Building Skills, Changing Lives

It has been nearly a month since we started vocational training classes at the Uniting Distant Stars Training Center. We started with eight courses and hope to add two more once we get enough students enrolled. Our students receive a combination of theory and practical application in each course to help them better understand both the "why" and "how" in learning a particular trade. The goal of our program is to connect our students to employers for internships or apprenticeships so they can gain additional experience outside the classroom and showcase their abilities in hiring managers.

Two weeks ago we shared in our post "See What's Baking at Uniting Distant Stars" what the catering students were learning. Now we like to introduce you to three of our other courses: Auto Mechanics, Computers, and Interior Decorating.

Auto Mechanics Course

This is one of our legacy courses that was birthed during the Ebola crisis when young people wanted to learn a skill instead of sitting home. Kelvin Fomba, UDS co-founder and country director, developed this course from his extensive career as an auto mechanic working with different types of engines. This course is 12 months long and will provide ample opportunities for students to work with tools and complete service and repair jobs on vehicles, generators and other machinery. Two of the students are female which we have seen a gradual trend of young women entering this trade. Students who graduate from this course can either start their own business or seek employment from an existing garage. Our 2014/2015 students demonstrated their ability to find work as shared in our post, "Meet UDS Auto Mechanic and Driver's Ed Graduates".

Auto Mechanics learning about the concepts and terminology for this field.

The uniform shirt for Auto Mechanics is blue. 

Computer Course 

Because of your inspiring generosity, we were able to fulfill the wishes of our youth in Liberia by launching this course in 2016. Computer training is a highly sought-after course in Liberia. Young people see that learning how to operate a computer and navigate the internet means an increase in their marketability for future employment. Currently, we have 42 students enrolled in this nine-month course. We offer four classes with morning and afternoon classes that meet either Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. The course is divided into five levels: 1) Introduction to computers and typing, 2) Microsoft Word, 3) Microsoft Excel, 4) Microsoft Power Point & Publisher, and 5) Internet Browsing & Review Previous 4 Levels. Our students will learn how to write curriculum vitae, various letters, create presentations, and set up and use an email account. 

Computer students from the Mon, Wed, Fri morning class taking a candid photo with Kelvin Fomba.

Our computer students are practicing their typing skills. 

Interior Decorating Course

This is one of our newer courses. The demand for people with this skill is high. This nine-month course is similar to Interior Design for homes and businesses but it also entails multifaceted decorations for weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other special events. This course is taught by the same teachers, Mrs. Annie Cooper and Mrs. Sandi Akashi, as catering. Students will learn how to create flower arrangements, coordinate design of colors and themes for homes, businesses, and events, and much more. This is another field that will allow our graduates to create a business or find employment.

Students learning how to make flower arrangements.

This young woman learned how to crochet this doll dress. She will use this skill to create table coverings.

You, as our committed and generous donor, are giving young Liberians the opportunity to learn marketable skills that will change their lives to the better. Like vocational institutes in the U.S., we offer courses in fields that have a strong market demand, so our students can position themselves for employment and/or entrepreneurship. You should be overjoyed and proud of your service to young Liberians, because it is making a difference!

Thank you for being a highly valued Star Supporter for children & youth in Liberia!

Small Steps Lead to Big Goals

When you set a goal, it is always recommended to outline the small steps you plan to take, in order to bring it to fruition. Somewhere along your journey, it's natural to question when will you reach your destination; but, if you just keep walking, you will eventually see how every brave, thoughtful step worked together to bring your goal to realization. 

You walked with us each step of the way, as we strove to turn our dreams into a reality for these last three and half years. The benevolence you've shown for the children and youth in Liberia has allowed us to Reach New Heights in 2016, with acquiring and opening the Uniting Distant Stars Training Center. Now, as we move into 2017, you have provided the opportunity to launch our Vocational Training Classes, starting February 1st. 

Godfrey is holding one of the shirts selected for the vocational training students' uniforms.

We extend a whole-hearted "Thanks" for your unyielding generosity during our year-end campaign. You collectively raised $3,520 for our Tools for Success Campaign. Another $1,315 was added for the continuation of our Backpacks for Peace program, since sewing is one of the vocational training classes being offered at our center. This week our team in Liberia will be purchasing these Tools for Success to ensure our eager students benefit from our classes. 

