Here’s something you don’t see every day: Teenagers pooling in their time, resources, and efforts to raise funds for children.
“That’s something I used to think of as a teen – that I can’t do anything. But you actually can,” said 16-year old Charvie Yadav. “For example, set up fundraising events. We were shocked that it worked.”
“Instead of thinking that you can’t do anything, you can take action,” Charvie continued. “You can be an advocate.”
In June 2016, Charvie and her friends joined Save the Children as interns through International School Manila’s BearCat Career Experience program. Students are encouraged to do their internships at any organization that shares their interests.
“Save the Children stood out the most,” Charvie recalled. “It’s the only one that offered volunteer work.”
Charvie’s week-long internship began with workshops. “We learned about child abuse, exploitation, and neglect,” Charvie said. “We also understood how we can prevent these.”
She concluded her stint at Save the Children by raising P10,000 through an online fundraising activity. Charvie and her friends set up a SimplyGiving page, which urged the public to address the needs of children affected by emergencies.
Motivated youth
Another internship highlight, Charvie said, was her experience as a fundraising frontliner.
Charvie and her team were deployed in a mall, where they manned Save the Children’s face-to-face fundraising booth. Charvie engaged mallgoers by sharing the issues and voices of Filipino children.
“It was shocking,” Charvie admitted. “I realized how little attention people give to fundraisers.”
“But even if not everyone donated, at least now they know about Save the Children’s programs. They might consider donating in the future,” she added.
Charvie, however, also succeeded in inviting new donors and inspiring more child rights advocates. “I got some mallgoers to sign up. How? I told them about my motivation.”
“One of the things that stood out to me is how sometimes even parents themselves don’t support their children. Children have no one to look up to. It’s heartbreaking,” Charvie explained.
She wants to share this motivation with the Filipino youth.
As part of her Save the Children internship, Charvie also visited a high school in Manila, where she discussed the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act among students.
The newly signed law, supported by Save the Children, provides a comprehensive protection program for children during and after emergencies.
In the future, Charvie wants to practice green architecture but within the development sector. “Even if you’re an architect, you can still work for Save the Children. I might consider working in a non-organization organization someday,” she said.
In the meantime, Charvie wants to continue raising awareness and funds for children. “I’m planning to expand my online fundraising account at SimplyGiving. I’ll also engage people on social media.”
You can help us protect more children in emergencies by simply donating online.
You can also raise awareness and inspire young advocates by creating your own fundraising event online or offline. Check out our SimplyGiving page for ideas!