orphaned-starfish

Building Stronger Courts, Stronger Communities in Sosúa

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:20:19 GMT

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation (OSF) is proud to announce a new partnership with Charlie Villanueva to renovate a volleyball and basketball court in our Dominican Republic program in Sosúa. This initiative represents more than a construction project—it is an investment in youth development, community engagement, and long-term opportunity.

Restoring Space. Restoring Possibility.

For many children and adolescents, access to safe recreational spaces is limited. The renovation of this multi-use court will provide a structured, secure, and well-maintained environment where young people can gather, train, and compete. The upgraded facility will support both volleyball and basketball programming, allowing for diversified athletic engagement and year-round activity.

Through this collaboration, the court will be restored with improved flooring, updated hoops and nets, proper markings, and a safer surrounding environment—ensuring it meets the standards necessary for organized sports and community use.

OSF’s Vision for Sports Programming

OSF's mission extends beyond education and workforce development. We recognize that holistic development includes physical health, teamwork, discipline, and leadership—qualities cultivated through sports.

This renovated court will serve as the foundation for a structured sports program designed to:

● Provide consistent access to organized physical activities

● Foster teamwork, resilience, and accountability

● Offer mentorship through coaches and community leaders

● Create pathways for competitive play and broader exposure

● Encourage healthy lifestyles and positive peer relationships

By integrating athletics into our broader programming model, we aim to create environments where children not only stay active but also build character and confidence.

Creating Opportunity Through Movement

Sports are powerful equalizers. They open doors to scholarships, leadership development, and community recognition. More importantly, they offer young people a constructive outlet—transforming idle time into productive growth.

This partnership with Charlie Villanova reflects a shared belief: when we improve community infrastructure, we expand opportunity. Every repaired surface, every painted line, and every organized practice session becomes part of a larger ecosystem of empowerment.

Looking Ahead

The renovated court in Sosúa will stand as a visible symbol of what collaboration can achieve. It will be a place where children gather after school, where friendships are formed, where discipline is practiced, and where dreams begin to take shape.

We are grateful for partners who see the long-term value of investing in youth. Together, we are not simply renovating a court—we are building stronger futures.

Developing Independence Through Emotional Intelligence: 2025 A Year of Growth

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:46:15 GMT

At the Orphaned Starfish Foundation, scholarships are more than financial support—they are a gateway to personal transformation, resilience, and independence. In 2025, our scholar empowerment program entered a new phase, focusing heavily on emotional intelligence, mindset shifts, and personal development as essential foundations for long-term success.

Building Strong Decision-Makers

Throughout the year, OSF scholars participated in guided sessions aimed at strengthening their ability to make firm, confident decisions. Adolescence and young adulthood are marked by powerful impulses and emotional transitions, making decision-making a challenge. Our approach has centered on helping students pause, reflect, and choose intentionally—empowering them to take ownership of their futures.

Emotional Intelligence as a Life Skill

Training in emotional intelligence has been a cornerstone of this journey. Through interactive learning, students are gaining a deeper understanding of their emotions, their developing bodies, and the psychological transitions that come with growing older. This self-awareness is now being applied to practical life areas, particularly one of the most intimidating milestones for young adults: managing their finances.

Learning to navigate career aspirations is important, but learning to navigate oneself is just as vital. By understanding how emotions influence spending decisions, impulsivity, confidence, relationships, and stress, OSF scholars are developing tools that will sustain them far beyond their academic journeys.

Encouraging Excellence in Every Role

In our most recent session, we focused on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and showing up with excellence in all areas of life—not just in the classroom. Whether in their careers, friendships, workplace responsibilities, or personal well-being, scholarship recipients are being encouraged to embrace their roles with purpose, integrity, and optimism.

Guidance Beyond Career Counseling

As part of OSF’s scholarship support framework, consistent virtual guidance continues to be provided, bridging career counseling with emotional and personal well-being. These conversations have allowed us to address critical transitions and challenges that young people face, including:

● Entering the workforce

● Overcoming financial uncertainty

● Managing stress and professional pressure

● Making impactful life decisions

● Understanding emotional fluctuations and anxiety

This ongoing support has not only guided them professionally but has reassured them personally—reminding them that they do not have to navigate these challenges alone.

Voices of Transformation: Scholar Testimonials

The feedback from scholarship recipients has been heartfelt and affirming. Below are just a few voices from our scholar community:

Merixel (Nicaragua)

“ The sessions helped me understand that my emotions are not an obstacle but a tool for better decisions. I now feel more confident about my professional future… I apply what I learn every day. ”

Juan (Ecuador)

“ Before, managing my finances and job pressure felt overwhelming. Now, I’ve learned responsibility and self-trust. I’m truly grateful. ”

Dalis (Panama)

“ Ms. Carolina always listens and guides us patiently. The talks about adolescence gave me peace… I feel I’m not alone .”

Danilo (Panama)

“ I study veterinary medicine and the sessions pushed me to improve my attitude in everything. I know now I can be a good student, worker, and friend. This support has been essential. ”

Eidy (Colombia)

“ I came in feeling overwhelmed and a bit depressed. Now I feel calmer knowing my emotions are normal and that I have tools to manage them… Thank you for listening .”

A Future Shaped From Within

As we reflect on these stories, it becomes clear that personal growth is a catalyst for academic and professional achievement. Scholars are not just studying for their careers—they are learning themselves, strengthening their confidence, and preparing for independent, fulfilling lives.

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation remains committed to walking alongside students, not just in funding their education but in shaping their inner toolkit for adulthood.

When young people believe in themselves, their futures shift—and at OSF, we are honored to witness and support that shift every day.

In honor of one of our largest scholarship supporters, the OSF Scholarship program has been named the Peggy Drummond Memorial Scholarship Fund . Thank you, Peggy, for believing in the great things these students could accomplish.

To learn more about our scholarship program or give, visit www.osf.org/scholarships .

From Workshops to Employment: The Path to Self-Sufficiency

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:48:46 GMT

In every one of our centers, behind each computer that lights up, there is a dream in the making. What begins as a computer class or a digital skills workshop soon becomes a real opportunity for employment, independence, and personal transformation. The Orphaned Starfish is committed to provide the necessary tools to students willing to succeed and build a future for them and their families.

At The Orphaned Starfish Foundation we believe that technology education is much more than learning to use a program or create a website—it is a tool to build a future. Our students not only gain technical knowledge but also develop the confidence and skills necessary to enter the workforce and break the cycle of poverty.

From Training to Purpose

Many of the young people who are part of OSF come from vulnerable backgrounds where job opportunities are limited. However, through our life skills program, they discover that their talent and effort can open doors that once seemed unreachable.

Through workshops in programming, web designing, robotics, English, and personal development, each student builds the competencies that are highly valued in today’s job market. Our programs are designed not only to teach practical skills but to empower young people to become the protagonists of their own growth.

Inspiring Stories

Our scholarship recipient students are taking advantage of the life skills program that OSF has been offering throughout the years. These students have been applying everything they have learned during these monthly online gatherings. Read their stories below:

● Monserrat , a 19 -year-old second-year psychology student from Nicaragua, excitedly recounted her first experience of direct contact with patients in a mental health unit. For her, this achievement represents a significant step forward in her professional training, and she is deeply grateful for the tools she has acquired, which have allowed her to develop greater confidence in her knowledge.

● Danilo , 19 , from Nicaragua, is a second-year student of Veterinary Medicine. He enthusiastically shared his recent experience working with chickens in an academic activity. This internship required him to change his routines, wake up early, and exert himself physically, but it allowed him to discover new abilities and skills he didn't know he had.

● Ana Micolta , 25 , from Colombia, expressed her gratitude for everything she learned during the year. In her self-assessment process, she emphasized that today she feels more stable in her health, has managed to gain weight, and, thanks to the tools provided in the training, maintains a formal, stable, and flexible job that allows her to alternate between in-person office work and working from home.

● Juan Camilo Osorio , 19 , originally from Panama, is a second-year Civil Engineering student, but has also developed computer skills that he has put into practice by repairing cell phones and other devices. This side business has served as an additional source of income and a smart way to better manage his money.

● Laura Santos , 19 , also from Panama, a second-year Civil Engineering student, shared how happy and grateful she is for all the lessons she has learned. She especially highlighted the excitement of developing a project with a friend and how she has learned to organize her time to make it a reality, thus reaffirming her leadership skills and commitment.

Stories like these are used as inspiration to other students and are echoed in Panama, Peru, Haiti, Colombia, Dominican Republic and many other countries where OSF operates. Each testimony reflects the power of education when combined with love, guidance, and vision.

Building Hope

The goal is not only for our students to find a job but for them to sustain a dignified life filled with purpose and hope. That’s why our programs also include leadership training that values education and personal development.

After finishing the life skills program, many of our students become agents of change in their communities—they teach, they create, they help, and they give back what they once received.

Every achievement begins with an opportunity, and every opportunity is made possible by those who support this mission.

Your donation, your time, or your voice can become the bridge that transforms another young person’s story.

Visit www.osf.org and learn more about us and how you can help shape the future of so many more students.

Building Opportunities Through Innovation: The Orphaned Starfish Foundation Robotics Initiative

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:04:26 GMT

In a world rapidly driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, robotics education is no longer just for elite schools or wealthy countries—it’s a gateway to opportunity. The Orphaned Starfish Foundation believes that every child should have access to the future, no matter their background. That belief led OSF to provide a robotics initiative, a program that is already transforming lives and communities around the world. To date, hundreds of students from around the globe now have access to robotics kits and are learning how to use this type of technology to their advantage.

How It All Started

Like many of OSF’s global efforts, the robotics program began with a simple but powerful observation: children in our partner centers had the curiosity, drive, and intelligence to build the future—they just needed the tools to be provided to them.

Recognizing the increasing importance of STEM education, Orphaned Starfish began piloting robotics workshops in select countries, starting with Uruguay, Colombia, Brasil, Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, USA, Kenya, and Mexico. The goal was to empower youth in underserved communities by giving them access to real, hands-on learning with robotics kits, coding platforms, and mentorship.

OSF didn’t just want to teach them how to build robots, they wanted to teach the students how to think like problem solvers, innovators, and future leaders.

What the Robotics Program Offers

Today, the OSF Robotics Initiative operates in multiple centers worldwide. Here’s what it looks like on the ground:

● Hands-on robotics labs using different kits like LEGO Mindstorms and other educational platforms

● Introductory coding classes to build logic and programming skills

● Project-based learning , where students build functioning robots and present their work.

● Support from trained instructors , mentors, and volunteers.

This is not just a class—it’s a full experience that teaches kids how to collaborate, troubleshoot, and stay curious.

Changing Lives One Robot at a Time

The impact has been immediate and inspiring.

Students in Kenya, who once had never seen a robot up close, recently helped program a simple model to detect and avoid obstacles. In Colombia, students in one of the centers are using robotics to learn how to build skills that can help them enter the workforce.

What’s most powerful, though, is the confidence that blooms in these young learners.

They see a future that includes college, careers in tech, and a world where they are not left behind—but leading the way.

Next for OSF Robotics

We’re just getting started.

With continued support from donors, volunteers, and corporate partners, OSF plans to expand the Robotics Initiative to even more centers. Our vision is bold but simple:

Make sure every child, no matter where they’re from, has access to the tools of tomorrow.

Because when children are empowered to create, they don’t just build robots—they build brighter futures.

Want to Help?

If you believe in the power of education, technology, and equal opportunity, you can support the OSF Robotics Initiative by:

● Donating robotics kits or tech equipment

● Volunteering to teach or mentor

● Sponsoring a robotics lab in a new country

Visit www.osf.org and learn more about us and how to get involved.

My Journey as an OSF Scholarship Recipient: A Letter of Gratitude

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:39:12 GMT

Receiving a scholarship can be a life-changing moment—one that not only eases financial burdens but also reaffirms one’s goals, dreams, and potential. The Orphaned Starfish Foundation’s (OSF) Scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a symbol of trust, empowerment, and opportunity. In the following letter, the recipient shares their personal journey and heartfelt appreciation for the impact this scholarship has had on their academic and personal growth.

Hello dear OSF Family:

I’m writing to share a part of my academic and personal journey as a proud recipient of an OSF scholarship. Before anything else, I want to express my deep gratitude for the generous support I’ve received. Your investment in my future has allowed me to move forward not only as a student but as a growing human being.

Why Architecture?

My name is Johan, and I recently turned 20 years old. I’m currently studying Architecture, a fascinating and enriching field—one that continuously challenges me. I’ve always been curious about how things work, and I love learning and creating. What led me to choose this path is my passion for discovering new perspectives and designing spaces that can impact lives.

So far, I’ve completed 37 courses, with 43 more to go in order to graduate. My current GPA is 84%, and I'm proud of my progress, knowing the road ahead is still full of opportunities to learn and grow.

Facing Challenges, Embracing Growth

As rewarding as my studies have been, I’ve also faced challenges—especially in mathematics. Sharing classes with engineering students has raised the level of difficulty, and I’ll admit, it’s been tough. I sometimes feel my high school education didn’t fully prepare me for this level of technical rigor.

But I’m pushing through. Every day, I make the choice to face my doubts, overcome fear, and believe in my ability to grow. I remind myself that I’m not alone—I have teachers, mentors, friends, and generous supporters like you who walk with me and encourage me to keep going. Your trust and support give me strength.

Thank You, From the Heart

Thank you, truly, for making possible what I once thought was impossible. Even when I face difficulties, knowing that you believe in me gives me the motivation to keep striving. You are part of my story, and I will carry that with me for life.

In the coming months, I’ll be sharing some personal experiences from university—moments that have shaped me and continue to affirm my passion for architecture.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Johan Arriaga

Hogar Jerico, Honduras

Architecture Student & OSF Scholarship recipient

To support other aspiring architects like Johan, visit www.osf.org/donate and join our movement of empowering youth around the world. You can become part of the wonderful and inspiring stories of OSF students that are becoming trailblazers in their communities.

A Path of Growth and Perseverance: Maria Arriaga Journey to Success

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:33:25 GMT

Maria Arriaga, one of The Orphaned Starfish Foundation Scholarship recipients from Mexico is now entering her fourth semester in nursing school and has shared the significant growth and learning experience that she has experienced. This period of her academic journey delved into specialized areas including cardiology, nephrology, and pneumology, providing her with a deeper understanding of complex medical conditions and the corresponding nursing care. While the coursework demanded double the effort—first mastering the physiopathology with physicians and then learning the nursing applications—Maria embraced the intensity with passion and curiosity. Among the subjects, cardiology left a lasting impression, igniting in her a potential calling for future specialization.

