I chose Edukid for my volunteering because while I was looking at the different volunteering projects available to me, I found Edukid. I was inspired by the aims and goals of EduKid and I knew immediately that I wanted to raise awareness and raise money through volunteering.
During the time I volunteered for EduKid, I chose the Emergency-Clean Water and sanitation project. I picked this, because it’s extremely important for water to be clean and this is a basic human right that I think everyone should have access too. I know that approximately 1 million people die a year because they do not have access to clean water and sanitation, this can also increase the likelihood of infections and other diseases which impact thousands worldwide.
I decided to complete a sponsored 10K run/walk, I set a target of £130 to raise for EduKid. I started training for my event by going on regular walks and runs on my own and with my family. I spoke to my friends and family about my project and the importance of the work that is completed by EduKid. I set up a “go fund me” page which allowed me to send a link to my friends and family requesting that they sponsor me. I also advertised my event through my local rotary club and using social media, I requested that people sponsor me through donations. I completed my event on and have raised £185 so far, however I have some friends and family that have said that they will still sponsor me so this amount may increase. This amount of money will support 5 families to have access to safe drinking water.
I was initially worried that I may not reach my target of £130 so I worked hard speaking to lots of different people including my friends and family, raising awareness and explaining the importance of the work that EduKid complete. As a result of this, not only was I able to reach my goal amount but I raised more money than I initially thought I would, which means more money for EduKid which I am really happy about.
My highlights were completing my project and knowing that I have made a difference to other families lives. I have learnt a lot from this experience as I now understand the challenges and difficulties that are faced by other children, that are my age, across the world and it makes me very grateful and appreciative of the things I have. When I was completing my 10K, I found that it was helpful to think of the difficulties that these people experience as it helped me to persevere and to keep going. Completing the project and knowing I have made a difference is a great feeling.
I would recommend that others volunteer for EduKid, it is very interesting and a supportive team of people that can help you if you need it. It is easy to set up an event and complete this in your own time. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and am grateful for the opportunity to have supported EduKid.