A local group is hoping to make a difference one quarter at a time.
Good Cents for Change has placed cans in Ladysmith businesses, including the Chronicle, and are asking everyone in town to donate a quarter.
Lorraine Jordan, one of the group’s originators said every little bit counts to the planet’s most vulnerable.
“We deal with the lowest of the low in the poverty level,” said Jordan.
The cans will be on out until July 16 and the group will also be posting information in the chamber window.
All the money raised will be going to help teens in Zambia with the skills and infrastructure to help themselves.
“Even if they are able to get out of poverty, they still need skills.”
In the past, money raised has bought computers to teach teens computer skills, sewing machines to teach young women sewing skills and young men have been able to start their own car-washing business.
This year, money raised will be going to the Community Youth Association and the Tiyanjane Theatre Company, non-profit groups in Lusaka, Zambia.
One big success story is that of Kelvin Chilufya, who is 17 with a Grade 7 education who now operates a computer without supervision. Some have learned enough valuable computer skills thanks to Good Cents for Change they are helping companies manage computer networks.
Jordan said the group wants this to be a community initiative and hopes they can raise $2,000.