Student Initiative at Algonquin – ICAFRICA

This month the Algonquin Public Relations class of 2011 launched their annual fundraiser.  This class has chosen to support International Charity for Africa, ICafrica.  This organization focuses on decreasing poverty in Africa by providing micro loans and support to entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Ghana.

I ran into this enthusiastic bunch of students during their flash mob event on March 10th.  I believe that student experiences like this help all that are involved.  The organization, ICafrica, receives the enthusiasm and support of young knowledgeable students, the students receive experience working with a non-profit which connects them to industry but also opens their eyes to new experiences and job prospects, and those of us that are pulled in including students, staff and the community, become a part of a worthwhile cause which is fun and worthwhile for all.

It’s events like this that solidify the college experience and provide the ‘applied’ that our students and future employers are looking for.  It also reveals initiative on the part of the students and the program.  These students are more apt to become the linchpins Seth Godin refers to in his most recent book Linchpins.  It’s these actions, involvement and depth of experience that will set them apart.  Good luck with the fundraiser!