This semester, Maria trained in two vastly different clinical settings. Her first placement was at a hemodialysis clinic, where she engaged in some of the most hands-on experiences of her studies. She educated patients about their conditions, assisted with wound care, managed dialysis connections, and even performed functioning of a fistula. These tasks built her confidence and showed her the importance of precision, compassion, and presence in long-term care. Her second placement, at El Hospital Naval de Alta Especialidad, placed her in more acute care environments, including intermediate care and the ICU. There, she encountered a deeply emotional moment: a critically ill patient she recognized from a previous rotation. Despite the patient’s unconscious state, Maria remembered her face, her name, and the care provided. The encounter reaffirmed the power of nursing care and motivated her to continue learning with even greater purpose.

Introduction to New Things

This semester also marked an emotional and symbolic celebration: the “Imposición de Cofias,” a traditional ceremony that signifies reaching the halfway point in nursing school. During the event, a message resonated with Maria:

“In the midst of our patients’ suffering, we are called to be a glimpse of heaven. Through our compassion and presence, we don’t just provide care—we become a living expression of God’s love.”

Maria remains deeply grateful for the support she has already received. Her academic achievements and dedication are reflected not only in her grades but in the compassion and skills she brings to every clinical setting.

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation is proud of Maria and all of her accomplishments so far. Creating this opportunity for her couldn't be made possible without the support of those who believe in building bridges that connect students with success. If you want to support students like Maria, please consider donating to our scholarship fund.

Join our movement and learn what we do and how you can get involved with OSF at www.osf.org.

Connections Beyond Borders: Romania, The New Orphaned Starfish Foundation Partnership

Mon, 12 May 2025 21:45:05 GMT

The year 2025 has been rewarding for The Orphaned Starfish Foundation. We’ve had the opportunity to visit different programs in Latin America and check their progress and the desire that they have for learning and developing new skills. On March 25, a new connection was made in Romania. This is the first Jewish and first European Technology Center that serves refugees from Odessa, Ukraine. Andy alongside Board Member Roberto Felipe had the opportunity to inaugurate this new program and experience the love and affection of the people of Odessa. The stories of their harrowing journey from Odessa to Bucharest, the re-development of their village of over 1,000, and how they are currently operating the orphanage and schools were overwhelmingly beautiful and inspirational.

With this new partnership, OSF is looking to provide the children with the necessary tools that they need to start developing technological skills that can help them be more creative in the digital market. This new program in Romania shows how far we have come and the hopes to keep growing to be able to reach those that need us most. OSF stands by the idea that everyone deserves a chance in life to learn and succeed no matter the conditions that they have grown up in.

Thank you to all the supporters that made this partnership possible and that are always willing to collaborate with our cause. This is just the beginning of the amazing things we are aiming to achieve.

Andy Stein

1. What inspired you to open a program in Romania?

I had been approached by a friend who worked with the orphanage in Odessa, Ukraine and we were working on developing a computer center there. I had made plans to visit and establish the connection and then had those plans canceled by the start of the War. I maintained contact with them as they became refugees and eventually landed in Bucharest, Romania and committed OSF to building their computer center there. This led to my visit.

2. What are the goals for this program with OSF?

The goals are the same as all OSF Programs, to help prepare these incredible children for entrance to University and/or employment through the learning of technology skills.

3. Who are the primary beneficiaries of this program?

The primary beneficiaries are the students of Tikva now residing in Romania but eventually for all the students when they return to Odessa.

4. Does the program have specific needs that OSF will cover?

We have provided all the hardware, software, wiring and everything needed for the computer center.

5. How was it working with Roberto Felipe?

Roberto Felipe continues to be one of most active OSF Board Members, and a close friend. The center is partially dedicated to his father (along with a dedication to William Achenbaum from the Achenbaum family and the Men of MOCA). He continues to share the vision of improving the lives of vulnerable children throughout the world. We are now working together on developing the first professional basketball court in our program in the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

6. Anything that stands out from this experience

The children here show such incredible resilience and dedication to education and their future given the ordeal they have had to endure as they left their home in Odessa to become refugees in Romania. We are so hopeful that this partnership with OSF will continue to help them heal, strive and excel with their futures.

Roberto Felipe

1. How did you first get involved with this project?

Andy sent the board an email about this initiative prior to the gala in October. Reading the email about this and learning more about these children, I felt the need to support.

2. What was your favorite part of this process?

Just building bridges, focusing on being of service to children, that goes for all children.

3. What are you most excited to see happen in the lives of the children?

Helping them see that people around the world care about them and want to help them reach their goals.

4. Why is access to technology so important to you?

Technology has the opportunity to change the lives of these children, OSF has the opportunity to be a conduit for development and to give these children the tools they need to start their business or continue their education.

5. Would you like to share a message to others so they can somehow get involved with OSF and help make a difference?

No level of support is too small – involve yourself in ways that feel authentic to you, whether that's a fundraiser associated with a half-marathon or helping support at one of our committees. There are a lot of at-risk children around the world. Take the opportunity to be a part of the change we need in this world.

To learn more about the work we do at the Orphaned Starfish Foundation, visit our website at www.osf.org. To donate visit, www.osf.org/donate.

Inspiring The Future Generation of Leaders: LEA Workshop Presented by Johnson & Johnson

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 06:40:16 GMT

For many years, The Orphaned Starfish Foundation has partnered with Johnson & Johnson to make an impact in the lives of so many children around the world. Last week, the students from Orphanage Niños y Niñas de Cristo in the Dominican Republic became part of the inspiring STEM LEA workshop where they had the opportunity to connect with professionals from the medical field, listen to their stories, and learn how they worked to make their dreams come true.

The Operation Smile LEA (Latinoamérica En Acción) STEM workshop is an international event created for Latin American youth interested in learning about career options they can pursue within the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. The main goal is to provide the students with information and mentors to help them get a better scope of how the field that they are interested in works and how they can connect with institutions that are involved in the community with the goal of making an impact and helping those in need.

The future demands good leadership skills. Thus, Operation Smile’s conference was built to create an environment where leadership skills can be developed and honed. The panel had doctors in the different areas of medicine that provided educational information on how to get a good mentor and how the students could find out if they were on the right path in their careers. Subjects like adaptability, time management, teamwork and career selection were presented by the Johnson & Johnson team in a dynamic setting.

Orphaned Starfish Students Testimonials

The honorees of the LEA workshop were 12 promising young girls from the OSF program Niños y Niñas de Cristo. For some of them, it was their first time ever attending a conference, especially one as important as this where they had the opportunity to connect with students from all Latin America and share their experiences.

Yesica Rodriguez

On behalf of all the girls here present I want to thank J&J for this amazing opportunity. I felt so inspired. After today I will be thinking more about my career and what are the things that I enjoy doing and learning. I was one of the people that always thought that there was only evil in the world, but after listening to the panelist and how they give back to society, I decided to change my mind and prepare myself to give back and help others.

Angela Peña

After today, I will be working harder toward my goals and dreams. All the panelists inspired me to do better and to stay focused on the important things. I'm very grateful for this opportunity.

The partnership among The Orphaned Starfish Foundation and Johnson & Johnson is looking to create more opportunities among those that are underserved and need an opportunity in life. The 2025 goal is to strengthen this bond and find resources that benefit the communities in need. Together we can inspire young leaders and create a brighter future.

Join our movement and learn how you can get involved with OSF at www.osf.org

English: A Tool to Create Opportunities and How Milagros from Panama is Taking Advantage of Such Opportunities

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:00:31 GMT

Throughout the years The Orphaned Starfish Foundation has been working on providing English to the Latin American community with the goal of creating opportunities for our students and providing more employment possibilities for those interested in a bilingual career. Becoming proficient in English is a stepping stone for a world that's ready to be discovered.

The Importance of Learning English

Todays’ world is based on developing abilities that can maintain doors open to the unknown. Learning English is a skill that will always be on demand and that businesses worldwide require most of their employees to know basic English. Giving access to English classes to the OSF students creates a pathway where they start to become familiar with a new language and culture. Furthermore, English learning can be used as a tool to break cycles of poverty, illiteracy and to help generations to grow and cultivate a better future. The OSF English initiative is built to create unlimited opportunities and help students to reach an international market where they are comfortable and their bilingual skills help them to get better results in the workforce.

As we know, English is the language of business and in non-English speaking countries English is a passport to have better opportunities and find better jobs with reasonable salaries. Providing English classes helps to create an environment where our students become more confident and equipped. With this initiative we teach students basic and daily communication skills, how to present themselves and talk about their regular activities and the things they enjoy doing.

Milagro’s Learning Experience

Milagros Sanchez is a student at our OSF tech center in Panama and an OSF Scholarship Recipient that has taken advantage of OSF’s English initiative. She has been devoted to learning and can see herself pursuing a career where she can demonstrate her bilingual abilities.

1- Why do you think English is important?

The English language is fundamental because it allows us to better understand diverse cultures and contexts. In addition, it is a key tool for our personal and

professional development.

2- What are your goals in learning English?

My goals in learning English are: to find a job that combines both the language

and my career. In my field of study, English is essential, as it is a primary

focus. I aspire to advance beyond my current level. I also want to manage

English in my daily life, establishing myself at an intermediate level, which represents a challenge for me. I am interested in English because currently this language opens many doors in the workplace and I have always wanted to learn English to create more opportunities for myself and my family.

3- Are you enjoying learning English?

I enjoy learning new things and English is one of them. Learning new things helps my brain to stay active and young.

4- How do you apply English in your daily and professional life?

I can apply English in various everyday situations and in my professional

Environment. I have the opportunity to talk to tourists in the area and also with some of my friends that are learning English as well. In addition, I am willing to learn and explore new ways of using the language in my life. In 2024 I had the opportunity for 3 months to have a mentorship in English by Emma Lulis through Karla Osorio to learn new vocabulary and practice English. This was an amazing experience because it allowed me to hear a native English speaker teach me pronunciation and grammar.

Learning a new language sometimes becomes a challenge because some people can't afford to pay for classes or the internet to engage in English lessons on their phone. OSF is committed to provide English classes to all the students that are willing to learn and improve their knowledge. We want to make sure that every student gets the opportunity to learn and explore all the possibilities they can to create a brilliant future. With your help and support we can reach more programs and hire English teachers and get people to volunteer and help us spread knowledge and positivity. A bright future is built when a community decides to come together and work together towards the betterment of one another.

Are you interested in sponsoring one of our classrooms or know anyone that would be interested in volunteering? Please visit our website at www.osf.org to get involved.

HOLA by Johnson & Johnson: Spreading knowledge and Professional Experiences with the OSF Students in Latin America

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:10:28 GMT

In efforts to create more opportunities for the OSF students in Latin America, HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement), a Johnson & Johnson chapter have hosted several career panels lined with professionals from various industries and backgrounds to share their personal experiences of how they ended up where they are today and to teach the students how they can thrive in their academic and daily life endeavors. These career panels cover subjects related to diversity, talent management, how to discover strengths and weaknesses and use them both to their own advantage. They have emphasized the important role that resilience plays when trying to become a professional, the trials they have had to face while building up from scratch to try and help themselves and their families.

Clara Jimenez,, a lawyer from Johnson & Johnson hosted the career panel where she shared her knowledge and testimony about how important it is to rely on different resources to be able to succeed and how students can excel in their careers by applying different strategies and learning methods that can help develop skills to enter the workplace neither nationally or internationally. “It is vital to choose your circle wisely and stay focused on your goals and careers,” shared Daniela Sanchez who at the time studied microbiology, talking about her experience on discovering what she wanted to study and who she wanted to be. Moreover, Daniela, of a naturally curious personality, shared that she always had a desire to learn more and explained the benefits of wanting to explore different resources, and be on the lookout for learning opportunities to take advantage of.

Creating Opportunities

Bringing professionals onboard to talk to our students and share their experiences is a resource that we are always looking forward to providing. We encourage students to ask questions and to develop curiosity towards exploring new things that provide them with knowledge and opportunities.

It makes us proud to see how this initiative is growing and how personal our students in Latin America are taking this opportunity. The knowledge road is a never ending one and our goal is to provide our students with all the necessary tools to grow, develop and succeed.

We are planning to keep partnering with professionals that are willing to make an impact worldwide and share their knowledge with our students so they can open their eyes to all the possibilities available to create a better future and break the cycles of poverty and abuse within their communities. We are grateful with the HOLA chapter of J&J and the love they have for OSF and how dedicated they are to teach and help our Latin American community to succeed.

Dreams do Become a Reality: Yeimmy Paola Granados, A Success Story

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 22:57:12 GMT

Many say that education is the key to success and that many doors open after achieving academic goals. Which is true, but this road tends to be filled with difficulties and challenges for many people. Yeimmy Paola is a young woman who entered Fundamor at the age of 7; she remained at the institution for 12 years until her graduation. Yeimmy was not exempt from these obstacles and with hard work, determination and the unconditional support of The Orphaned Starfish Foundation, she has achieved her goals and is transforming her life and the people around it. In 2023, she graduated as a technician in “Early Childhood Care”, a career that she would not have been able to pursue without the support of OSF, who believed in her abilities and tenacity. Yeimmy is now a woman who really wants to provide and help her family. She has two beautiful girls, and an excellent partner, who has supported her in everything so that she could achieve her dream of studying.

During her career she maintained excellent grades, and she even continued her studies while pregnant with her second daughter. On the day of her graduation, Yeimmy received an honorable mention for her performance during her degree and for the work experience she did at a school in her city which allowed her to very quickly get a job with the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF), a Colombian government institution that looks after the well-being of families and children in Colombia. Teaching children from ages 1 to 5 in one of its leading rural early childhood care programs called "Modalidad Familiar" (Family Mode). This job has been very enriching and satisfying for Yeimmy because of the experience that she can provide as a mother and graduate of the protection system. Moreover, Yeimmy has been able to contribute to the prevention of the institutionalization of girls and boys, teaching and supporting mothers who are learning about the proper care of children, stimulation, creation and strengthening of emotional bonds and protection of their daughters and sons.

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation is working alongside the different programs worldwide to create opportunities and promote technological education that allows children to nourish their hunger for learning and success. OSF’s scholarship initiative is a source of empowerment that supports students like Yeimmy Paola that are full of resilience, determination, and discipline to turn their pasts into a beautiful and inspiring future. OSF is proud of Yeimmy and all the students that are building their future and taking advantage of all the resources provided.

If you are interested in supporting more students like Yeimmy Paola visit our website www.osf.org /donate to donate today.

Nepal: A Journey Through Friendship and Technology

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 02:18:15 GMT

Every OSF visit is unique and special given the various cultures and traditions of each country. This summer, OSF Founder, Andy, traveled to the peak of the Druk Amitabha mountain, which overlooks the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The top of Druk Amitabha houses Amitabha Monastery, a Himalayan Buddhist Monastery where nuns from the Drukpa lineage live and learn Kung Fu for self-defense. They are also known as the Kung Fu Nuns. This monastery is also an Orphaned Starfish Technology Center.

