In Uganda (my birthplace), when a child is born, they become a part of the ‘village’. From then on, that child becomes the responsibility of everyone living in that village. I was reminded of this two years ago, after my daughter was accepted into University. I found that the financial aid package she was awarded was not enough to cover her college expenses. Although I had saved up some money, I did not have the resources to pay for the rest of the tuition. While on a walk with a neighborhood friend, I expressed my frustration over the cost of university education. Being a great neighbor, she mentioned that she would be willing to help with the cost, but she could not pay the whole expense. However, she was willing to chip in at least $50 a month as long as there was a way for this amount to be taken out of her account every month and ONLY sent to my daughter’s school. Thus, TakesaVillage.com was born.
At TakesaVillage we believe in the Ugandan proverb that “It takes a village to educate a child.’ Our goal is to provide a secure virtual platform to carry out this belief. We offer students the opportunity to create their virtual village and connect with friends, family, organizations, and anybody who is interested in the student’s education via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
This business model is different from other various crowd funding websites where the money received goes straight to the person requesting donation. With TakesaVillage, the money is sent to the student’s college and deposited into the student’s school account. Unlike other business models, we only take 4% commission, which is also paid by the donor, and not subtracted from the student’s total value raised. Additionally, at the end of each quarter, if TakesaVillage makes a profit, one lucky student will be randomly selected and awarded a part of that profit.
At TakesaVillage, we believe that together we can go a long way in supporting students through their college education and that students can graduate without debt. When these students graduate, they will remember their village and pour back into the lives of students that are on the college journey.
With college students of all ages beginning to formulate financial plans for the upcoming year, TakesaVillage.com serves as a great place for family, neighbors, and friends to donate.
Takes a Village Kates Story wCC from Nathan Conant on Vimeo.
