The Yuda Bands Project has made a positive impact to millions of lives. Sponsored children get a quality education and build character. More importantly, they have a chance to break the poverty cycle and end child labor in their families.
The Yuda Bands Project owes its success to the students who have joined this movement. Not only did they want to help, but they were passionate about it. We’ve seen another side of the “millennials” that most think of as lazy, entitled teenagers.
We’ve seen thousands of American teenagers who believed they have the power to make a difference. One of these teenagers is Kimberly Williams.
Kimberly is a junior at Carthage High School, New York. She is the Vice-President of their Student Government and their local Key Club treasurer. Aside from that, she is also involved in different extracurricular activities. Despite her busy schedule, she still volunteered for the Yuda Bands Project.
YUDA BANDS REACHING OUT TO PASSIONATE STUDENTS
Kimberly first heard about the Yuda Bands Project at the Key Club’s New York District Leadership Training Conference. She instantly fell in love with the project because it focuses on giving education to children in need.
“I believe education is very important and valuable,” Kimberly said.
“The project is truly admirable because every child should be given the gift of education,” she added.
HELPING ONE STUDENT AT A TIME
What made Kimberly more eager to pursue the project was knowing she could directly impact someone’s life. The Yuda Bands Project gives each volunteer school their own pick of which international student they will fund to go to school (sponsor).
The school and volunteers also know exactly how many bracelets must be sold for their student to finish their schooling. Volunteers can even (virtually) meet the student they are sponsoring.
“The opportunity to Skype (call) the student is astonishing, as one can actually see and talk the person they are helping,” Kimberly said.
“I PRESENTED THIS PROJECT TO MY KEY CLUB, AND THEY ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT…..”
Kimberly got her key club involved in the project in early April. However, they started selling the bracelets at the beginning of October. Part of the reason why was due to lack of support and interest.
In September, things started to turn up. The new Academic school year brought new students. Many of them were interested in Key Club as well as the Yuda Bands Project.
WHEN TIMING, OPPORTUNITY AND DEDICATION MEET
Carthage High School volunteers had already planned where and when to sell the Yuda Bands before the bracelets arrived. They determined homecoming week was the best time to sell the bracelets. There were many potential buyers. On top of that, they also had a separate team of dedicated students that sold outside of school.
The students’ preparations, planning, and efforts did not go in vain. Carthage High School sold more than the average amount of Yuda Bands.
They sold more than 550 bracelets to help Liya Ngabola, an 8th-grade student from Zimbabwe, finish her schooling.
“We recently had about 50+ volunteers that helped sell these bracelets, which raised a couple thousand dollars for our student in need. It amazes me how people wanted to help this student finish her education,” Kimberly said.
“This project would not be successful without their dedication and support.”
YUDA BANDS PROJECT: MORE THAN JUST BRACELETS
Phillip Whiting, co-founder of the Yuda Bands Projects, said that Kimberly communicated very well with him when setting up her project. He was also impressed by her commitment to helping Liya.
“Kimberly showed me again that if you are dedicated to your advertising before you start selling the Yuda Bands that you will sell more!” – Phillip Whiting
The Yuda Bands Project helped expand Kimberly’s management and leadership skills. She brought the project to her school and conducted successful sales events while managing over 50 volunteers.
However, she is more proud of the fact she helped a 14-year old girl get a proper education.
“This student (Liya) now has the potential of changing the world at this point, and we helped her through the process,” she said.
WEAR A BAND, CHANGE A LIFE…
Change starts with one person. At Carthage High School, it was Kimberly Williams.
Kimberly is evidence you can always help wherever you are. Whether you’re a teacher, businessman or a junior student from chilly upstate New York, you can start to break the cycle of poverty.
If you want to help today, sign up here.
There are over 100 students who need your help. You can provide them the opportunity to study, learn leadership skills and escape the cycle of child labor – Just like what Kimberly did.
