(adapted from Loren Eisely’s ‘The Star Thrower’)
An old man had a habit of early morning walks along the beach. One day as he looked down the shore he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. As he came closer he saw that it was a young woman and she was not dancing but was reaching down to the sand, picking up starfish and very gently throwing them into the ocean. “Young lady, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” “The sun is up and the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in they will die.” “But young lady, do you not realise that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference.” The young woman listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it in the sea, past the breaking waves, saying: “It made a difference to that one!”
The Crisis
The Starfish Greathearts Foundation was formed in response to the unfolding tragedy of children orphaned or left vulnerable by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa. According to the 2006 Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA) report, there are currently approximately 1.7 million orphaned children in South Africa. The report projects that there will be an estimated 2.1 million orphaned children in South Africa by 2010, of which 78% will be orphaned as a result of AIDS. Whilst these statistics are devastating, there is hope and Starfish firmly believes that together we can brighten the future of these children. With your help, these children can grow up, achieve their dreams and become contributing members of society.
Our Response
The Starfish Greathearts Foundation was founded by a group of young South Africans in London in May 2001. Motivated by our founding parable, Starfish believes that each of us can make a difference to the lives of South African children orphaned or left vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Today, Starfish is making a significant impact in 111 community based projects across all of South Africa’s nine provinces. These organisations provide various services to the children, including home visits, counseling, access to education and social grants. Starfish funding enables these organisations to care for and support 28,466 (as of end of second quarter 2008).
The Vision
Our vision is to ensure that every orphaned and vulnerable child throughout South Africa has equal access to basic sustainable services. Our goal is to support over 100,000 orphaned and vulnerable children by 2010.
Stories that Inspire Us
Starfish believes in the power of stories – indeed, it was a story that first inspired us and gave us our name. Today it is the real-life stories that inspire us: the stories of the young heroes, right across this land, who yearn for the opportunity to astound with their courage and determination. Ours is the privilege to help make their dreams come true. “With you Starfish everything is really possible, life is challengeable, life is easier and life is enjoyable.” (Kgaugelo Rambawa) “What is done by Starfish’s donation to the project is just like heart pumping blood through veins in the human body.” (CBO Isipho)
Local Jobs, Local Opportunity
BushBaby® is striving to make a better, stronger Africa! Through tangible contributions such as much needed job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities within Africa, BushBaby® is committed to supporting and enhancing its environment and community.