We are blessed and super proud to be part of a rare few chosen to work with this unique group of girls. This opportunity allowed Andy to be the first ever visitor back into the monastery since the pandemic. Besides providing technology education, during his visit, Andy also spent time sharing magic shows, watching these fiercely disciplined tough nuns giggle at each trick. They shared hugs, and laughs, and also their aspirations for the future.

The excitement of this visit is seeing how eager the students are to learn and grow their personal skills. The community in Nepal is one that grows together and everyone is willing to help each other succeed. The computer center in Nepal is about education and empowerment. The way that the students and the community are involved and willing to grow is heart filling.

We believe that technology is a powerful tool that empowers and nourishes those in need providing education and equality for everyone.

The orphaned Starfish Foundation believes in the power that technology brings to the different communities we serve. Our students are creating their way out of generational poverty and building a future for them and their families. Join us in this journey and become part of the change.

Building Connections Through Technology and Culture

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 19:59:22 GMT

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.

Stories Behind the screen: A Beacon of Creativity

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:37:04 GMT

Creativity can flourish even in the most uncertain times and events. 2020 was a year where the world was at a standstill and people all over the world were trying to hold onto hope. Those were challenging times, but that did not stop the Orphaned Starfish students’ determination and creativity. In collaboration with We Make Movies, a film-making initiative was created to give a voice and space to the OSF students to manifest their experiences and emotions by producing their own movies. Throughout these past couple of years, the Orphaned Starfish Foundation students have been at work learning about shooting, editing, and everything in between pre and post-production. All the hard work that these students have put into creating the different pieces has finally paid off as the winners of the OSF x WMM 2024 Film Making Competition will be recognized at the Miami Short Film Festival this September.

In the middle of all the unprecedented disruptions that were happening, a team of dedicated and passionate filmmaking professionals gave life to the We Make Movies Initiative and provided the OSF students with tools, guidance, and a platform where they were able to create and channel their creativity in a filmmaking environment. During the filmmaking process, OSF students were encouraged to develop skills to help them write, edit, and direct their short films which led to technical learning, and personal expression so that the public could connect with their stories. This beautiful initiative was the outlet that helped the students maintain their hopes and dreams during times of isolation. OSF had six countries participating in this initiative in which all excelled and gave their best. The countries participating are the USA (Kansas), Haiti, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Tanzania (Zanzibar), and Kenya.

The Miami Short Film Festival Recognition

The reward for all the effort and dedication is presenting the students’ films at the well-known Miami Short Film Festival. With this recognition, the OSF students will enjoy a celebration of their talent, hard work, and creativity. The Miami Short Film Festival serves as a platform that provides a space for these young filmmakers to share their work with professionals and as a stepping stone for their future in the film industry. The Orphaned Starfish Foundation alongside We Make Movies feels proud of the students and their perseverance while working on this project.

If you feel inspired by this and all the OSF initiatives we encourage you to learn more about OSF at www.osf.org .

Graduate Spotlight: Fa’afetai Lemautu

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:09:01 GMT

A few months ago, The Orphaned Starfish Foundation had the honor to witness one of our students graduating college. These are the moments that we live for! We are proud of Fa’afetai and all her accomplishments. The OSF team is excited to see all the opportunities that will come her way and the amazing things she'll do in the lives of others.

Fa’afetai, which means “thank you” in Samoan, is now a graduate of the Pacific Island Foundation OSF tech center in American Samoa. OSF came to know Fa’afetai when she participated in an American Samoa Idol that was featured and aired all throughout the island. Fa’afetai participated and won! She has since been honored many times at our OSF Annual gala, and graced us in singing with her single “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Fa’afetai applied and was granted a scholarship in 2019 to pursue higher education.

Read below for some additional insight on Fa’afetai’s post-graduate journey.

1. What was the most exciting thing about graduating?

Being able to say this chapter of my life has closed, and it was very heartbreaking but comforting as well leaving Missouri Valley knowing that I did my part and now must move forward with my life. I was excited to see everyone that came out to celebrate me and I’m just relieved and proud of myself for finishing this chapter of my life.

2. What are you doing now?

I am currently enjoying taking a break from school with my family in Washington. I plan on occupying myself with a job in the meantime and I do plan on returning to Missouri Valley to continue my studies and get my masters.

3. Did you get a job? or applying for jobs?

As of right now I am unemployed, but I do hope to apply for jobs in my career field and obtain a job I love and will enjoy.

4. What career did you pursue?

I graduated from Missouri Valley College with a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. I hope to become an effective and competent therapist/counselor, if not for the public, for a school, preferably high school or college. If that doesn’t fall through, I plan on becoming a social worker working for CPS, specifically those who handle cases involving children who have lost their homes and have experienced trauma in their earlier developing years.

5. Any challenges happening in this new chapter?

Right now, the biggest challenge is finding my footing. All I’ve known is how to function as a student. I went into college right out of high school so now that I’m done with school, I must figure out what it is I plan on doing for the rest of my life. School gave me purpose and something to do at a specific point in my life. Now I’m just trying my best and hoping to achieve all that I put my mind and my heart to.

6. How do you describe the role of OSF throughout your college career?

OSF has been a huge contributing factor to the woman I am today. Everyone who I have met and the opportunities I’ve been presented with because of OSF have been such a blessing. I’ve come a very long way from the shy 16–17 year-old they saw on that stage in her little New York T-shirt. I have been blessed abundantly and am forever grateful for all OSF has done for me. I will remain humble and compassionate because of my many supporters and that includes the Orphaned Starfish Foundation.

Guatemala and Honduras: Afternoon of Hugs, Magic Tricks and Pizza, A Wonderful Week of Sharing with Friends

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 16:46:31 GMT

Nothing rejoices us more than seeing our students take advantage of the many opportunities that technology can offer. This past June we had the opportunity to visit three of our programs in Honduras and Guatemala along with our Houston family the Morales, Bailey’s, Owen’s, Van der Ven & Martinez and Coopers and spend time with the students and teachers at the different locations.

During the time spent in Central America, we saw how much our students are growing and gaining knowledge from the different initiatives that The Orphaned Starfish Foundation is offering to them.

Sharing knowledge through art and technology was the factor that led our students to connect with each other and bring out their artistic side. The Orphaned Starfish Foundation strives to create safe communities where our students and collaborators can create long-lasting relationships. The words of gratitude are not enough for us to demonstrate how much we appreciate the time that our Houston family took to engage with our students and make them understand that they are loved, heard, and cherished.

For months, our students in Guatemala worked hard to create a film called Maria that they featured and premiered for our visiting group. As a result of the great work they have done, we will be extending our We Make Movies initiative to their program and will also be adding them to the list of short films that will be featured along other students’ work at the Miami Short Film Festival on September 22nd. The Orphaned Starfish Foundation is beyond proud of the evolution of the students during the filmmaking process. Our We Make Movies initiative has created an outlet where our students can bring their own ideas to the table and present them in a professional setting.

Honduras and Guatemala are filled with stories that inspire us to keep doing our job and to keep creating opportunities for those who need it the most. These children are full of resilience and determination that we believe will become successful and will inspire others as well.

OSF is forever grateful to our donors and teachers at the different sites that make the well-being of our students possible.

To donate to continue providing these essential initiatives to our students visit: www.osf.org/donate to contribute to their growth.

PROGRAM SITE PERSPECTIVE: Fundamor Colombia Starfish Stories

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:27:12 GMT

1. How did you get involved with OSF? / How did OSF start in your community?

Fundamor received a visit from Andrew Stein for the first time in October 2010, through Conexión Colombia. In 2011 we sent the proposal, and it was approved in November by the Orphaned Starfish Foundation. In February 2012, the technology room was put into operation at the Fundamor headquarters in the city of Cali for the benefit of girls, boys and adolescents linked to the residential modality (HIV special care disease), being “officially” inaugurated on June 15, 2012.

2. Tell us the story of your community.

Currently, Fundamor has different programs that benefit girls, boys, young people, and families, such as the Dejando Huellas and Escuela de Paz program which offers a complementary education proposal that benefits children from 5 to 13 years old, infants and vulnerable pre-adolescents who live in environments that do not provide adequate care and protection. The rates of violence, abuse, abandonment, and neglect for the comprehensive development of girls and boys in Colombia and especially in the departments of Valle and del Cauca are extremely high. This environment is not safe for any of the children. Most of the time we find children that left alone in their homes taking care of themselves or caring for another minor because their families must work to obtain economic support and this requires that minors remain without the supervision of an adult and exposed to the dangers that virtuality offers, exposing themselves to screens such as tablets or cell phones without any regulation. This neglect increases the possibility of these children run risks that affect their integrity. On the other hand, the children face the risk of joining vandalism groups that affect the community.

Currently there are three population groups, one is in the rural area of Cali called Pance, the other group are children who moved to the Fundamor facilities in Cali from urban areas or nearby municipalities and the last group is in the Mandiva village of the department of Cauca.

Another characteristic of the population is that 86% of girls and boys attend Official Educational Institutions. This information leads to recognize that the lack of opportunities to participate in complementary training is low, since in private schools the educational offer is broad, but it has a costly price for the students.

3. What are the biggest challenges your students face?

The greatest challenges are associated with the inequality gaps in quality education, since the opportunity to access innovative pedagogical proposals are expensive and the families are not able to afford them. In the face of this situation, caregivers decide to leave their children alone at home because they can afford to pay to access private programs.

Another challenge is associated with mobility, since sometimes financial resources become a problem again, but so is the time of the adults who can accompany them to the place where the pedagogical proposal is provided.

Fundamor offers the programs at no cost, but this situation is also a challenge for us since strategies are constantly created to obtain resources that allow the proper functioning of the Dejando Huellas and Escuela de Paz Program.

Regarding the issue of mobility, the Dejando Huellas Program currently has an alliance that ensures a small group of children who can be picked up at the educational institution and dropped off at strategic points so that their families can receive their children at the end of the afternoon.

4. Tell us the story of one of the students.

Paula is an 11-year-old girl and has been attending the Dejando Huellas Program since 2021. She lives in a settlement with her mother and 2 of her younger sisters.

During the time that Paula has been in the program we have seen how she has transitioned from childhood to pre-adolescence, with the expected behaviors for this life cycle. But we also see that she still enjoys playing and participating in activities that children of their age are classified as children.

Within the process it is observed how at some moments it bothered her to share the same spaces with small children, sometimes with her eyes she showed her displeasure at what they said or did, but the team of professionals at Dejando Huellas has understood the moment that she is experiencing and has accompanied her with respect and care for her and for others.

After a few months, we observed how Paula shares with younger children and although she is not the most expressive child, she has established in her practices from understanding to diversity. She is showing interest by cooperating and helping with the younger ones.

This story is one of the cases that shows the importance of accompanying children in this physical, social, and emotional transformation, evidencing how the Program generates protective environments, strengthens self-care, autonomy and security in decision-making process. The program's team of teachers are a significant resource for Paula to experience and understand the changes inherent to her age.

5. How has OSF affected her children?

In the case of the boys and girls of the Dejando Huellas Program, it has been seen how they enjoy the pedagogical proposal, acquiring greater tools to socialize, make decisions, share with their peers and be empathetic and understanding of the needs of others.

For Escuela de Paz Program, it is a great opportunity for girls and boys to access a protective environment where they can share with their peers and acquire leadership and decision-making skills.

Thanks to the support of OSF, there are technological rooms and expert teachers. These contributions have become a learning opportunity for boys and girls in technological topics, favoring the development of skills in the management of computer equipment and the acquisition of knowledge about robotics and technology. This is contributing not only to knowledge but also to the strengthening of skills which allows them to solve situations of their daily lives. The students make creative proposals and the capacity for analysis, as well as psychomotor skills that are evident in the construction of pedagogical material specific to robotics.

6. What kind of changes have you seen in them?

They are safer boys and girls, they manage to analyze and solve different problems that arise according to their life cycle, they are also sensitive to situations that affect them and understand the emotions that their friends experience.

Another change is the regulation of their body, since they have internalized the rhythms proposed within the Programs, understanding, and living each of the moments established in the pedagogical routine.

In educational processes, teachers and children's families express that they are autonomous in carrying out their tasks, that they demonstrate academic improvements and are responsible for their school and family commitments.

7. What are they learning?

They work from different pedagogical strategies, which I mention below:

• Robotics and computing

• Music

• Art and literature

• Ecology

• Self care

• Circus

• Dance

• Play and movement

Each strategy aims to promote the development of three competencies, cognitive, socio-affective, and psychomotor, allowing girls and boys to recognize their abilities and talents.

8. What kind of opportunities have you created?

The Dejando Huellas and Escuela de Paz Programs serve children three afternoons a week, which fosters protective environments, preventing infants from being exposed to different risks such as being alone in their homes, without the care of adults and connected to social networks that can become an outlet for abuse by unscrupulous adults.

Meetings are also held with families with the purpose of guiding and accompanying them in the bonding processes, as well as the creation of parenting strategies.

9. How does this center benefit the community?

The Dejando Huellas Program has understood that direct work with children has great impact, but that it is necessary to accompany the families and the community, for this they are in the construction of a proposal where the families of girls and boys, favoring community processes that end up impacting the development of infants.

At Escuela de Paz and Dejando Huellas the pedagogical proposal has turned into protective environments, since taking care of children allows us to be certain that fewer children will be exposed to unfavorable conditions, and this is how at Fundamor we contribute to a society that cares about childhood and ensures the well-being of healthy development.

10. What is your greatest hope for the center and the community?

Convert the pedagogical proposal into a community development center, accompanying girls, boys, families and the community where the beneficiaries live through education, generating possibilities to improve the quality of life through knowledge and restoration of their rights, redefining the concept they have as citizens and eliminating barriers that do not allow them to access new opportunities in education and health.

11. Any particularly interesting stories you want to share about the center?

Fundamor has been working for the well-being of girls, boys, adolescents, young people and families for more than 30 years and it is the experience acquired in working with these populations that allows us today to work on the construction of a community development center, with the purpose of benefiting different communities and inspiring other entities that bet on a better society, where rights are fulfilled and respected.

PROGRAM SITE PERSPECTIVE: Pozo De Vida, Mexico Starfish Stories

Fri, 24 May 2024 19:59:07 GMT

1. How did you get involved with OSF? / How did OSF start in your community?

Andy came to visit us in 2015 with some of his friends. He played games, made balloon animals, and magic tricks with the girls and from that moment on he has been supporting us.

2. Tell us the story of your community.

When we arrived in Mexico, we had no idea of the complexity, proliferation, or enormity of the problem of modern slavery. We were amazed at the number of children being treated each year. The statistics impressed us and weighed heavily on our hearts. We knew that we were witnessing one of the greatest tragedies of our generation. We were led to respond and act, and that is how El Pozo de Vida A.C. started.

3. What are the biggest challenges your students face?

In the majority there is a lack of knowledge of the use of computers, as well as their basic programs. They lack or present deficiencies in coordination or reading and writing processes, which makes the acquisition of mastery in the use of computers slow and constantly generates frustration.

4. Tell us the story of one of the students. (Tell the real story, even with all the unpleasant details.)

A young woman who had not used a computer. At first, she tried to write and when she could not keep up with her classmates, she became upset and refused to finish the activity. Later, she began a basic typing course and another introduction to the use of Microsoft Word. She currently manages to successfully carry out one-page writing practices and explores Word tools autonomously.

5. How has OSF affected your children?

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation has allowed the students to build an approach to basic digital tools and online programs like Canva and courses like T-Test and to train themselves for employment.

6. What kind of changes have you seen in them?

They have increased curiosity when conducting research on the Internet on topics that question their guides, as well as greater security and autonomy when using computer equipment.

7. What are they learning?

The students are learning typing, basic use of Microsoft Office, keyboard proficiency through game pages for those who are not proficient in writing.

8. What kind of opportunities have you created?

Access to cognitive stimulation pages, development of practice curricula, access to online course platforms, the possibility of studying remotely and obtaining high school certificates, access to videos and documentaries to increase knowledge in general culture.

9. How does this center benefit the community?

It increases the chances of advancement in the academic field for the students and it provides an approach to the fundamental digital tools in the current workplace.

10. What is your greatest hope for the center and the community?

That more young people can obtain their certification at the high school level and open greater possibilities for courses with certification that provide tools for the labor field and their future reintegration.

11. Any particularly interesting stories you want to share about the center?

The opportunity to carry out a practice for the older girls on the preparation of a curriculum vitae so that they could visualize those areas in which they have strengths and that this type of document can be included, giving greater clarity about their future possibilities.

12. What is the best way someone can help this center?

To continue with updates and bringing hope and opportunities to our students.

The Difference We Make: Starfish Stories from AJN, Brazil

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 20:35:29 GMT

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation has been working with Associação Jesus de Nazaré for over 21 years. They were OSF’s second established tech center, and first ever in Brazil. The strides we have made over the last two decades are a testament to the power of equipping the younger generation with technology education for a better future. Below AJN shares some of what we have been able to accomplish together since we began. And we do not plan on stopping anytime soon, because there is still so much more to do.

1. How did you get involved with OSF?

In 2000, Mrs. Christa Bonhoff told us we were going to welcome a magician called Mr. Andy Stein, who would perform to our kids. The idea was to welcome him during the weekdays, and we were extremely excited and anxious about the possibility of meeting a foreign magician in our institution.

I have this memory as clear as water until this day. Andy, a man with an easy smile, got here wearing shorts and carrying a lot of air balloons. Then, he filled the balloons one by one skillfully, making balloon animals for each kid as a gift. Kids were smiling and getting very emotional while getting their presents. This day became an unforgettable experience for all of us.

Apart from the balloons, Andy made many sorts of performances involving magic to the kids, creating an environment of a spectacle itself. It was unforgettable. These visits Andy made us in Brazil became regular throughout the time that has passed since this day. On each day of these visits, we are pleased to welcome Andy one more time, and are absolutely certain that it is always a very pleasant and happy day.

What we did not know back in the day was about the lasting impact of these magic(al) moments. Through the time, we have found out that Andy and his crew’s caring actions, filled with joy, would start a real transformation in the lives of our kids and professionals who were and are working at the institution. What we did not know is that the real magic was starting to happen right in front of our eyes, and we can see it happening every day we have spent working in this place, thanks to everything Andy has gently given us.

As a big surprise, we found out that through OSF, Andy was planning to build a Technology Center here. Back then, we had only three computers destined for administrative purposes. We had to occupy them to organize the work we were doing at the institution. Today, thanks to Andy’s plan, we have computers, laptops and Macs available to all kids, teens and adults in our informatics classes and the school support. We can provide them machines for research purposes and help them build independence with their knowledge.

The transformation Andy has made in our lives is visible and really touching to see it happening. It is truly inspiring and, most certainly, it leaves positive marks, ineffable to our beings and our institution.

2. Tell us the story of your community.

Our Association is located in the periphery of Leopoldina, in a neighborhood called Ramos. This location is surrounded by hoods and communities affected by poverty, like Complexo da Maré, Complexo da Penha, Parada de Lucas, Bonsucesso, Cordovil e Vigário Geral. Each one of these communities contributes to the diversity of our city, bringing together unique characteristics: socially, culturally and economically.

Unfortunately, poverty is a prominent characteristic in these communities, many times coexisting with the risks criminality brings to our society. These areas face socio economic challenges on a daily basis: the lack of access to education, job opportunities and basic needs. The persistence of poverty influences the whole dynamics of people’s lives and frequently it raises a suitable environment for criminals.

Nevertheless, we want to make a difference! Our Association is strategically located in a place where our kids can easily access. More so, this location allows us not only to help kids and teens, but also adults and the elderly, to face all these struggles through education and professional development. Our job is of the utmost importance to all the communities surrounding us, allowing us to keep contributing positively in this region.

3. What are the biggest challenges your students face?

Unfortunately, there are many challenges our students have to face. We can highlight:

Violence and insecurity: It is common to see shootings and violence in the streets students live in. This fact brings to their lives an environment of unsafety, leading to absence at school or even school evasion, the same way as with other extra activities they might take part in trying to seek self development and care. It has an extremely negative impact on their lives and their emotional state;

School evasion: Many teenagers are forced to leave school to find a job to contribute to their home maintenance because of financial insecurity. For this, they do not have the same opportunities as teenagers who are able to dedicate their lives exclusively to school, perpetuating a cycle of limitation, of social descending and poverty;

Family responsibilities: The lack of services of nursery, institutions to handle the earliest stages of education and elementary schools in their communities forces teenagers with younger brothers and sisters to stay home to take care of the little ones, while their parents are working. This directly affects their access to education and their personal development;

Lack of technical resources: The difficult access to computers, printers or even to the internet in many residences throughout the communities affects their slight chance to seek for opportunities online and their interconnection with a globalized, digital 21st century world;

The covid-19 pandemic: It exacerbated the social inequality that has always existed in our country. As developed in the previous topic, the lack of access to technology made it hard or even impossible to attend online classes, and it led to a serious degree of delay in their learning process, to a deficiency of their basic knowledge and to an emotional instability. All of these unfortunate events together can and will affect their self esteem each day when they compare themselves to other students who do not suffer from the same problems;

Lack of leisure and cultural activities: The insecurity does not help bringing safe spaces to the hoods so the kids and teens can have a space for socializing, nor for recreational activities and sports. This problem limits their full development as human beings, and keeps them far away from having opportunities to enrich themselves outside the school environment;

Lack of perspective: All the difficulties we have mentioned can lead to a feeling of hopelessness, demotivating young girls and boys to seek for a better life, better education and better opportunities.

The worst challenge is the harassment they face in their communities, responsibility of the intense criminal activity in Rio de Janeiro. Some teenagers end up falling into false perspectives that crime pays. Thus, their biggest challenge is also ours: our main goal and biggest dream is to help young people overcome their struggles while transforming their lives through the activities we offer them.

4. Tell us the story of one of your students.

We have a very kind, joyful and gentle student called Agatha. She is a thirteen-year-old girl, filled with her dreams of what she wants to become in the future and how to do it. On the top of it all, she is welcome to all kinds of knowledge the world has to offer her. We love to have Agatha with us. She is very skilled with arts: she loves everything about colors, decorations, and she truly knows how to make someone look and feel prettier with makeup and nails. Her grandmother, Silvia, is also a student at our institution. She takes informatics and dance classes in the morning and Agatha comes to the regular classes in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, Agatha’s neighborhood is not as kind as she is. Frequently, Agatha arrives at our institution with a lot of difficulty. On many days, she is not able to go to school in the morning, consequently not being able to come here in the afternoon as well. The neighborhood she lives in, Vila do João, located in the Complexo da Maré, the biggest favela in Latin America, is in the middle of a true war scene for the residents. It is between two locations ruled by two different factions, so shootings and confrontations are very frequently placed right next to Agatha’s home. Also, there is a very delicate topic in Rio de Janeiro concerning how the police handle the operations they do inside the favelas of Rio. In many times, the violence is first handed by the police itself – in many times, innocent poor people in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro cannot trust the ones who were supposed to protect them from crimes. When the police decide to operate in the favelas, real confrontation is always expected to happen with heavy armory and weaponry, leading to streets where people cannot go through in any possible way.

Nevertheless, even with the struggles Agatha and her grandmother face everyday, they are always willing to come to our institution to put smiles on people’s faces. They are very attentive students, kind human beings, and we are so glad to offer them a place that can represent safety and comfort. Here, Agatha is able to learn the content she misses at school when it closes due to violence and police brutality. She can also feel included in a place where people are the most pleased to help her with everything she needs. In the English classes, Agatha comes with a huge smile, willing to do exercises and solve the doubts she might have.

Unfortunately, we cannot say that Agatha is one of the few who face these problems. Many students deal with what we have mentioned everyday, and struggle to just leave their houses to go to school or go to work when they have one. For these people, even finding a job is harder because employers might know that people who live in these risky hoods are most likely to miss a day’s work because of the impossibility of circulating in the streets, so sometimes they tend to dismiss favela residents. We want to keep establishing a place where all people feel they can safely pursue their personal and professional dreams, always providing support.

5. How has OSF affected your kids?

OSF has offered opportunities. With the granted access to education and to technologies, supported by our professionals and the equipment of the Technology Center implemented in our institution, the students have the chance to develop essential skills with the Microsoft Office features. They can also learn how to fix and prevent problems in the equipment with the computer maintenance classes. They learn how to surf the web, find resources and content they might need or want, leading to a more effective and independent process of learning. This access to technology contributes significantly to student development and helps them get ready to face the modern world challenges and changes, as well as future opportunities.

Besides, English teaching plays a key role in the development of our students, since it gives them a bigger set of opportunities to get into the job market and access the academic world. It allows students to seek for a full professional and educational development, granting a more successful career. With all skills concerning the English language and technology combined, we can help them prepare for a globalized, international, interconnected and competitive world with confidence and well developed abilities.

6. What kind of changes have you seen in them?

First of all, they have been working on their self esteem. Even facing countless challenges everyday, they start believing they deserve the same opportunities as other kids outside these risky areas, the same way they also deserve to become motivated individuals, ready to pursue their dreams. These transformations have reached all ages, from 6 to 60 year olds, since they start to feel how it is like to be valued for their skills and achievements, and start building confidence based on the knowledge we help them acquire. Thus, this makes them adopt a more positive attitude towards their own opportunities of self fulfillment. Besides, they develop social competence which allows them to establish connections and take part in better social relationships.

7. What are they learning?

Our basic informatics classes can offer our students of all ages an interactive, creative and stimulating environment of learning, based on their purposes and needs. Through ludic activities and practice, they develop fundamental skills to understand computers in a fun way. The course covers essential topics such as Windows and the Office features (Word, Excel and Powerpoint). Besides, we also teach them how to navigate the internet with safety, basic notions of Web Design, whilst stimulating their creativity and demonstrating how technology is working nowadays.

In order to spread their knowledge even more, we include in our course an introduction to computer maintenance, working on how to fix and prevent problems. Students can learn how to solve frequent issues the system and the computer might frequently have, assuring a fluid functioning of the machines and enriching their technical and technological abilities.

Besides the computer skills, we also have a basic English course to offer students enough knowledge to get into the job market ahead of the majority who unfortunately do not have the same opportunity of learning a new language. With their English skills, they can also develop technological skills even faster.

Finally but not least, we offer complementary activities such as Dance classes and Sports.

8. What kind of opportunities has it created?

The courses we offer at our institution open doors to valuable life opportunities:

With basic informatics, students can get into the job market and prepare for careers which are raising a lot of visibility with the world’s technological evolution. Careers involving information technology, design, marketing and correlated areas are a few of the possibilities they can consider;

Web Design stimulates their creativity, allowing students to explore the creation of websites and online content/applications. It opens doors to consider careers involving entrepreneurship;

English offers essential skills to stand out in the job market, to consider studies and jobs abroad, to become an international globalized citizen and be included in the new world, which does not have space anymore for monolingualism;

Computer maintenance teaches students how to solve technical problems, providing them with valuable skills to solve daily problems with machines they might work with in the future or even their devices at home for the ones who have it.

All these opportunities provide them with a solid basic knowledge to prosper in a digital world which is constantly changing, the same way as they offer them advantages to compete in the job market.

9. How does this center benefit the community?

In the educational field, we have mentioned throughout this questionnaire many aspects about how our students take benefits from our work. But, focusing on our community, we can highlight our Cyber Stein room. This room is frequented by students everyday and it is also open to everyone who needs to access the internet and does not have a device at home to do so. In these cases, they can apply to job offers, they can print their CV to submit to any job opportunity, they access government websites to have their rights granted as citizens who need public aid, they can print their bills when necessary, they have technology support from our IT and, finally, surf the web as leisure as well. It is important to mention that we offer this service for free: they do not have to pay to use Cyber Stein. Even though it is less common today, whenever people need to make phone calls – since phone services are essentially paid in Brazil – and do not have any coverage at home to do so, they can use our cellphones and telephone.

Our technology center also has a Social Services field, through which we provide the opportunity to help get their CPF (the Brazilian SSN), citizenship identification, and access government programs to aid people in need. Also, the Social Services search for programs, institutions, organizations and possible partnerships – a partnership like the great one we made with OSF during the pandemic, helping countless families with food – that work with donations of all kinds: furniture, clothing, food, hygiene kits. The same way, whenever possible, with the fundraising we organize through the community, we donate food to families in need.

10. What is our biggest hope for the center and the community?

Our biggest hope is to one day transform our Technology Center into the main reference of charity work in our community. Besides, we wish to formulate Robotics and Programming courses. For it to come true, we need to modernize our computers in order to keep them updated according to the digital world. Moreover, we want to provide students with a more comfortable environment with climatized classrooms to face all future Brazilian summers to come. For this, it would be really important and interesting to install solar panels to decrease the energy consumption and the corresponding costs.

Therefore, it would be necessary to hire new teachers to handle the new courses we have mentioned, as well as increasing the working hours of the informatics teacher we have now so he can coordinate the technology center to keep it updated, organized and functional.

Another goal is to upgrade our Computer Maintenance course since it is currently handled in basic levels of the subject. We are very determined to expand this program to upgrade our course to upper levels in order to prepare and professionalize our students even more.

We are committed to these causes. We are willing to make these wishes come to fruition so we can provide our students and our community with more and more effective teaching and preparation.

11. Any particularly interesting stories you want to share from the center?

Lino Gabriel started his journey in the Technology Center of Associação Jesus de Nazaré when he subscribed to the course of basic informatics in 2019. With great dedication and organization to his studies, he soon could stand out for his abilities throughout the course. This dedication has opened many doors, including a job as a product stocker at Sonho dos Pés company, where he could use all the knowledge he learned in our Association. This led Lino to a promotion in the administrative center of the company, since he applied all his skills in his working days, showing confidence and getting more and more recognition each day.

Continued contributions to the Orphaned Starfish Foundation at www.osf.org/donate will allow us to continue to serve communities like those of AJN and others around the world for many more years to come.

Starfish Stories Featuring Roobens from Juventud de Hoy, Dominican Republic

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 03:20:03 GMT

Roobens, one of the star students of Juventud de Hoy, is originally from Haiti but moved to the Dominican Republic with his mother, two brothers, and two cousins for a better life in August 2021. He and his family reside in El Batey Cacata in La Romana, where teacher Joanna Henriquez teaches computer skills to those who need it most. When Roobens joined the computer classes he barely knew any Spanish but was determined to learn both computer skills and Spanish. While living in Haiti, Roobens was always interested in learning computer skills but they were too expensive. He decided to take advantage of this opportunity that Juventud de Hoy and OSF offered to the community and became the star student of the center.

Roobens is an inspirational young man who would love to help his family and the community. He states that “when you wish for something, it is possible for that something to happen and to always take advantage of opportunities.”

Thank you OSF community for continuing to inspire and bring hope to the lives of students like Roobens.

To learn more or to donate, visit: www.osf.org/donate .

PROGRAM SITE PERSPECTIVE: Helo Haiti Starfish Stories

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:30:00 GMT

A Starfish Interview with Elisabeth Kennedy, Co-Founder of HELO Haiti

1. How did you get involved with OSF? / How did OSF begin in your community?

This is a funny story. I met Andy by chance, through a friend. Allison Mead had travelled to Haiti with me several times and still sponsors one of our girls, Mydelie. After one of her trips, she was visiting a friend in the hospital and expressed her frustration/wish to be able to communicate with Mydelie via internet, but there was no internet in Laborde. Allison's friend replied, "You have to meet my friend Andy!"

Allison met Andy and told him all about HELO. Andy emailed, interested in working in Haiti, and I made plans for him to come visit HELO and several other locations he was interested in. We met at the Port au Prince airport. Allison described Andy as "a really tall white guy with grey hair" that I wouldn't be able to miss. I walked back and forth several times trying to find this really tall white guy outside the airport, and finally found him sitting down outside also looking for me.

Honestly, Andy and I took a chance on each other, and we've never looked back. I hoped against hope that he would pick HELO for his first computer center in Haiti, but I took a gamble because I took him to see other orphanages and other schools. By the end of the trip, he told me he picked HELO because "we are a family, not an institution." I took a chance and won so very much for my students, and a relationship that I value tremendously. I think Andy won, too, because of the love that he has for the children of HELO, who love him just as much.

2. Tell us the story of your community.

HELO is an acronym for Home Education Love and Opportunity, which are the qualities I wanted to provide to children in Haiti. I'd been working in Haiti for several years (in medical settings mostly) and found that so many children were unable to go to school. So many children craved love and attention. I am most fortunate that God led me to Les Cayes, which is so much safer than Port au Prince. I started the nonprofit in 2006. In 2007, I found a house that I loved in Laborde, 30 minutes outside of Les Cayes, and paid a year's rent with personal funds because I'm terrible at asking for money (or anything else) and thought if I made a personal investment, it would be easier to ask others. After finding qualified parents, HELO started in that little house with ten beautiful children. The children were home schooled, a teacher came in to teach them each day. In 2009, we bought the large partial of land nearby and started building -- first a school. My vision was never as large as HELO has become, but with faith and necessity comes change. 2010 caused a tremendous growth at HELO as we went from that one little home to three and our school keeps growing to this day.

3. What are the biggest challenges your students face?

The biggest challenge my students face is their country, which has always been challenging but now is falling into chaos. Sadly, attempts to get the qualified students out of the country for college is also a challenge due to prejudices against Haiti. Thanks to the internet and OSF's computer center, many students are able to keep learning even when the schools are closed because of unrest. Thanks to the music studio and photography lab, children are able to create -- which is so important always, but especially in the midst of unrest and uncertainty.

The educational system in Haiti is also an inherent challenge to all students. Teaching is in French, state exams are in French, if exams are not passed, students are barred from continuing. Exams take place in 9th, NS3 (12th) and NS4 (14th or "philo"). Many students are barred from high school, but even if they can continue to high school and do not pass at NS3 or 4, they cannot go on to college. HELO now has full-time vocational classes to help our students learn a trade, either a backup to college plans or a fall back if exams are failed.

4. Tell us the story of one of the students.

How do I pick one student? It's like picking a favorite child, I love them all. Every one of them. Let me pick Kendy because you all know him.

Kendy will be 21 this summer. He is a true orphan and came to HELO in 2010. Kendy was always very shy but studious. He is a serious, deep thinker, a quiet observer, but he will speak out to injustice and stand firm. He is a man of quality, humble, and very kind. Kendy found his passion through OSF. Photography has changed his life. He started with a donated camera, gobbled up every opportunity to work with any volunteer who visited who had photography skills, some traveled with OSF and others traveled with HELO. It was We Make Movies that introduced Kendy to film making, and he took off and has never looked back. He is also very competent with computers, another skill he can credit to OSF and Paulo, our first computer teacher. This helps him tremendously in photography and film making as he navigates the programs, the MacBook, and the I-phones with ease. This past summer he taught a class at HELO, and thanks to his talent we now have other budding photographer/film makers.

Kendy dreams of majoring in film, specifically in the United States. He wants to develop his talent and return to Haiti to open a film school and studio, we talk of film festivals and spreading talent throughout Haiti and the world. He is passionate, and given the opportunity, will excel and make an impact wherever he falls.

Kendy holds fast to his dream and is currently taking English classes at the American University of the Caribbean in Les Cayes and has applied to the State University of New York. I pray he can safely get to the US Embassy and this time be awarded a well-deserved visa to further his studies.

The good is that Kendy was literally taken from the poorest area of Les Cayes where he had no future, no hope, no one and found a home at HELO. I do believe that Kendy found home, education, love and opportunity. I pray that the opportunity to further his studies and his enormous talent is realized this year. I hope this is just the beginning of his story.

5. How has OSF affected your kids?

I believe Kendy's story is one example of how OSF has affected HELO's children. Beyond the benefits of the internet, computers, music, photography, is the hope that OSF has given the eldest students in the form of scholarships. Statistics are about 2% of Haiti's youth can attend college. The hope of attending college is huge to our students. Statistics for girls is more stark -- average is 3 years of schooling. HELO has 1 college grad, 1 graduate from a Canadian program in hospitality and tourism, another girl in her 3rd year of college, and two about to apply to medical school. OSF's affect is immense.

6. What kind of changes have you seen in them?

Confidence -- students like Kendy and now Jameson who found such a confidence in themselves when they discovered a passion and something they excel at. Students like Jean Michel or Magda who have pursued their musical talent. Kenderson who has created beautiful beats and now has a small business creating music. I've watched passions ignited, and confidence gained as OSF continue to support them and the programs that introduced them to these gifts. And hope, the most valuable and powerful gift of all. I've seen eyes shine with the hope that OSF gives them to better their lives.

7. What are they learning?

Students are learning English, computer skills, job skills, music, photography, film making.

8. What kind of opportunities has it created?

Opportunities created have been working with experts like Tony Black, Margot Bingham, Sam and Aubrey Mestman to name a few. Opportunities to explore music, photography, film that would not have been available otherwise. Opportunity to attend college. Opportunity to communicate with the outside world via the internet -- that first dream of Allison's that has become so powerful, from keeping in touch with friends/sponsors to apply for college, interviewing via Zoom, studying on line.

9. How does this center benefit the community?

The center benefits the community because our students (450 total) have access and work on the computers both during and after school for research. Classes are taught outside of school -- all access English classes, several vocational programs, including beat making and photography as workshops.

10. What is your biggest hope for the center and the community?

My biggest hope for the center is that it grows. We have limited laptops to a large number of students. When I was in Haiti, I was working on updating and growing our space, I would like a library -- like a research area where students can come, research via internet or simply find a dictionary.... couches and tables designated for their use. Maybe book groups -- oh so many hopes and dreams. I was also teaching business skills like writing letters, sending emails, but that will be taken up by another teacher in my absence.

The center and vocational school is very beneficial to the community because many adults enroll. As we expand our vocational school, more and more young adults and adults will be learning a trade and hopefully get work.

11. Any particularly interesting stories you want to share from the center?

I spoke at the gala about our center, about the hope that OSF brings to HELO. These have been challenging years, throughout COVID we were able to do Zoom programs and classes, learning continued via the internet. OSF provided "you are not alone" Zoom calls. . . Then came a catastrophic earthquake, two of three schools destroyed, one home demolished. It was computers and We Make Movies that kept youth busy, creating, learning. Creation while there is so much destruction is powerful and healing. It kept our youth from despair. 2022-2023 has brought a new level of violence to Haiti. Most NGOs have left. Many schools are closed. Our students have a refuge, they kept studying via internet even when schools were closed. They kept creating. They keep creating. And above all, they have hope. They know they have HELO and OSF behind them, doing all that we can to help them succeed. Hope is powerful and priceless.

12. What is the best way someone can help this center?

How can people help? We need computers. We have 8-10 to over 450 students. We have two macbooks -- one is the original from goodness I'm not sure what year; the other for We Make Movies with two i-phones. One Macbook is loaned to Kendy as he works on another films, and Kenderson has the older one which he uses for beatz. While students in both photography and music are using Dells or Thinkpads, we all know the macbooks are best for creating. But, no one complains, I assure you! well, maybe a little about wanting their own, but they understand these are for the center for everyone's use. We recently had a drone donated for use in film making (I'm excited to see what Kendy does, but even more so for Jameson, who specifically asked for it). We have two printers that limp along. All that to say, if people want to help, they could help with hardware or cash donations (it'll be a lot easier to purchase a printer in Haiti, for example) and to purchase furniture and books to create the center of my dreams. They can donate to OSF scholarships -- which literally change lives.

A Story of Perseverance and Hope

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 18:43:59 GMT

“One of the most beautiful things that OSF could have done was donate the computers so that we could do our homework and do our research.”

-Vanessa, Colombia

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation (at the time of this writing) serves 18,000 vulnerable, yet deserving, students – all with grippingly difficult backgrounds, but also stories that highlight their humanness and likeness to another, and how technology education plays an impactful role in their lasting personal and professional development. These are stories of hardship, difficulties, pain, and also triumph, hopes and dreams.

One story in particular takes us to Medellin, Colombia. Meet Vanessa. A little girl that was subject to abuse and domestic violence from a young age. At 10, because of the instability and chaos at home, the children’s protective and wellbeing services of Colombia (ICBF) relocated her to orphanage Casa de La Chinca, where she lived for the next 8 years.

During the time Vanessa was living at Casa de La Chinca, OSF became a partner and installed their first ever set of computers in what is now their tech center.

Vanessa joyfully recounts that “one of the fondest memories is when they donated the computers to the home.” This gave her the opportunity to learn the basic of how to maneuver a computer, then the internet, then was taught how to use the internet for research, and so forth.

Vanessa describes Orphaned Starfish Foundation as her passion and her heart for the fondness and gratitude she has for all the doors OSF has opened for her and the healthy relationships she has been able to build to despite her harrowing childhood traumas. She tells of a times when “there were foreigners that would visit [them]. There was a special event one day where Andy visited [them] with his friends to celebrate. [They] celebrated, and Andy did his balloon animals.” Vanessa, alike thousands of children around the world, look forward to Tio Andy, the magician, when he does his yearly visits to the tech centers to bring smiles through his magic and balloons animals.

Today, Vanessa is 24 years old. The once vulnerable young girl that walked into Casa de La Chinca nearly 15 years ago has developed into a strong-willed, self-sufficient, healthy, and most aspirational young girls OSF serves.

In 2017, Orphaned Starfish awarded Vanessa with a full university scholarship to study Sales & Marketing. She is currently in her final year, and since then has also successfully launched her own business that specializes in Colombian Cold Brew. Vanessa was selected amongst a small group of students to be granted seed money to launch their own businesses. She is thrilled be to fulfilling her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, especially within the coffee business, which is her affinity.

She credits OSF for having taught her about perseverance and resilience, and for being a “base” for her dreams. She shared: “It is important to have someone in whom you trust and trusts you to fulfill a dream. And OSF has given me that trust and has given me all the strength in believing in my dream, and that they don’t just end after learning excel, but can be bigger and different.”

Already part of Vanessa’s business model includes a social responsibility aspect which she plans to incorporate as soon as she sees returns. She wants to be an inspiration for other children hurting and help them overcome their obstacles by giving back. She wants to model what Tio Andy and other healthy relationships in her life have helped her achieve.

“The impact that OSF has had on my life is that it has inspired me. Inspired me to study, inspired me to be self-sufficient. Inspired me to understand that not everyone is a bad person, that not everyone that gets close to me wants to do me harm, but that there are people that want to care for our dreams and that want us to move forward triumphantly in life.”

Like Vanessa, OSF’s mission is to bring hope to the thousands of children around the world we serve by exposing them safely to technology and to the internet, so they can learn about all the opportunities the world has to offer. The computer is just the beginning. Many cycles of abuse, and poverty have been broken because of access to a computer. Vanessa is a great example of that.

Orphaned Starfish Opens First LGBTQI+ Center in Favela Mare in Rio de Janeiro

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 19:19:37 GMT

There can be no greater joy than seeing a graduate of an OSF program achieve their dream. I could not be prouder of, or more inspired, by our scholarship recipient in Rio de Janeiro, Gilmara Santos. On December 7 ^th , 2021, Gilmara and Orphaned Starfish Foundation inaugurated the Conexão G computer center, dedicated to the LGBTQI+ community in Favela Mare, the first ever such center developed in any favela in Brazil. It was a magical day!

Gilmara was one of the Honorees at the Orphaned Starfish Foundation Gala eleven years ago and returned to Brazil inspired and dedicated to helping the children and residents of the favela. She applied for and received an OSF scholarship to study psychology, one of many scholarships provided by OSF to LGBTQI+ graduates across our 29-country network.

She also became a leader in the LGBTQI+ community, not only in her own favela but throughout Rio de Janeiro and Brazil.

It was Gilmara’s dream to develop a community center for transgender women, such as herself, as well as all LGBTQI+ children and young adults, a safe space to learn and develop employment skills.

The OSF Technology Center at Conexão G will not only be used for basic and advance computing skills training but will also act as a portal for classes in other skills geared towards gaining job skills. In fact, the first class of ten transgender women in gastronomy has been completed and design classes have begun. Full time computer training will begin in the beginning of 2022.

We at OSF are so thankful for Gilmara’s perseverance and dedication to serving others and hope she inspires our other scholarship recipients and students to continue to follow their dreams and passion. It is our honor to provide the tools necessary to help her and others achieve their dreams.

We are so very thankful to our Orphaned Starfish Foundation supporters for making such a real difference in so many lives around the world.

Food Supply during COVID-19

Wed, 20 May 2020 18:57:59 GMT

The most unforeseen result of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst the students, and their families, we serve around the globe has been the loss of support for food, basic necessities and PPE.

We at Orphaned Starfish have stepped up to provide additional support to many of our programs most in need, providing food & necessary supply baskets (aka canastas or cestas depending where in the world you are) to hundreds of children and families around the world. I could not be prouder of the teachers and program directors we work with for finding creative ways to distribute this lifesaving supplies we are funding.

Some of the greatest pictures I have received since the start of the COVID-19 crisis have been from the recipients of these packages and I would love to share a few:

OUR HERO: Carlos Andres, OSF Scholarship Recipient

We have known Carlos Andres, a former OSF computer class participant turned scholarship recipient from Bogota, Colombia, since he was a kid. Today, he is a 21-year-old studying musical production. As the pandemic began to unfold in rural areas of Colombia near Carlos Andres, he wrote us describing the abject poverty he was witnessing in his area. He recounted that many impoverished Colombians and Venezuelan refugees had “not a morsel to eat”. He asked if we could fund the equivalent of $1,000 USD and that he would buy, package, transport and distribute all the goods to over 50 families in his village.

We funded the requested amount and, our hero, Carlos Andres, with the upmost integrity, did everything he said he would. He immediately sent photos of all the receipts of the goods he purchased, along with proof of each and every one of the recipients and their goods being distributed (added above). We could not be prouder of Carlos Andres taking such initiative to put these families first and go above and beyond to ensure they were taken care of. Carlos Andres, we salute you. Thank you for your contribution.

Making A Difference For Our Communities Worldwide During COVID19 – YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Mon, 18 May 2020 18:51:37 GMT

This is an incredibly emotional time for all of us at Orphaned Starfish and there is a great deal of anxiety amongst our children and the program directors in all of our twenty-nine countries, including here in the United States.

We are continuing to look to the future and I personally cannot wait until I am able to hug thousands of children again to chants of Tio Andy.

However, for now, there are immediate problems that we can solve.

EDUCATION

Orphaned Starfish has completely funded all of our programs and all our teachers remain active. For programs where the children live (orphanages and homes for survivors of abuse and trafficking) our computer lessons continue uninterrupted and are the only live education these children receive. For the programs where our children live outside the program (community center and school programs), we have started remote learning either on-line or mobile. Our teachers are absolute warriors and we salute and honor them daily.

FOOD AND MEDICINE

While Orphaned Starfish focuses exclusively on technology-based education and job training, our programs are chosen for and have always had the basic necessities completely secured through either government or other non-profit support. This focus has allowed us to be so successful on such a small budget.

Sadly, we have gotten several emails from programs where that other funding has ended due to the virus and they are struggling to feed the children we serve and get other basic necessities such as masks for them and their families.

That is why we launched a campaign called YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE (YANA)

Food, Necessities and PPE Delivery – Designed as a holistic approach, YANA is broken up into three phases to serve the physical and emotional wellbeing to our network of participants, caregivers and their families. Phase 1 consists of providing a supply of food, masks, and basic necessities. Phase 2 has been an extension of on-line learning, by computer or phone, for our community-based programs and Phase 3 has consisted of virtual socials via Zoom calls with each of our orphanages and scholarship students.

We started with the delivery of canastas (food baskets) to the Indigenous community we serve in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Here are some of the pictures that brought tears to their faces and ours of life saving food and medicine.

Since then, we have now sent food to over 400 children and families with this number growing each day to Brazil and Colombia. There is so much more coming to so many places around the world.

You Are Not Alone Zoom Calls: We started weekly Zoom Calls with now 16 of our programs and counting. These are wonderfully uplifting calls to show the boys and girls of OSF that no matter their isolation during COVID-19, they are not alone in the world. These calls have been magical – enjoy some of the magic below:

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MAKES OSF’S WORK POSSIBLE. YOU ARE NOW NOT ONLY CHANGING LIVES; YOU ARE SAVING THEM.

You can help by giving anything you can to www.osf.org/covid-response.

You are Not Alone

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:46:35 GMT

This is an incredibly emotional time for all of us at Orphaned Starfish and there is a great deal of anxiety amongst our children and the program directors in all twenty-nine countries we serve, including here in the United States.

We continue to look towards the hopeful future when our computer centers are all back in full-time operation and the students’ needs are those of studying, preparing to enter the university and beginning their jobs. I, personally, cannot wait until I am able to hug thousands of children again to chants of Tio Andy.

However, for now, there are immediate problems that we can solve.

FOOD AND MEDICINE

While Orphaned Starfish focuses exclusively on technology-based education and job training, our strategically chosen programs have always provided the basic necessities through secured government aid or other non-profit support. This focus has allowed us to be so successful on such a small budget.

Sadly, due to the virus, many of those funding sources have come to an end and the programs are struggling to feed the children we serve and provide them with other bare necessities for them and their families.

That is why we have launched a campaign called YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Phase 1 will be utilizing our network of support to supply food, masks, and basic necessities to the children, families and caregivers in our network. Phase 2 will be the extension of on-line learning, by computer or phone, for our community-based programs and Phase 3 will be Zoom calls with each of our orphanages and scholarship students.

We started this week with the delivery of canastas (baskets) to the Indigenous community we serve in the Sacred Valley of Peru. Below is a photo during one of the delivery stops that brought tears to their faces and ours because of the life-saving food and medicine that was provided.

There is so much more coming in so many places around the world. We are so blessed to be in a position to help thousands of children around the world.

You can help by giving anything you can to https://www.osf.org/covid-response .

We thank you deeply for your generosity during this time and pray for the well-being of you and your loved ones directly or indirectly affected by this global pandemic. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

With love,

Andy

The Favelas of Brazil

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 18:43:05 GMT

The last trip I was able to take for the Foundation was to our programs in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil last month.

In what seems like a lifetime ago, this trip was a whirlwind of visits in one week to seven programs across Brazil. I was constantly on the verge of tears for three reasons:

PROGRESS : At each location, there was evidence of immense progress from the participants by the depth of their learning from the computer classes. Seeing the younger children master Microsoft Excel, craft fluent and articulant personal stories on Word, and witness powerful PowerPoint presentations was truly magical. But, also seeing the older participants showcase their mastery of the English Language, Robotics, Advance Computing, and knowledge of Adobe was even more wonderful. It is clear and apparent these children and youth are fulfilling our mission, and most rewarding to watch as they gain these skills over the years that will make them a success in their futures. Sharing these experiences with one of our largest donors: Carlson Family Foundation and CWT from Minnesota and their local offices in Sao Paulo and Rio, was even more special as they were able to also see, through teary eyes of their own, the difference they were making and receive the thanks they so richly deserved.

THE ARTS: We were once again blessed to have Georgina Pazcoguin, from New York City Ballet, join us at the favelas to teach ballet. The younger girls and boys were transfixed watching her perform before them. Some of the participants we work with attend a ballet studio in the heart of one of the most dangerous favelas in Rio de Janeiro. So, they were the more wonderfully excited to partake in her classes and learn about her life as an artist. Hearing the boys and girls ask questions and reveal their own inspiration for dance was, again, magical.

THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: I have never had my face imprinted onto a cake before or have had a child from a favela perform Happy Birthday perfectly on the violin. I was even more blessed to have all the birthday celebrations together with my two sons, Zack and Josh, who have spent their lives taking off their Spring Breaks, and now vacations from their jobs, to share me with this other family that I love.

As we now all collectively remain isolated to protect our world, I will always cherish the memories of hundreds of hugs to the cries of Tio Andy, musical and dancing performances, and the ultimate sense of community. OSF will always continue to make a difference in the lives of these children and youths and I look forward to returning to a world of hugs and love.

With love,

Andy

Where it All Began

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 18:39:06 GMT

Every year, for the past nineteen years, I have celebrated my birthday with the orphaned children of Orphaned Starfish's very first program in: Santiago, Chile.

The trips have evolved just as much as I have. We began with a handful of balloon animals and two magic tricks to now crafting over 20 balloon animals and an extended 45 minute magic show. For the past several years, the birth day celebration includes a much needed visit to a local pool as a break from the scorching heat, a lunch feast of grilled meats and vegetables and culminated by an Italian dinner with all their favorite foods and ice cream.

Each year, my birthday wish continues to manifest as I see the joy, hope and love in the faces of these girls that I have known for so many years.

This year came with a beautiful bonus: a giant asado at the new home of one of my heroes – one of the first girls I met in Santiago who today is a successful businesswoman, married to one of the most amazing young men I know and has a beautiful infant son who just loves to laugh. Together, along with other alumni and their loving families, we toasted to the successes of their lives, the difference they had made and my graduation from Tio Andy to them to now Abuelo Andy to these young women’s children.

There is no greater testament to the difference we are making in so many lives than the children here in Santiago, Chile. Their love, their joy, their determination and their successes are more inspirational than I can describe.

With Love,

Tio/Abuelo Andy

Hope, Joy and Appreciation

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 18:36:05 GMT

As I remain isolated and bombarded by negative news in every aspect of the media, I wanted to go back just two weeks and write about hope, and joy, and the appreciation of life amongst those who have endured hardship in their lives.

María Elena and her husband started HISE, an orphanage to house orphans and survivors of abuse from the streets. They were donated a beautiful building across the street that they converted into an absolutely beautiful orphanage for now over 50 girls and boys. These children have been through unmentionable horrors of abandonment and abuse, but yet remain full of hope.

Arriving at the orphanage is an arrival filled with love and joy. Here, Orphaned Starfish not only provided the state of the art technology center, but also supports two computer teachers, two English teachers, a guitar teacher and a piano teacher, through our annual funding. The improvement and mastery of each student improves exponentially each time I visit.

I wish I could describe to you the joy of their performances in theater, guitar, singing and computer presentations. The looks on their faces of pride as they show all they have learned is priceless.

As we endure the current extreme difficulties of the current pandemic, please do keep these absolute angels in your thoughts for their health and safety as well as their inspiration for overcoming the worst possible histories.

Sending love to you all and love to these special children and their caregivers.

Andy Stein

OSF Update

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 18:31:37 GMT

OSF UPDATE

Dear Wonderful Supporters of the Children of the Orphaned Starfish Foundation:

First and foremost, please accept the most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the health and safety of you and your families in these most difficult times.

I wanted to send a short note to let you know that we are in close contact with our 68 programs across 29 countries around the world.

I am very relieved to report that, to date, none of the children we serve have been diagnosed with COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation. All programs are completely complying with their local country's regulations. As such, all school-based and community-based OSF centers have been closed until they are allowed to be re-opened. However, all live-in programs (orphanages, homes for abused children, homes for survivors of trafficking) are beyond thankful to have Orphaned Starfish technology centers in operation, providing that it's these children's only access to technology and English Language education.

We are continuing to support our 50 scholarship recipients and, in some cases, are providing additional support for food and medicines.

All of our upcoming Spring Fundraisers have been postponed including the Native American Fundraiser previously scheduled for April 20th and the Party for a Purpose previously scheduled for May 18th. However, the 16th Annual Orphaned Starfish Gala is still scheduled for October 23rd.

We fully appreciate and understand that many of you are hurting. Please know how much all of us at Orphaned Starfish care about you and are here to support you as well as the children we all love and serve.

With love,

OSF Team & over 15,000 Children Around the World

Orphaned Songs for Orphaned Starfish

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:29:06 GMT

STEPHEN SCHWARTZ CONCERT NEXT MONDAY

FEATURES STARS, SHOW TUNES, and “GODSPELL” TRIBUTE

A Benefit for THE ORPHANED STARFISH FOUNDATION

This Monday November 19th at The Cutting Room SPECIAL ONE NIGHT ONLY EVENT

This coming Monday, November 19th at 7:00 pm award-winning talent from Broadway and stage will join composer Stephen Schwartz for a special concert titled "Orphaned Songs for Orphaned Starfish." The special event at The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street, NYC benefits The Orphaned Starfish Foundation. The show: An evening of unsung / cut songs from Wicked, Pippin, Working, and Children of Eden along with a new duet from the stage production of The Prince of Egypt. The concert will also include some familiar favorites from The Bakers Wife, Magic Show, Pippin, Pocahontas, and Wicked.

The evening will also feature a tribute to Godspell with cast members from the 1970s on and off Broadway productions with legendary musical director Paul Shaffer at the piano. The Godspell group includes

Peggy Gordon (original cast and "By My Side” composer), Lucia Giannetta (2000 Godspell revival, The Bronx Tale), Paul Kreppel (Wicked), Patti Mariano (42nd Street), Nancy McCall, (Nine, Godspell), Mark Planner (Jesus Christ Superstar), Don Scardino (original Broadway Jesus & Emmy winning producer/ director).

The concert also features performances by Stephen Schwartz, along with Ben Vereen, the Tony Award-winning star of the original Broadway production of Pippin, Tony-winners, American Idol singers, and others. Lilly 'Ogichidaa Ikwenzens' Linden, a girl from the White Earth Reservation, has been invited to sing “Colors Of The Wind.” Other performers includes Tony winner Alice Ripley (Side Show, Next To Normal), Tony winner Daisey Eagan (The Secret Garden), Robbie Berson (A Connecticut Christmas Carol), Margot Bingham (Rent, HBO's Boardwalk Empire), Lisa Brescia (Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked), composer/lyricist Craig Carnelia (Sweet Smell of Success, Working), Jacob Dickey (Aladdin, The Prince of Egypt), Jenn Gambatese (Wicked, School of Rock), Justin Guarini (Wicked, American Idol), Laurel Harris (Wicked, Beautiful), Adam Jacobs (Aladdin, The Lion King), Blaine Krauss (The Cher Show, Kinky Boots), Constantine Maroulis (Rock of Ages, American Idol), Georgina Pazcoguin (New York City Ballet, Cats), Christine Pedi (Sirius XM Radio, Forbidden Broadway) & more!

*Performers subject to change

The concert is hosted by Scott Coulter with musical direction by Michael Lavine and direction by Paul Kreppel. It also celebrates the release of the Stephen Schwartz biography Defying Gravity updated second edition by Carol de Giere.

