Well, it’s that time of year again when kids head back to school. As parents celebrate the return of school and not having to occupy their children’s summer hours and students already reminisce about the freedom of summer, it’s important to remember that this time of year can be a great time to give back to the local community. More importantly, it’s a way to get students and schools involved.
Creating philanthropic opportunities at schools is a great way to introduce the idea of giving to children and young people. From kindergarten to university, schools can be a very effective way of raising money for local organizations or international campaigns.
In the Balkans, there are great examples of how students have come together in order to raise money for a worthy cause. Last year, for instance, an elementary school in Gunja, Croatia organized a play with all proceeds going to flood relief in the town. Other schools have put on concerts or organized humanitarian bazaars to sell crafts to help raise money for local community groups or to help local families in need. For instance, a school in Skopje organized a bazaar for people to purchase crafts and other items in support of youth with visual impairments. And there are many other ways that students are organizing to give. Even this past June, some students in Bosnia and Herzegovina raised money around their prom to give to local children with leukemia. Instead of purchasing prom suits and dresses, students from the Pale High School donated this money (around 7,670 EUR) to help the medical treatment for two local children.
We really believe philanthropy can be an easy thing to do, and this time of year brings about many great chances to be philanthropic. Read more