Introduction
The Youth Action for Success and Development (YASD) conducted a three-day fundraising activity at Game Complex from September 21 to September 22, 2023. The materials including the T- shirts, Banner as well as transports were supported by World Connect Malawi as they are our partners. YASD is implementing an initiative called Mudzi wanga , Udindo wanga Initiative whereby it focusses at sensitizing and mobilizing the community to contribute and take a leading role in addressing pressing issues the community is facing. This initiative aimed at implementing a community foundation or philanthropy concept in TA Chitukula, leveraging YASD’s strong relationships with local leaders, community members and other players working in community development space. This activity aimed at raising funds to be injected to the construction of Chantambe Primary school Block which is of great need in the community of VDC Dzama, TA Chitukula- Lilongwe. This is just one of the programme YASD is championing among other issues being addressed in the community but being led by the community itself like bridge construction in VDC Kamphinda.
Objective of Fundraising
- To raise funds for the construction of a new school block for Chantambe Primary School in TA Chitukula so as to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for the 750 learners from Standard One to Standard Eight, currently facing challenges due to overcrowding and inadequate facilities.
Why Fundraising Initiative
Chantambe Primary School currently has only three school blocks, leading to classes being conducted under trees or in temporary spaces. This overcrowding and lack of proper facilities adversely affect the quality of education and the learning environment for the students.
Learning under trees and within the borders of a church poses several challenges that directly affect the quality of education children receive. Learning outdoors exposes children or learners to safety concerns as it leaves the children vulnerable to unforeseen dangers; various weather conditions making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies during adverse weather like rain or extreme heat. Learners are also exposed to noise and distractions from the surrounding environment making it challenging for children to concentrate on their studies. This hampers their ability to absorb knowledge effectively.
As for construction of Chamtambe primary school block, YASD managed to work with VDCs and community members whereby enough bricks have already been baked, Quary and sand collected, with small money collected to purchase bags of cement
Lessons Learnt
- Community Engagement is Key and an important tool to the success of projects. The success of the fundraising initiative was closely tied to community engagement. YASD’s existing relationships with local leaders and community members played a crucial role in the overall success of the fundraising.
- The importance of Health Services Integration. The inclusion of health services, such as sugar testing, BP testing, and body weight measurement, not only provided a valuable service to the public but also served as an effective means to attract well-wishers to contribute to the cause.
- Partnership and Collaborating with Area 25 Health Centre for medical materials ensured the quality and credibility of the health services provided during the fundraising, contributing to the overall success of the initiative. They also provided a health personnel.
- The goodness of harnessing the potential of team work. As YASD, we joined our hands together and worked as a team.
SUCCESSES
- YASD managed to raise at least MK200,000 during the three-day fundraising initiative. This success, while commendable, also highlighted areas for improvement in terms of awareness and participant mobilization.
CHALLENGES
- Limited awareness to the key players and partners working with. The fundraising activity could have been more successful with a broader awareness campaign.
- Varied Interest Levels from the public and individuals. While some individuals actively contributed to the fundraising, others showed little interest.
- Denial of owners of the buildings/ Shops to mount a booth or space for our fundraising.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Enhanced awareness campaigns which can strongly help to influence the maximization of community participation and contributions.
- Strategize additional activities or incentives to attract individuals with varying interests and motivations.
- There should Continuous Community Involvement and engagement at all levels of the programme
- Maintain and strengthen relationships with local leaders and community members to ensure continuous community involvement in philanthropic initiatives.