http://www.starfishinternational.org/

Starfish International, Lamin (2026)

11/10/2026

Happy International Day of the Girl Child from Starfish International!

Theme: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls' Rights

Every girl deserves the chance to grow, learn, dream, and decide what her future will look like. Yet child marriage takes these choices away from millions of girls. It pushes them into adult responsibilities before they are ready, cuts their education short, and ends their childhood too soon.

The effects reach far beyond the day a girl is married. Girls who leave school early have fewer opportunities to earn an income, face greater risks to their health and safety, and often lose the confidence to speak up for themselves. When a girl's future is cut short, her family and her community lose out too.

At Starfish International, we believe empowering girls means more than educating them. It means helping them find their voices, build confidence, and grow into independent young women who know that their dreams and choices matter. It means creating spaces where girls are supported, listened to, and equipped with the skills to shape their own futures instead of having those futures decided for them.

Ending child marriage starts with recognizing that every girl has rights, potential, and a future worth investing in. It takes parents, teachers, faith and community leaders, and young people themselves, all standing together to protect girls and keep them in school.

This International Day of the Girl Child, we stand for every girl's right to learn, lead, and choose her own path.

Because when a girl is free to become who she dreams of being, she doesn't just change her own life. She changes her family, her community, and the world around her.

30/09/2026

STARFISH FESTIVAL 7.0 | FRIENDSHIP IN FULL BLOOM

DATE: November 7th, 2026
TIME: 6:00 PM GMT | 1:00 PM EST | 11:00 AM PST

Dear Starfish Friends and Supporters,

It's that time of the year again. The Starfish Fundraising Festival 7.0 is here! This year comes with a difference and a purpose. As we continue to educate and uplift, we are shaping the growth mindset of young people who pioneer change and serve humanity in the best way possible.

As we advance education and champion the issues affecting women and girls, we never forget the bond that holds us together. Even as the year grows busier, that bond remains strong. That is why this year, we are celebrating FRIENDSHIP.

For 17 years, you have stood with us through thick and thin. You are our true friends and supporters who never relented, and we are deeply grateful for your service and devotion. To our volunteers, your consistency does not go unnoticed. You are the heartbeat of Starfish.

Look at what friendship can build.
Look at the change that grows when people choose to show up for one another.

As we celebrate 'Friendship in Full Bloom', we invite you to join us in igniting the future of our mentors, the young women who anchor progressive change wherever they are. Every single dollar is dedicated to their educational journey.

This festival isn't just an event. It is a movement of gratitude, of giving back, and of believing that love can indeed change the world.

We hope you're as excited as we are! Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for the most remarkable festival of the year, one with a meaning that bridges us all together as one family in unison.

Please donate and be part of the bloom! 🌸

29/09/2026

WELCOME BACK TO STARFISH INTERNATIONAL!

2026/2027 School Year Begins

A new term has begun at Starfish International, and our campus is alive again! After time away, it was beautiful to watch our students walk back through the gates, reconnect with their mentors, and welcome one another home.

We kicked off the day with icebreakers and games that filled the air with laughter and set a warm, joyful mood.

Next came a whole-group session where students and mentors shared how they spent their holidays and the new skills they picked up along the way. At Starfish International, we believe learning goes far beyond the four walls of a classroom. Every experience, skill, and lesson helps us grow.

Then came the photoshoot! Students posed for group photos, individual portraits, and special shots with their mentors, moments that will become treasured memories of another Starfish year.

We closed the day with a video shoot, where students and mentors shared what they hope to achieve this term. Their hopes, goals, and dreams remind us that every new term is a fresh chance to learn, grow, and become better.

At Starfish International, we believe every day is a new day, and you have the power to shape it.

Here's to a wonderful, meaningful, and successful 2026/2027 Starfish International Program!

Join us in welcoming our students back! 🎉 Leave a ❤️ in the comments and share your best wishes for our Starfish family as we begin another year of learning, growth, and new possibilities. We can't wait to take you along on this journey with us.

