Sharon GaskellPresident and Founding Director
Former teacher and youth minister, Sharon founded Starthrower Foundation in 1998 and has been dividing her time between Canada and Haiti ever since. When in Canada, she is available to give talks to schools or groups.
Our Mission
The mission of Starthrower Foundation is to provide education opportunities by raising and distributing funds to give a hand up, NOT a hand out to destitute Haitien young people living in the north coast city of Cap-Haitien and the nearby mountain village of St-Raphael (Sen Rafayel), Haiti. All levels of education (elementary, secondary, university, apprenticeships) are supported. Funds are also used to meet basic needs which foster success: securing housing, paying rent, emotional support, tutoring, supplying food, medical, dental, etc.
Tuition is paid out of general funds but we also offer individual sponsorships. We are looking for people or groups of people who are willing to take the journey with our young students
The Starthrower Story
The Starthrower Foundation takes its inspiration from the Loren Eiseley story:
The Star Thrower
A man was walking on the beach one day and noticed a boy who was reaching down, picking up a starfish and throwing it in the ocean. As he approached, he called out, “Hello! What are you doing?” The boy looked up and said, “I’m throwing starfish into the ocean”. “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” asked the man. “The tide stranded them. If I don’t throw them in the water before the sun comes up, they’ll die” came the answer. “Surely you realize that there are miles of beach, and thousands of starfish. You’ll never throw them all back, there are too many. You can’t possibly make a difference.” The boy listened politely, then picked up another starfish. As he threw it back into the sea, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”
Our Values
1. RESPECT for the dignity and goodness of each person as unique. Starthrower Foundation will demonstrate flexibility in its dealings with those we serve.
2. RESPECT for the capacity of each of us to embrace the challenge of human existence. We encourage those we serve to take responsibility for their own lives and empower them to make informed choices.
3. A FIRM CONVICTION that out of poverty comes creativity, new life and growth. We reach out, recognizing the poor are not in need of ‘fixing’, ‘saving’ or ‘rescuing’. Growth comes from journeying with those we serve, not in doing for them.
4. The importance of EDUCATION as the key to change. Education takes many forms. We pursue opportunities for students at secondary school, university, apprenticeships, as well as special education for those with learning challenges.
