Making the site

By doing email interviews I’m trying to get different perspectives on the Helpalot project. This latest interview is with Kessie from the Uk. She’s speaking on behalf of the UK SOS Africa team.

1. Can you give a quick introduction of yourself and sosafrica.com?

The story of SOS Africa began back in 2003 during Matt Crowcombe’s (UK President of SOS Africa) gap year placement in Mafikeng, South Africa, where he was sent by Gap Activity Projects. During the placement at the International School of South Africa he became associated with Henry Matthews (SA President of SOS Africa), Head of Sport at the International School. Henry showed him the local township areas and widespread poverty and famine, as well as the lack of a basic education that existed throughout these areas.

Matt Crowcombe in South Africa

Not only did it make Matt realize how fortunate he had been throughout his life, but also that is was within his capability to work with Henry do something about this situation. Henry and Matt after much discussion, decided to set up an organisation to help promote the education of the underprivileged children of the Mafikeng township and the surrounding areas, in the hope that by providing these children with a basic sound education, it would bring jobs, money and an overall improved standard of living for these children and their families in the future. And so in January 2003, SOS Africa was born.

Since that day SOS Africa has empowered children through education and at the same time provided the care and support that they need throughout their school life. SOS Africa goes to great lengths to provide these children with everything they need for school from uniforms and sports equipment to transport and medical support.

SOS Africa encourages individuals or organisations to become involved and sponsor a child through school, bringing a smile to the children who deserve to be empowered through education.

2. What do you see as the most important problems for a charity like SOS Africa?

Problems such as funding are a problem for any charity, but problems can be overcome with the help and support from others. As there are so many worthwhile charities trying to reach out and help the under-privileged it is hard to promote SOS Africa as a charity with a difference to show that it not only sponsors children through their education, but provides them with time and care that they need.

3. Do you have big community of supporters? How do you keep in touch with them and reach out to win over new supporters?

There is a big community of supporters from the UK and from SA. As the charity is growing there has been more interest from further corners of the world, with the first sponsorship from Canada this year. June 2006 saw the first edition of a SOS Africa Newsletter sent to all members of the website (there is a option to register on the SOS Africa website) and other interested parties. This newsletter will allow the charity to keep people up to date with current fundraising activities and charity news. The SOS Africa website is updated regularly with articles for people to find out more about the charity. New supporters mainly hear about SOS Africa through word of mouth, however, 2006 has seen new links added to different sites and a push to make SOS Africa more well known.

4. Helpalot will be a charity social network site with evaluation, with the goal to be a guide for people to make it easier to find a charity they like and can trust. What do you think would be the most important aspect of the site?

The site will enable both people who work for charities and those who would like to support a charity to find information about various charities working to promote different ideas. It will allow charities to have the coverage they need to inform people about their missions and on the other hand will encourage people to be involved.

5. What do you see as the most important clues that make someone trust a charity?

Firstly that it is a registered charity and the charity’s number is clearly stated. Also how the charity presents itself and if it has a website that shows the activities of the charity.

6. If Helpalot existed would you use the site, if so, how would you use the site?

If Helpalot existed it would be beneficial for SOS Africa to have a charity page, which could be updated with upcoming fundraising activities and press releases. It would also help if charities could communicate and share experiences.

7. Do you have contacts with other charities? Would you encourage them to join a site like Helpalot?

SOS Africa has been supported by GAP Activity Projects throughout it’s development. However, SOS Africa is not linked with any particular charity, but Helpalot would be recommended to any charity SOS Africa work with in the future.

8. What do you see as the biggest problem and opportunity for my project?

The biggest opportunity a project like this has is to encourage people to give their time to worthwhile causes, and have a central repository where charities can be found.

9. Thank you for your time, is there anything else you think is important to mention?

No.

Thank you Kessie for taking the time for this interview.

You can read older interviews at the 9 questions category. I’m always searching for new interviews, so feel free to contact me.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 13th, 2006 at 10:21 am and is filed under 9 Questions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.