During the first three weeks of 2017, Team Liberia has been busy with prepping for the upcoming classes. On Saturday, January 14, they held an informational program for students who passed the entrance exam. They invited people from the community and raised $110 in donations. $100 came from one of the guests, and $10 from a student who registered for classes; what a vote of confidence it is to collect this student donation! 

UDS Youth Leader Princess gives the opening address at the informational program.

You have provided a pathway for these young people to learn valuable skills.

Mrs. Audrey Johnson, who works at the airport donated $100 and gave an inspirational talk to our youth. 

The $110 donation was quickly invested in the ongoing renovations of our training center. They enclosed the open pathway between the property fence and the wall of building to create more usable space for our programs. They roofed it and cast the floor. 

Our team enclosed this pathway between the fence and outer wall of the building. 

UDS Co-Founder and Country Director, Kelvin Fomba, casting the floor for this new space. 

Our volunteers bringing in the sand and cement which will be hand-mixed before it is poured.

Thank you for staying the course with us, as we carry forward on our journey toward providing young Liberians with education and vocational training opportunities! 

Building Community One Star at a Time

As a valued Star Supporter, your continued generosity inspires our team in Liberia to move forward with our vision and fulfill the dreams of Uniting Distant Stars children and youth. You are Uniting with Distant Stars in Denmark, Liberia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. You are part of this growing stellar community that is educating and equipping young Liberians with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in life. You have united with other stars to form a Constellation of Possibilities for young Liberians.

You probably have not realized this, but you are a Super Star for our children and youth in Liberia. Whether you support our learning center, school supply drive, youth exchanges or sponsor a scholarship student, you are changing the lives of young Liberians for the better. Our youth are extremely grateful for your efforts!

While our focus for the last few months was on school supplies, our team in Liberia have been busy with renovations of the new learning center. As mentioned earlier, your efforts inspires our all-volunteer team in Liberia. They wrote letters to individuals and organizations in Liberia to raise funds. They received $600 that helped complete replacing the roof. UDS co-founder and country director Kelvin Fomba has been making contributions to finish the ceiling repairs, start painting in the interior, and making furniture for students. Our volunteers have helped with the cleaning and carpentry work. The following photos show the progress from the last month:

You give UDS strength! Our volunteer completing final touches of the roof. 

You give UDS resourcefulness! Kelvin (at left) resting after making tables for young children attending our study classes.

You give UDS dedication! This room is being prepared for the library.

You give UDS focus! Young volunteers replacing the ceiling tile in the main area of  the learning center. 

You give UDS motivation! Kelvin is white washing the ceiling of the main area for the study & computer classes. 

You give UDS determination! Kelvin in the back white washing the ceiling while another volunteer rests.

You give UDS hope! Young volunteers fixing the doors. 

You give UDS encouragement! Kelvin painting the walls of the main area gold.

You give children & youth in Liberia a brighter future! 

You have helped build our community one star at a time. As you will see in the coming weeks, the UDS new learning center will open on October 29th. We will start with our computer & study classes, and library as we continue to complete the rest of the renovations, purchase needed equipment and supplies, and seek funders to employ Liberians as teachers, trainers and support staff for this center. 

Thank you for your compassionate service to children and youth in Liberia!

Read additional posts on how we acquired this new center and how invested our youth are in this venture of learning. 

• Reaching New Heights for Liberia's Children and Youth
• You received a Thank You from Liberia

2016 School Supplies Drive, Only Headed Upward!

Dear Star Supporter,

Things, thanks to YOU, are only headed one direction: upward! 

Everyday, we come closer and closer to reaching our $7,000 goal for the 2016 Annual School Supplies Drive. Just this week, an additional $401 was raised toward this very important cause! That means we’re at $1,386, which is about 20% of our total goal... ✩​And we’re only headed upward!✩​

We, and hundreds of youth on the other side of the globe, would like to express our sincerest gratitude for your unfailing generosity. Your contributions are literally changing the world. By providing bright young minds with the means to leverage their brilliance and problem-solving abilities, you are making a real difference.

With the funds raised from this campaign, UDS will provide 700 young students attending City of Joy, Rogma International, and Russ Wood Schools with much needed school supplies. 

