Change Makers: Young Learners Raise Funds for Maternal Care in Africa

May 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM

In a heartwarming initiative, students from Big Blue Marble Academy campuses in Augusta and its surrounding areas have demonstrated the power of community service by collecting coins to support maternal and newborn care in Africa. Through their "Change for a Change" project, these young philanthropists raised over $700 locally, contributing toward pre- and postnatal care for mothers and infants at Rotifunk Hospital in Sierra Leone. This effort is part of the academy's broader Heart Projects program, which focuses on instilling valuable service-learning skills while showcasing the impact children can make globally.

A Community Effort with Global Reach

During the vibrant months of March and April, young learners at Big Blue Marble Academy locations in Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, and Martinez embarked on an inspiring journey. They organized weekly classroom competitions and engaging events aimed at collecting spare change. The participants took charge of counting the coins, rolling them into containers, and even crafting heartfelt cards for new mothers across the ocean. Their collective efforts resulted in raising $725.52 locally, which will ensure essential healthcare for more than seven mothers and their babies in Sierra Leone. Remarkably, when combined with contributions from all Big Blue Marble Academy branches nationwide, the total sum reached $52,516.39—sufficient to provide care for 525 expectant mothers.

This remarkable endeavor not only highlights the importance of global empathy but also empowers children to understand their potential as agents of positive change.

From a journalistic perspective, this story serves as a powerful reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create ripples of hope around the world. It challenges us all to consider how we might contribute meaningfully to communities beyond our immediate surroundings. These students prove that age is no barrier to making a difference, inspiring others to embrace compassion and action in equal measure.