Fundraising at School

Fundraising is a rewarding and educational project for students. By organizing a charity event or activity, children improve their team work and research skills, while also developing their creative thinking.

 

Sponsor a Village

 

By sponsoring an SOS Village, your school can build a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with a community of children in another part of the world.

 

A year's sponsorship is $300; the money is sent directly to the SOS Village to contribute to the care of the children. Donations that exceed this amount are also much needed and can be sent to the Village in full. Sponsors receive updates by post from the SOS Villages twice a year in return for their support. Many schools’ students enjoy writing letters or Christmas cards to the SOS children, and some students and teachers even visit the Village that they support.

 

You can sign up to sponsor an SOS Children’s Village online or by contacting us by phone or email.

 

Ideas for School Fundraisers

 

1. No uniform day: Everyone pays 1$ to come to school without wearing their uniform. You can wear the colours of the flag of the country you are supporting, or dress according to a theme!
    
2. No chair day: A school in England wanted to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti who lost everything in the earthquake. They locked up their chairs and went about their activities standing or sitting on the floor. This little inconvenience impacted not only students but staff as well, and all were encouraged to donate 1$ to the work of SOS Children’s Villages in Haiti.
    
3. Bake sales: To add extra relevance, encourage students to make baked goods from the country where the SOS Village they want to support is located. They will be encouraged to track down specific ingredients and learn about a foreign country’s everyday nutrition.
    
4. International dinner: Different classes can cook various international dishes and then charge entrance to a multicultural dinner for their family and friends.

 

How Can We Get the Most Out of Fundraising at School?

 

To ensure that students learn as much as possible, keep in mind the following questions:

 

Is the fundraising driven by the students?
Students will be more actively engaged if they get to decide who to support and how to do it.

 

Is the support to the SOS Village a long-term project?
To foster the idea of long term progress and development, consider supporting one charity for a long time rather than supporting a new one every year.

 

Do the activities fairly represent the children you are fundraising for?
Ensure that you present the people that will be supported fairly, without stigmatizing and victimizing images. Portray their community in a balanced way by showing both the positive and the negative aspects of their lives.

 

Does course content explore the underlying issues?
Fundraising is a perfect opportunity to introduce to your students the issues of international development, global poverty and climate change.

 

Does the project offer other ways to make a difference?
Introducing to your students the concept that they can help others is a valuable lesson. Other activities to complement the fundraising could include awareness raising and writing to their local Member of Parliament.