Star for Life 5309 views

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 mid-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. By early 2007, the Star for Life program was launched in Namibia. Today it is being implemented with success in 120 schools in South Africa and Namibia and results show it is having the greatest positive impact on the poorest girls.