We help young people to formulate and realise their dreams

Star for Life is a non-profit organization that works with schoolchildren in southern Africa.
Through a unique educational program, our coaches strengthen students’ self-esteem and motivate them to invest in their education and make wise life decisions. In this way, they can more easily build a better future and, as adults, contribute to a more equal, fair and sustainable society.

We are currently in 120 schools in South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania, and so far more than 450,000 students have taken part in the Star for Life program.

It started in 2005

The Star for Life project was born out of the belief that the future of the Southern African region lies in its youth. Dan and Christin Olofsson who ran a Safari Lodge in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa saw first hand how young people, whose parents had died of aids, were growing up without parental guidance and support and felt compelled to do something to give them a better start in life.

The Star for Life method and program was piloted in 2005 in Siphosabadletshe High School. The program is based on the conviction that when we support young people to develop a healthy level of self-esteem and belief in their future, they will be inspired to perform well in several areas of life. In particular, they will realise the importance of taking responsibility for their sexuality and become active participants in the fight against the hiv/aids pandemic.

The positive response from learners and teachers motivated Dan and Christin to expand the program. Today it is being implemented with success in 120 schools in Southern Africa.

Through the years Star for Life has established collaborations with influential partners who have financed the development of additional programs and projects. One of the long term projects is the Mobile Clinics – two in South Africa and one in Namibia. The Mobile Clinics give both the learners in the Star for Life schools as well as the surrounding communities increased access to health facilities and health education.

Facts

  • Star for Life programme runs in 100 high schools in South Africa och Namibia.
  • We are also working in 20 primary schools in South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania.
  • Since 2005, 450 000 learners have completed the programme.

The Star for Life Boards

South Africa

Pierre Delvaux, ch pers
Jessica Grundström Ahldin
Siphile Mdaka
Delani Mthembu
Doris Fulela

Namibia

Sam Olofsson, ch pers.
Cynthy Haihambo Ya Otto
Alistair Pitt
Aletta Eises-Tanises

Sweden – foundation

Dan Olofsson, ch pers
Alf Svensson
Anders Milton
Viveca Urwitz
Anders Dahlvig
Gabriella Rudbeck Wattin

Norwegen – foundation

    Jessica Grundström Ahldin, ch pers.
    Sam Olofsson
    Stine Foss
    Helle Jensen

Germany – foundation

dr Jörg Mosolf – ch pers.
Detthold Aden (Chairman)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Straube
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wimmer
Andreas Hoetzel
Susanne Haumann – Foundation Management