ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Jim Ziolkowski shares how BuildOn empowers youth from some of America’s toughest neighborhoods to be the change they want to see in the world through acts of service with homeless, seniors, and children in their communities. BuildOn lights a fire in the hearts and minds of these youth, who go in search of more opportunities to serve and ultimately achieve their high school diplomas – something that only 60% in these communities accomplish outside of the program.
BuildOn has built over 1400 schools in Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Malawi, Nepal, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
BuildOn Mission: “BuildOn is not a charity, it’s a movement. We build hope. We buildOn.”
Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, but has programs across the nation and internationally. Working in solidarity with impoverished kids and impoverished communities to empower and learn from them. The BuildOn youth have contributed over 2.4 million hours of service in their communities. In areas that are ground zero for high school drop outs, the kids who join BuildOn graduate at a rate of 97%. Once kids learn what they’re capable of, the realize what they can accomplish.
“Think about what’s important to you, whether it’s a big thing or a small thing, and just go get it.” – Jim Ziolkowski
Links Mentioned in Interview:
