Radical Generosity in Motion
GivingTuesday Liberia and Yes Liberia's Radical Generosity Bus Program
Changing the Wheels of History
For most of us, a school bus is just that—a vehicle that takes students to school. But in Liberia, it's a beacon of hope, an instrument of change, and now, thanks to GivingTuesday Liberia and YesLiberia, it's the vessel of a revolution through the record-breaking initiative called the "Radical Generosity Bus" program.
While many can't recall the last time they saw a dedicated school bus for students in Liberia, change-makers like Z.J. Jallah (CEO of Yes Liberia and Country Lead of GivingTuesday Liberia) have dreams beyond just transportation.
They envision an ecosystem of learning, sharing, and growing while on the move. This extraordinary initiative, born through collaboration with 12 Rotary Club partners across the globe, stands as a testament to what can be achieved with passion, collaboration, and the spirit of generosity.
Jallah didn't just brainstorm this idea from an office desk. He walked in the shoes of Liberian students, experienced their daily challenges, and even slept in the makeshift homes they retreated to after sunset.
This immersive experience, coupled with the invaluable lessons from the GivingTuesday’s Starling Collective cohort, was the foundation of the bus program.
More than Transport: A Movement on Wheels
At its core, this program is innovation in motion. Apart from offering a safe commute for students across 32 communities, it embeds the following factors;
Parental Involvement: A Catalyst for Holistic Growth
In many educational settings, parents often play a passive role. They're updated about their child's progress through occasional report cards or scheduled parent-teacher meetings. However, the Radical Generosity Bus program seeks to rewrite this narrative, embedding parents directly into the fabric of their child’s educational experience.
Recognizing this invaluable role, the program invites parents to volunteer on the bus, as “Bus Monitors”. This active participation ensures that children witness firsthand the values of giving, serving, and community involvement. It's one thing to be taught the importance of these values, but seeing them personified by their primary role models amplifies the message.
Bridging the School-Home Divide
Often, there's a palpable divide between what children learn at school and their experiences at home. Involving parents directly in the learning journey, the Radical Generosity Bus program ensures a seamless bridge between school and home. Conversations started on the bus can continue at the dinner table, fostering a holistic learning environment that extends beyond school walls.
This involvement empowers parents, giving them a clearer insight into their child’s daily life and the challenges they face.
The ripple effect of this can be profound. A more involved parent often means a more supported student, and when parents unite in purpose, they can collectively advocate for positive change in the broader educational system.
GIVEx - Radical Generosity Talktime
When we think of impactful talks, many might draw parallels with platforms like TEDx. But GivingTuesdayLiberia and YesLiberia are introducing a unique, homegrown iteration with the same spirit of inspiration, reimagined with a local touch: GIVEx. Rooted in the essence of weekly "Talktime" sessions, GIVEx amplifies the voices of today to inspire the next generation.
GIVEx will expose students to the highs, the lows, the setbacks, and the comebacks. The roadmap to success is seldom a straight one, and through these candid shares, students gain perspectives beyond their textbooks, understanding that every hurdle is a lesson in disguise.
A Gateway to Aspiration and The Hear of Generosity in Every Tale
GIVEx will become a repository of inspiration, challenging students to elevate their ambitions. Regular interaction with the finest minds can ignite passion, curiosity, and the drive to make a mark. These sessions also open doors to mentorship, creating bridges between today's leaders and tomorrow's visionaries.
While GIVEx celebrates individual achievements, it also emphasizes the spirit of giving back. Each narrative, in its essence, resonates with the principles of generosity, leadership, and community upliftment, showcasing them as tangible actions that mould the future.
Continuous Learning: #GivingEveryTuesday Onboard the Radical Generosity Bus
Another interesting angle to this program is how this bus will transform its daily routes into avenues of thematic education and inspiration in line with the #GivingEveryTueday Calendar
It is amazing to see how the GivingTuesday Liberia team have truly embodied the Spirit of Generosity, While many are familiar with the annual GivingTuesday event, the spirit of giving shouldn’t be confined to just one day, Hence #GivingEveryTuesday — a weekly clarion call, rallying communities, causes, and nations to show kindness, volunteer, and commitment to giving on a daily basis.
Each Journey, A New Lesson
Every week, as the Radical Generosity Bus winds through Liberia's streets, it introduces its young passengers to diverse themes from the #GivingEveryTuesday calendar converting the bus into a dynamic classroom, sparking conversations and inspiring generous action. The Facilitators will showcase stories from around the world and help students realize that acts of kindness, generosity, and solidarity aren't restricted by borders, age, class or wealth.
Celebrating Excellence: Honoring Achievers with Educational Expeditions
Excellence in academics, often achieved amidst a myriad of challenges, deserves recognition beyond accolades and grades. GivingTuesdayLiberia and YesLiberia, in a trailblazing collaboration with their Rotary Club partners, have fashioned a unique way to applaud and nurture the academic endeavours of Liberia's brightest students.
Firsthand Experiences Beyond Classroom Walls
While textbooks offer invaluable knowledge, there’s an irreplaceable education that comes from firsthand experiences. The educational trips conceived under this initiative aim to bridge this gap, taking top-performing students on immersive journeys across Liberia.
Students not only get to bask in the nation's past glories but also glimpse its future potential. There’s no greater motivator than witnessing success and recognizing the potential to be a part of similar narratives; hence, these trips will inspire students to dream big. For many, it might be their first encounter with such marvels, igniting curiosity and fueling aspirations.
Educational expeditions like this are affirmations that every late-night study session, every surmounted challenge, and every academic conquest is a step closer to shaping a brighter future.
Steering Towards Sustainability
To ensure this program's longevity, a dual approach of community involvement and technology is in place. An innovative app, developed by the Yes Liberia team, will aid in effective management, featuring biometric attendance, geolocation and even birthday notifications.
Join Us on This Transformative Journey
The Bus Project is breaking over 100 years of history, and there is no better time to shape Liberia’s future than now.
Spread the word, help with fundraising, volunteer as a bus monitor, or a GIVEx speaker, or charter the bus for other noble causes, every bit of help counts.
Jallah dreams big, and his vision is clear.
As he aptly puts it, he looks forward to the day one of these students takes the reins, leading the organization and outdoing all current efforts.
Your small act today could set in motion a wave of radical generosity for tomorrow. Let's keep the wheels turning and the hearts learning!