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Ken Prussner

STARS Celebrates 20 Years of “Educating One, Changing Many” to Impact 1000+ Lives

In the 1990s, Africa faced the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, leaving behind millions of orphaned children. Witnessing this plight in Kenya while volunteering at an orphanage, Ken Prussner realized that high school-age orphans faced huge challenges in getting an education. How could they thrive when high school was already a luxury for many Kenyans?

In July 2003, inspired by a friend, Ken registered STARS Children Africa as an IRS 501-C-3 organization. Their vision was to see the lives of African orphans and their communities transformed. STARS Children Africa believes that orphans can become STARS: Students Transforming Africa and Renewing Its Society.

Since then, in partnership with St. Luke’s Ministry in Kenya and with the unwavering support of dedicated donors, STARS Children Africa has been on a mission to educate and mentor orphans to become servant-leaders. For 20 years, we have empowered 118 Kenyan orphans to pursue high school and college education.

One of our core values is the belief that character development must go hand in hand with education. That’s why STARS also receive guidance and practical life-skills training, including annual mentoring trips to Kenya led by Ken and other volunteers (until COVID-19 hit in 2020.) 

It gives us great joy to celebrate 20 years of creating a brighter future for orphans, transforming lives, and making a positive impact on communities across Kenya.

STARS Children Africa Has Educated 118 Orphans and Impacted 1000+ More in Kenya

Together with our donors, volunteers, and Kenyan partner, St. Luke’s Ministry, we have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles, navigated political instability, and overcome COVID-19 to “educate one, change many.”

Here is a summary of our impact from July 2003 – June 2023:

  • 1000+ lives impacted through STARS alumni funding, teaching, or mentorship.
  • $443,267 was raised from donors.
  • 478 years of high school and college education provided.  
  • 118 started high school,
  • 46 girls went to high school, which they traditionally do not get to do.
  • 89 orphans graduated from high school with 11 in high school now. (The other 18 dropped out due to poor grades or character issues.)
  • A number of micro-businesses and community services have been started by STARS alumni in their communities.


SEE OUR IMPACT INFOGRAPHIC HERE.

Celebrating Our STARS Alumni

We are honored to share the experiences of our incredible STARS alumni (collected from a 2023 survey). Many of them are married with families and changing the lives of other orphans in their communities. These remarkable individuals have been making a difference for an average of four years in various fields, including pharmacy, teaching, engineering, social work, sales, ministry, and public administration.

Their favorite memories include cherished times at St. Luke’s with fellow STARS, the support of St. Luke’s pastor and his wife, our dedicated sponsors, and the joy of serving the community, repairing and cleaning homes for widows. Graduation day remains one of the most cherished milestones for them.

“Baba Ken’s” (Uncle Ken’s) teachings on the meaning of FEAR (“false evidence appearing real”) have left a lasting impact on their lives. Mentorship, praise, worship, and prayers at St. Luke’s Church have also played a significant role in shaping their journey.

Seven valuable life lessons they want to share with the world are:

  1. “Put God first in whatever you are doing.”
  2. “Humility and hard work plus discipline are key to success.” 
  3. “Be courageous and have integrity.” 
  4. “Respect and help one another.”
  5. “Value patience.”.
  6. “My society needs me to transform and change it.”
  7. “Service to the community is a service to God.”

The road to achieving their dreams was not without challenges. Low self-esteem, poverty, adjusting to boarding school life, academic pressure, tribalism, student strikes, and overcrowded classrooms were some of the obstacles they faced. However, they overcame these hurdles with resilience and determination.

Thanks to the support of STARS Children Africa, which provided school fees, uniforms, and a nurturing environment, along with the encouragement from friends, peers, teachers, and the guidance of Pastor Joshua and Mama Abigael at St. Luke’s, they found the strength to rise above their challenges. Regular meetings with STARS at St. Luke’s, Ken’s visits, and uplifting communications were beacons of hope and assurance for their mental well-being.

We are filled with pride and gratitude for what our STARS alumni have overcome and who they have become.

A STARS’s Unique Journey: Stories Of Inspiration

Each of the STARS is more than an orphan; they are invaluable and irreplaceable people with unique experiences and gifts. Here are seven of their stories. 

Beryl: From Shy Student to Inspiring Teacher

Beryl, an original STARS member, was incredibly shy and came from an extremely poor background. With the support of STARS Children Africa, she completed her university degree and became a business teacher. Despite her quiet demeanor, her character shone brightly. She organized relief supplies for families affected by floods and fires, making a significant impact on their lives. Beryl also dedicated herself to inspiring poor students, especially girls, and continues to bring about positive change.