In recent, exciting news, UDS leader, Kelvin Fomba, was honored on the behalf of UDS by the Hossana Children's Foundation. Hosanna is partnered with City of Joy school, and their mission as an organization is to serve impoverished children.

Here are photos from the recognition ceremony.

Kelvin (pink shirt) recieving an award on behalf of UDS’ work in Liberia.

Students from city of Joy School. Your generosity provided school supplies to these children in 2015, they can’t wait to start this school year off, too!

Kelvin (pink shirt) pinning a flower on a little girl for her academic efforts.

And now, we would like to shed a little light on you. 

The first five individuals to donate over $75, from now until August 14th, will receive special mention on our site for the month of September as “Honorary Donors.” (For those who have already made contributions of $75 and more, your names will be featured as well!) This is in addition to the the personalized handwritten Thank You letter received from a student for donations:

• $100 or more, you will receive a letter from one student.
• $500 or more, you will receive three letters from three different students representing each school.

Your letter will be emailed during the months of September and October.

That's not all! The 3 highest donations made by the end of this campaign will not only receive acknowledgment on the site, but will also obtain special recognition when the school supplies is delivered to the students in September, in the form of a PSA Video! UDS students will get to express to you through digital media their appreciation for you themselves. 

All donations are 100% tax-deductible, and can be gifted according to the following methods:  

Donation by PayPal (go to website and click donate button) or Check payable to "Uniting Distant Stars" at:

Uniting Distant Stars

4010 Lawndale LN N

Plymouth, MN 55446

      ​    ✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩ ​✩​

Please share this email with others to ensure all 700 young students attending City of Joy, Rogma International, and Russ Wood Schools will be given school supplies in September. 

Alternatively, feel free to post our attached flyer at your church, coffee shop, or any other place that has a community board!

Many, many thanks,

Anna Bertch

Uniting Distant Stars, National Youth Leader

Email: ​anna@unitingdistantstars.com

Reaching New Heights for Liberia's Children and Youth

2016 has been a phenomenal year for Uniting Distant Stars. Our learning center has become the "hub" for children and youth seeking educational assistance and vocational training. Since introducing the computer lab in March, word got out, and youth are coming to our site from several different areas throughout Monrovia to receive this training. Without a doubt, we have outgrown our current site with serving over 100 students. 

Youth attending introduction computer class in UDS Library.

A few months ago, our co-founder and country director, Kelvin Fomba, found a building less than a five-minute walk from our current location. The property had not been occupied for two years, the building was deteriorating, and its grounds had become the community trash dump. After several weeks of negotiations, the landlord agreed to a 5-year lease for $7,500 and required half down to secure it. After sharing this opportunity with one of our long-time donors in Minnesota, they generously donated $3,750 on May 22. Two weeks later we received the lease agreement and keys to the building. The remaining half of the lease must be paid after the renovations are complete. 

This is our next challenge.

The building had stood empty for two years. Along with a leaking roof, parts of the interior were heavily damaged by water. The rainy season started about April/May and the roof became the number one priority. The question was how?

However, we have been blessed to receive a $1,000 donation from a sustaining supporter in Liberia. This generous gift covered the cost to replace half the roof. Our team worked overtime on Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9, installing new sheets of zinc metal on half the roof. Another $1,000 will complete this job to prevent any further damage from the heavy rains, and we are hoping to reach this fundraising goal soon.

Roof before the replacement. 

Kelvin Fomba on the roof during its replacement. 

The brand new, shiny roof. 

Our youth played another important role in the development of our new site. About 50 kids came out on Saturday, July 9 and worked 8 hours removing the trash from all sides of the building. These boys and girls completed 75% of the trash removal during this one day. Our youth want this center to open as soon as possible that they pray each day for this to happen. They wanted to show you, as our supporter, what this means to them by investing some sweat equity with cleaning the place.

Our youth outside the fence cleaning up the garbage.

Our girls worked just as hard as the boys shoveling up trash.

Youth cleaning trash between the fence and building.

Empty rice bags were used to place the garbage as it was scoped up by shovel.

Girls and boy working together to clean their future learning center.

Two young ladies hauling a bag of garbage. 

