The challenge
During what has been an undeniably challenging year with prospects at an all time low and stress levels at an all time high, here at Goodwall we saw the next generation continuing to step up in the face of adversity and take charge of their future.
This sparked a sense of responsibility and an idea; How could we help amplify their voices and equip them with the tools to best utilise this time? Which in turn paved the way for the creation of a worldwide, multi-organizational program: BetterTogether.
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The solution
Running from 1 August – 18 September, the inclusive, online program offered a gateway to new opportunities both educational and professional through five weeks of inspiring themed challenges, top speakers and community content available exclusively on Goodwall.
A series of ten challenges in total were uniquely designed to tap into young people’s motivation to better themselves, whilst also bettering the world and raising awareness for global issues, in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each challenge offered the chance to win big, with over $25,000 in prizes and awards given out.
The global consortium
Recognising that there’s strength in numbers, Goodwall joined forces with like-minded organisations to tap into global networks and bring further benefit and content to participants.
A host of 35 international, multi-sector partners and collaborators came together to create momentum, including global online employment solution Monster, global learning company Pearson and online learning pioneer Walden University,
Notable figures also stepped in to add gravitas to the campaign, with special video launches supplied by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Youth Jayathma Wickramanayake and YMCA Secretary General Carlos Sanvee.
60 diverse speakers from around the world including Netflix stars, NASA astronauts and serial entrepreneurs also lent their voice to their program with a series of live Q&A sessions offering insight and inspiration to the community.
The results
Over 50,000 participants from 150+ countries took part in the program.
Due to its success, the program was even spotlighted on NPR’s much loved podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz, as well as featured in The Yale Tribune and City AM, among other titles.
BetterTogether participants aligned with the campaign’s target audience ranging from high schoolers to young professionals, with the majority aged between 16-24 and studying at university.
Participants built skills, gained hope and access to courses, scholarships, jobs and investment. In fact, 97% of participants said they felt more positive about the future since taking part in the program, 98% said they made new friends, 74% said they felt more confident and 95% now view the Covid-19 situation as an opportunity to reevaluate their future.
The winners
40 winners from across the globe were selected for their inspiring, most-liked entries, with hundreds of others claiming their accredited certificate on completion of the program.
As an example of the calibre of entrepreneurial thinking on display, the winning idea for the final #Pitch challenge came from Shinen Job, Nigeria. His idea to create Nigeria’s first indigenous Silicon Valley wowed our judging panel and saw him take home $2,000 from HUS Awards to make his idea a reality. Check it out here.
Overall, the results show what can be achieved when a resilient community comes together. One of our favourite participant testimonials says it all – we couldn’t ask for more:
“Goodwall is the best community I have ever known, where I have met many friends across the world.”
Abdullah G.
Keep an eye out for new programs and invite your friends to join the community by downloading the app on iOS or Android!
Related Read: BetterTogether Nigeria: Nigerian Winners & Challenges Recap 🏆