Beryl speaking in class

Faith: Breaking Kenyan Female Stereotypes

Faith, one of the first 55 STARS, dreamt of becoming Kenya’s first female commercial pilot. In high school, she excelled academically and led by example. She became the drama club president, and won a French language contest, earning a trip to France. After high school, Faith secured a four-year undergraduate scholarship in the USA. She then went on to complete her Ph.D. on scholarship with Ken and his wife proudly attending her graduation. Faith is currently an Assistant Professor and funds other STARS through STARS Children Africa inspiring others with her journey.

Faith and her mom at her Ph.D. graduation

Gordon: A Hardworking Student Turned Generous Supervisor

Gordon, an original STARS member, was a hardworking high school student with strong character. With a scholarship from STARS Children Africa, he graduated from college and pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales. His leadership skills led him to become an area supervisor. Married with children, Gordon generously supports St. Luke’s efforts to serve widows and orphans, making a difference in their lives.

Gordon teaching

Humphrey: From Torn T-Shirt to Dedicated Teacher

Humphrey, an original STARS member, became a teacher thanks to STARS’ support. He touched hearts when he spoke about how STARS helped him by providing food and paying his fees. He graduated from university with a teaching degree in geography. As a teacher, he voluntarily tutors and counsels underprivileged students, making a difference in their lives.

Humphrey college graduation

Kevin: A Lifelong Champion for Education

Kevin, an original STARS member, excelled academically and pursued engineering graduating from university on a STARS’ scholarship. He remains committed to helping others and raises funds for school improvements. Despite facing chronic health challenges, he champions education and uplifts the less fortunate by investing his time, talents, and funds in his old primary and high schools.

Kevin presenting a certificate to a younger student

Steve: A Shy Student Becomes a Servant Leader

Steve, an original STARS member, graduated in pharmacy and evolved into a servant leader. He makes a difference in church, work, and home. Alongside his wife, he supports and educates a female orphan providing her with a future that her local village will not.

Steve leading a subject review

Moses: A Giving Heart and Dedication to the Community

Moses, an original STARS member, graduated in pharmacy and now runs a neighborhood pharmacy business. He supports his family and helps widows, orphans, and students in need near his home and supports “junior Stars” via St. Luke’s Ministry.

Moses next to his pharmacy sign with Pastor Joshua

These STARS alumni exemplify the impact of education and mentorship. Join us in celebrating and supporting STARS Children Africa as we continue to change lives.

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How STARS Kept Education Going During COVID-19

STARS Kept Education Going During COVID-19

Our 19 STARS were supposed to take the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams this month. The KCSE is the cumulative, national examination that determines if a student graduates from high school and what further education opportunities are available to them. (Learn more about the KCSE and what it’s like for STARS to go to school in Kenya).

In mid-March, the coronavirus changed everything.

Because of COVID-19, the Kenyan government postponed the national KCSE from November 2020 until March 2021. In June, the government announced schools would be closed for the remainder of 2020. 

Our 4th-year STARS were deeply disappointed. This situation could have set them back an academic year, even though we provided extensive review materials for their KCSE preparation when schools first shut down in March.

The STARS were beginning to suffer from difficult living conditions and social isolation – especially since they don’t have mobile phones, computers, or even electricity. Not being in school also made them susceptible to being recruited by gangs or getting into other trouble. 

STARS Children Africa and our Kenyan partner, Miwani Community Based Organization, refused to let that happen. With God’s help, we came up with a plan to educate and mentor the STARS since they couldn’t go to school.

Here’s how we turned the Kenyan Coronavirus lockdown into a victory for the STARS academically and personally.

We Brought School to the STARS at St. Lukes 

Our local partner, the Miwani Based Community Organization arranged the use of the St. Luke’s Ministry compound and teachers for the 19 STARS.

Pastor Joshua Atieno coordinated the STARS guardians and classrooms at St Luke’s. He found teachers and organized teaching materials and food. Using the teachers expertise, the 4th year curriculum and KCSE examination prep were delivered to the STARS Monday – Friday for 3 ½ months until their schools reopened on October 12. COVID-19 safety protocols were put into place, i.e. daily temperature checks, use of hand sanitizer, and mask-wearing.

