Star for Life and the global sustainability goals
On our way to a better world
We work closely with local schools and health authorities, but also with partner organisations such as Dandelion, whose school gardens and food security projects help us fight hunger and malnutrition.
Through our Girls Clubs and Boys Clubs, we actively promote gender equality and challenge harmful social norms by empowering girls and educating boys to become respectful and responsible young men.
We also provide health screenings, counselling and education through our mobile health clinics – and strengthen life skills and self-esteem through a structured coaching model based on psychological and educational research.
Together with our partners, supporters and learners, we are building a world where young people are equipped to shape their own futures – and contribute to a more equal, just and sustainable society.
No poverty
The learners in our schools come from poor families. But even if this is their present it need not be their future. Star for Life works methodically to give young people good self-esteem and the skills for further studies and/or entrepreneurship. By doing this, we hope to build a better tomorrow without poverty.
No hunger
No learner can perform at school or even manage to get there if their stomach is constantly rumbling. That is why we are proud of our partnership with Dandelion, an organisation that helps the most vulnerable learners with monthly food parcels and help to self-help through support to start a kitchen garden. Out of the ground comes food which can also be a source of income.
Health & well-being
Star for Life was founded to fight HIV and AIDS among school youth in southern Africa. Since the introduction of antiretroviral drugs and with HIV no longer seen as a mortal threat, our programme has become increasingly focused on health and prevention. Today, our coaches teach about safe sex and infection control, as well as puberty, sexual and reproductive health, consent, abuse and mental well-being.
Quality education for everyone
As Nelson Mandela proclaimed, education is the most powerful weapon to change the world. Therefore, our programme is implemented in existing schools where we strengthen the curriculum, support teachers in the classroom and principals in their leadership. But above all, we coach the learners to take their education, themselves and their dreams seriously.
Equality
In southern Africa, far too many girls are born into a life of discrimination, lack of knowledge and poverty. At the same time, boys are often forced into destructive behaviours, gender-based violence and abuse. That’s why we work to strengthen each pupil’s self-esteem and give them courage to say no to alcohol, drugs and sex. Through the special initiative Daughters of Africa, the girls learn more about entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency in a safe environment.
Reduced inequality
The basis for a sustainable society is a fair distribution of both resources and power. That’s not the reality in the countries where Star for Life works. On the contrary, our students live in poverty and with a lack of clean water, medicine, and electricity. That is why we work on self-esteem and entrepreneurship, and the result is clear. We make the biggest difference for the poorest youngsters, in particular the poorest girls. By doing this, Star for Life contributes to narrowing the gaps both locally and globally.
Implementation and global partnership
Star for Life’s work is implemented by staff from each country and we strive to ensure that no generation is left out of society’s development. Because we believe in ‘stronger together’, we sometimes work with other actors such as Hand in Hand (project partner in Daughters of Africa) or on an international level with USAID, who make possible our work at as many as 16 schools in Namibia. Together, we support children and young people to become responsible and informed citizens.