A twitter post by @AngelaMaiers led me to an article on her site about a very young man doing a very noble thing. Eight year old Nathan Hidajat, of Ames, Iowa is raising money to help bring fresh water to people in need thru the charity: water organization. His family set up fundraising using Dwolla which helps small charities raise money and has also shot a video and created a website for the project. His original goal was set at $1000 but in the end he raised over $3200 from 89 donors! An amazing accomplishment for a kid that still needs a babysitter!

I hope that his work on this project encourages other members of the youth community to independently conceptualize and spearhead similar projects. They are aware of the relevant issues going on in the world around them. They also know that technology and social media offer unique opportunities to make a difference. This is a great example of what happens when you invest in not only the education of a child but also teach them the importance of ethical, altruistic activities. Matching those intrinsic qualities with the power of technology and a child’s imagination will sparkle in ways that the average adult may stall. Children tend see boundaries as adventures and this young man is on track to contribute to problems many take for granted. I applaud him and his efforts but also those that have help mold a child with such a strong, wise and giving character. Well done.

Check out his site here: Nathanzh.Wordpress.com
And @AngelaMaiers on her site.