Reservations may be made at www.osf.org/events.. Limited individual tickets start at $100 seated and $50 standing. Tables are available from $1,000. For additional information contact Karla Osorio at karla@osf.org.

THE ORPHANED STARFISH FOUNDATION is dedicated to helping orphans, victims of abuse, survivors of trafficking, indigenous children and at-risk youth break their cycles of abuse and poverty through computer based education, job training and job placement assistance.

Since the beginning in 2001, ORPHANED STARFISH programs address the challenges facing orphans, victims of abuse, survivors of trafficking, indigenous children and at-risk youth by providing them with technology training. OSF funds the construction and operation of vocational training facilities, including funding for furnishings, purchasing required equipment, teacher salaries, job placement services and scholarships for higher education. OSF also provides English language software & classes, a Life-Skills Program, Scholarships & helps with job placement whenever possible. They make a difference in the lives of over 13,000 children in their 60 programs in 27 countries!

Stephen Schwartz is an American musical theatre lyricist and composer. In a career spanning over four decades, he has written such hit musicals as Godspell, Pippin and Wicked, as well as The Magic Show, The Bakers Wife, Working, Rags and Children of Eden. He has contributed lyrics for a number of successful films, including Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt (& music) and Enchanted.

Determination, Friendships & Firsts - Panama & Costa Rica

Wed, 24 May 2017 18:24:15 GMT

PANAMA

Bejuco, Panama: This is truly the most beautiful setting for any program of Orphaned Starfish. Set in the mountains of Panama, with fantastic vistas, sits a church, a farm, and several homes for the most impoverished children of the Panamanian countryside. The children come from miles away, taking all forms of transportation, to arrive at this paradise where they live for the year, getting home only every 15 days for a two day break. They are mostly indigenous and keep their language, their customs and their dress as tributes to their families and their ancestors.

We are greeted, as we have been for eleven years, by the a loving nun who has watched over these children for more years than she will admit. The setting is one of love and learning and our computer center is at the nexus of that.

We enter the computer center to have all the children in a semi-circle, presenting us with what they have learned, what they are learning, and what more they would like to learn (programming, web design, robotics). The oldest is graduating in December and wants a career in computer science, along with some of her friends. This career path would be unheard of without our work and in her village.

Before we leave, and after the mandatory magic show, the children have prepared performances for us. In native costumes, they dance and sing, they read poetry, they give us the gift of their culture and there is not a dry eye in the house,

Malambo, Panama : This was the third program ever for Orphaned Starfish, after Chile and Brazil, and was introduced by my good friend, and the only Miss Universe from Panama, Justine Pasek. It is well known in the country as one of the top orphanages, recently only focusing on girls and young women. The computers are all being used to capacity, complete with Rosetta Stone English language, and several of the girls practice their English with us. They loved the magic, of course, and the balloons. As their thank you, they were most excited to take us to the farm to see the largest pigs you have ever seen and to climb trees for mangoes.

Eleida: I want here to tell the story of one girl. She comes from the most dangerous part of Panama, the Darien Peninsula. Her home is a three day journey, mostly by boat, through the peninsula until you get to her village. She is indigenous and speaks the language of her village and has been learning strong Spanish. She, like so many in those communities, was a victim of abuse and had only been at the orphanage for less than a month, her scars still healing. You have never, I mean never, watched someone scale a mango tree like Eleida. Effortlessly climbing, jumping from branch to branch, it was a thing of beauty.

When we returned with our mangos, we offered to buy pizza for the girls. Eleida’s eyes lit up with joy and wonder: she had never had pizza before. In what has to be Domino’s next commercial, Eleida was introduced to her first slice of pizza (and her second, and her third) . Her friends said she had only ever eaten fruits and vegetables, and that they were so excited for her. In fact, with one slice left, they wrapped it and gave it to her. Needless to say, she is now a typical teenager, loving the ‘za. She loves the computers, can’t wait to learn, and will be a success in the future thanks to OSF.

Chorillo, Panama: When the US forces came for Noriega, they came to Chorillo, the poorest and most dangerous neighborhood in Panama City. They leveled the area (there are still pictures of the devastation in the site of our program).

Hogar Fatima is a program that helps the poor of the community learn, helps the children gain training for the future and provides scholarships for university. Before heading to our computer center, it was a quick stop to the younger one’s music class for the obligatory magic show (they were sooooooooooo loud with their Abracadabra Pata de Cabras chants) and then their singing us their morning songs. There is no better start to a day than hearing them and then being attacked during the pictures.

Our center is stunning in Fatima. Six desks of four to six computers in almost an octagon shape where you watch them interacting with each other as they compare notes on their homework project: nutrition. Using the internet, they are discovering that fast food and some of the less nutritious dishes they eat each day are not as good for them as they thought. They are preparing presentations to their fellow students on the benefits of healthy eating.

This is our first ever program with a class in 3-D printing. The kids could not wait to show off their various projects, though my favorite was the Dr. Who telephone box (they knew I was a fan). They are so excited to have cutting edge technology and will continue to do everything they can to succeed.

Hogar San Vicente, Colon: There is a dance called Congo. The girls here are mostly indigenous and mostly from tribes on the coast and in Darien. They love to show us their various languages, dresses, culture and dance. Congo is a dance I have been dancing for eleven years. Best way to describe it is that the girls are bullfighters and I am the bull. The meaning is that men would be aggressive towards getting their women, but the women were strong enough to fend them off until they chose who they wanted. Basically, it is just Andy stooped over and dancing towards each girl as they spin their dresses and drive me off. I dance poorly and there is much laughter.

There are presentations after with all they have learned on the computers, reading of poetry, reading of words of thanks, and just a true feeling that we are making a difference in their lives. During one skit, they each held up signs and, I must say I got a little verklempt when one girl proudly held a sign over her head “ Dear God, Please Bless Mr. Stein and his Family”

Adriani: Adriani is now a beautiful 18 year old young woman who we will help with her scholarship. She came to be honored at our Annual Gala ten years ago. One memory, which I will always carry, was her looking up at me when we were taking a cab to an activity and saying “Will you please be my father”. I explained of course that I am Tio to all the kids, but that I would always be there for her. Next year, she will be a scholarship recipient.

We had a day between when we left Panama and when we could visit the programs in Costa Rica. As I take pride in seeing as much of a country as possible, we took the opportunity to see the Kuna Indians and the islands of San Blas, which they control as an autonomous region. If you ever have the chance, this is nature at its most beautiful with palm covered islands and crystal blue water in the middle of nowhere. Great memory of the kids on one of the island, after learning my name, calling “Andi” every time they saw me.

COSTA RICA

Alajuela, Costa Rica: The program name is Posada de Belen and the program is named for the barn that Joseph and Mary had to stay when they had their baby. This is a home that is beyond special, a home to 45 girls and young women who were victims of abuse and had babies from that abuse. When you first arrive, you expect the girls to be 16, 17, 18 years old. While there are some of those, the majority are 10, 11, 12 years old with babies of their own. Truly babies with babies. One girl was nine years old with a newborn. This haven watches the babies, infants and toddlers while their mothers go to school and learn various careers to help them provide for themselves and their families.

I am so very touched that my sons (and their girlfriends) took time away from their Spring Break and jobs to join us with these girls. They have spent their lives growing up visiting orphanages and homes for abused children, and it is truly a joy to see them effortlessly (well, except for language) interact with these girls and their children.

What I also love about Posada is that they give girls responsibility to be on their own as well. Part of our donation was computers in a sort of community center on the site where the girls, unsupervised (though with firewalls to prevent Facebook ) can do their homework at their own schedule.

We would come back again to Posada de Belen, to see their rooms where the girls sleep four to a room, along with their children, to truly bond with their children and their “family” here. What is remarkable is that many of these girl’s children come from such a difficult beginning, but the love and caring they have towards their children is something that you would want to see in every mother.

Heredia, Costa Rica : And we end with fun. This program, Nuevos Oportunidades, is run by the most energetic, fun, magical woman named Ana Gamboa. She gave up her homes to orphans and victims of poverty in the area and set aside the largest room in the largest home for our computer center. These children are some of the brightest in our network, several speaking to us in English that they just learned, and their teacher is so proud of their progress. We also get to finally play some soccer with Josh’s team kicking our butts. It is beyond fun as the field is like an obstacle course (trees, a swing set, a storage set) and the angles off the obstacles make for crazy play. The day ends, as many days do, with dozens and dozens of balloons and dozens and dozens of smiles as the sun sets.

Next Blog Post: The Favelas of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro

Making a Difference on the Islands - Jamaica and Dominican Republic

Tue, 23 May 2017 18:16:17 GMT

Kingston, Jamaica

Homestead Home for Girls

I don’t think I have ever seen more of a change in one year than in the girls of Homestead Home for Girls or in the staff. One year ago, when we inaugurated our newest OSF program in Kingston, Jamaica, there was an air of desperation. The girls of Homestead have led incredibly difficult lives and, for many of the newest arrivals, their pain was very recent. They looked at the shipping container that was completely reconstructed into a computer center as if were something alien, and were uncomfortable with the computers to which they had never had access.

What a difference a year makes. The computer center was further improved to be state of the art in the year and classes started. The girls started learning the basics of computing and the world open to them through the internet. Girls who had trouble stating what they wanted to do with their lives are now anxious to get into University; they want to be doctors, lawyers, engineers . . . you name it.

When I first arrived at Homestead two years ago, I went to hug the girls, as I hug all of the students we serve, and was met with shrugs, coldness and, at times, refusals. They didn’t know me well, didn’t know what we could bring, and didn’t know my heart. This time, there were hugs, there was laughter, there was trust.

I would be remiss if I did not thank Sister Grace for taking us across the island to Charles Town to meet the Maroons, the descendants of the slaves released by the Spaniards who fought off the British. They only exist in Jamaica and Suriname. They are so proud of their culture and their traditions and were so pleased to show all of them to us. Andy dancing like a Maroon brought laughter to them all. Their first magic show and first balloon animals brought delight to the children. After the fun, they took us to the only school for the Maroon children, one in danger of closing without assistance. They asked for our OSF to help deliver four laptops so that their children would have access to the internet, access to computer learning and would be able to eventually enter the workforce, while always maintaining their culture. We agreed and this will be a small OSF program in 2018.

La Romana, Dominican Republic

Ninos y Ninos De Cristo

“Tío Andy Is Here!” As I pull up to the orphanage for the 12th year and countless visits, this is all I hear. When I enter the orphanage, I am “attacked” by dozens of children who start climbing all over asking for magic and “Pica Pollo”.

One of our longest partnership orphanages has seen its share of development and changes. The boys moved twenty minutes away to an orphanage developed by another non-profit. New dormitories and offices were built on the grounds. New faces have appeared. But the spirit is still the same: a love of learning, a love of music and dance, and a love of chicken. Every time I come to this home, we have a Pica Pollo party (their local Kentucky Fried Chicken). These are the only times they get to eat this “delicacy” and you have never seen children enjoy eating more than these children savor every bite. They keep pieces for days to flavor their other food and to remember the day.

I brought two guests. The first was a wonderful executive formerly of Cisco Systems who will get Cisco involved across all the countries of OSF. Randi has studied and protected against sex trafficking in her business roles and was so pleased to see programs designed to help give skills to these girls so that they never had to be trafficked.

The second was a Dominican: a successful businessman and former basketball sensation. Felipe never had less than ten children surrounding him as he spoke to these children in their accent about life, politics, business, relationships, the works. Most special was the appreciation of these children in seeing a successful Dominican show them love and care about their opinions. Then we got to the two on ten basketball games to the delight of the athletes amongst the girls. My back will never be the same.

This is also home to one of our beautiful partnerships with Just Hope International in teaching life skills on the OSF computers. On Sunday morning, the oldest girls get up early and attend class to learn how to live on their own outside the orphanage. Today’s lesson was budgeting to start a business and learning all the ins and outs of running their own businesses. Watching our insanely talented teacher Joanna engage with the girls, arguing over how to save costs and make a profit, was a true joy to behold.

I leave this blog with the beautiful Nicole, a fourteen year old star of our program and apparently La Romana. When I asked her how things were going with the computers she answered in flawless English: “I am number one in my school in English. I am number one in my school in Spanish. I am number one in my school in everything. I want to go to Harvard University. Will you support me when it is time? I love you.”

Next Blog Post: Central American Heroes: Panama and Costa Rica

Beginnings and New Beginnings - Chile, Argentina & Uruguay

Tue, 23 May 2017 18:08:12 GMT

Santiago, Chile

Fundación Acompaña

Santiago, Chile : This is where OSF began. Sixteen years ago, I started Orphaned Starfish to help thirty-two of the most beautiful, wonderful, hopeful orphans and victims of abuse I had ever come across.

I also committed that I would, year after year, celebrate my birthday with the children of this orphanage, now including some alumni who now young adults with families of their own.

This birthday visit was perhaps the most special. The girls had just been forced to move from their original orphanage to their new home, supported by the amazing Katherine Taha after the original orphanage site had been sold by the nuns. This new home though is full of love, full of sunlight, full of laughing, smiling children enjoying today and looking forward to tomorrow. And it is definitely large enough as my endless games of Hide and Seek with the youngest ones proved. They study every day at the computer center and their English is improving so very much. They want to be engineers, business owners, bank executives, doctors, etc. and I know they will be one day.

We had a huge dinner with some of the graduates, with their significant others and their children. When two of the graduates took out their corporate identifications, both from large banks in Chile, they were so proud and I was even prouder.

Another birthday tradition is to take all the children to the public swimming pool for the last weekend of the summer. To know all the horrific abuse these girl endured before their arrival at the orphanage and to then see them laughing, splashing, doing cannonballs, and having swimming races brought tears to my eyes.

The next day was the birthday extravaganza: they baked me a cake, gave me a framed picture of all of us together, sang loudly and gave me tons of hugs and kisses. There is no better place to celebrate.

One of the highlights among highlights though was the visit to the new home of Paulina. Paulina left the orphanage to have a baby at the age of sixteen. She could have been a statistic, drop out of school, and live on the streets like many others in the community. Instead, she has worked hard, is going to university and will be getting a part time job. She invited me and Dilia to breakfast with her husband and her young boy at the new home that they just moved into. The pride she had in giving us a tour of her modest home and the love she put into the breakfast she cooked made tears build up.

Villa 1-11-14, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Mary Mother of the Village Parish

Bajo Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina : This is what the worst of the worst neighborhoods in South America looks like. Drug addicts line the drive to an area where most taxi drivers won’t even enter (we have to be dropped off at a gas station ten minutes away and get picked up by the priest). This is where our partners committed that they would get as many of these kids off the streets, help them rehab from their addictions, and help the children of those in jail and suffering from addiction change their lives. This is the Pope’s special place, home of his favorite soccer team and the location of our program is supported by some of the priests he left in Argentina.