As you can see from this last photo, this building was a school and perfect place for our new learning center. Our goal is open this year and we need $25,000 to cover the remaining costs as follows:

1. Complete all renovations for the roof, three bathrooms, ceiling tile and doors, and painting the interior and exterior that includes materials and labor.
2. Buy equipment such as desks, chairs, benches, storage cabinet, and additional computers, sewing machines and library books. Also basic office supplies.
3. Install the electricity and interest, and pay for the first-year of service.
4. Pay stipends for computer and sewing trainers, study class teachers, security guards, receptionist/secretary, and janitor. These stipends for 11 people are below market value, but a starting point to employ Liberians. 

We are reaching out to individuals and organizations interested in partnering or sponsoring this initiative. If you know anyone that could help, please send an email to info@unitingdistantstars.com. We are available to meet in person, or through Skype or Google Hangout. 

Your generous support allowed Uniting Distant Stars to reach new heights in providing educational resources and vocational training to Liberia's children and youth. Thank you for being our Rock Star!!!

Always Youth Volunteer Opportunities!

My name is Anna Bertch, and I am currently a sophomore in Highschool. My mission for Uniting Distant Stars is to help promote growth and awareness of Uniting Distant Stars by enlisting the help of youth throughout the U.S.. Much of what I do consists of using media (digital/video, written blogs, etc.) to help get the word out and gain support for Uniting Distant Stars. The fortunate thing about this day and age is most of the youth in the U.S. have access to some form of technology; this eliminates the issue of age entirely, so everyone can get involved!  

The ways to contribute are endless and volunteering can take many forms. But, teens here in the U.S. should consider how they can serve, what their talents are, and what they can bring to the cause. Whether it’s getting together with friends and hosting a fundraiser event, talking to school leaders about launching a school club, or simply talking to people who have connections to sponsors or ideas; everything makes a difference!

As an organization that is centered on building up the Liberian youth, UDS gives immense value to the creativity and effort put forth by American children, teens, and young adults. Everyone has voice, and UDS will draw positivity from whatever your influence is.

Individuals that are interested in getting involved with Uniting Distant Stars can contact me directly via email: anna@unitingdistantstars.com. Questions, thoughts, and ideas are welcome!

Liberia: Read How UDS Learning Center Benefits Deborah

Our learning center continues to get a flow of new students who hear about this from word of month. Since our youth has requested for more items, we asked them to share why this center matters to their education. The following student participated in our Backpacks for Peace training last year and is a second-year scholarship student:

Deborah values the opportunities she receives from UDS and does what she can to give back to others. Since we are always in need of volunteers, Deborah helps with study classes for younger students as shown below.

​Deborah is one of about 50 students who utilize our learning center to help with their educational needs. We hope her story inspires you to support their wishes to add more books, tables and chairs, fans, computers and other learning materials. We have raised $1267.34 or 51% of our $2,500 goal. As little as $10.00 can do a lot to achieve their wishes. Please contribute by credit or debit card by clicking the DONATE BUTTON below.

Or by check payable to Uniting Distant Stars and mail to:

Uniting Distant Stars
4010 Lawndale LN N
Plymouth, MN 55446

Your tax-deductible contribution is an investment into the academic achievements of students like Deborah with lasting returns. Thank you for your generous support!

Read other blog posts about our learning center:

1. Enjoy a Tour of the UDS Learning Center in Liberia
2. Books on Shelves Advance Learning of Children

Meet UDS Auto Mechanic and Driver's Ed Graduates

Uniting Distant Stars promotes a blend of education and innovation with our programs. At the height of the Ebola crisis in 2014, UDS piloted two initiatives from September to December 2014. Both programs were in response to our youth seeking to obtain skills while schools were closed. The first program is our backpacks project where ambitious youth were trained how to transform recycled material into durable goods. The other is our lesser known vocational training program focused on auto mechanics, auto electrician and driver's education.

Kelvin Fomba

UDS Country Director and Co-founder Kelvin S. Fomba spearheaded this program, because he is a seasoned automotive technician and commercial driver working with both light and heavy duty machinery and vehicles. Throughout his career he has taught young apprentices in the field or students in the classroom as an instructor at vocational training institutes.