24/09/2026

Dear Starfish Family,

We Gained an Angel

In Loving Memory of our Uncle/Brother/Friend, Mr. Saul Badjie

Mr. Saul Badjie found Starfish International almost by accident, dear froend, our Aunty Naphy Jay, visited our program and in writing about her experience, tagged him. He reached out not long after, in December 2018, with words that would become the shape of everything he'd be to us for years to come: "Kudos on the great initiative, creating an avenue for our young girls and boys... I believe the future depends on it."

From that first message, Uncle Saul became one of the truest friends and supporters this organization has ever had. As host of "Africa Focus on Education" on The Fatu Network, he opened his platform to us, inviting our co-founder and one of our senior administrators (who goes on to become our executive director), to share, not just what Starfish does, but why it exists, and what it means for Gambian girls to have a place built entirely for their becoming. He didn't do this once. He did it again and again, over years, and he meant it every time.

He had a gift for saying, in one line, what the rest of us needed paragraphs to explain. "Education is national security," he once said of our work — a sentence that now sits permanently among the testimonials on our website, because nobody has said it better since.

He called himself an Uncle and brother and meant it in the fullest sense. He forwarded petitions because he believed, "there's only one Gambia." He showed up for our annual Starfish Festival and helped us raise funds none of us thought possible, and told us, plainly and joyfully: "We're going places Gambia has never gone. Keep hope alive." When we told him we would continue to work in his honor, his answer to that was sheer humility and simple faith: "An avalanche of change is coming, and by God's grace, Starfish International will partake in that system change."

Mr. Saul Badjie believed, with his heart and soul, that educating Gambian girls was not charity, it was nation-building. He said as much publicly, he lived it privately, and he spent years of Saturday mornings on the airwaves making sure other people believed it too. He was, in his own words to us, hoping for "more Starfish Internationals in Africa" — but the truth is, The Gambia needed and now more than ever, needs, more Saul Badjies; people who show up not because they have to, but because they can't imagine not showing up.

You will always be in our prayers, and as we told you when you were physically here with us, we will continue to serve in your honor.

Uncle Saul, you were one who chose, over and over, to stand with us and we channel your faith in the knowledge that we've gained another angel.

As you are laid to rest today, we share our loving condolences with your dear wife, your beloved children and immediate family, and your extended family the world over. If we had been told we would be posting this today instead of our first festival flier, we would have struggled to believe it, but God knows best, and we entrust your sublime soul to the loving care of the Almighty.

Always in love and service,
Starfish International

20/08/2026

Take the next step in your career with ABE UK!

Starfish International Gambia is an accredited ABE UK study centre offering Level 2 to Level 6 qualifications in Business Management, Marketing, Human Resources and Entrepreneurship.

📍 Lamin Temasu, West Coast Region
📞 +220 286 8533 / +220 349 8994
🌐 https://www.abeuk.com/study-us/centre/starfish-international

Learn. Qualify. Advance. Enrol today!

K

10/08/2026

Starfish International Graduation 2026: Civilization: Understanding Who We Are Within the World.

Each summer, Starfish International closes its summer program with a graduation that is more than a ceremony, it is a celebration of strength, resilience, courage, determination, growth, commitment, and dedication. This year’s graduation ceremony was held on August 8, 2026, in honor of our exceptional students, marking 17 years of serving our community with a day filled with laughter, love, culture, inspiration, and empowerment.

With over 100 guests in attendance parents, mentors, volunteers, and students everyone came together to celebrate this beautiful day. One of the most memorable moments was seeing alum Sirreh Sidibye return to host the ceremony alongside our mentors, a reminder that the Starfish journey doesn’t end at graduation, but continues in service to the next generation.

This year’s graduation celebrated a two-part Summer Program Summer 1 and Summer 2 both centered on exploring different aspects of Starfish and our community, under the theme Civilization: Understanding Who We Are Within the World.

Summer 1: Understanding Starfish

In Summer 1, students focused on learning about Starfish International and developing their knowledge, leadership, and skills within the organization. Classes were organized by grade level, each building on the last:

• Level 1 (Grade 7) Understanding Starfish 101: Students explored Starfish International’s history, mission, vision, values, and journey. They learned about its founders, programs, staff, mentors, volunteers, alumni, chapters, and impact, and examined why Starfish focuses on education, health, agriculture, and service to humanity.

• Levels 2 and 3 (Grades 8 and 9) Working Within Starfish 102 and Leading Within Starfish 103: Students explored how service is embedded across Starfish’s programs and community activities. They examined who Starfish serves, the nature of its services, and how mentorship serves as a core component of community engagement. Students also conducted community assessments, interviews, and service projects.

• Level 4 (Grade 10) Advancing Agriculture at Starfish: Students explored Starfish’s journey toward self-sufficiency through agriculture and entrepreneurship. They studied the mission and purpose of Starfish’s entrepreneurship centers and developed ideas for strengthening them through agriculture, innovation, ICT, marketing, and social media.

• Levels 5 and 6 (Grades 11 and 12) Advancing Health and Education at Starfish: Students explored the connection between health and education, with a focus on preventive and public health. They assessed community health needs, engaged with health workers and public health officials, and explored innovative solutions suited to the Gambian context.

Summer 2: Civilization

In Summer 2, students turned their attention outward, exploring the civilization Africa has given the world and tracing how food, health, governance, architecture, and cultural expression continue to shape it today. As with Summer 1, classes were organized by level, each guided by dedicated mentors.

• Level 1 (Grade 7) African Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition: Students discovered indigenous African foods, farming practices, nutrition, and traditional approaches to health and healing. They studied foods such as baobab, fonio, moringa, millet, sorghum, and indigenous vegetables, and created a recipe booklet showcasing African food traditions and their relevance to modern health, sustainability, and food security. The class showcased a dish that captured the essence of the continent.

• Level 2 (Grade 8 )African Fashion and Identity: Students traced the threads of our ancestors through African fashion and identity, delving into how clothing, textiles, hairstyles, symbols, and accessories communicate identity, culture, status, and belonging. They studied traditional and contemporary African fashion and celebrated the continent’s diversity through a student runway showcase.

• Level 3 (Grade 9) African Music, Dance, and Civilization: Students explored the rhythm of our past through music, dance, and jaliya as living expressions of African history and culture. They examined how music and performance have preserved knowledge, strengthened communities, supported wellbeing, and influenced music around the world, culminating in cultural performances.

• Level 4 (Grade 10) The Wisdom of Alkebulan: Students explored African indigenous knowledge and innovations in areas such as medicine, oral health, environmental management, water conservation, skincare, and sustainable living, examining how traditional knowledge continues to influence modern life and what contemporary society can learn from it.

• Level 5 (Grade 11) Empires of Alkebulan: Students explored Africa’s history of governance, including major kingdoms and empires such as Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Kush, Benin, Ethiopia, and Great Zimbabwe. They examined African systems of governance, trade, education, diplomacy, justice, and leadership, and presented their learning through arts and technology.

• Level 6 (Grade 12) African Architecture: Students explored the ingenuity of African architecture and how historical communities designed buildings and settlements around climate, ecology, security, community life, and sustainability. They studied examples ranging from earthen cities and fortified settlements to stone kingdoms, mosques, palaces, and traditional compounds, including the role of clay and pottery technologies.
Some classes also held exhibitions, giving guests a closer look at the process, experience, and product behind each project. These presentations were a testament that Starfish students are not only being prepared to meet challenges, but are also willing to step outside their comfort zones to learn and grow. From fashion to art, music, dance, and cultural display, the day was a rich source of inspiration for everyone in attendance.

We are profoundly grateful for the support of our Starfish community this year. In attendance were Mam Yassin Sarr, Co-Founder of Starfish International; our guest speaker, Musukebba Jobe Bojang; and Khaddijatou Kijere. We thank each of them, along with all our parents, guests, mentors, and volunteers, for showing up for our students and cheering them on throughout the celebration.