The STARS Received More Instruction and Personalized Attention

In a unique way, this COVID-19 situation has benefited the STARS. The student-teacher ratio at St. Luke’s was 1:19 compared to 1:40, which is typical for Kenyan classrooms and can sometimes be as high as one teacher for 60 students. Some classes were even smaller since not every student focused on the same subjects for KCSE prep, e.g. business studies.

The teachers had more time to prepare and meet one-on-one with the STARS since they had lighter teaching loads. Under normal teaching circumstances, a Kenyan high school teacher grades160 papers for each subject –  they teach a minimum of 4 classes with 40 students in each!

The STARS also received customized guidance for how to prepare for and take the KCSE exams from three of the seven teachers who are national graders for the KCSE.

Their Identity and Sense of Purpose Was Strengthened by Being with Other STARS

Prior to COVID-19, the 19 STARS attended four different schools. Studying together in one place increased their unity and support for one another as orphans with high school scholarships.  This time together helped and encouraged them toward the goal of changing their futures by getting a high school diploma.

Four of the seven teachers were STARS alumni, which benefited the current STARS in two ways.  First, these STARS alumni know what it takes to do well on the KCSE and live a  life of success and service. Second, they were able to personally coach and mentor the STARS to help them succeed in life. 

Humphrey, a STARS alumnus one of the national graders for the KCSE exams, coordinated all the teachers. He observed the STARS are very eager to learn. They are very positive and respond well to tuition. I believe they will make great improvements when they go back to school…they are disciplined and God-fearing.

The STARS Received Personal Development and Life Skills Training in Addition to Education

Being at St. Luke’s, the STARS received more focused practical skills and character training than in their regular schools.

Character development was provided daily, e.g. positive habit building, leadership skills, and public speaking. The STARS had frequent opportunities to practice given the unique school set up. A major bonus was that these STARS received hands-on computer training (from a STARS alumna!). Prior to this, many of the STARS had no computer training.

The STARS daily training in life and vocational skills by doing the following:

  • Bread baking.
  • Raising fish.
  • Tree seedling nursery and planting.
  • Chicken egg hatching.
  • Maintaining and cleaning St. Luke’s compound.

The STARS gained practical abilities and grew in confidence as they saw the results of what they learned. For example, they fed the group at St. Lukes with the bread they baked, gave some to the widows St. Luke’s supports, and also sold some to raise funds.


STARS Kept Education Going During COVID-19
STARS Kept Education Going During COVID-19
STARS Kept Education Going During COVID-19
STARS Kept Education Going During COVID-19

Looking Expectantly to the Future

Despite the initial disappointment of schools closing and not being able to take the KCSE, our 19 extraordinary STARS have thrived.

With your continued support, we believe each of these 19 young men and women will successfully pass the KCSE in 2021 and go on to serve others like they have been served by the STARS alumni who taught them during this unprecedented time.

Given the programmatic adjustments we’ve made and extra costs due to COVID, our annual expenses are 50% more than expected.

Would you consider a $50 or $100 gift to help our 4th-year STARS succeed in spite of COVID?

You can DONATE HERE

Three Things I Want You to Know From My 2019 Kenya Trip (And Why They Matter)

Image of STARS Group at Equator

I recently returned from my 13th trip to Kenya.  I was in Miwani, Western Kenya. That’s where our local partner, the Miwani Community Based Organization (MCBO) led by St Luke’s Pastor Joshua Atieno Auka, and the high school STARS are based.  During my 10 days there, we conducted leadership development sessions with the STARS. I also met up with STARS alumni who came to be with me and mentor the current STARS (awesome!).  

STARS Children Africa has been operating in this part of Kenya for 14 years and sent 139 orphans to high school. With that in mind, here are three things I want to share with you from this trip.


Our 19 STARS Are Excelling

Carolyn, Meckphonza, Mary O., Mercy, Mary A., Jackline, Cynthia, Bonface, Samantha, Fredrick, Mobby, Mildred, Samson, Veg, Jenipher, Vivian, Dominic, Fredrick and Joseph are doing well academically.  As a group they have a B average, which is higher than previous STARS cohorts.

