How can I start my own community service project?

Question

I'm only 15, and I was hoping to develop a unique community service project that would benefit the orphanages that exist in Cameroon, Africa. I was thinking of asking for money donations, or asking companies to donate money or products to ship to Africa. Is this possible? Who can I contact to sponsor this type of idea?

Answer 1

Start something at your school, start small, like a penny drive. Ok it with your principal, have a plan of action and set jars all over the school for donated change, youd be suprised how quick it adds up, solicite local businesses and ask them if you can set up a jar at their check outs. as word gets out around your community more people will donate and you will be suprised how quick it adds up.

Answer 2

You could just Google, "orphanages" and "Cameroon." I did and found several useful links. Someone would be happy to take your money. Just be careful there.  

Generally, money is better than products because the cost of shipping products is so high.

Answer 3

I've read about projects to help provide mosquito nets for people in Africa to prevent Malaria.  Align yourself with a reputable group like Red Cross or Unicef and see where you could help them.  Maybe have some type of fun event like a pool party or a "kids' night out" where kids can have fun.  Or have a soccer game or basket ball game that people can come to.  The parents pay a little entrance fee that goes to the charity.  You could also use the opportunity to raise awareness of the illness and other things going on in Africa.

Answer 4

I'd start by contacting the orphanages you want to help & ask them their greatest needs & how best you can help them.  They may already have organizations there or in the U.S. that are already set up to operate efficiently.  If you work w/in an already existing program it is more likely your individual efforts w/be maximized.

If there are no existing programs for which you can volunteer your efforts, you might consider initiating something like The ShoeBox Project <www.ShoeBoxProject.org>, which recylces orginary shoeboxes by decorating them & filling with toiletries, school supplies, & small games & toys.  The Before-School Sales are coming up soon, & in my area, crayons sell for 20¢ a box, notebooks for 10¢, folders for 5¢.  Pencils, glue, scissorts, etc. are all sold very cheap @ Target & Wal-Mart.  You can organize a drive to purchase & ship school supplies.  Your money & efforts this time of year should go very far.

Note that most schools in Africa require school uniforms, & the simple lack of a uniform can prevent someone from getting an education.  Find out what is needed most by the groups you want to help, & focus, focus, focus on that.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Try looking up Youth Service America.  They have some great suggestions!