The day’s highlights continued with an awards ceremony recognizing the outstanding students and mentors whose dedication and commitment shaped this year’s program.

• Most Improved Student: Fatoumatta J. Jallow recognized for her growth throughout the summer and for embodying the five Starfish qualities.

• Overall Best Student, by class: Muhammed M. Sowe, Muhammed Fadera, Fatou Sowe, Fatoumatta J. Jallow, Mariama Jabang, and Dena Sarjo honored for their consistency, participation, and initiative.

• Mentors’ Choice: Muhammed Fadera honored for his character, consistency, and commitment, showing up for Starfish regardless of circumstance.

• Most Service-Oriented Student: Kebba Sey recognized for embodying the Starfish qualities and his readiness to help his peers and assist mentors.

• Environmental Award: Adama Bojang honored for her consistent care of the Starfish campus and for encouraging her fellow students to keep their environment clean.

• Starfish Spirit Award: Fatima B. Conteh recognized for her willingness to serve, help others, and take initiative.

Mentor Awards

• Most Improved Mentor-in-Training: Hoja Darboe

• Most Outstanding Mentor-in-Training: Fatoumatta Saidykahn

• Most Supportive Mentor: Fatoumatta NF. Jawara

• Most Outstanding Mentor: Alagie Jallow

Last but not least, we thank our co-founders for their leadership, dream, and commitment. Thank you, Aunty Yassin and Uncle David, for your leadership, support, and sacrifice, and for choosing to pave a brighter path for future generations.

16/06/2026

DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD 2026

Theme: Dignity Begins with Access: WASH, Menstrual Health, and the Rights of the African Girl

As Africa commemorates the Day of the African Child, Starfish International proudly joined the continent-wide call to protect, celebrate, and invest in the future of African children through the launch of the Starfish Menstrual Health Advancement Project on June 13th, 2026.

The Day of the African Child serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, potential, and rights of Africa's children, while also drawing attention to the challenges that continue to hinder their growth and development. Across the continent, millions of children still face barriers to quality education, healthcare, safety, and opportunity. For many African girls, one of these barriers remains menstruation, a natural biological process that is too often surrounded by silence, stigma, misinformation, and inadequate access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities.

While significant progress has been made in advancing girls' education across Africa, menstruation continues to affect the ability of many girls to attend school confidently and consistently. Research conducted in The Gambia found that 27% of adolescent girls reported missing at least one day of school each month due to menstruation. Menstrual pain, fear of embarrassment, cultural misconceptions, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited access to menstrual products continue to impact girls' participation in education and community life.

This year's Day of the African Child places a strong emphasis on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), recognizing that access to clean water and safe sanitation is not simply an infrastructure issue but a matter of dignity, health, education, and human rights. For girls, the connection between WASH and menstrual health is undeniable. A girl cannot effectively manage her menstruation without access to clean water, private sanitation facilities, safe disposal options, and accurate information about her body. When these basic needs are absent, girls are often forced to miss school, limit their participation in activities, or endure unnecessary shame and discomfort. Addressing menstrual health therefore requires addressing WASH, ensuring that every girl has the resources and supportive environment needed to thrive.

It was against this backdrop that students, educators, health professionals, advocates, and community members gathered at Starfish International for an afternoon of dialogue, learning, reflection, and action. The event recognized that protecting the rights of the African child requires addressing the realities that affect girls every month and ensuring that menstruation never becomes a reason for a girl to miss opportunities, lose confidence, or feel excluded.

Our distinguished panelists, Ms. Hawa Ndow, Ms. Fatoumata Sanneh, Ms. Lawkadinch S. Gomez, and Guest of Honour Mr. Gibril Njie, were warmly welcomed by the Executive Director and taken on a tour of the Starfish campus before the commencement of the program. It is so heartwarming to collaborate with young people in the health sector, who are making a difference in reproductive health and rights work in The Gambia.

