possible!
As a valued Classroom Hero, your Super Powers allow Liberian Youth to realize their own Star Potential. For the past year, your commitment and support has given young men and women the means to learn valuable skills and build self-confidence. Now, as they look forward to graduation, they possess the skills to succeed; you made that possible.
As a result of your generous support, students like Jenneh Mambuย (Catering Vice President – in photo) haveย hopeย for the future. In this video (at 2:10),ย Kelvin Fombaย (UDS Co-Founder & Director – in photo) asksย Jeanetteย if she could makeย foodย now for her and her family. Sheย answers,ย “Oh yes… Right now, I am not looking for a job to do. I am looking for faith that I go empower myself.” Also, she confirmed the rest of her fellow students feel the same way.
Kelvin Fomba (left) receiving cake from Jenneh Mambu (right)
You empowered Jenneh Mambu to create her own business.
Your continued generosity flows like a river of opportunity for aspiring young Liberian men and women. One of our graduatesย Abu B Kiawu, whoย rode your current of hope,ย 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!
Your amazing and generous heart paved the way for 75 young men and women to graduate on March 24th, 2018. These dedicated students showed up each day toย learn valuable skills and applied this knowledge in the classroom and onย field assignments. You and our students were co-investors in this life-changing experience. You, as their valued Classroom Hero and Star Supporter, helped them cross the finish line by supplying much-needed learning materials and supplies. You are the reason for the successful completion of their desired course. You are celebrated and appreciated by each and every student. Thank you for making this important milestone possible in their lives!!!
Our students started their celebration on Thursday, March 22nd, 2018, by holding their class night at our center. This night was where they could be together one last time as a class. It was also during this evening where they received their medals.
Photoย (left): Kelvin Fomba giving students their medals.ย Photoย (right): Kelvin Fomba with two Auto Mechanic students, Winner Flomo (left) and Yasah Pewee (right).
Your students proudly wearing their medals.
The commencement ceremony startedย noon (GMT)ย on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Students and their families gathered in our hall for thisย momentous occasion. One of our special guests, Mr. Ericson H. York (owner of York Plaza Hotel), presented each student with their diploma. Our center was overflowing with cheers and joy from our graduates and their families.
Cover of diploma folder.
Photo (left): Some of the students’ family and friends. Photo (right): Roseline Sonday, a graduate of cosmetology and youth leader.
Mr. York presenting computer graduate and youth leader Dauda Dassin with his diploma.
Our students in their caps and gowns. Do you notice the young men are all wearing gold bow ties?
You gave our graduates a reason to smile and feel proud! Thank you!
Our heart is filled with joy for what you have accomplished for these ambitious Liberian Youth. Again, we stayย Thank You, Thank You, Thank You for your support!!!
