Dominique Wilson
Young Philanthropist and Lifetime Scholar
MY PROJECTS
The Gambia opened my eyes to the value of the moments we all share with each other. I went there for academic reasons, but quickly it turned to a mission trip. Like in many places in the world, there are certain parts of it, which are poor, and others filled with wealth. In Gambia, I saw even those with wealth struggle.
I was placed with a kindergarten school and my role there was to provide a critical assessment of the teachers abilities. I witnessed teachers struggle with comprehension and others show so much passion to make sure their student understood the material. I won't forget the moments I shared with them.
I raised money to get to The Gambia, and by the start of my trip I had a surplus. I decided to use $1,000 of the donations raised for my trip to help the school, where I volunteered. The school has invesed the money into a new pavilion which they named after me. This structure will be used for formal events held by the school.
I encountered a family who seemed without so much. The oldest boy told me he wanted to be in school. He reminded me of myself when I was younger. I saw the drive to learn in his heart. I decided to help his family by sponsoring him and his younger brother to go to school. Their names are Abdoulie & Saidou. Both of the young boys had never been in school. From our conversations I could tell they were bright and knew they had a promising future.
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If you have any questions about my experience, I am open to sharing more.
Below are two links which describe more of my journey to get to The Gambia, Africa.
http://www.gofundme.com/8btlr8
&
https://prezi.com/6dw5u_pgnyxj/a-journey-across-the-world/
Education is a Privilege -a concept more than an idea. The goal is to challenge people to take on opportunities. Unfortunately, people don't take the time to research information, but we did for them.
We shared over 100 scholarships from merit based to special needs and ethnicity; the list goes on. On July 13th and 20th of 2013 we presented this information to people that are willing to listen. We recognize that people are sometimes afraid to step up to file out the application because of the possibility of not being good enough to receive them. To counter this challenge we attempted to empower and encourage individuals.
To get more people out we will offered giveaways and free food. The free workshop was an opportunity for youth to be informed about whats available to them.
Project Faith was a community awareness outreach event. With the help of S.M.I.L.E for Change, Planned Parenthood, and the We Are Greater Than AIDS Campaign the event was successful.
There were clothes, shoes, canned goods and condoms given away. We had testing for HIV and was able to get 12 people tested and those there were found positive were connected to care.
This was my 1st community event I had ever organized as a freshman. My friends walked to the streets of Humboldt Park passing out the condoms and informational material. Community leaders came to show support. There was a family we were able to provide food to that said, " we didn't know what we were going to eat today." The experience inspired a host of other events to be organized in the community.
We were only there for a couple hours, but the time we did spend made a great impact on their lives and ours.
Do you have project ideas; lets work together!
Reach out to me; my contact information is below.
Education is A Privilege
Workshops
Project Faith
West Humboldt Park
I would not be where I am without the
support of my family, friends and mentors.
Below are just a short list of my past and current supportors.
Early in life, I realized as an individual I can make a significant impact on the world.
Since my new development, I have challenged myself to touch as many lives as I can.
Below you will find some details of some of my past projects.
Thank you to all who supported me to make them possible!