Perhaps even more important, each of them is growing in character and personal responsibility, which is required to maintain their high school scholarships. Many of them have stepped into leadership opportunities, e.g.:

  • Mary Atieno was elected governor of girls in her school.
  • Mary Owino was appointed secretary of her class.
  • Bonface organized study groups of his peers. 
  • Dominic was elected leader of his school’s Christian Union (CU).
  • Synthia was appointed the girls’ sports captain of her school.
  • Several STARS were selected to attend one-week leadership development camps.
Image of Mary Atieno practicing her speaking
Mary Atieno practicing her speaking
Image of Steve with his hospital director and Ken at Masaba Hospital
Steve with his hospital director and Ken at Masaba Hospital

While I was with them we worked on developing their leadership, public speaking and personal stories. We also discussed how to overcome personal challenges. Dominic, for example, was accused of stealing money belonging to the Christian Union he leads. He patiently proved he was innocent while going through the hard process of being misjudged and treated unfairly.

We also had some fun (e.g., gunny sack races which I finished!) and took field trips to visit Steve (a STARS alumnus) at the hospital he works at, the Kenya Wildlife Impala Sanctuary, the National Kisumu Museum and the Equator . This was an education in itself. Only three STARS had ever been to the Equator, though it is only 30 miles from where they live.

WHY IT MATTERS: This is the strongest high school class we’ve ever had in our 13 years. They will take Kenya‘s national Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in 2020. We anticipate they will score well, many will go on to higher education and all will become strong servant-leaders in their communities.


STARS Alumni Came to Mentor and Encourage the Current STARS

Steve, Gordon, Humphrey, Moises, Martha and Beldine spoke to the high school STARS – Humphrey traveled all night via two busses to do so! They encouraged the STARS to be patient, disciplined and focused, develop character, work hard and tell their personal stories.

These STARS Alumni are examples of our goal to Educate One, Change Many. They shared how they have applied the lessons they have learned in their lives, for their families and in their communities.

Gordon, now a national sales manager for a pharmaceutical company, shared how grateful he was for the life changing opportunity of a high school education, mentorship and role models. Gordon shared that he could not have envisioned having access to such an opportunity if his drunken father were still alive because of the negativity he was surrounded with. He encouraged each of the STARS to encourage others with their stories.

Steve, now a hospital pharmacist, encouraged current STARS with this advice: “This is an opportunity…please, take it seriously. Take your books seriously. Discipline #1. And character #2.” We visited him at the hospital on the field trip.

Image of Steve-sharing-his-message-with-the-STARS

Humphrey, now a high school teacher and official exam grader of geography in the national KCSE, shared the reality of being at this point in life and practical study tips for Form 4 (the last and most intense year of high school). “Be patient, you are students” was his advice. He plans to return during April 2020 school break to help the STARS prepare for the KCSE exam.


WHY IT MATTERS: STARS alumni are living examples of the servant-leadership so needed in their communities. STARS Children Africa is having the generational impact we believed we were supposed to make.


STARS Children Africa’s Positive Impact Is Gaining Publicity

Orphans can have hope and a future. But they need to be in communities, which have servant leaders. In recognition of how needs are being met in supporting the STARS, three media outlets in Kisumu interviewed Pastor Joshua, the STARS and me.

The Star newspaper interviewed the STARS, Pastor Joshua and me resulting in this article.

TV Lolwe broadcast a 5 minute community news segment in Luo, the native language of the  region, of Pastor Joshua, Dominic and Mary Atieno with my portion in English. 

Three radio stations interviewed all of us also highlighting STARS in both Luo and English languages. 

Image of TV crew interviewing Pastor Joshua and STARS Founder Ken Prussner
TV crew interviewing Pastor Joshua and Ken
Image of Jackline being interviewed for TV and newspaper
Dominic being interviewed for TV and newspaper

As Charles, a STARS alumnus, commented on our last blog post, Mentors, partners and sponsors have contributed to sustainable realistic transformation on their lives and society in general. This is real!


WHY IT MATTERS: Consistency in the local community and tangible positive impact are hard to ignore. We pray the added publicity will bring more funds to give even more bright, needy orphans the life changing opportunity of a high school education with character mentorship.


Join us in helping positively transform in Kenya; fund a high school scholarship to change a STAR life and impact her community.  

Donate Now

What’s It Like for STARS to Go to School in Kenya?

Image of STARS Children Africa high school girls in Kenya waving

What picture forms in your mind when you hear high school?  Do you think of homeroom and lockers, eating with your friends in the cafeteria, attending multiple classes and waiting for the bus while it’s dark? Maybe school activities like drama club or attending football games comes to mind? If you attended an American high school, you likely experienced some of those things.

What is High School Like in Kenya?

High school in Kenya is quite different from the typical American public high school.

