I love the way that technology/social networking has radically altered the landscape of many social exchanges online and philanthropic activity is certainly no exception. People are inundated with requests to donate or contribute in varying amounts to varying causes.
However, what a lot of these organizations have forgotten is that the internet is basically one big communication device and that giving is meant to be basically a one to one activity, one person to another.
It is very personal.
Very few have seemed to grasp the personal narrative of online giving, that notion that I, here in Princeton, New Jersey, can make a huge difference in someone’s life in Mozambique, in Angola, in the Philippines.
Some organizations implicitly understand that facet of giving, that desire to see tangible results for real people. Nothing filtered and nothing lost. Kiva gets it; incredibly so. Save the Children gets it. And now I add a smaller organization to that list. Educate a Child.
Basically you sponsor a child to go to school. How much simpler can that be? You are literally the benefactor of their education. Their ability to read, write, and function in this world will be influenced by your decision. As easy as that. Pitch in. Help out. Get involved.
You can see more information on their website here.
“What would you do with an extra 13,000 won – 20,000 won (US$10-$17) a month?
San Jose Christian Colleges is one of the older schools in the San Jose community. Located in Nueva Ecija on Luzon island in the Philippines, San Jose comprises mostly an agricultural community. The people here work hard to grow crops on small farms. Food is harvested and then sold at the local market, with the hope of earning enough money to pay for that night’s dinner. In a place like this, education is a luxury.
A little does a lot. All donors are paired with individual students, and will be able to correspond with and receive updates from the child(ren) they are sponsoring.
100% of the money you donate goes directly to the student to pay for tuition fees. None of the money is used to cover administrative or overhead costs.
Monthly donors will receive a thank-you letter and photo from the child receiving the scholarship. Donations from monthly donors will be pooled together to offer 1-year scholarships to students.”
This is awesome! I’ll check it out for sure..Yet another reson to like your blog!
Thanks Melissa! Actually, that organization is being spearheaded by a good friend of mine based in Seoul, Nancy Kim. I link to her from my Korea part of the blogroll. Glad you are back in the Land of the Morning Calm; was missing your blog and am loving the music again!