He quickly heeded the call of 14 young men and started their training with no money since it was not included in the UDS budget. Kelvin used his owns tools and vehicles he inherited from friends who moved to the states or were beyond repair. Kelvin and his students raised about $450 from contracted jobs to service vehicles or generators. This was used to purchase parts and supplies like engine oil, rent welding equipment or pay services of other professionals. Kelvin enlisted some of his fellow technicians to volunteer their expertise when needed.

The student's first assignment required dropping an engine from a Toyota Camry (Japanese made) with a fuel injection system and standard transmission into the chassis of a Toyota Tercel (U.S. made) that had fuel injectors and automatic transmission. Basically this was putting a square peg into a round hole, because it required several conversions to make it work such as replacing the failed fuel injectors with a carburetor. This is where students learned how to create and weld both an intake and exhaust manifolds, and engine seats to securely place this heavy chunk of metal into the Tercel's chassis. Our students triumphed with their assignment and now had an operable vehicle for teaching driver's ed.

UDS Students working on an engine while interested youth observe the process.

The results of this effort were impressive. Out of 14 students trained in one or two of three trades--auto mechanics, auto electrician, and driving, are presently independently working for themselves and supporting their families. The others decided to stay with UDS for continued training. Although they are qualified to start their career, they opted to receive advanced training to land better paying jobs.

Below are photos and stories of some of the UDS graduates from auto mechanic, auto electrician and driver's education programs.

Amara Kamara at the back and Abrahim Kamara at the front during their practical test to overhaul the Honda Passport engine, which they successfully passed.

UDS sponsored both young men in 2013 for six-month auto mechanic training program at Humanity First Ahmadiyya Vocational College. Kelvin was instructing this course at that time. When Liberia shut schools and markets during Ebola's onslaught in 2014, Amara and Abrahim sought out Kelvin to provide advance training to hone their skills. This additional training paid off, because both are working for themselves today.

On the left is Ismael Boakai. He is a high school graduate and also was sponsored by UDS to attend Humanity First auto mechanic program in 2013.

In 2014, he took both UDS auto mechanic and driver's training. Ishmael is very patient and obedient student and this led to him receiving his professional driver's license for exceeding the requirements. He decided to continue his training to advance his skills as an auto mechanic while waiting to enroll in college if he can get the support to attend.

On right in the same photo above is Lamin Massalay, a graduate and beneficiary of UDS auto mechanic trainingGrand Cape Mount County about 90 minutes from our site and stayed with Kelvin to complete his training. He's passionate about this work and took his time learning all aspects of this trade. He is now working and supporting himself.

On the right is Mohamed Koromah during his practical test to assemble a Toyota four cylinder engine. He graduated in auto mechanics and driving, and received his professional driver’s license.

He lives in Duala, another suburb of Monrovia. He heard about Kelvin from his older brother when he asked how he could take his training to another level. He worked hard throughout his training and now supports himself as an auto mechanic.

Emmanuel Zayazy and James Kolli in the truck doing their practical test while Kelvin supervises. Emmanuel and James both trained as auto mechanics and drivers. They received their driver's licenses and now working for themselves.

Mohamed Sesay, at the rear right, is receiving training as an auto mechanic and auto electrician. This determined young man graduated from both programs and started his own garage.

This is Abrahim Massaquoi, a high school dropout, working hard on a Chevy truck. He shared his unfortunate story about how he had no financial support to continue his education after 10th grade, but had a strong desire to learn and acquire skills. After being introduced to UDS, he jumped in and started as a trainee with the backpacks and auto mechanic programs. He appeared in our backpack video and shared why he was seeking this training.

From his steadfast dedication to learning both trades, Abrahim received a scholarship to return to school as a 11th grader in February 2015. He is now a high school senior and will be graduating next year (2016).

Kelvin continues to train UDS students and provides practical experience for his students at a vocational training center where he teaches part-time. Most of his students are male, but has one female student who is a rising star as an auto mechanic.

UDS plans to start a vocational training institute in the future that teaches both perfect and imperfect world application of various trades. Our programs have shown youth how to be innovative in transforming unlikely resources into workable vehicles or usable products like our backpacks. Both projects established their core curriculum and learning objectives in 2014. Our next step is to scale our programs by locating a suitable space and searching for potential funders.

While Ebola devastated Liberia, it did not deter its young people from gaining knowledge and experience to improve their lives. UDS heard their pleas in 2014 and provided vocational training they needed to become self-sufficient.