Introduction

In a walk towards empowering the youth and breaking socio-economic barriers, Youth Action for Success and Development (YASD) recently conducted a successful fundraising initiative. The initiative started from August 25, 2023 through August 31,2023.  The primary goal was to procure three laptops for the YASD office to kickstart the implementation of a Youth Lead Computer and Digital Skill Development initiative. The driving force behind this accomplishment was the invaluable support and expertise provided by Kristen Palana, who facilitated the GoFundMe campaign – an online fundraising platform. By providing access to technology and fostering digital literacy, YASD aims to empower youth to navigate and excel in the rapidly evolving digital space/platforms since we are living in a digital world.

Objective of the Initiative

  • To equip young individuals with essential digital skills, thereby opening doors to increased socio-economic opportunities as well as ease access to information.

But the target of the campaign was to raise $500 in a week to use the raised funds in procurement of 3 laptops to be used at the office ;primarily being used in training the young individuals in the computer and digital skills.

The progress of Fundraising               YASD team holding the computers purchased

Methodology of Raising Funds

  • Utilizing the power of online fundraising, YASD leveraged and utilized the GoFundMe platform, led by the capable facilitation of Kristen Palana, whom we approached to lead the initiative.
  • The campaign highlighted the urgency and importance of providing resources for the youth to acquire digital skills, emphasizing the transformative impact such skills can have on their lives and communities. Though we have a long way to go, but we wanted to start small so that well wishers see the results of how we are going to utilize the raised funds.

 

YASD Team launching the new computers bought using the raised funds

Reactions of the Public

  • The response from the public exceeded our expectations, reflecting a collective commitment to the cause. People from various walks of life, inspired by the vision of empowering youth through digital skills, contributed both financially and by amplifying our message through social media.
  • The expression of support demonstrated a shared belief in the potential of investing in the future leaders of our communities.

 

Challenges

While the campaign was awesomely successful, we did encounter some challenges:

  1. Limited Outreach in way that despite the support we received, reaching a wider audience remained a challenge along the process of fundraising.
  2. With the raised funds, we managed to procure three laptops but with a poor battery performance.

Successes/ Achievements

  1. Surpassing the target we made as an organisation. In just one week, the campaign raised an impressive $518, surpassing our initial target of $500 which enabled the procurement of three laptops for the YASD office.
  2. We successfully utilized the raised finds in procuring the 3 laptops; realising the objective of the fund raiser.
  3. Awesome support from our local partners in sharing the link in their social platforms.
  4. Major contributions made by the anonymous individuals that friends as we expected.
  5. The timely, swift and efficient execution of the fundraising initiative.

 

In conclusion, YASD extends heartfelt gratitude to every individual who contributed, shared our message, and believed in the transformative power of digital skills for youth. The successful procurement of three laptops marks the beginning of a journey towards unlocking the socio-economic potential of the youth through technology.