The Jewel Starfish Foundation, founded by former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, marked its silver jubilee in December 2025. As a leading Liberian non-governmental organization, it is dedicated to empowering underprivileged girls through education, leadership mentoring, and social protection. The Foundation has been providing opportunities to young Liberian women from across the country for 25 years.
Several beneficiaries of the Foundation shared their life-changing stories in exclusive video interviews conducted on September 20, 2026. They recounted how the Foundation rescued their education when all hope was lost. Nancy Fayiah from Bomi County, a proud beneficiary, narrated her story of selling potatoes to pay her school fees before meeting "Mama Jewel." The Foundation provided her with education, feeding, and transportation.
Nancy Fayiah, now a junior student at the African Methodist Episcopal University, majors in Biology and minors in Chemistry. She has been on the scholarship for seven years and credits the Foundation for her transformation from uncertainty to university. Pearline Campbell from Sinoe County described Madam Taylor as "an angel in my life," explaining that the former Vice President offered her a scholarship when her educational journey was uncertain.
Cecelia Bendu Freeman from Grand Cape Mount County, now a Sociology major at the University of Liberia, shared her story of the Foundation's intervention. The Foundation awarded every single graduate of her class at the More Than Me Academy a scholarship to attend Wells-Hairston and CWA. Apart from educational support, Cecelia said "Mama Jewel" mentors her personally.
The beneficiaries described the Jewel Starfish Foundation as more than a scholarship scheme, stating that it is a family and a breeding ground for female leadership that has touched lives in Liberia, Ghana, Malawi, and Sierra Leone. They praised Madam Taylor as a "resilient" and "very powerful woman" who continues to impact lives.
The Foundation's impact extends beyond Liberia, with operations in Ghana, Malawi, and Sierra Leone. The beneficiaries' stories demonstrate the positive change the Foundation has brought to their lives, transforming them from uncertainty to university and beyond.
The Jewel Starfish Foundation's 25th anniversary celebration highlights its achievements in empowering young women through education and leadership mentoring. The Foundation's work has earned praise from beneficiaries and Liberians alike, solidifying its position as a leading non-governmental organization in Liberia.
Key points
- The Jewel Starfish Foundation has empowered young Liberian women through education, leadership mentoring, and social protection for 25 years.
- Beneficiaries credit the Foundation for transforming their lives from uncertainty to university and beyond.
- The Foundation operates in Liberia, Ghana, Malawi, and Sierra Leone, touching lives and promoting female leadership.
