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Our Vision

That children in South Africa are valued, protected, and empowered to reach their dreams.

 

Our Mission

That Starfish supports orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa by working in partnership with community-based organizations.

 

Completing our mission, one starfish at a time

In 2001, a group of South African friends living in London, disheartened by the rising number of HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa decided that something had to be done.

Inspired by the Starfish Parable, they resolved to begin helping one child at a time, and so the
Starfish Greathearts Foundation was born.

 

Girl on Beach - About

 

The Starfish Parable
The story that inspired our name

An old man walking along the shore noticed that millions of starfish had been washed up overnight. He noticed a young child picking up starfish and gently throwing them into the ocean.

“Child,” he asked, “what are you doing?”

“The sun is coming up, the tide is going out, and if I do not throw them in, they will die.” The child responded.

“Don’t you see?” responded the old man,? “There are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You cannot possibly make a difference.”

The young child listened politely, paused and then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean saying

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"It made a difference to that one."

Adapted from the story, "The Star Thrower" by Karen Eiseley

The Starfish Team

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Names & faces have been changed to protect the identity of children in compliance with COPPA legislation

© 2023 Starfish Greathearts Foundation