Village is a product by ScholarX set up to solve the problem of unschooled children in Nigeria as a result of lack of funds.
Back in the day, it literally took a village consisting of family lineages, friends, friends’ friends, neighbours and a long line of people to contribute to a child’s success; even those whom the child had no idea existed.
Many Nigerians who have had grass to grace stories always speak of how this “village” contributed to their success in one way or another; from giving sound but largely unsolicited advice to helping out with clothes to accommodation and most importantly, money; many owe their successes to the people in their lives who gave something. Anything.
The concept of a “village” contributing to a cause, specifically financially is now known as “crowdfunding” and the popular African proverb, “it takes an entire village to raise a child” still holds sway especially as it is what Bola Lawal’s ScholarX has newly developed; a crowdfunding platform called Village.
“Village is an education crowdfunding platform where African students (Secondary and University) can create fund requests and sponsors can search, discover and fund them,” co-founder and CEO, Lawal says.
Nigeria has 10.5 million children out of school; the largest number of unschooled children in the world – BBC, July 2017
Village by ScholarX is pretty easy to use and sponsors can contribute to a student from any part of Nigeria. In about one month since it launched, Village has raised a little below N1, 000, 000 and the team is continuously working to increase traction to the site.
Students are required to share their story with a video (for authenticity, I suppose) after which the Village team evaluate before publishing the request. For sponsors or donors, the site integrates Paystack, Bank transfer and other payment options and also gives the sponsor the option of reaching the student before the donation is finally disbursed. To request or donate funds, visit the Village.