Moderated by Ms. Binta Demba, a Starfish mentor, the event officially began with a prayer, followed by the Starfish Anthem and Pledge led by Fatou Mbaye. The program featured insightful presentations, poetry performances, student engagement, and a thought-provoking panel discussion centered on menstrual health, hygiene, dignity, education, and gender equality.

Ms. Hawa Ndow, a Public Health Officer with experience serving in the Upper River Region, highlighted the realities faced by girls, particularly those in rural communities where access to information and menstrual health resources remains limited. She spoke extensively about the myths and misconceptions that continue to surround menstruation, many of which contribute to fear, shame, discrimination, and unhealthy practices among girls. She emphasized the importance of replacing myths with facts and creating safe spaces where girls can receive accurate, science-based information about their bodies. Ms. Ndow reminded participants that menstruation is a normal and healthy biological process and should never be viewed as a limitation to a girl's education, leadership, participation, or aspirations.

Ms. Lawkadinch S. Gomez, Founder of Project 21, spoke passionately about the need to break the culture of silence and secrecy surrounding menstruation. She stressed the importance of using respectful and accurate language when discussing menstrual health and encouraged communities to include boys, fathers, educators, and traditional leaders in menstrual health conversations. Drawing from her experience conducting community awareness programs, she emphasized the importance of understanding local realities, cultural contexts, and community dynamics before implementing educational interventions. She noted that effective awareness campaigns must be rooted in empathy and respect, ensuring that girls' dignity remains protected at every stage of engagement. According to Ms. Gomez, true community education is not simply about sharing information, it is about creating environments where girls feel seen, respected, supported, and empowered.

Ms. Fatoumata Sanneh, Founder of Fateema's Pad Drive, shared her personal journey of navigating menstruation as a young girl with limited information and support. Her story resonated deeply with participants, many of whom could relate to the uncertainty, embarrassment, and confusion that often accompany a girl's first menstrual experience. She highlighted the importance of sharing personal stories and lived experiences as powerful tools for education, advocacy, and social change. By openly discussing challenges faced by previous generations, she explained, communities can create safer and more supportive environments for today's girls. Her testimony served as a reminder that vulnerability can inspire action, and that personal experiences often hold the power to break stigma and build understanding.

Students actively participated during the question-and-answer session, raising important questions about menstrual hygiene, menstrual pain, emotional wellbeing, pad usage, disposal methods, menstrual myths, and the role of friends and family members in providing support. The session created an open platform for dialogue and demonstrated the eagerness of young people to learn, ask questions, and challenge misconceptions.

In his remarks, Guest of Honour Mr. Gibril Njie reminded participants that menstrual health is not solely a women's issue but a public health, education, and development issue that affects entire communities. He emphasized that improving menstrual health outcomes requires collective action from governments, schools, civil society organizations, families, and community leaders. He further commended Starfish International for taking a proactive approach through the launch of the Starfish Menstrual Health Advancement Project, noting that targeted initiatives such as these are essential for addressing the unique needs of girls and young women. He stressed the importance of creating dedicated programs that provide menstrual health education, mentorship, access to menstrual products, and opportunities for open discussion, adding that institutions must intentionally invest in solutions that empower girls to reach their full potential.

The event also featured inspiring poetry recitals and cultural performances by Starfish students, celebrating the strength, resilience, and potential of African girls. The program concluded with the presentation of appreciation gifts to the distinguished guests and a group photo session.

As we commemorate the Day of the African Child, Starfish International reaffirms its commitment to advancing menstrual health, hygiene, dignity, and education for girls across The Gambia. Through the Starfish Menstrual Health Advancement Project, we seek to create a future where no girl is held back by menstruation; where every girl has access to accurate information, menstrual products, clean water, safe sanitation facilities, and supportive communities; and where dignity, opportunity, and education are not privileges, but rights. We invite Gambian organizations and members of the Starfish community to join us embrace this project, and support its sustainability by contacting us.

