Three Aiducators, three different personalities, three different experiences of volunteering at Aiducation. In this post, we’d like you to meet three (very) active Aiducators in Europe, to better understand what it really means to volunteer at Aiducation and the motivation behind our work.

Florian, one of the founders of Aiducation International, has been heading the organisation for 3 years. Jan is the Chairman of Trustees of Aiducation UK, in charge of strategic partnerships at the global level. Jeremie is the CEO of Aiducation UK.

What do you like most about your work at Aiducation?

Florian: “Aiducation is unique because it’s made of wonderful people: inspiring, passionate, hard-working, warm-hearted but still very professional and full of potential. The concept of Aiducation is also something that has no equivalent in the current charity landscape: 100% of the money goes into school fees and our scholarships match one donor with one student, based on both merit and financial need. This is simple and it can change the world!”

Florian Kapitza

Jan: “The concept and the team! I am extremely enthusiastic about the concept, combining sustainable help with a merit-based approach, and high transparency and accountability towards its donors. It’s really exciting to take this concept forward with a team that is incredibly energized and committed.”

Jeremie: “Knowing that you are going to help someone in particular, being able to put a name and a face on this person, is immensely rewarding for AiduMakers, but also for all the volunteers who facilitate the creation of scholarships. You really know who you are helping! As for the students, it is very motivating for them to be able to tell themselves ‘somebody selected my application, somebody believes in me’”.

What, in your experience at Aiducation, has made you most happy or proud?

Florian: I find it extremely rewarding to see that Aiducation is attracting amazing people with astonishing capacities. And our track record speaks for itself: almost 250 students sent to school, hundreds of AiduSeekers recruited and stayed in touch with, and there is more to come!

Jan: My best memory so far is my visit to Kenya, in the summer of 2010. Visiting the best schools with still so many boys and girls being sent home due to unpaid fees was a life-changing experience. Participating in a Mentorship Academy was another big highlight for me. I saw the real benefits of bringing our students together, of giving them opportunities to meet inspiring people like Esther Passaris or Miriam Were.

Jan Rihak

Jeremie: One of the best memories I have is the first scholarship we awarded in the UK. The student is a 14 year old boy called Chai, and he wants to become a journalist, travel around Africa and report on social issues. Being able to confirm to Chai’s family that the fees for his entire secondary education were secured was a very happy moment for the whole team.

Tell me about the work atmosphere at Aiducation, in 10 words maximum!

Florian: Working with great people. Learning from them. Celebrating with them.

Jan: Opportunities for initiatives – you have an idea, you go and do it!

Jeremie: Bright, wholehearted and passionate people! If you would like to become an Aiducator, send us an email at info@aiducation.org and tell us about yourself!

In a next post, we will put spotlight on our Kenyan team. Stay with us!