Donate your attention
There are countless orphans in my home country Benin, and I,
too, have been around poverty throughout my life. To combat the seemingly
endless cycle of despair, I co-founded a Non-Government Organization called
“Team 229.” The purpose of the organization is to help orphanages by planning
and sponsoring activities, such as Christmas toy drive. I want people to think
twice before throwing away used books, toys, or clothes. From growing up in
poverty in Benin, I have found the old adage to be true: one man’s trash is
another man’s treasure.
I would like to extend this project to students not only at
USC but to other campuses. It is my desire to see students helping children who
need clothes, toys, or any other item. There are numerous items regularly
discarded around the USC campus, and Team 229 could use these items to benefit
a child in need. Additionally, I want to attract potential business women in
Africa to invest in Team 229. This idea came from a study showing a growing
number of successful business women in Africa. Allowing powerful women in Benin
to donate to Team 229 will not only help the children in need, but it will also
empower the successful business women to be leader in ending poverty and
homelessness in Benin.
I also have in mind graduating students donate a little bit
of their time to be pair with other students in Benin to mentor them, and
exchange ideas. The purpose of this is to avoid people here to feel harassed, by
asking them to give money. Just giving attention could make this world a better
place to live.
Joel, I believe it was a great idea that you founded Team 229 and I'm sure that your organization is getting strong support. I suggest that the next step would be not just to extend your project to universities but to also include middle schools or high schools. Many teenagers have clothes they stopped wearing and those clothes could be donated to other teenagers that simply do not have the luxury to buy new clothes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your suggestion.
DeleteOh wow, it's great how you started a non-profit organization for a good cause. I truly believe in the importance of children development. Sometimes we live in privilege that we forget about those in needs. Team 229 would definitely contribute in making the world a better place to live.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea behind your organization. I think what makes it powerful is the fact that it is so practical. A simple concept, that a little attention can go a long way, makes so much sense. I love that you are focused around educational institutions, but I believe targeting adults who have teenagers may be more effective, since they are the individuals responsible for the leftover goods!
ReplyDelete