Our Mission is to link future leaders and global innovators to educational resources and vocational training to influence positive changes in the world.
Our Vision
is to equip youth with the knowledge and skills to realize their potential and become positive change makers.
A vision of unity and prosperity.
Uniting Distant Stars Inc. is co-founded by Kelvin Fomba (Liberian) and Heather Cannon (U.S. Citizen).
We united together in 2011 because of our shared vision to give Liberian youth the resources they need to succeed. UDS became a registered non-profit in 2013 and received their 501(c)3 Tax-Exempt Status in 2014. UDS is an accredited and registered Liberian non-government organization (NGO) since 2015 and received their permit to operate as a professional and technical institute in 2016.
As a grassroots organization, we have taken small steps to grow our organization in Liberia from working out of Kelvin’s house (2011 to 2016) to securing our vocational training center in 2016. Our volunteer teams on both sides of the Atlantic work tirelessly to improve the quality of education for children and youth with the help of our global donor community.
Our Story (So Far)
Over the years, we’ve grown out of a passion to make the biggest impact to students and young people of Liberia who are eager to learn, grow, and change the community and world around them!
The explosive growth and outreach are listed below for you to explore…
2011 - The Journey Begins
UDS started with a simple act of kindness by Kelvin Fomba, evolving into an annual school supply drive for over 300 children and an academic scholarship program.
The program began with two students in 2011 and expanded to offer vocational training scholarships to young people, resulting in masonry and plumbing certificates for several individuals.
At our beginning, we launched:
With 2 Students
And Our Scholarship Program
2013 - Making It Official
In September, a Minnesota non-profit organization conducted a Youth Leadership Workshop in Liberia. The workshop focused on fostering innovative and creative thinking among Liberian youth, with examples of African youth using recycled materials for innovative solutions. The organization, through the workshop, aimed to adapt and grow as an organization by incorporating the concepts learned from the event.
Making Ideas Become Opportunities with:
20 Academy Students Attending School
A Youth Leadership Program
And Uniting Distant Stars Officially Becoming a Nonprofit Organization!
2014 & 2015 - Facing Challenges
During the Ebola Crisis in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, youth reached out to Kelvin for skills training. Kelvin transformed his home into a learning center and initiated projects on auto mechanics, drivers education, and sewing with recycled materials.
After the crisis, the "Backpacks for Peace" program was launched, training youth to sew backpacks from recycled materials. The success of these programs attracted more youth seeking help, leading to a focus on addressing their needs and empowering them.
Forging Ahead in:
15 Academic Scholarship Students
20 students, opened learning center for student classes and library
Launching Our Backpacks for Peace Program
Participating in the 1st Nobel Peace Prize Youth Forum Virtual Exchange (MN)
And Forming Skills Training (Later to Grow into the Vocational School)
2016 & 2017 - Growth and Expansion
In 2016, a youth-focused mission led to the establishment of a learning center at Kelvin's house, offering various educational programs including library access, study classes, and vocational training in auto mechanics, computers, and sewing.
Due to increasing demand, a larger building was needed, which was secured in May with the help of sustaining donors.
By October, the building was renovated, and by February 2017, a Vocational Training Center was opened offering hands-on training in trades. The accomplishment was made possible by global supporters and the dedicated team in Liberia!
Expanding with:
With 50 Vocational School Alumni
Obtained TVET Permit
Added free computer course to learning center. signed lease for new building
Launched Our Inaugural (Formal) Vocational Training Programs and a New Vocational Training Center Building!
2018 & 2019 - Building Sustainability
UDS Academy opened a tuition-free school in 2018 to help families affected by Liberia's economic crisis. They secured parental support by selling uniforms and leveraged resources to create a dual-purpose building.
In 2019, facing increased challenges, they focused on sustainability, installing solar panels for energy needs. Initiatives included a rent-free shop obtained for vehicle repairs, now housing a hair salon as part of a three-year strategic plan.
Shining Bright in:
Participated in Permacultural Training
And Installed solar panels to operate Our Center.
2020-2022 - Surviving Covid and a Worsening Economy
In 2020, supporters stepped up when we needed you to provide COVID-19 handwashing kits to Liberian Children and Youth.
In 2021, Liberia faced challenges with the Delta Variant of COVID-19, leading to overcrowded hospitals and increased fatalities. Despite this, adherence to hygiene protocols helped keep students and staff safe. A generous donation of $50,000 was received, prompting the purchase of land for a future site and extending the lease.
Plans for 2022 involved initiatives like small businesses, updating learning materials, and expanding solar panel usage. In the Fall, Heather Cannon, the US Co-Founder & Executive Director, revisited Liberia after nine years, witnessing the impact of donor support on Liberian Youth.
Grateful for:
A Generous Donation of $50,000
And Expanding the Number of Solar Panels Used to Power Our Center!
2023 - Celebrating 10 Years: Our Resiliency Continues to Shine Bright!
In 2023, the UDS Vocational School added a driver’s education program, we achieved full solar energy capacity, and worked on a new campus in Brewerville, Liberia funded by a $50,000 donation.
With much joy, Uniting Distant Stars celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2023. We could not make this possible without all of our supporters, volunteers, and board members. We want to thank everyone for all the generous support in educating and training Liberian children and youth as we shine bright into the future!
Celebrating Milestones with:
370 Vocational School Alumni
And Celebrating 10 Years of Investing in Liberian Youth and Their Futures!