We wish you all a memorable Day of The African Child. Remember, when African girls are empowered to manage menstruation with confidence and dignity, they are empowered to stay in school, pursue their dreams, lead their communities, and shape the future of our continent.

05/06/2026

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026: CELEBRATING NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS AT THE STARFISH LAND!

As we commemorate World Environment Day on June 5th, Starfish International proudly highlights the ongoing work taking place at Starfish Zamani K***a Land, a growing center for environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. This year's celebration reminds us that protecting our environment requires action, innovation, and collaboration at the community level.

Under the supervision of Ms. Tida Sambou, Starfish Land continues to demonstrate how nature-based solutions can strengthen livelihoods, improve food security, conserve biodiversity, and contribute to climate adaptation. Through sustainable agricultural practices, environmental conservation efforts, and value-added processing initiatives, the project is creating opportunities for both people and the planet.

Below is an update from Ms. Sambou on some of the current initiatives at the land.

"Several climate-smart and environmentally friendly activities are currently ongoing at Starfish Land. These include beekeeping and honey production, which support biodiversity through pollination while generating income. The land also has an ongoing cashew production and processing, adding value by processing cashew nuts for sale while also marketing raw nuts to strengthen local livelihoods.

In addition, Starfish Land engages in vegetable gardening, contributing to food security and sustainable land use. A key focus is the preservation of indigenous tree species such as mahogany, mango, "toll", and "kaba", which play an important role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration. The processing of kaba and mango jam further demonstrates the sustainable use of local natural resources.

To enhance the beauty and ecological value of the area, flowers are cultivated for beautification, creating a greener and more attractive environment for visitors and the community. Together, these initiatives showcase how nature-based solutions can address climate challenges, improve livelihoods, and secure a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come."

We continue to welcome partners, supporters, and donors who share our commitment to agriculture, environmental sustainability, animal husbandry, poultry production, fruit processing, and climate-resilient community development. Together, we can invest in solutions that protect nature while creating economic opportunities for future generations.

01/06/2026

"FROM FEELING INVISIBLE TO KNOWING I AM UNSTOPPABLE,"
How the Starfish Community Helped Aji Sanneh Secka Discover Her Potential.

"There is no greater influence on a young person's future than a caring adult who believes in their potential before they can see it themselves."

Aji Sanneh Secka's journey is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of teachers, mentors, and supportive communities. Years ago, one of Starfish International's former staff mentors, Ms. Chilel Sowe, recognized something special in a young student who was struggling to find her place in the traditional education system. As Aji's teacher, Ms. Sowe observed that beyond academic support, Aji needed a holistic environment where she could build confidence, discover her strengths, and believe in her own potential. Believing that Starfish International would provide that safe space, she introduced Aji to the organization.

What followed is a remarkable story of growth, resilience, and transformation. Aji joined Starfish as a student, graduated from high school, enrolled in the Mentor-in-Training Program, and today proudly celebrates another major milestone, graduating as a professional chef. Her story reminds us that success is not always a straight path and that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a way that honors their unique gifts.

Below, is Aji's journey in her own words. Please join us celebrate and support her! Her resilience is the defining factor of her success, and we are beyond proud of all that she has accomplished!

"My name is Aji Sanneh Secka, and it is with immense pride that I share the story of how I became the young woman I always dreamed of being. From feeling invisible and defeated in school to graduating from YMCA Vocational Skills Training Centre as a chef, my journey has been shaped by one life-changing experience: becoming part of Starfish International.

For a long time, it felt as though the ground beneath my feet was swallowing me whole. I was the type of person who did not believe in myself. I grew up trapped in the heavy shadows of failure and isolation, genuinely believing that everyone else was better than me. My academic performance seemed to confirm what I feared most, that I was a failure. Some classmates saw me that way too. Their words and actions hurt deeply, and many days I found myself crying.

I internalized those negative messages and began telling myself that I was not intelligent. Because I struggled with reading and writing, I often failed my exams. I became so discouraged that I repeated Grade 9 twice. I felt excluded, unloved, and completely ready to give up on both my education and myself.

