Educational equity and gender disparity continue to be the largest problems in the nation today. As these problems are critical and need to be solved, the youth is taking action. Joys of Giving is a prime example; it is a non-profit organization with a mission of bringing quality and relevant education to underserved minorities.
Joys of Giving organizes fundraisers with local nonprofits as well as volunteer with outreach activities and workshops. They imagine a world in which every individual from all walks of life has equal access to education and technology especially when STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) skills are a critical future need for the economy and workforce. "We strongly believe that Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," the founders said.
Vanesha Hari, 14, and Varshini Hari, 12, are from Seattle, Washington. They created Joys of Giving back in 2016. Vanesha and Varshini noticed the growing concern of homeless people in the nation. In 2016, the sisters visited a homeless shelter and were inspired to do something from what they witnessed and the stories they heard. Vanesha and Varshini also travelled to India earlier in the year, and they started to also comprehend how they were in a place of privilege where they have the luxury of all those necessities. This inspired them to make an effort to help those who were less fortunate, creating Joys of Giving.
Joys of Giving raised over $2,000 during their first fundraiser. Vanesha and Varshini reached out to their friends and family in their community in order to raise these funds. From their success of their first fundraiser, they created a larger goal and were inspired to scale greater heights. Since 2016, the organization has narrowed down their focus for fundraising to educational equity, since they believe education is a large asset in society and has a lasting impact.
Since launching in 2016, the organization has raised over $14,500, and volunteered over 100 hours. Joys of Giving also collaborated with more than six global nonprofits. In 2019, they had their largest fundraiser where they made over 800 organic cookies and raised $4,200 for underserved children in Seattle Public Schools.
Due to COVID-19, education became even more harder to tackle due to the transition to online classes. Joys of Giving noticed many local kids were impacted: no access to reduced lunches, couldn’t afford online programs financially, and poor mental health. Joys of Giving reached out to their local school district foundation (Lake Washington Schools Foundation), and raised over $2,000 to help the kids in need during such times of a pandemic.
Joys of Giving is currently working on partnering with several global nonprofits and take part in research projects where they can promote their initiative of educational equity and gender disparity. They are researching potential other nonprofits in Africa and other parts of the world where help is needed. he organization has an ongoing fundraiser for destitute children, especially girls in India with basic educational and other needs. They have raised over $1,000 so far and hope to continue making a difference.
Click here to view their website.