On #GivingTuesday, Winrock-Implemented Room to Learn Project to be Part of Microsoft’s #YouthSpark Initiative

(November 25, 2014) — Winrock International is excited that the Room to Learn – Education for Youth in South Sudan project will again be included in Microsoft’s #YouthSpark initiative, meaning it is eligible for #YouthSpark’s #GivingTuesday campaign this year. Microsoft will provide a 100-percent match for donations between $10 and $500 to the Room to Learn project unil matching funds run out — with $350,000 up for grabs. The matching funds will be released in two pools, with $175,000 released at 9 a.m. EST and another $175,000 release at 3 p.m. EST.

Decades of civil war and turmoil in South Sudan have devastated the country’s infrastructure, leaving them without access to quality education. Room to Learn offers children and youth access to quality education, with a special focus on reaching the most marginalized groups, including girls, the disabled, and children from nomadic and pastoralist communities. The project provides children with foundational literacy skills and a safe learning environment. Funds will be used for quick-impact grants to improve school infrastructure and train teachers; deliver educational materials; provide access to mobile learning; and support local PTAs.

The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving — Dec. 2 this year — has been dubbed #GivingTuesday and is part of an effort to kick off the annual holiday season with a global day of giving in support of nonprofit organizations. On #GivingTuesday, you can make a contribution to one of the Winrock-implemented projects on GlobalGiving, including Room to Learn. You can also share expertise by signing up to be a Winrock volunteer and searching current volunteer opportunities. As always, thank you for supporting Winrock’s mission.