Stars of Tomorrow Podcast Episode 1: Awe Inspiring Visit to UDS Campus in Liberia

We are excited to announce our Stars of Tomorrow Podcast which focuses on our work in Liberia servicing children and youth by acquiring knowledge and learning trade skills. Heather Cannon, Co-Founder and Executive Director, shares her recent trip to Liberia and how she was inspired by the young people’s drive for success.

• 00:00 Introduction to this new podcast and what to expect.

• 01:01 Subscribe to our channel and click the notifications to receive updates on new videos.

• 01:25 Happy November Birthdays to all our followers! Please consider a birthday fundraiser using our Facebook, CashApp $UDStars, or website.

• 02:15 Starts the recap of Heather’s recent trip to Liberia. Watch the 2022 Liberia Trip Recap Video.

• 03:23 Summary of UDS Alumni Interviews
  1. Elijah B. Kotee, 2019 catering graduate and permaculture certificate holder.
  2. Janet Johnson, 2023 Cosmetology and Electrician graduate.
  3. Odell Gbehngeh, who graduated from our catering course in 2023.
  4. J Patrick Nathan, who graduated with an electrician diploma in 2020.
  5. Elijah Somah, a 2019 Catering Graduate, is currently employed as a cook at the US Embassy Cafeteria.
  6. Harris K. Beyan, 2019 UDS Electrician Graduate. He is now a successful independent contractor, who paid his college at a private university and earned his degree in 2024.
  7. Melvina M Saye, 2020 Hotel Management Graduate and current Catering Student.
  8. Theophilus Nasa Dobson Jr., 2022 Electrician Alum.

• 15:00 Summary of current courses, what makes UDS different from other schools, and how they want to offer the services to help the students and school.
  1. Tailoring
  2. Catering
  3. Cosmetology
  4. Event Decoration
  5. Electrician
  6. Computer

• 25:54 Summary of 10/18 UDS Staff Dinner, to recognize our administrative team, academic teachers, and vocational trainers. Kelvin Fomba, Co-Founder & Director of Liberia, highlighted some accomplishments and in-kind donations. Heater shared how she became involved with Liberia and UDS and some staff members gave remarks or asked questions.

• 28:23 Summary of Interview with Kelvin Fomba and Emmett Kilby, Electrician Instructor, on their upgrade to the solar system.

• 30:11 Give to the Max (Year-End) Campaign to fund the Ishmael Gabbidon Memorial Scholarship program to support UDS academic students wanting to learn a trade. Three current scholarship recipients shared how they benefited from this opportunity.
  1. Phanlyn Queedor
  2. Marthaline Yarpah
  3. Godgift Barrolle

• 32:07 Summary of future fundraisers including Uniting Distant Stars Academy Financial Aid and Stellar Course Sponsors.

• 38:43 An invitation to UDS Virtual Tea Time on Saturday 11/9 from 10 to 11 AM CT to meet staff and students. Please email info@unitingdistantstars.com to be added to the calendar invite.

• 40:40 Another invitation to support Liberian Youth to learn trades. Another recap of the various fundraisers coming up.

• 42:08 Summary of alumni becoming self-employed and partnering with Tashie George of IFRI LLC to develop entrepreneurship and create homegrown businesses.

• 43:16 Summary of other ways to get involved as volunteers and board members.

• 43:47 Closing this podcast episode.

Stay tuned for our next monthly episode.