The History of Stars of Hope

In January 2003 Gem West embarked on an independent working trip to Nairobi to work in a home for street boys that was run by local people.

A street boy, by the name of Edwin, took Gem to meet a woman by the name of Ruth Wanjiru who lived in a slum area; Dandora. She was looking after a large number of vulnerable children with the little that she had of her own.

Gem and Ruth developed a sound friendship that grew into a working relationship. They shared the same vision and hopes and on returning to Cornwall Gem initiated the first steps to begin a support programme for Ruth and the children. The ideas grew and on research and observation it became obvious that our own community was also in need of help and support.

From Stars of Hope Kenya we were able to initiate another project in Indonesia, Bali.  Sari Hati, which means essence of the heart, is a day-care centre for disabled people.  The centre offers care and education but runs on a very low budget.  It could only run 2 mornings a week, but through personal contacts and certainty that Stars of Hope could support both Kenya and Bali projects we were able to step in and take on a new project, 'Stars of Bali!'  See the Sari Hati page for more information. 

Stars of Hope has grown into a prosperous organisation with the tremendous support that we have received.  We now have a great team of people who volunteer their skills and time on a regular basis.  Our formal organisational core is based in London and Cornwall and we are joined by a force of comradeship from all over the world.  Stars will always remain small at the core, allowing it to open up to more people and ensuring that every penny raised and donated goes to the cause we are promoting.