Realising that to live in a better world we need to make the world better, has resulted in the birth of Poiyah. A charity organisation, Poiyah wants to be the vehicle to advocate for those that are not in a position to do so while instilling a culture of giving in the youth.
Incorporating children as drivers as well as recipients of this charity, Poiyah plans to assist underprivileged children who are unable to afford basic necessities, through spreading a little joy.
99FM’s MYD Heart spoke to Ilke Platt-Akwenye, one of the founders of Poiyah, to talk about this giving and kindness focused drive for children.
“This country would be such a better place if each family who is in a position to give back, could support at least one child. These are the small gestures that can make a huge difference.” Says Ilke.
“There are many charity organisations around; however, I have not come across a charity that allows children to drive and be involved.”
99FM’s MYD Heart asked :
Why did you feel there was a need to start such an organisation?
“There are many charity organisations around; however, I have not come across a charity that allows children to drive and be involved. It’s so critical for charities to think long term and also assess the impact that its initiative would make.”
“Poiyah allows room for long-term impact as well as greater impact in terms of involving the community to be part of it and emulating this gesture. If one family adopts this approach, this country would be a better place.”
What basic necessities will you be providing children?
“Firstly, Poiyah intends on creating better environments for children. More specifically children’s’ wards, allowing not only a few children to benefit but also the ones that unfortunately find themselves in the hospital due to a terminal illness. We want to create a child friendly place to allows them to forget about their illness, just for a little while, and focus on being a child.”
“Secondly, the What Makes Me Happy For a Day project will search for two beneficiaries, who have terminal illnesses. Through their stories, we will grant them a day that would mean the world to them. These letters will be filtered and Poiyah and will ensure that their dream day is made possible, within its means.”
“Humanity is the meaning of existence. As Ubuntu perfectly describes the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”
What is your personal belief on the philosophy of Ubuntu?
“Humanity is the meaning of existence. Charles Dickens once said, No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. This is so true. Many of us have different purposes in life with different goals and meaning of success. But the one thing that allows all of us to share in the Ubuntu philosophy, is through the act of human kindness. As Ubuntu perfectly describes the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”
“Poiyah believes that everyone that is in a position to care of the next, has a certain responsibility in doing so.”
Do you think it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure children are cared for?
“Poiyah believes that everyone that is in a position to care of the next, has a certain responsibility in doing so.”
“This brings us back to the purpose of human existence. The world would be such a better place if we started a little act of kindness.”
How can people support this charity organisation?
“We are calling on all family members to introduce and continue the act of human kindness and care towards the next.”
“More initiatives are set for the year and more beneficiaries will be identified with a hope of change in a small way that can mean so much. The public is urged to get involved with projects that will be mentioned via Facebook and Instagram.
For Poiyah’s Facebook page click here
“We all go through our own trials and tribulations but one thing for sure, with a little bit of love, every challenge becomes even more possible to overcome.”
How can we all share a little more happiness with one another in our every day lives?
“It may sound very basic, but sharing that smile and happiness with those around, goes a long way. We all go through our own trials and tribulations but one thing for sure, with a little bit of love, every challenge becomes even more possible to overcome.”