schoolscolleges2020 hed news

FundForward
This article was first published in the CDO COVID-19 Response Facebook Page. Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan acknowledges the efforts of its Development Communication alumni, Mr Brian Adam Anay, who is the project lead for the FundForward Initiative. Anay, the Xavier Ateneo Class 2017 valedictorian, is one of the 2017 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

From a single tweet sent out on the Internet to a growing youth movement, the FundForward Initiative continues to prove that the collective effort of the youth is a force to be reckoned with.

The FundForward Initiative is a local crowdfunding platform that aims to support small-scale, vulnerable communities greatly affected by COVID-19. It is powered by the youth of Cagayan de Oro City, empowering those who are leading positive actions in their communities – big or small. The project sets its sights on giving the youth a chance to fully work their magic to giving aid where it is needed and to giving voice to the voiceless.

“I think there are different initiatives out there and their focus might not be the same with us – and that's okay," says Adam Anay, Project Head of the FundForward Initiative. "In times like this, I believe we need to see past the competition but understand that we can't get out of this if we won't work side-by-side reinforcing each other. May more initiatives to help others arise!”

Anay, together with a small band of volunteers, are working together to make this project happen.

He shares: “We want to help as many small-scale, youth initiatives in the city. I think that is the end game. As long as there are people who are willing to help, we continue to help.”

The FundForward Initiative recognizes small communities greatly affected by the pandemic, aiming to build a community of young donors to make an impact in their very own city, to give them a chance to help in however way they can.

“If more people will know about this, then the faster we can bring help to those who are experiencing difficulty brought about by this pandemic,” Adam adds.

Since FundForward started it has been able to campaign for projects such as Tabang Sikad, Andam Higala, and Tabang Uswag – all aiming to serve at-risk families in Carmen, Calaanan, and Kauswagan.

It has raised PHP64,515.88 from 48 donors. This has reached 152 at-risk families in the city. The initiative has also partnered with almost 60 Kagay-anon youth, from core volunteers to project teams in order to make it possible.

As of the moment, the group sets its vision to becoming a crowdfunding platform helping youth groups with livelihood opportunities in the middle of the pandemic as we transition to the new normal.

“We have been labeled for the longest time as apathetic and [seemingly] not caring for the world, it’s time to change that,” Anay shares when asked about the project being powered by CDO youth.

“Our future is at stake — we can start the change the world needs now.”∎ 

Visit their page for more information:
facebook.com/FundForwardInitiative/