  • There are three terms in the school year instead of four quarters. The first term starts in January, which means the school year is nearing an end at the time this post was published.
  • Every high school charges something to go to school, though the government covers some costs. Annual tuition is about $400.
  • You have to wear a uniform (no exceptions!), and you have to pay for it 
  • The better high schools have students board at their institution where you have a fixed daily schedule, which includes when they get up, go to class, eat and have free time.
  • To graduate from high school and qualify to enter university, you have to pass the KCSE Exam (think of the GRE). Students are tested on a minimum of 7 subjects and their results are announced publicly. According to Advance Africa, only one in seven who take the KCSE exam pass with the minimum grade required for university. In contrast, 5 in 7 STARS  who finish high school pass the KCSE exam and qualify for university.

What is High School Like for Our STARS?

The orphans who receive a STARS high school scholarship enter another world. Our STARS go to high school feeling hopeful and afraid. 

They are excited because the impossible dream of gaining a high school education and changing the trajectory of their life has become a reality. But they also worry whether they will be as good as other students,  if they will pass the KCSE, and, if they do pass, whether they can afford university.

Our STARS also have to adjust to a lot of new things. These are some of the things they will experience for the first time in their 13 years of life:

  • Having some new personal things, i.e. their shoes, uniform, books
  • Eating regular meals, which are included in school fees
  • Living away from their community since they board at high school
  • Learning how to study and being responsible for managing their time
  • Having opportunities to try an extra-curricular activity
  • The freedom to focus on academics since they are away from daily responsibilities like chores and caring for siblings or earning money by herding goats and gathering firewood 

Our Current STARS

The 19 students who form our current batch of high school STARS are doing great. Carolyn, Meckphonza, Mary O., Mercy, Mary A., Jackline, Cynthia, Bonface, Samantha, Fredrick, Mobby, Mildred, Samson, Veg, Jenipher, Vivian, Dominic, Fredrick and Joseph are all thriving with the support of our donors and mentorship of our local partner.

Image of STARS Children Africa high school students
Image of STARS Children Africa high school students in Kenya

They finished their last term with strong grades which were mostly B’s with many A’s and a few C’s. They are also demonstrating stellar character, which is an equal requirement with good grades to continue to receive their scholarship (learn more here under How We Work). 

Several of them have also been appointed to leadership positions in school.  See Mary A. below with our Kenyan partner – who is also her school sponsor. She was elected “Governor” for the girls at Naki High School.

Image of Mary A. with STARS Children Africa's Kenyan partner.

Help our STARS achieve their dream of a high school education

Donate Here

Five Highlights From My 2018 Visit to Kenya

Rich, Ken and Caleb at Equator Line

In November 2018, I traveled to Miwani, Western Kenya for a week to be with our current STARS, STARS alumni and our partner. Each time I visit, it is a time to connect and mentor them, discuss next steps with our partner and participate in the lives of the community

I’ve been to Kenya 12 times. Each time is special. Each time is different. Here are five highlights from my last trip.

My nephew, Rich, and his son, Caleb came with me.

Rich and his family have supported STARS financially since 2008. They have also been great encouragers to me. When I announced I was planning a visit last summer and asked for interested volunteers, they raised their hands. In addition to supporting the mission of STARS, they wanted to go to Kenya so Caleb could be part of a volunteer mission before graduating from high school (which he did this May). 

I experienced many levels of joy because they came. One of the greatest joys was sharing my family with our partner since family/community relationships are so highly valued in Kenya. Rich and I were impacted. Our partner and STARS were impacted. And Caleb experienced overwhelming gratitude for the opportunities he has and that STARS Children Africa provides orphans, many of whom “come from broken stories with no hope”.  He was also deeply affected by the diligence, hard work, and motivation of the STARS.

Their [the STARS] perseverance is admirable. I am grateful to have stepped into their lives for a short period. They shine God’s light in their community.

We met with a community of STARS in high school, college, as well as STARS alumni. 

This group of STARS we saw was unique because they all come from within walking distance of the St Luke’s compound (where we stayed). STARS typically come from a range of separated communities in Western Kenya and St. Luke’s acts as a base for them to meet together. So it was special to see the impact we have had on the Miwani community physically represented by the 21 we met with. My team specifically mentored them in learning how to tell their stories to encourage others – and themselves.

Humphrey, an alumnus from our first group of STARS (2006), joined us for a day. Now a graduate of the University of Nairobi,  he teaches high school. He spoke to the current group of STARS on character development and how the training and mentorship he received through STARS Children Africa changed him personally.

Caleb (age 18) and Julius (age 18) formed a special bond.

