In most countries of the Western world, going to school is obligatory and access to at least basic education is free. Little do children, who have this priviledge and are bothered with homework and further study obligations, know that kids in many so-called Third World countries would love to learn, but have no chance to do so.
In Haiti, for example, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, school is only open to children whose relatives or other care-takers have the proceeds to pay for school uniforms and additional fees. Unfortunately, it is exactly here, where education is needed to make a change and - to make things worse - where children love learning and grasp for every chance to enjoy books, arts and crafts and draw-in pictures.
The questions are: What can be done to provide these kids with books and how can this plan be spiced up with the additional benefit for children on both sides to learn more about each other?
The Idea of the "TAKE 1 TEACH 2"-Initiative
We all know the offers and we keep falling for them: "Buy one get two!", "Save xy amount on the 2nd purchase!"...
We are all trained to consume more than we need by allegedly great offers we are told we cannot live without. But do we really need the second shot or the second purchase of the same thing? If we are honest to ourselves, we know the answer.
Yet, if we are willing to spend that extra little amount for something we do not really need, how about spending it for someone who does? How about a child who wants to learn and go to school, but doesn't have the funds, maybe not even the parents to support it?
The idea is simple: Let's flip the script - "TAKE 1 TEACH 2"!
The Concept of the "TAKE 1 TEACH 2"-Initiative
Buy a children's book with the "TAKE 1 TEACH 2" label => Your child is happy!
BUT: With your purchase, you have actually attained TWO books => The second book goes to a child in Haiti!
The RESULT: Your child is happy, YOU are happy, and a child in Haiti is happy, too!
The First Book within the "TAKE 1 TEACH 2"-Initiative
The first book that will carry the TAKE 1 TEACH 2 - Logo is "Seven Spirals - A Chakra Sutra for Children" by Deena Haiber and Aimee MacDonald. The book will appear in German and in Kreyole and be published by devayani yoga Publishing. The price of each German copy will automatically finance a second copy in Kreyole for children in Haiti. Its German version will include a foreword / letter and a photograph of a Haitian child describing its homeland; the Kreyole version of the book will include a letter of a German child. The message: "Even though we live so many miles apart, our climate, culture, and outer circumstances are different, we are still excited to enjoy the same stories and books. After all, no matter the differences, our feelings are the same."
The Vision of the "TAKE 1 TEACH 2"-Initiative
There are endless options to proceed with the concept of TAKE 1 TEACH 2. Besides the publishing and delivery of books by devayani yoga, companies producing school materials could use the logo and ensure that with each package of pens, crayons or other needed supplies bought in Western countries, a second set of school supplies will go to Haitian schools. The same principle could apply to training materials in electronic form, online tutoring programs and so much more. After all: The companies participating in the initiative would not only work on their positive image; consumers are - after all - humans with a heart and a few cents extra per purchase will not only "not hurt", but actually make everyone happy. The principle is simple: Changing the world by joyful giving!
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TAKE 1 TEACH 2 is a registered Trademark by devayani yoga. Find out more on www.devayani-yoga.com. The site will also inform about the release of its TAKE 1 TEACH 2 products via its newsletter.
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