Yes, Twitter is a waste.
But only if you consider one hour on it a waste… even if it results in 300 primary school kids getting important teaching aids.
Let me explain how I ‘wasted’ an hour this morning on Twitter. But first, here’s the…
Back Story
It started a few weeks back… with a connection on Twitter.
I read a guest blog post by Veena Verma on the Pratham Books site.
It led (thanks to Maya) to an interesting phone conversation with Veena, who lives and works in Mumbai. Her project of working with primary school students with very limited access to educational aids, and her obvious passion for what she does, got me very enthusiastic about helping in whatever way I could.
As Veena was changing over to a new school within the project, she wasn’t sure about what form this support might take – until yesterday, when she wrote to me.
“I am teaching grade 3 but most of my children are at pre-KG (kindergarden) or KG level. I’m starting with the alphabet and phonic sounds. This is a much bigger challenge than the last time around.”
There are 2 things that are ‘top priority’ for her work:
1. A set of math teaching kits to help the 3rd graders construct knowledge about numbers, place values and number operations.
2. A projector, to help build language skills as soon as possible. Videos and songs will be a great resource. A laptop simply doesn’t work, given the class size.
When I heard her estimated budget, I was surprised. Veena’s choice for the math kit provider was Navnirmiti, a non-profit organization itself, and they unhesitatingly offered a 15% discount on already reasonable prices when they heard about her work.
I instantly agreed to sponsor that portion myself.
The projector is a bit costlier, but definitely NOT expensive. And it will be shared among at least 10 classrooms in the area! Who can resist the chance to help nearly 400 young children get an education?!
Together, the entire cost is $750. I want to try and raise it – by Monday. (Call me an ambitious over-achiever, if you like – but donate first, before you do!)
So, I went to Twitter. And posted a tweet, asking for ideas.
Nothing happened until I went to bed.
An Hour This Morning…
Nothing had happened by the time I logged on this morning, either.
That was surprising. So I tweeted about it.
And then, this did:
To cut a long story short, I now have 2 great ideas, and one influential connection, that will together almost certainly get the kids what they need… by tomorrow.
So, yes, Twitter is a waste… if you don’t place much value on the literacy levels of hundreds of children, or the power and impact of a caring network of people, or in the belief of our existence in a inter-connected global community.
Not if you do.
Do YOU want to be a part of this ‘challenge’? Here’s how you can:
* I’m offering ONLY FIVE slots in my 6 week long Infopreneur mentoring program – for donors who contribute $150 to this project. (regular proposed price $1,497 – currently NOT open to registration)
Here are a few comments recent mentorees made:
“Dr. Mani genuinely wants to help and has extreme experience in what he is saying. You should join the course and follow it to the letter.”
Sanjay Wadhwa, Mumbai, India
“The mentorship is wonderful worth doing it.Its very valuable and informative. Thanks Dr. for having me onboard.”
Joshua Mwakazi
“This is the best program and it is worth the value. its simple to understand and helps you build a business from scratch.”
ikechiawazie
“The information here will help so much by saving you time and infusing you with the knowledge you need to get things off the ground!”
Sharon Mosser
“Unlike most guru who are out just to earn your money, dr mani is really here to help you out. he will help you build a strong foundation and mindset which will help you get far in the internet business. there is a easy to follow system in his program and you can approach him any time when you have any questions.”
Gladwin
(Full disclosure: These reviewers did NOT pay full-price, but are early testers of the process, as I’m refining the program and course material)
There are many more along these lines. And not one of the students enrolled have estimated the value they have received as being less than $197 (even though most are only halfway through the course)
How to donate?
Make your payment via PayPal ONLY to info (at) ezinemarketingcenter.com
That’s 
Please mention that it is for the School Teaching Aids project.
If you’re not among the first 5 to donate, I may not be able to let you join the mentoring program.
Oh, and if you’d like to donate a smaller (or larger) amount, please do. I’ll keep the total updated from time to time.
And if you want to ‘waste’ a little more time on Twitter, re-tweet a link to this post 
UPDATE:
Target amount to raise by Monday: $750
Amount we have raised until now: $750
Yes, we hit our target – and it isn’t even tomorrow yet! YAY!!!
Special thanks: Wendy Landes and Nicole Dean
UPDATE #2:
I might run a special offer for some of my best ebooks, as an additional fundraiser. If this interests you, please stay informed by joining my email list.
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