"I wanted to do something... something big."

BY YASMIN DAVIS

My name is Yasmin Davis, I’m 20 years old, studying Primary Education and International studies at UTS and I am trying to raise $30,000 to build a school in Africa. I’ve always dreamed that when I finish my degree I will travel around the world and use my skills to teach children of all different back grounds, especially in places where it is needed most.

In 2012 I decided I wanted to do something, something big, something that would help many people and have a great impact on their lives. I had heard about people building schools in less advantaged countries and was immediately drawn to that idea. I wanted to build a school in Africa. Then I thought to myself, how much was this going to cost? And how was I going to do it?

I then began searching for an organisation that would help my vision come to life; this is when I found Build Africa. Build Africa is a UK organisation that works with remote communities in Kenya and Uganda and is helping to build over a hundred schools in those countries.  I told them of my plans to raise money and awareness and they explained that the cost of building a school was $30,000, so that became my aim.

Music has always been a large part of my life, so I decided I would hold four benefit concerts over 2013 and 2014 to raise the funds. I searched for local musical talent in Sydney ranging from my own friends to outside contacts I discovered. These have included “The Café of The Gate of Salvation” gospel choir, “The Drey Rollan Band”, “Project Collective Ska” and Pitt Street sensation “Jack Man Friday”. All of them performed for absolutely nothing to support the cause.

Since this all began, I’ve held two concerts of my own in April and September in 2013 and also had help from my dad who donated funds from one of his concerts in December. I have now reached just over the halfway point with almost $16,000 for the school.

With only one more year and two concerts left to get to remaining 50% of funding I am already prepared for the next benefit.

Local acts Ella May and Matt Hall are coming together with Triple J Unearthed talents “Taylor and the Makers” and “Direwolf” to perform at the 3rd benefit concert at Paddington Uniting Church in Paddington on Saturday the 15th of March. Doors will open at 7pm with music starting at 7.30pm. Coffee, tea and cake will also be on sale with all proceeds being donated to the cause.

There is a link below to where you can buy tickets for the night as well as all the other details you will need.  You can also follow the progress on Facebook.

Or donate online at: www.justgiving.com/showforschools

As a student studying Primary Education, I am passionate about education for people of all ages. Education is the key to Africa’s prosperity and the best thing we can do is provide schooling in which they learn skills and dispositions for life that we take for granted such as reading, writing, socialising and health. I plan to change this for some of these children.

I hope to see you at the next concert.

DETAILS

DATE: Saturday March 15th, 7.30pm.

VENUE: Paddington Uniting Church

ADDRESS: 395 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021

PHONE: (02) 9331 2646

DOORS OPEN: 7pm

TICKETS FROM: www.trybooking.com/ECXH

PRICE: Adult – $20, Concession – $15, Child (over 8) $10

My name is Yasmin Davis and I’m a 20 year old university student from Sydney. I’m currently studying a double degree in Primary Education and International Studies. I work part time at an after school care centre as well as singing to pre school children once a week. I’ve grown up around music with my whole family playing an instrument of some kind. Amongst close friends we are referred to as the Von Trapp family. My current aim is to raise enough money to see the completion of a primary school in Uganda, Africa.