The STARFISH PROGRAMME is a personal educational scholarship plan initiated in 2002 in Kampala, Uganda. It was started and is facilitated by volunteers in Colorado. The main recipients are motivated young mothers who have gone through crisis pregnancies, their children or other youth associated with Mirembe House (a home and center for crisis pregnancies). Uganda has the highest teen pregnancy rate in Africa. Both programs are social outreaches of Youth for Christ Uganda. Currently 74 young lives have been transformed through support of education and care provided by sponsors.

THE STARFISH STORY
Once there was a wise man who had a habit of walking on the beach early each morning.

One day, he saw a young boy far in the distance and as he got closer, the wise man called out, “Good Morning! May I ask what it is
you are doing?” The boy looked up and replied, “Throwing starfish into the ocean to save them.”

Seeing hundreds of starfish scattered along the shoreline, the wise man commented, “But you can’t possibly save them all!
There are far too many!”

With that, the boy reached down and picked up another starfish. He threw it into the ocean and replied, “It made a difference for that one.”

Tressie, a former Mirembe House girl, has come a long way! Since being sponsored in the Starfish Programme, she has worked hard to complete her high school education and will begin Trade School soon. She hopes to be an Office Administrator and in the meantime, volunteers at Mirembe House (above). Her daughter, Sara is also being schooled through the program.

Faridah, mother of Starfish girl Sumayiya reacts to a letter and gift sent by her sponsor Demir Hamami and family! Sumayiya is a top student and her mother has been able to start a small business to help sustain them through this program.

Rinah carries a jackfruit given in gratitude after a home visit. Her single mother was overwhelmed with gratitude to the sponsor who helps support Rinah’s education! Rinah has done well in school and wants to open a beauty salon when done! She volunteers her time with the YFC team to speak in schools to help educate young girls about pregnancy. Her son Emma is also sponsored!

Travis, Richard and Ian, all in school through Starfish, react as they (as well as all the recipients) take their first trip to a zoo in Entebbe. Extra funds sent to the program, al- low continuing education and experiences that these kids would never experience otherwise.

Without education, most African children find themselves like these boys. Kids caring for kids - trying to sell a bit of food for income...

How to help!

Become a monthly supporter - or send in a one-time financial gift and/or commit to pray and receive their monthly newsletter. MAKE CHECKS OUT TO: YFCI *
In the memo line write: Starfish Programme 44005

MAIL TO: Youth for Christ International * P.O. Box 4555 Englewood, CO 80155 (automatic withdrawal is also possible upon request)

*Youth for Christ Uganda, Mirembe House and the Starfish Programme are all tax-deductible under Youth for Christ International based in Colorado, USA

Questions? Email: starfishprogramme@gmail.com or phone: 303-903-4714