What Is Starfish?
The Three Branches of Starfish
At Starfish International, we believe that sustainable development begins with empowering individuals in three essential areas: health, agriculture, and education. These pillars form the foundation of our mission to nurture well-rounded leaders who will contribute to their communities and the world at large. Over the past 15 years, we’ve focused on providing a holistic model of service that touches lives in profound and meaningful ways. Here’s a look at each of our three branches:
Health: Building a Healthier Community
Health is the cornerstone of progress. At Starfish International, we strive to promote wellness through preventive care, health education, and access to basic medical services. Our health initiatives aim to combat issues such as malnutrition, hygiene-related illnesses, and limited access to medical facilities in The Gambia. We partner with medical professionals, both local and international, to offer healthcare services and training sessions on public health concerns.
Through outreach programs and clinics, we educate young women and their families about reproductive health, hygiene, nutrition, and mental wellness. By empowering our participants with knowledge about their bodies and overall well-being, we aim to foster a culture of health that extends beyond our programs, creating a ripple effect in the wider community. With a focus on preventative measures, our goal is to reduce health disparities and enhance the quality of life for those we serve.
Agriculture: Growing Sustainable Futures
In our agriculture branch, Starfish International works to promote sustainable farming practices that directly address food security in The Gambia. We encourage young people, particularly girls, to learn about modern and sustainable agricultural techniques that not only support local economies but also contribute to environmental conservation. By incorporating agricultural education into our programs, we are equipping the next generation of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs with the skills needed to thrive in a changing world.
Our agricultural projects include school gardens and community farming initiatives where students gain hands-on experience with growing crops, understanding soil health, and learning about organic farming practices. This practical knowledge helps them realize the importance of sustainable food production while also providing the community with locally sourced, nutritious food. Our vision is to cultivate self-sufficient individuals who contribute to a healthier planet and a more food-secure future.
Education: Empowering Minds, Changing Lives
Education is at the heart of everything we do at Starfish International. We believe that access to quality education is the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and inspire positive change. Our educational programs are designed to provide students, especially girls, with not just academic knowledge but also practical life skills. From early childhood to adulthood, Starfish emphasizes personalized learning, critical thinking, and leadership development.
Our mentorship programs connect students with mentors who guide them through their educational journey, encouraging them to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals. In addition to traditional subjects, we focus on areas such as communication, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. Our goal is to produce well-rounded leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and eager to give back to their communities.
Our Programs
Our Student Centered programming prioritizes the here and now impact of our students on our community. Our model of growth is through a mutually beneficial system in which the Starfish girls get a concrete, practical, real-world education while the community simultaneously directly benefits from their education.
Our Virtues Program
“We are not trying to raise the next award winning scientist but the next award winning scientist with a heart for service to humanity.”
Our Small Business Program
“I have choices when I make my own money.”
Our Library Classes for youth and our Adult Literacy Programs
“Tailoring our educational programs to fit the needs of the communities we serve requires continuous reflection and adaptation.”
Sports Program
Promoting peace and inclusion through sports.