Then came my teacher, Aunty Chilel.

Where others saw a dead end, she saw a spark waiting to be ignited. She believed that I could succeed, even if my path looked different from that of other students. She recognized that my strengths extended beyond traditional academics and introduced me to an organization called Starfish International.

The very first day I walked through the doors of Starfish, I felt something I had not felt in a very long time: Hope!

The environment was filled with warmth, encouragement, and genuine care. There was a sense of belonging that immediately made me feel safe. Every person I encountered played a role in helping me become the person I had always wanted to be.

It began with Aunty Yassin Sarr, who believed in me even when I could not believe in myself. She welcomed me with open arms and showed me that my life was valuable and worth celebrating. Through her support, I began building the confidence to stand up for myself and pursue my goals.

The Executive Director, Ms. Fatoumata Jaiteh also treated me with dignity and respect. She never excluded me or made me feel less capable than anyone else. Instead, she trusted me with responsibilities and tasks just like every other staff member. For the first time, I felt that I was not different. I felt capable.

Starfish did not only shape my mind, it gave me a family!

In Aunty Mariama, I found a mother figure who guided me with patience, wisdom, and unconditional love. She constantly encouraged me to stay focused and take initiative in everything I did.

The mentors and fellow students never isolated me or made me feel inadequate. Instead, they surrounded me with kindness, laughter, friendship, and positive memories. The mentors worked patiently with me, helping me improve my reading, writing, and spelling step by step. They also taught me public speaking, helping me find my voice and build confidence from the ground up.

As my skills improved, something incredible happened.

I began to discover talents and abilities within myself that I never knew existed.

My hard work was eventually recognized when I received Starfish's "Most Improved Student of the Year" award. The moment filled me with overwhelming joy. That award was much more than a certificate. It was proof that growth was possible and that my efforts mattered.

For the first time in my life, I truly believed in myself.

As my confidence grew, I began to understand what I wanted for my future. I discovered a passion for culinary arts and realized that cooking was a skill I wanted to develop professionally. Determined to pursue that dream, I enrolled at YMCA Vocational Skills Training Centre. Throughout that journey, my sister, Burry Tunkara, stood by my side and gave me the support and encouragement I needed to keep moving forward. I worked hard because I wanted to become excellent at what I love.

Today, I am proud to say that I have officially graduated as a chef.

One of the most emotional moments of my graduation day came when I looked out into the audience and saw familiar faces from Starfish. Aunty Yassin Sarr, Aunty Chilel Sowe, Aunty Fatoumatou Jaiteh, Aunty Mariama, and several Starfish mentors had come to celebrate with me. I was surprised, but at the same time, I was not surprised at all.

Deep down, I knew they would be there.

These were the people who had always reminded me that I mattered. Their presence at my graduation confirmed everything they had spent years teaching me—that I was worthy, capable, and deserving of success.

Starfish gave me something I had been searching for my entire life: a sense of belonging.

To me, Starfish is much more than an educational institution. It is a community that gave me hope when I had none. It taught me that I could achieve anything if I believed in myself and worked toward my goals.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Starfish International for helping me discover my strengths, improve my confidence, and transform my life. Thank you for showing me that there was a future waiting for me beyond my struggles.

Most importantly, thank you for helping me believe in myself. I'd also like to thank my family and my sister, Burry! They have been my most consistent supporters, and I would not have been able to come this far without their unconditional love."

Aji's story reminds us that education is not simply about academic performance; it is about helping young people discover their worth, their strengths, and their purpose. We extend our deepest gratitude to Starfish International's co-founders for creating a safe haven where students like Aji can grow, heal, and thrive. We thank Ms. Chilel Sowe for recognizing Aji's potential and taking the initiative to connect her with a community that would nurture her gifts. Finally, we honor the mentors, staff, and supporters who continue to work tirelessly toward building an educational environment in The Gambia that recognizes that every child learns differently and that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Starfish International

11/10/2026

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