The month of September has been a life-changing experience for the Orphaned Starfish Foundation and all the children that we serve in the beautiful African continent. OSF had the opportunity to meet incredible people and reconnect with students and friends. Throughout this visit we gathered knowledge and unforgettable events that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We will forever be grateful for the opportunity we had to be exposed to their culture, community, and love.

Kenya

At Children’s Garden Home we were received by a community full of enthusiasm and love. The students, despite the daily challenges they go through, welcomed us with open arms and contagious smiles. Kenya is such a beautiful place where we also had the opportunity to explore and submerge ourselves into the culture and share experiences with the locals.

Masai Mara Tribe

Our very first stop led us to the Orphaned Starfish Foundation’s inauguration of the first ever technology center in the Masai Mara at Ole Sere Primary School. The Masaai tribe shared their rich traditions, dances, and colorful attire. We are grateful for the opportunity that gave us to engage and dive into their culture and to see the incredible growth in the last two months. We want to recognize the progress that has been shown by all the students and how invested they are to learn and progress. The impact that technology has on these people and the opportunities that they are creating for themselves is immeasurable. Being able to witness how they support and encourage each other to learn makes OSF proud of this new partnership and more to come. We want to thank the Wave Foundation — Jens, Nicole, and Bryan for making this possible. In addition we thank Zack, David, Johnny, Jo, Charlie, and Karla for having embarked on this adventure with us to visit this new program and experience the magic of education. We cannot thank Chef Benson enough for the connection to the Ole Sere school and the Maasai community, and for amazing local teachers that have been diligent in teaching the students how to navigate a computer, the internet, and Microsoft Office in just two months! We are proud to be part of this making of history and creating a positive impact in the lives of many people.

Tanzania

Along with our partners from the Zanzibar Learning 4 Life Foundation in Tanzania, we had the opportunity to join a graduation ceremony for the students of ZL4LF, who also take classes at the tech center. Tio Andy also had the opportunity to share his magic, which was a much anticipated presentation by the students. They welcomed him with “Abracadabras.” This visit was about celebrating the accomplishments of the students and witnessing how the love for learning can make communities come together.

Ethiopia

We are super proud of all the students from ECF that showed up on their day off to come and spend some time with us and our donors. We were welcomed with songs, and flowers, and lots of hugs and kisses. We visited their school and the computer lab, and were able to sit and see the short film that they created with the We Make Movies movie-making materials we brought them just last year. Their film will be featured on Sunday, September 22 at the Miami Short Film Festival. As we were leaving, we were welcomed into some of their homes a few miles away from the school. We were saddened to see the abject poverty they live in but hopeful for a better future because of the tools OSF and our community are providing them.

This Africa trip is a reminder that even if we all differ in culture, language and beliefs there are strong bonds that connect us like compassion, hope, and love. The laughter and wisdom of these children are the motor that keeps us committed and engaged in the communities around the globe. The Orphaned Starfish Foundation is excited to keep working with these incredible children and communities and keep leaving an imprint in the world. Your support plays an important role in changing lives positively. As a whole, we can create more opportunities and make sure that more children receive the education they need to succeed and keep their communities and culture alive.

To donate to our efforts, visit: www.osf.org/donate.