Julius is a STAR who graduated from high school last November. He lost his family while in primary school and grew up at St Luke’s. Since starting high school, he has wanted to pursue medicine. He is about to start university with the goal of becoming a pharmacist. Both Caleb and Julius discovered they shared a desire to serve through medicine. They plan to keep in touch.

Caleb and Julius talking

I saw firsthand how STARS is transforming generations.

Once orphans, many STARS alumni are now working professionals who have families. Moses owns a pharmacy, is married and has a son, Tristan. Beryl is a high school business teacher and mother. At university, she started a voluntary group to serve those faced by recurring natural events such as floods and droughts.  Derrick is a motivational speaks for school kids and also leads worship in his church. His wedding was two days after I left Kenya. I would have liked to attend but learned of it too late to change my schedule.

Remember Humphrey? He teaches geography (his favorite subject in high school) and mentors the high school students who are living in the dorm. In his first year of teaching, he was chosen to be a grader of the national exam at the end of high school in geography. When I saw Humphrey speak to the group of STARS we were mentoring, I had flashbacks to when he was a STAR in high school, and I was mentoring him on topics like integrity and responsibility. He embodies those lifegiving traits. Watching him pass on these lessons, I saw firsthand how STARS twin focus on academic and character is being passed on to others. 

Our agenda flexed around life in STARS’ community.

As we traveled 30 hours to be with our partner and the STARS, our partner experienced the sudden death of his sister-in-law who had just birthed her third child. When we arrived at St Luke’s, her death was not announced to us but it quickly became evident based on the activity within the compound. You see, occurrences like these are truly a community event, not just for immediate family or even extended family. If you are in their community, you become part of what’s going on. As we did. We willingly and respectfully mourned with our partner and his family. We were staying at their house through all of this. As they were grieving and exhausted, we still continued to chat and, yes, even laugh. On display was real life. This death was particularly hard on our partner because it occurred only one year after the unexpected death of his eldest daughter, who I had met as a high school student in my first visit in 2006. I felt it too.

Celebrating Our Graduates: Overcomers, Trailblazers and Community Changers

Image of a girl graduating from college with a diploma.

May is a big month for students: thousands are graduating and thousands more are celebrating them. $5.32 billion will be spent in this endeavor them according to the National Research Federation.

Why do Americans spend so much to mark the milestone graduation?

Because it’s a really big deal. A high school or college graduations represent the cumulative achievement of many years of study, the investment of family members and mentors and is a rite of passage in life.

It’s a big deal to graduate. Especially for orphans who have had to overcome tremendous adversity to grasp the life-changing opportunity  of education

So STARS Children Africa is celebrating. With cheers, thanks and great pride, we celebrate our 2019 graduates:

Charles graduated from college with a diploma in Electrical and Power Engineering. As an older student, he encouraged and advised classmates, who were 4 years younger. Charles went to college later than his peers because he was headstrong and lacked focus after high school, trying many jobs but barely surviving. Eventually, he found his way home  to St. Luke’s, where he volunteered as a primary school teacher. Given his newfound focus and teachable spirit, he qualified for a STARS college scholarship.

Meldrine graduated from high school and has gone on to college to earn a Culinary Certificate. Persistent and compassionate, her goal is to serve newborns or older people with health and handicap issues.

Julius graduated with Meldrine and will pursue the study of medicine in college. Julius grew up at St. Lukes and is proven to be very responsible and hard working.

Patricia graduated from college with a diploma in Information and Communication Technology. She has one more year of study to earn a diploma in education. Though she grew up with little exposure to technology, she but has demonstrated a great aptitude for it!

Faith, a 2010 STARS alumna, graduated with Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Penn State University on a full scholarship. She earned her undergrad degree (also on a full scholarship) from Benedict College. She will be moving to Nevada on a postdoctoral fellowship focused on implementing and evaluating a waste management system to reduce medical and chemical waste.

Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world right in the eye.

Hellen Keller

We are proud of our graduates! We are excited to see what they do next and how they help others along the way.  

To learn more about our previous graduates, click here.

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What’s Happening

  • STARS Celebrates 20 Years of “Educating One, Changing Many” to Impact 1000+ Lives
  • How STARS Kept Education Going During COVID-19
  • The Coronavirus Challenge: How STARS Children Africa Is Responding
  • Three Things I Want You to Know From My 2019 Kenya Trip (And Why They Matter)
  • What’s It Like for STARS to Go to School in Kenya?

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