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Free Lessons for Knysna Schoolchildren - WOV

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Kynsna, RSA

In October 2010, our charity FLKS (Free Lessons for Knysna Schoolchildren) was approached by Wired Oxford Volunteers (WOV) from Oxford University in the UK. WOV kindly asked if they could assist FLKS to develop our future charitable operations. Following some discussion, WOV started their project to help FLKS in January 2011 and completed the project in March 2011.
The 4 WOV graduate students who worked on the FLKS project were:
  • Eric Leventhal. St Cross College. Reading for an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy.
  • Matt Smith. Kellogg College. Reading for an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy.
  • Christopher Sarma. St Cross College. Reading for an MSc in African Studies.
  • Sungjoo Kang. St Antony's College. Reading for an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy.
The WOV team considered our objectives and capabilities. They looked at FLKS operations, but mostly focused on FLKS marketing - in particular our digital marketing strategy. The major deliverables were two documents: 1) a digital marketing strategy presentation that covered the messages FLKS should convey, current and potential donors, digital marketing channels, 2) a prototype redesign of the FLKS Web site. There was also substantial discussion and exchange of ideas in multiple conference calls.
In summary, the work done by the WOV team was:
  • Creative: We set no limitations on what WOV might consider and got a number of good original ideas as a result.
  • Rational: All elements of the new marketing strategy were clearly justified in terms of our objectives, vision and communication with our target audiences.
  • Practical: WOV clearly understood both the small scale of our charity and the real difficulties we face in our operations in Knysna, South Africa.
  • Real-world: The WOV team members brought their practical NGO and developing country experience to bear during the project. This was definitely not just an academic exercise.
  • Efficient: WOV covered a lot of ground and treated our time with respect.
  • Flexible: At our request, WOV happily focused their efforts on particular issues as the project progressed.
The work done by WOV has given us impetus in several areas. It will help us to communicate the real value we think FLKS represents, and allow us as a small charity to get the same profile as much larger charities. To implement WOV ideas fully will take some time - at least until the end of 2011. We have no doubt this effort is worthwhile.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to all at Wired Oxford Volunteers who participated in helping FLKS.