The OSF Computer Center here was the first, and is the only, computer center in this neighborhood for the children to use. The access to internet here is their only access to the world outside of their neighborhood. The English lessons they are getting are the only English lessons available. And the children are thriving. They are gaining training in skills that will help them escape their world, escape the violence and have a real future. The look of hope in the eyes of the children, and our teachers, in what is often a hopeless place brought a feeling of accomplishment for what OSF has started here.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Colegio Don Bosco

Montevideo, Uruguay: This is one of our newest programs and is quickly becoming the most complete program in the Orphaned Starfish family. This program for at-risk children in Montevideo, one of the richest cities in Latin America but still with a large at-risk population is incorporating all aspects of Orphaned Starfish programs, incorporates all we are trying to do: basic computer skills, incorporating the computers into all their studies and homework, advanced computing skills lessons in programming and other activities, internships, English language programming, the works. The staff here is committed that each student that wants a job when they graduate will get one; each student that wants to attend University will attend. We have worked together to start partnerships with local businesses for detailed training in their businesses and pilot programs will start this year with this goal in mind.

But, as always, OSF is about the children, their hopes and their dreams. It was the first day of school at Don Bosco and the children could not be more excited. The teachers, of our programs and other courses, were so genuinely proud of what we have accomplished together and what the future will hold.

Before we left, there were several hundred kids that had never seen my well-worn magic show or hear Dilia singing to them. In a hallway, classes emptied onto the floors with each child straining to see more. The pure joy, the pure laughter, the pure enjoyment that these children showed was so very moving. When the show was over, they couldn’t wait to get back to learning as well. The complete program.

NEXT BLOG POST: The Caribbean: Jamaica and Dominican Republic

Haiti - Resilience and Redemption

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 18:00:39 GMT

HELO Haiti

Orphaned Starfish continues to amaze me in showing the resilience of the children we serve. I have seen children who have suffered the worst abuse imaginable to grow to become happy, healthy adults. I have seen children trafficked for sex from the time they were five years old recover to have happy, healthy families. In Haiti, I have the satisfaction of knowing dozens of children who suffered the loss of their family to natural disasters recover to have hope for their future.

This was my first trip to Haiti after the devastation of Hurricane Matthew destroyed parts of our partner orphanage: HELO Haiti. We started with Helo shortly after the earthquake when they took in the children orphaned by that disaster. Hurricane Matthew destroyed two of the homes, which had to be rebuilt, and our computer center, which OSF rebuilt.

This was also the trip where we took my “daughter” Magda back to her orphanage after ten days of a trip of a lifetime to Connecticut, Las Vegas, and New York to be honored for her bravery, determination and success in the classroom.

After a six and a half hour trek across Haiti, you could see the evidence of the hurricane grow and grow as you approached Les Cayes. The feeling of distress fell away as we were greeted by Pastor John, happy to have his wife back at his side and welcoming us with open arms into his home. That night, we went to see all the boys and girls at Helo in Laborde, across twenty more minutes of more potholes than road. The pure joy at seeing us, knowing that we had come back to them, and that we had brought them back their beloved friend Magda was overwhelming.

We saw that computer center is back up and running with perfection. The students showed us all they have learned and are learning and started practicing their English with us. Making lemonade out of lemons, our computer teacher started classes in computer repair (a very useful skill for employment for our children) fixing the computers damaged by the hurricane. So excited to add this aspect to their education.

For this trip, we had a surprise for Helo: we brought, through ARTEAMOR (OSF's Arts Program), Grammy Award winning music producer Tony Black and renowned actress and singer Margot Bingham to develop a state of the art music recording studio within the OSF computer center.

The music studio was an absolute success. Watching the faces of the boys of “Level Style”, the rap group that four of the young boys had created to have their voices heard through music and hear the beautiful voices of the girls’ group was miraculous. Together with Tony, Margot and Dilia, they laid down their tracks, added other final touches and the first two songs are done. They learned all the details about continuing to use this studio on their own and will also use the studio to record others in the west of Haiti for support.

There is so much more to these children of Helo than I can explain. They show such joy and appreciation, whether for my magic show, Dilia’s singing, the gifts of Tony and Margot or just the appreciation for having us there for three days to share their dreams and goals. These children are the definition of Resilience and will overcome all that they have endured.

Last note, we attended services with the Pastor and then again with the children. When the power went out at the church (there is only power for a few hours a day in this part of Haiti), the singing continues and takes on such a powerful force in the dark.

L’Ecole La Redemption

Leogane, Haiti was the epicenter of the earthquake and most families lost their homes and their belongings. At the school L’Ecole La Redemption, over six hundred impoverished children from Leogane receive a top quality education at little or no cost. They had never had computers until Orphaned Starfish. Now, the computer center runs every day for hours a day to get each of the older students (sixth grade and above) the opportunity to learn they need to excel and to gain employment. Orphaned Starfish not only provides the computers and teachers, we provide the monies for books, the generator, and scholarships.

There is no feeling like having hundreds of children laughing and giggling to the well worn magic tricks that I perform. The looks of amazement in some of their faces will be forever etched in my mind.

But, again, it was the resilience of these children, their dedication to moving forward and making a better life for themselves and their families that will always stay with me.

The last picture from the Haiti trip will be hundreds of children waving goodbye (some with their balloons clutched to their chests) while the head of the school, Felipe wiped tears from his eyes, though I am still not sure if it was the conjunctivitis or tears of thanks.

Thank you to the children of Helo and La Redemption for providing us perspective on overcoming obstacles, resilience and love.

Guatemala and El Salvador

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 17:52:27 GMT

La Alianza, Guatemala

The girls of La Alianza are a true inspiration and true examples of resilience, love and hope. All of these girls have suffered varying degrees of abuse in their lives, some incredibly severe, many have been trafficked and several have babies as a result of that abuse (some as young as twelve). When we first visited La Alianza three years ago, their biggest concern was their future. The girls were so excited to have OSF provide a path to support themselves and their families and to finally have access to computers.

Last week’s visit was a culmination of that dream. Before we went to the computer lab, to thank us for what we have given them, the girls performed native songs and one soloist performed Ave Maria as beautiful as you have ever heard.

After much laughter and giggling for our magic show, balloons and singing, they couldn’t wait to take us to the computer room for the “special presentation”. They had prepared a full power-point presentation on all they have learned, all they are learning and all they planned to learn. They went on to tell us all the careers they wanted to pursue now that they are prepared (engineer, doctor, lawyer, soldier, psychiatrist, etc.). They are so excited that they are now going to get more English language training and we are bringing in a Life Skills program for them this year.

Merced Para Crecer, El Salvador

Merced Para Crecer works with children from the most vulnerable and threatened communities surrounding San Salvador. This is by far our most advanced program technologically and one that I would look to bring all that Silicon Valley has to offer to pilot in other programs. They teach not only basic computing and Microsoft Office, but have thriving programs in Robotics, programming, English, the Arts, Mandarin and other disciplines.

We are most proud of the Robotics program. We received three presentations while there: 1) One girl, about thirteen, had written her own basic gaming program based on the geography of El Salvador and was so proud of her program. 2) Ten boys who live on the side of the volcano, living in poverty and danger, showed us their Kinex abilities creating an entire airport as well as a moving ferris wheel. We were told that these boys were the ones who acted up the most, and were most at risk for joining gangs, until finding robotics. Now they are the most well behaved, not risking their chance to go to class.

However, the most impressive presentation was by the “Team Robotica”: a ten year old who suffers from bullying, an eleven year old and a thirteen year old. They only started learning robotics eighteen months. They entered the National Robotics Competition for the country of El Salvador last year against much older teenagers. They were the only team that did not have enough money for uniforms, so they spray-painted matching t-shirts they found at a secondhand shop. Teams were given one hour and thirty minutes to construct a robotic car and program the entire required moves of that constructed car.

Team Robotica finished their programming and construction of their project in twenty-one minutes and spent the rest of the time, while other teams looked on, practicing their presentation of their success. THEY WON and will represent El Salvador in the International Robotics in Costa Rica in November.

Cemetery Children: Last year, we met thirty children who had spent their entire lives living in the Cemetery in Las Colinas (literally one wall of their shanty homes is one of the crypts), about half an hour from our program. They begged to be included in the training program and we agreed to fund a bus to take them to the program for lessons in computing, robotics and English. On this visit, they showed off their skills in all disciplines. We almost lost it when one of the mothers confided that no child has left the cemetery to attend college, but she knows that this entire generation of children will with the gifts we have given them.

Whether victims of abuse, victims of trafficking, living in violence, or even living in a cemetery, the children of Orphaned Starfish continue to show us resilience beyond one’s imagination, hope beyond what should be expected and, most importantly a desire to make a better lives for themselves and their eventual families. To a one, they all are beyond appreciative for the tools and the opportunities that Orphaned Starfish has given them and all vow to “pay it forward’ and give back to their brothers and sisters when they reach their success.

Laura & Her Robot!

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 17:46:05 GMT

Laura from Colombia shows us her new robot she built at the Orphaned Starfish computer center at her orphanage. The children here are incredibly proficient in engineering and science thanks to the computers and their extraordinary OSF teacher! We love how much our OSF children are learning! They are remarkable! Watch & please share!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Dia De Las Mujeres (Women's Day)

Sun, 08 Mar 2015 17:41:40 GMT

On this Women's Day, I wanted to congratulate you all on the difference you have made in so many young women's lives.

This picture sums up that success.

These three young women were all victims of horrible abuse in Chile as young children and put in an orphanage.

They have been part of OSF since they were 8 or 9 years old and were each an Honoree at one of our OSF Galas.

They are all now thriving and are in happy and healthy relationships.

Paulina on the left just got married, inherited a step-daughter and had a child of her own with her husband. She will be returning to school soon where she was in the top of her class.

Vannia, in the middle, has just finished Pre-med education, and will now finish her studies in Medical School to be an OB/GYN.

Marisol, on the right, is soon to be engaged, is at the top of her class in University, has a great job at a top Chilean bank, just got her own apartment and wants to start a Foundation to bring creative writing skills to victims of abuse and abandoned children.

They each wanted me to give you all their sincerest gratitude for all you have done to make them the successful and joyful women they are today.

You who support OSF completely changed the life paths of these three amazing women and countless more like them and should be beyond proud on this Dia de Las Mujeres.

Thank You,

Andy

OSF visits HELO Haiti!

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 18:37:52 GMT

We are back from a very special trip to Haiti. We visited our children from HELO in Les Cayes and brought them 8 laptops generously donated by Cigna. Right away, the children knew how to open and use all the software programs, signs that they already have had an incredible education since we began our project with HELO 3 years ago. The boy above created this for us.

We also took them to the local botanical garden called EDEN where the end of the river and the sea meet. The children were so happy to swim and spalsh a eat the almond fruit from the trees they climbed. It was a magical day complete with the children singing the entire way home.

For more photos on our trip click HERE!

And don't forget to follow us on FACEBOOK!

Until next time, Belle Timon!

OSF, Sitel & Paula Garces

Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:32:00 GMT

OSF recently returned from one of our most successful trips to visit our programs in Bogota & Medellin, Colombia. Bert Quintana, CEO of SiTEL & Hernan Quintanilla, Director of SiTEL Colombia visited our program in Bogota, Amparo De Niños: Granja Loyola. SiTEL promised these children, orphaned boys, the opportunity of a future. SiTEL brought 5 of our brightest computer students to visit their facilities in Bogota. The were given a tour and also experienced a-day-in-the-life, where each young man was able to choose what job they wanted for the day. SiTEL has promised the children of OSF Internships & Job Placement as they graduate high school and become of age, encouraging them to further their education while they work. This is a dream come true for OSF and our children.

The entire event was extraordinary.

Here is a photo of Bert Quintana with the boys of Amparo De Niños: Granja Loyola in Bogota.

Colombian Actress, Paula Garces (Harold & Kumar, The Shield) also joined us on the trip. She visited Bogota as well as our two programs in Medellin, Casa De La Chinca and Senderos De Paz. She has already hit the ground running since our arrival back in NYC with articles on FOX and in the DAILY NEWS . HUFFINGTON POST has also picked up a 3 part blog article. Thank you, Paula!

Here is a photo of Paula Garces with some of the boys of Amparo De Niños: Granja Loyola in Bogota.

Happy New Year from the children of OSF!

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 18:27:53 GMT

WISHING YOU A SPECTACULAR NEW YEAR!

Beautiful Moments, Treasured Memories

and Blessings to ALL!

What OSF accomplished in 2014!

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 18:24:11 GMT

Dear Orphaned Starfish Foundation Supporters,

I have just returned from inaugurating our newest program in Quito, Ecuador and our programs in Brazil.

In this Holliday Season, you all should know how deeply these children, and the now over 8,000 like them, truly offer thanks for your hearts and dedication.

I am beyond thankful to have each and every one of you on the Board of Orphaned Starfish and wanted to give you a year-end summary of the most successful year in OSF history.

Orphaned Starfish Program - 2014

Programs & Scholarships

Orphaned Starfish Foundation started 2014 with 29 programs in 12 countries serving 5,500 children.

We ended 2014 serving and incredible 38 programs in 17 countries serving over 8,000 children worldwide!!!

We added Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Ecuador, and Nicaragua as new OSF countries, leaving us only four countries in Latin America without an OSF program (Venezuela, Cuba, Paraguay and Uruguay). We added to our existing country programs with new programs in Mexico and Colombia, including our first program in a safe house for girls escaping sex trafficking.

We expanded our Life Skills programs throughout all programs in Colombia and Panama and will be expanding throughout Central America and the DR in 2015.

We expanded our English Language program to now encompass over one quarter of the programs served and hope to double that in 2015.

Our Orphaned Starfish Foundation has been lauded by many in the non-profit community for our outstanding performance, dollars per child served, low expenses as a percentage of both funds raised and program expenses, et cetera.

We continue to grow and will grow further our press exposure beyond just that of the Gala, with interviews and pieces on CBS and other venues.

We have developed and will launch a new website in early 2015 and have coordinated and grown all aspects of Social Media.

We have over 20 orphanages, homes for abused children and community centers on our waiting list in the countries we serve and several more countries we wish to serve. However, we will slow our growth a bit in 2015 , with only five new programs and only two to three new countries planned, in order to improve the services offered to existing programs even more.

We doubled Orphaned Starfish’s Scholarships in 2014, with five new scholarships in 2014 and will have our first and possibly second graduation of an OSF Scholarship Recipient next year in Panama.

In sum, this was truly the most successful year for The Orphaned Starfish Foundation.

On behalf of all Orphaned Starfish children, Happy Holidays!

Andrew B. Stein

Founder & Executive Chairman

The Orphaned Starfish Foundation