The "I" Matter Project

Vision:
To create a world where every child has access to quality education, the opportunity to thrive,
and the support needed to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Mission:
The "I" Matter Project is dedicated to empowering underserved children and minors by providing
educational resources, advocacy, and support. We aim to alleviate the burdens of child labor
and ensure that every young person can pursue their dreams without sacrificing their childhood
or education. Through partnerships with local communities, schools, and donors, we work to
create sustainable opportunities for children to build brighter futures.

Goals:
1. Provide Access to Education: Raise funds and collaborate with educational institutions to
offer scholarships, school supplies, and learning programs to children who are unable to afford
education.
2. Support Child Workers: Advocate for policies that protect children from labor exploitation and
provide resources to help minors transition from the workforce back into school or skill
development programs.
3. Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the challenges facing children without access to
education and minors in the workforce, fostering greater empathy and community support.
4. Strengthen Local Communities: Work with families and local leaders to create sustainable
solutions that reduce financial pressures on families, helping prevent children from needing to
work.
5. Advocate for Policy Change: Engage in lobbying efforts for stronger child labor laws and
policies that ensure children’s right to an education is upheld globally.

Advocacies:
1. Education as a Fundamental Right: Promote the belief that every child deserves access to
free, quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
2. Eradicating Child Labor: Fight against child exploitation and work towards solutions that
empower families financially, ensuring children do not need to enter the workforce prematurely.
3. Youth Empowerment: Advocate for the personal and professional growth of children and
minors by providing mentorship, career guidance, and resources that enable them to reach their
potential.
4. Community Engagement and Collaboration: Encourage partnerships with governments,
NGOs, and local communities to create a supportive ecosystem for children’s well-being and
education.
5. Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Focus on long-term impact by supporting education and skill-
building programs that open doors for children and families to escape poverty.

The beneficiaries of The "I" Matter Project are primarily:

1. Underprivileged Children:
- Children from low-income families who cannot afford basic education, school supplies, or
other essential resources needed to attend school.
- Children who are at risk of being forced into labor or early adulthood responsibilities due to
financial hardship.

2. Minors Engaged in Child Labor:

- Young people who are currently working in hazardous or exploitative conditions to support
their families, instead of pursuing an education.
- These minors are often from marginalized communities and may have limited access to
alternative opportunities or support.

3. Families in Poverty:
- Families struggling financially, who may not have the resources to send their children to
school and are often caught in a cycle of poverty.
- Parents who are seeking ways to keep their children in education, but face significant
barriers due to economic pressures.

4. Communities in Vulnerable Areas:

- Entire communities where access to quality education is scarce, and where child labor rates
are high due to economic struggles.
- Local communities that benefit from educational support, advocacy, and development
programs aimed at reducing child labor and improving opportunities for children.

5. Schools and Educational Institutions:

- Schools and learning centers that may receive support in terms of resources, scholarships,
and partnerships to help bring in more students from underserved communities.
- Educators who are supported with tools, training, and outreach to better assist students
coming from difficult or disadvantaged backgrounds.

By focusing on these groups, The "I" Matter Project aims to improve both the individual futures
of children and the overall wellbeing of families and communities.

Volunteer Event Plan: "Empower Through Education: A Day of Support"

Event Purpose:
This event is designed to provide direct, tangible support to children in need of education,
especially those affected by poverty or child labor. The event will feature workshops for both
parents and children, provide scholarships, and distribute educational materials, with the goal of
empowering families and helping children access quality education.

Event Objectives:
1. Provide Educational Support: Distribute school supplies, books, and learning materials to
children who cannot afford them.
2. Offer Scholarships: Provide scholarships or funding opportunities for children in need to
attend school.
3. Empower Parents and Caregivers: Host workshops to help parents navigate educational
systems, find financial support, and understand the importance of keeping children in school
instead of work.
4. Foster Community Engagement: Encourage local volunteers, organizations, and businesses
to contribute to the cause, either through direct involvement or by donating materials and
resources.

Event Structure:

1. Registration and Welcome (30 minutes)

- Volunteers welcome attendees, check-in, and distribute event schedules.
- Brief overview of the event’s objectives and the available resources for families.

2. Workshops for Parents and Caregivers (1 hour)

Topics could include:
- Understanding Educational Rights: Explaining children’s rights to education and how to
access free schooling.
- Financial Aid for Education: Offering information on scholarships, government programs, and
community resources that help reduce the cost of schooling.
- Balancing Work and Education: Practical advice for families on how to prioritize children’s
education while dealing with financial struggles.

3. Children’s Educational Workshop (1 hour)

- A fun, interactive session focused on the importance of education, including games,
storytelling, and arts & crafts to engage children in learning.
- Volunteers or guest speakers may lead activities that emphasize the value of going to school
and how it can improve their lives.

4. Scholarship Application and Resource Distribution (1 hour)

- Provide information and assistance for children and families to apply for local scholarships
and educational grants.
- Distribute school supplies, such as backpacks, notebooks, and pencils, to help children get
started with their studies.
- Include free resources such as tutoring services, after-school programs, and local
educational initiatives.

5. Closing and Call to Action (30 minutes)

- Summarize the event, highlighting the resources available and the next steps for families.
- Invite attendees to sign up for future volunteer opportunities or donate to the cause.
- End with a call to action, encouraging the community to continue supporting the education of
children and advocate for those in need.
Target Audience:
- Children: Especially those at risk of not attending school or currently engaged in child labor.
- Parents and Caregivers: Families looking for educational resources and guidance.
- Community Volunteers and Local Organizations: Individuals or groups who want to support
education initiatives.

Expected Outcomes:
1. Increased Access to Education: Children will receive the resources they need to attend
school, such as supplies, scholarships, and tutoring services.
2. Empowered Families: Parents will leave the event with a clearer understanding of how to
access educational opportunities for their children and reduce financial barriers.
3. Community Engagement: The event will build stronger relationships within the local
community, creating a network of support for children’s education.
4. Volunteering and Future Support: Volunteers and organizations will commit to ongoing
support, whether through further events, donations, or active participation in education
advocacy.

When will it be Implemented?

The "Empower Through Education: A Day of Support" event should ideally be implemented at a
time that aligns with key educational milestones and when the community is most receptive to
support. Here are some factors to consider when determining the best timing:

1. Back-to-School Season
This would align with families' preparations for school and create an immediate, tangible
impact by providing the necessary resources for children to start the school year
successfully.

2. School Holidays
Hosting the event during a school holiday, such as winter break or spring break,
ensures that children and parents are available to attend without conflicting with regular
school schedules. These breaks often represent a time when families may need
additional support, particularly if children are working or struggling to stay in school.

3. International Days Related to Education and Children’s Rights

4. Before or After Major Fundraising Campaigns:

If the organization is running fundraising campaigns or partner initiatives, timing the
event to coincide with these efforts will maximize visibility and resources. Hosting the
event after a fundraising push can ensure there are sufficient materials and scholarships
to distribute.

5. When Local Schools and Institutions Are Involved:

If you plan to partner with local schools, it is crucial to check the academic calendar to
ensure the event does not coincide with exams, testing periods, or other major events
that could limit attendance or participation.