What can a single Facebook status do? Let me rephrase that. What can a single Facebook status accomplish?
Social media platforms have helped the world connect in a plethora of ways. Brands use it as a marketing tool. Celebrities see it as a practical way to engage with fans. Normal people are connecting with their relatives and friends with it. But for some people, social platforms give them a reason to define what they do. This is the case with Jay Jaboneta, the proponent for the Yellow Boat Project which he discussed during TEDx Montpellier.
The main thrust of the Yellow Boat Project is to provide boats for children in Lakewood, Zamboanga City, Layag-Layag, Zamboanga del Sur, and Isla Mababoy, Masbate located in the Philippines. The project aims to improve the quality of education. So how does a boat do that? These kids would swim two kilometers just to reach their school and listen to their teacher's lecture. This is how far some kids will go to attain knowledge. And every boat is a linchpin to a better future. The good thing about Jaboneta's project is that they are already acquiring more than boats to resurrect every child's dream to achieve better education. Companies and social enterprises are sponsoring scholarships for the children.
The Yellow Boat Project wasn't planned at all. While some organizations and movements for social good are all about PR and fundraising, the Yellow Boat Project started with a single Facebook shout-out. They were able to raise almost $500 in 2 hours. Within a week, they accumulated a $1600 to start helping kids of the remote area. It's a good start, and before Jay knew it, companies and entrepreneurs were interested to help him out with the noble intention of getting the kids in school.
It's an irony in this age of instant connectivity. While some of people have the convenience of learning in an online classroom, there are some who will strive for better education even if it means swimming from home to school. The Yellow Boat Project is one of those examples that make social platforms a tool for good. Jay Jaboneta is one of many catalysts who are utilizing social media for the greater good of society itself. People like him are making heroes out of every company, entrepreneur, and person to do good using social media.
Perhaps, this is what the true essence of social media is all about.